Breaking Into the Industry

Let me start by saying that this blog post is going to be as real as possible.  Many that know me know that I don't sugar coat.  I'm not mean about it but I'm not going to make it pretty and wrap it up in a bow for you.  The last thing I want to do is send you on your way thinking that you're going to start makeup today and become an all star tomorrow.  I don't do it to discourage you, in fact I do it to encourage you.  Because when you finally make it to where you want to be, you know that you put all your blood, sweat and tears into it.  That the prize you wanted at the end of the road was every single bit worth it.  And that feeling is glorious! With that said...

Breaking into the industry, no matter where you live, is never easy.  It takes hard work, dedication and patience to become a makeup artist.  Here's a list of things you'll need:

1. Images of your work
Without images of your work you basically don't exist.  Start working on a portfolio ASAP!  People can't hire you if they don't know what they're "buying".  In order to get images of your work you need to test.  Test, test, test!  Get a team together consisting of a hair stylist, photographer & wardrobe (if it's fashion/editorial).  Wardrobe usually isn't needed if you're just shooting beauty (bare shoulders and up).  Know, that you can do the best makeup in the world but if one element is off (hair looks bad, nails not manicured etc), your whole image will fail.  And no, you cannot take images with your smart phone.  That is just unacceptable!  When I had my 9 - 5 job I would test after work and I would test on weekends.  I basically had no life for a while.  But this is what I wanted to do so I worked hard to build my portfolio.  I'd see my boyfriend (now husband) when I could.  I'd test in the morning on weekends then hang out with my friends once my shoot was done at night.  If you're not working, you should be testing.  If you're at home on a Saturday morning watching TV, you're not being productive.

Practice, practice, practice!  I cannot stress enough how important this is!  Just when you think that you can’t practice anymore, practice again!!  Practice on friends, family – aunts, uncles, husband, boyfriend, mom, dad…whatever it takes.  You can’t ever get enough practice and no matter what stage of makeup artistry you’re in, you will always learn something new.

 Leave the feathers and rhinestones home!  Nothing more screams amateur than a portfolio filled with blue eyeshadow, feathers, rhinestones, glitter and crazy colored lashes.  We all need to have those creative days, I know, every now and then I like to smudge a little yellow paint across someone’s face.  But I do it because my book is filled with a ton of clean work.  A client doesn’t want to see how good of a orange smokey eye you can do or how well you apply crazy eyelashes.  A client wants to see how well you make the skin look.  Master the clean look on all skin colors and ethnicities first and then reach for the crazy stuff.  Also, clean work is what pays the big bucks.  Pretty much anything commercial such as Dove, Neutrogena, Colgate, Olay, etc. are the kind of clients you want to have if you want to pay your bills.

2. Website
Once you have a couple of images that you're happy with in your possession, acquire a website and start building your online portfolio.  Even if you just have 6 images, it's a start and something is always better than nothing.  Look at other makeup artist portfolios so you have an idea of layout and what kind of content should be up there.

3. Physical Portfolio
I did a whole entire post on Portfolios a while back.  Check it out here.

4. Business Cards
Business cards are such a great networking tool.  Give them out to clients and if you're into doing weddings, most bridal shops allow you to leave some cards behind so that customers can take them.  Trust me it works!  When I was doing weddings, I'd leave my cards at bridal dress shops, cake shops, flower shops...you name it, my card was there.  I'd get brides or even friends/family of the bride calling and booking me for their wedding.  When I asked them where they found me..."I saw your card at so-and-so bridal shop".  For a "how to" with business cards, check out the full blog post I did here.

5. Assist
I find that there really isn't any better way to learn, than by assisting and watching others.  I know what I know because I assisted a particular makeup artist for 4 years and another for 2 years.  Those artists took me under their wing and made me the artist I am today.  I started out as the runner girl.  I got water, coffee, food, whatever they needed!  Then I was upgraded to brush washer.  I washed brushes endlessly.  I never really touched a face for almost a year!  No pay either!  None whatsoever.  I wasn't there for the pay.  I was there for the experience, to learn, to watch, to see what it was like on a real set with real professionals.  Eventually I was allowed to prep the face which eventually led to touching up on set which led to doing just foundation which led to doing a whole face which ended up with splitting the work!  If there were 8 models, the key did 4 and I did 4.  Eventually I did get pay but it started out small.  Some days I'd get $50, some day's I'd get $350.  I eventually went on my own.  Sometimes I still assist these artist because I appreciate everything that they did for me.  What they taught me and what I learned was something special and something that I will never forget.  For more info on assisting please check out this blog entry.

