In the previous blog we talked about how the makeup artist has invested in herself as an artist to be knowledgeable, talented and focused on her client to provide the utmost experience. But we all know aside from those things the artist needs equipment. Today we will discuss the equipment investment that come with booking a professional artist, and why this is reflected in her pricing.
Makeup Kit Investment
Makeup Investment
This goes without saying, but this is the biggest expense of the makeup artist. Makeup for a consumer is not cheap, and just think – she needs makeup for a variety of people. She has to be prepared to service clients from very dry skin to very oily skin. Some clients prefer a matte look, others want a dewy look, while others request a natural finish. These different requests require various products and a seasoned artist knows which those would be. She also is ready to work with people with very fair complexions to very deep complexions, and everything in between. In addition, she has skin care products in her kit to ensure a professional look and many times she has a wide variety of false lashes for her clients.
Brushes Investment
There are brushes for cream foundations, powders, eye makeup, blush, highlighters, bronzers, concealers, lip stick, and even precision eye, precision face….and the list goes on and on. Trust me, a good makeup artist has ALL OF THAT and has to charge accordingly. She is over prepared in this area. What if a brush falls, or if someone extra wants makeup at the last minute? She has purchased and packed extra brushes for this reason.
Lighting Investment
An on-location, freelance makeup artist could find herself doing makeup on a client in a personal bathroom or in a dimly lit hotel room. No matter where the client is getting the makeup, the client wants to make sure she looks just as good in that space as she does in others (i.e. walking down an aisle and getting hundreds of pictures taken of her). The artist having her own lighting equipment ensures proper lighting with the makeup application, that way no matter where the client goes, she will always look fabulous in any light.
Business Investment
How did the client find the artist? Web search? On a site that helps you find vendors for weddings? Well she has paid for that. She has invested in having a quality website, and has spent loads of time designing it herself, or spent money to have it designed. She has consulted a lawyer to have an appropriate contract, and has liability insurance in case something goes array.
Finally, do you wonder what it would cost to just paint your face? (These are average prices, based off of my experience).
Face Primer $25
Foundation $35
Concealer $25
Eye primer $25
Face Powder $30
Eye Shadow $50
Eye Liner $15
Mascara $15
Blush $20
Highlight $25
Bronzer $25
Lip Liner $15
Lip Stick $20
Setting Spray $25
Grand Total: $350
So a client would have to invest $350 to have the comparable products as the pro artist, and then have the skills and talent to create that look.
So the next time you get a quote for a freelance makeup artist, don’t forget all of the things she invests in to help her clients look beautiful!
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