How To Build a Makeup Portfolio You Can Be Proud Of?

So you’ve finished school and now it’s time to find a job!  Putting together your makeup portfolio is a key component of how you will present your skills and your unique style as a makeup artist to prospective clients.

While you want your makeup portfolio to stand out and be noticed, it’s important to be professional.  Before putting together your portfolio you should determine what your style is, so that you can demonstrate to a client the type of work you are looking for; whether it’s in film, television, fashion, or editorial.  The photos that you present should let the client know that you have the full range of skills needed to work in your chosen industry.

Finding Models

Before you can put together a makeup portfolio you need to find models who will allow you to practice your skills on them.  This can be as simple as asking friends and family to model for you.  You can also add any images you produced while in school as long as it is your best work.  As you build your client base you can add more professional photos to your portfolio.

The Importance of Lighting and Good Photography

Again, it’s important that your makeup portfolio looks professional.  You should consider hiring a professional photographer if you don’t feel you are up to the task of creating quality photos.  Good lighting and properly framed shots are absolutely essential in order to produce high quality images that will accurately reflect the colors and style that you are using.

The Layout of Your Portfolio

The first photo in your makeup portfolio is the most important one and should represent your best work.  This is what will catch the client’s attention and keep them interested in looking through your entire portfolio.  That first photo should capture your unique style and showcase your abilities in the best light.

The rest of your photos should be placed according to the style of makeup.  For example you can place natural looks first, followed by more vibrant colors and ending with more artistic styles at the end.  Or, you could even separate the photos by color or makeup areas such as lips, eyes or cheeks.  Either way you want your photos to flow in a natural way.

Competitions

Participating in competitions is also something to consider.  It can be a great way to gain exposure.  Plus, there are professionals on hand at a lot of these competitions, who will give one on one consultations to review your portfolio and give you advice on how to make it in this fiercely competitive industry.

While you want your makeup portfolio to be as professional as possible it’s important that it demonstrates your personal style and who you are and aim to be as a makeup artist.  Remember, your portfolio is your resume.  Take your time and make it a clean and creative presentation of your incredible talent as an artist.