How to build an industry standard makeup portfolio

Building a high quality, professional makeup portfolio is vital to your business as a makeup artist. For this reason I offer exclusively to my students the ability to build a stunning portfolio to kick start your business:

With the photo shoot, it is optional and I only allow four students per shoot – this means I can work one on one with each student through every step of not only the makeup process, but also be with you on set to guide and teach you what happens on shoots, etiquette (what is acceptable behaviour and what is expected of you by the photographer, stylist, hairdressers etc), and how to conduct yourself so that you are an asset on set and people will want to work with you again (believe it or not, it’s not just being able to do beautiful makeup – it’s all these other factors that determine whether you are re-booked on jobs or not).

I only shoot using models booked from Melbourne’s top agencies (Viviens / Chadwicks / Brazen) as well as photographers that are very successful and in demand in the industry. We also shoot using top designers such as Bernadette Pimenta and Gwendolynne (their gowns retail for $5000 – $10,000). 

Naturally these professionals don’t come cheap and they are not working for free, the models alone cost anywhere up to $1200 each, the photographer is upwards of $2000 for example, plus I have stylists, event stylists, hairdresser, jewellers etc all involved as well. As a graduate straight out of a makeup course (any makeup course for that matter!) you would normally not have access to people at this level of the industry. For example if you tried to independently book a model from one of these agencies, or tried to book an experienced, successful photographer – the first thing they will ask you for is your portfolio, as well as who have you worked with in the past, what models have you done and what other photographers have you worked with. When you’re starting out they would normally be unwilling to work with you until you can show them that you are worth their time and their talent.

Because of my reputation in the industry and my contacts, I can organise for you to shoot at this level straight out of your course. These shoots are exclusive to my students only, I will not allow anyone I haven’t taught to do these shoots. 

Apart from all the benefits I’ve mentioned above, it also allows you to charge more for your services to your clients, when they see the level you’re working at they will immediately expect that you won’t be cheap to book. Anyone looking at your portfolio and seeing these images (photographers will often recognise the models!) will instantly know that you are not a ‘hobby’ makeup artist, that you are a true professional (otherwise you wouldn’t have this level of work in your portfolio) and you are serious and talented at what you do.

Much of your competition are simply posting photos they have taken on their phones, but when a prospective client sees this type of work in your feed, they immediately know you are next level and you stand out above your competition.