6. Patience
Be patient!  Being in this business requires a lot of patience.  It will not happen overnight.  Again, I don’t say this to be negative; I say this to be truthful.  The jobs you want will come.  Might not be in 2 years or 5 years or even 7 years.  I’ve known artist that didn't really start seeing constant work come their way until their 7^th – 10^th year.  Very few have been fortunate in their 5^th.  There will be days where you don’t even want to look at your kit and you want to quit.  We’ve all had it, heck even I’ve had it!  But, if this is truly what you want to do, NEVER give up.

Traveling With Your Kit

Having local jobs and having jobs where you have to take an airplane are two different things.  Not different in the sense of work but different in the sense of traveling with your kit.  Many of you already know that living and being a city girl, I already heavily condense my kit to better my public transportation.  Taking your kit in a crowded train is no joke.  The less I carry, the better.  To see how I condense my makeup kit, please check out my past post: What's In My (condensed) Kit?

If you are not checking in your kit (highly recommended):
Packing your kit for flight can be a tad tricky.  According to TSA Regulations: "you are permitted to carry on containers of liquids, gels or aerosols of 3 ounces or less in a 1 Quart clear bag."  This means you can stuff that bag till it can't fit anymore so long as all the products in there aren't over 3oz.  You cannot have more than one 1qt bag so don't think that you can have multiple 1qt bags filled to the max.

What does this mean for you?  This means that unless your containers are already 3oz or less, you will absolutely have to condense your liquid foundations, brush cleaner, moisturizer etc.

If you use FACEatelier and are like me and buy them in the smaller pro size, then you don't have to condense them (unless you want to).  The FACEatelier pro bottles are travel friendly and already come in a .68oz bottle. Although the glass bottles are 1oz, I highly suggest condensing them into smaller bottles.  You'll fit more product into your 1qt bag and you don't have to worry about them breaking.  The same goes with the MUFE HD.  The MUFE HD bottle is also 1oz and fits TSA regulations but seriously, can we talk about how bulky that bottle is?

For a wonderful post on how to condense your foundations please visit this blog.

So, what will you need?

1 Quart Storage Bags

If you own a Zuca Pro, your bag most likely already came with a TSA friendly 1qt bag.  That's what I use to store all of my liquids.

1qt clear bag with all my liquids

A better look at what's in the clear 1qt bag

What are things that are considered liquids/gels?
*Liquid Foundation
*Some Creams such as Moisturizers, Makeup Removers etc.
*Hand Sanitizer
*Brush Cleaner
*Toner
*Lip Tars

Now, if you check in your kit (which I don't recommend at all), then you don't have to do any of the above.  I personally don't like to check in my kit because I've heard too many horror stories about airlines misplacing and/or losing their bags.  Without your kit, you cannot work and trust me you do not ever want to be caught in that situation.  The only bag I check in is my personal stuff which has my clothing, personal toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste etc.  If the airline happens to misplace or lose that then my job isn't at jeopardy.  I can always rebuy a pair of jeans and a toothbrush if needed.

If I'm doing hair, I also check that in.  It's easier and cheaper to replace a can of hairspray and a hair dryer than buying a whole makeup kit.  Plus, many stores let you return stuff if you're "unhappy" with the product (hair irons, dryers etc.)

A few of my favorite places you can visit for smaller containers to condense:
Yaby Cosmetics
Muji
Qosmedix
Container Store
Manhattan Wardrobe Supply

Another advice I'd like to give is to always carry your business cards or your resume with you at all times.  You never know when the TSA wants to get picky with your bag.  Having proof that you are traveling for work and that you are in fact a makeup artist (and not just some weirdo with a bag full of cosmetics) just might save you.

Condensing my kit was the best decision I've ever made.  It weights way less and until this day I've never had a problem with the TSA.  This storage solution really does work out for the best.  Happy condensing!

New Editorial

I'm always doing beauty and catalog so when the opportunity to do an editorial arose, I couldn't pass it up. Enjoy!

