I Wanna Be an MUA - Michael DeVellis & Crystal Wright Edition - FINALE!

Now that they have schooled you on how to make the best first impression that you can (hope you were paying attention) now comes the part that everyone wants to know: What should go on my site/in my portfolio???

People bombard Michael with questions on a daily basis and flock to Crystal's seminars on just this very thing so to hear it first hand was indeed a true honor for me. I hope you learn from it as much as I did.

Your Website

You gave that contact your card, it better have had your website information on it. This gives that person you met another opportunity to connect with you. You website should contain the following:

• your contact email (ideally this would be yourname@yourname.com, not mua@prettyfaces.com, contact@shadesofbeauty.com, or anything like that)




• your contact number (a business line, with no music on the message and do NOT answer your line after 9p, its a business line for goodness sakes)




• your work (show your work online, even if it is one picture)




• your layout should be consistent, have the same font throughout

So you made your contact, they viewed your site and now they want to see your portfolio. How do you choose what to put in your portfolio? Continue reading to find out the tips to get your started...

Your Portfolio

Michael and Crystal shared a different opinion on this topic. Michael thought that having one picture did not equal a "portfolio" and in the traditional sense it does not. Crystal on the other hand that if you have a strong presentation and that picture is strong then that may be just enough to sell your brand. She once hired a fashion stylist who had nothing to show her at their initial meeting but concept boards of things she would have done on particular shoots. Meaning she cut fashion layouts out of magazines and did boards around those looks except instead of say that Miu Miu pump or Balenciaga bag she would have replaced it with a Chloe boot and a Marc Jacobs bag. So it may not always be quantity but it is always indeed quality.

Remember that any image you choose should follow these rules:

• Am I proud of the image (not the story around the image, not the makeup that day, the image as a whole). The images should tell the story of who you are as an artist.
  
• Does this image represent my current level of expertise? (knowing that this will undoubtedly change if you are indeed serious about becoming a makeup artist)
  
• Would I hire myself based on this picture?
  
  
• Show the makeup, no styling needed. The makeup should be the only thing on the page
  
  
• Do beauty images to open the book as they set the tone. The image that closes the book leaves a lasting impression (use Allure and Glamour magazine style images as a guide)
  

If you cannot stand firm behind the image based on these rules, then they say, remove the image - do not use it. You dont want to weaken your brand. Remember 100% true to your brand at all times, no matter what.

Once you have something to show keep these things in mind:

• A portfolio is not 3 images. Say to the person you are meeting with something along the lines of "I am just starting my book but I have these images that show my work..."
• There are expenses involved with being a makeup artist - hire a photographer that you think is an awesome photographer and PAY them if you have to. Sacrifice now for goal achieving later.
• Be ethical and have integrity at all times
• Remember to impart the rule of 9 into your marketing (I touched on it a bit here)
• You can make an impact with 1 good image and the belief in yourself
• Be fearless in your presentation (remember the stylist with the concept boards)

I hope this helps - good luck! For those attending The Makeup Show NYC be open , connect, connect, connect, soak up all that you can and most of all have fun!

I Wanna Be an MUA - Michael DeVellis & Crystal Wright Edition-Part I

The NYC Makeup Show is RIGHT around the corner as I am sure most of you know and it is a wonderful opportunity for those interested in getting started as a makeup artist to soak up as much knowledge and technique as they can as well as for those more seasoned artists to learn about the latest products available and also brush up on their skills.

I, unfortunately will not be able to make it to NY this weekend (believe you me I really tried to make it happen) because my first movie is premiering on Sunday (YAY!), but I really wanted to share this post in order to encourage you to get as close to front row center for this seminar as you can. Even if there arent any seats left, STAND UP and pay very close attention to the knowledge that will be dropped on you.

Michael DeVellis of the Powder Group and Crystal Wright of the Crystal Agency are two people that you want to know and want to learn from. A lot of what they tell you is just common sense but you would be surprised at how much of it you didnt even think of. For instance, be in control of your business, be where people can focus on you, know your audience, be committed, understand your business, be PUNCTUAL! I mean hello??? The stories that they used to convey these simple yet powerful messages of how you can be successful as a makeup artist will make you laugh but at the same time you are thinking would someone really do that???? They did, learn from their mistakes!

Michael and Crystal wanted to let us know that a lot of people may get into the business for the wrong reasons. Yes, it can be glamorous but it is a LOT of hard work. You do NOT have a day off and it is not for the faint of heart. You have to hustle every single day and you need to keep you pipeline full. If makeup is indeed your passion that is fine - do it, but you better do it well!

One of the MOST important ideals to impart when building your brand is that of relationship building. Billy B touched on this in his seminar as well (you can read about it here, here and here). Once you understand the dynamics of relationship building you are well on your way (here's a hint: Impart the rule of 9!).

Once you make a connection - make it memorable for the person you met. Introduce yourself as Makeup Artist (insert name here) or (insert name here), Makeup Artist, keeping in mind that you are your brand so image is important no matter how superficial that may seem. Be generous, meaning if you are meeting an artist that you would like to assist do not be all about you. How can you help them? Do your homework. Say what you can do for the artist that you want to assist. Be consistent, and be repetitive (this goes back to the rule of 9 - learn it!).

When you have met the person/people remember that the business card you give is not important, its the one you get. Make sure you follow up with a link to your site (you do have a site dont you???), send a PERSONALIZED thank you card, NO EMAIL, NO TEXT! (GASP!)

If this is someone that you have met before, always reintroduce yourself. It is your job to remind someone who you are. If someone forgets you look at it as an opportunity and approach in a different way each time.

Again, a lot of these things seem matter of fact but you should know them and know them back and forth so that to call them into recollection is second nature. Stay tuned for part two - where Michael and Crystal give advice on what you should include in your portfolio!