Q. I have done a few local jobs for free or little money, but I want to get the big jobs and earn big money. How can I get paid more?
A. (Jennifer) Clients pay $400 or more per day to make-up artists with experience and a background in camera work. They compare zed cards and portfolios of several artists and decide who is right for the job. If you dont have these things, you are not considered professional and are not paid professional rates.
A. (Christian) After working as a hairdresser for many years I wanted to get into the make-up industry doing print work and TV. People in the business told me I needed to learn about camera make-up, different types of film and lighting and balancing skintones for these different conditions. Then they said I needed to show professional photographs of my work to clients. After researching different schools I decided to study at Award Studio. I wasnt interested in prosthetics and Award Studio offered the most comprehensive media make-up program, and photographed students work for their portfolios. This enabled me to get hired by People, Mens Health and Marie Claire magazines almost immediately. This is the course of action I recommend to anyone who has serious goals.

* Last month Christian was booked to do make-up on celebrities (Racquel Welsh, Al Paccino, Sheila E and others) for the annual televised Hispanic Heritage Awards. Congratulations!
(You can view Christian Harte's portfolio here)

Q. Thin eyebrows are fashionable, so why do some directors and photographers ask me to make them thicker?
A. (Denise) There are basically two looks in the industry - - fashion and real people. Thin eyebrows are only appropriate for some fashion looks. Just about everything else falls under the category of real people looks. You should make these people look natural and generic, as they are not selling cosmetics or clothing. A good make-up artist is expected to know what is appropriate for specific jobs. If in doubt, talk to the person in charge before you begin.
 
Send your questions to: Award Studio/Ask the Artists
3204 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505

818 • 980 • 2119

 
We will try to answer as many questions as space permits
 

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