Photo: Victor Tate

Model: Susie Bray

Wardrobe: Melissa Featherstone

Designer: Katie Fong

MU&H: Me

Just In Case

Everyone knows that your kit doesn't only consist of just makeup.  There are a lot of things that we use other than makeup that are essential to our kits and essential for us to work.  Mascara wands, Q-Tips, Sponges etc.  But what about those "just in case" items?  You know...those items that aren't used much but you keep them around...well...just in case.

These particular items do not take much space in your kit at all.  And as many as you know, I'm a kit condensing master.  The smaller/compact/less I can make it, the better.  These items should live in your kit at all times.

Nail Polish Remover - Models come in with funky nail colors or are told to have nails done but they still show up with them undone.  Nail polish remover will save the day (and make you look like a genius).

Nail Polish - Well, you've removed that chipped nail polish.  Now what?  You have to put something on them.  Always carry nude/beige/pink nail polish in your kit.  Colors I carry in my kit:

     * OPI - Suzi & The Lifeguard

     * OPI - Samoan Sand

     * Maybelline - Pink Prism

Tide to Go Stain Remover Stick - It happens!  People spill things, no one is perfect.  You get that one person that just couldn't resist sipping on some Fruit Punch while wearing a white shirt.  Great if working with kids.

Mini Sewing Kit - I have yet to use mine but I know many MUA's who have come to the rescue of a bride who didn't notice that one of her dress sequins was falling off.

Mini Shaving Kit - Includes: Shaving Cream, Disposable Razors & Travel Electric Shaver.  Whether you're working with men or women, always carry a shaving kit.  Men have missed a spot, women forget to shave their armpits (yes it's happened).  The electric shaver that I carry is from Conair.  I've use it mostly to even out sideburns or the hairline in the back on the neck.

Headache/Cramping/Allergy Medicine - For someone who is deathly allergic to cats and is pretty much allergic to everything in nature during allergy season, I always carry my allergy medicine.  I've been stuck shooting in a studio who happens to own a cat or shoot on location right smack in the middle of April when all the pollen is happily floating around.  I've also shot with models who get cramps/headaches in the middle of a shoot.  As a woman I know those pains are NO JOKE!  You'll be seen as a hero if you have those on hand.

Fruit Snacks/Granola Bars etc. - They tell you lunch is at 1pm but it's 2pm and obviously lunch is late.  You HAVE to eat.  Many of us forget to eat while working (I know because I'm very guilty of doing it myself).  It's important to have something with you to hold you up...just in case.

Hair Spray, Hair Brush & Pony Tail Holders - Even when I'm not doing hair, I always carry these items.  Why?  Hairstylists cancel or models are told one thing and do another.  Don't let bad hair ruin your shoot.  Brush it, spray it and put the hair up in a bun.  Viola!  You can still have a great shoot (especially if it's beauty).

That's pretty much all the "just in case" items I carry in my kit.  These items don't take much space in your kit and if you make the travel section at Target/Kmart/Walmart/Whatever your best friend, you can find most of those things in a mini version and for cheap.  

First I'd like to start off with an apology.  I haven't posted in quite some time.  I have been quite the busy bee both with personal things and work.  Since the last couple of times I've posted, my husband enlisted and left for the Army, I got signed with an Agency and I've flown back and forth for both work and Military Spouse business.  I've also been taking some driving lessons to refresh my memory.  Yes, I'm 30 and I don't have a drivers license.  I live in NYC and I live 2 blocks from the train station.  Never needed one but since I'd like to eventually own a car someday, I'm finally getting this done.  Next up, swimming lessons! HA! Anyone got a cloning device?

What's new? I did a shoot with model Cynthia who I shot with before a VERY long time ago.  It was nice seeing her again.  I had an amazing team and the pictures are quite amazing if I do say so myself.

Photo: Norm Chow

Model: Cynthia

Hair: Sasha Bay

Makeup: Yisell Santos

I've also had a video of me working along with my images put together.  I'm not one to be in front of the camera so it was weird having someone record me as I worked but it turned out to be pretty cool.  I'll add more footage of me working (and maybe even talking - YIKES!) as time goes by.  Thank you to Norm for shooting this and putting this video together in such short notice.  You're the best and I owe you dinner.

Well that's all for now folks!  I will try my best to stay on top of my blog and remember, you can always send any questions and/or requests to my email (contact [at] yisellsantos [dot] com) of anything you'd like me to cover in my blog and I will try my best to get that up for you guys.  I love you all and keep making people beautiful.  Never give up on your dreams.  I didn't ;)

What's In My (condensed) Kit

When I recently posted a picture on my Facebook Page of my kit in a small Eve Pearl shoulder bag I immediately got requests to post what was in the bag.  Well, ask and you shall receive!

Personally, I don't feel that I need to have a million and one things in my kit to do my job.  Most of my jobs are catalog, commercial, tv/film, corporate and some bridal.  I only carry what I need and I pack according to the job.  If I'm doing a corporate client, why do I need to take my blue, yellow and orange liptars?  Why bring my green eyeshadow?  I don't need it.  I'm obviously not going to use it.

So what's in this bag?

All of this!

I made my own working eyeshadow Z Palette (Zebra).  By "working" I mean colors that I use the most and fit 98% of my jobs.  I also made my own lipstick palette (Leopard).  I condensed all of my lipstick tubes and depotted them into the Yaby Empties.  Why carry a million tubes of lipsticks?  Made my own blush/bronzer palette (Pink) as well.  

The Rest of the Items:

• Powderpuff Squad Blush Palette (sadly discontinued and the company no longer exists - had this for ages)
• Foundations - Depending on the job I switch them out.  Today I had my MUFE HD packed and yes I can make any color I want out of those 3 colors (118, 128 & 177).
• MUFE Camo Concealers
• Setting Powders - FACEatelier & Laura Mercier
• Gel Liners - Tarte Amazonian Clay in Black & Brown
• Yaby World of Pearl Paints palette, for those "just in case" moments
• Q-Tips
• Cotton Squares in a plastic soap carrier
• NARS Laguna Bronzer
• Lipglosses
• Mascaras, Lash Curler (heated and regualar), Tweezers and Scissors 
• Toner, Moisturizer, MUFE Sens' Eyes, Hand Sanitizer, Alcohol, Brush Cleaner 
• Mascara Wands (in the mini Cozzette Vessel) 
• Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
• Laura Mercier Primer 
• MUFE Uplight
• Duo Lash Adhesive
• Book of Eyeliners and Brow Pencils
• MUFE Flash Palette (never leave home without it)

That's it!  I still have a little room left if I wanted to include some Lip Tars if I wanted to.  I don't need anything more than this to make the job happen.  I like to make my life and my commute as easy as possible.  And trust me, living in NYC, the easier the commute, the better it is.

As always, if you have any questions/requests at all, feel free to comment below.

I Will Not Work For Free!

SAMPLE AD:
"Looking for Makeup Artist to shoot for amazing clothing line.  TFP (no pay) but you'll get photos for your portfolio, great exposure and you get to work with amazing people.  You'll only be needed for 2 hours.  If we like you and this does well, we'll pay you for future work.  Check out our site [website link here]."

Wait what?!

Let me share with you a little story.  Let me start by saying that anything I write on here advice wise is because I have gone through it personally.  It has happened to me, I have witnessed it.

When I first started as an artist, I was so eager to shoot and took pretty much anything that came my way because I needed the practice and experience.  I also took the "TFP we just need you for 2 hours and great for exposure" jobs and I know for a fact that they will NEVER call you again and will NEVER "pay you later if it does well".

TFP (Time For Prints) is when no one at all gets paid but walks away with some pretty good (or even amazing) photos.

This ad wants you to do a shoot where they will eventually make money selling their clothing but the team that helped put their awesome ad / lookbook / whatever together gets nothing.  How is that fair?  Also, that whole "we'll hire you again if we like your work" line is crap.  They obviously hired the artist because they like their work.  Why does the artist have to suddenly prove themselves?

These type of job ads are taking advantage of our newer artist who don't know any better.  New artists who will see this as an actual really good opportunity when it isn't.

We need to stand together and put a stop to ads like this.  It's because of artists that keep taking "jobs" like these that people will continue taking advantage.  This is why our industry is suffering and why many artists no longer get paid what we used to.  Negotiating and completely getting robbed are two totally different things! You want us to work?  Pay us!  Simple as that!