So! You want to be a Makeup Artist?

So, here is a little video of a refresher day Zoe held at her school for past pupils recently... we were all working MUA's some for longer than others and some bridal, some fashion but regardless we were all there to get the creative juices flowing under the beady eyes of the fabulous Zoe Clark.
Oh..and before I hear the howls of criticism on my.. ahem...Galliano inspired makeup look here.. WE HAD 30 MINS PEOPLE!! OK?

I'm asked frequently about how to and what for about being a makeup artist. So here's just a little ditty about how I got started and why and things....

I began my journey very late indeed..... I was miserable in work, lots of stupid unnecessary pressure and crap... I always put off doing anything in my life College etc as I never really figured out what I wanted to do. Then miserable in the canteen in work it hit me... why waste my life trying to answer the inpossible when I should just go out there, make my self happy and do anything... but only anything that I loved. Very simple.   The very first thing that hit me was Makeup, which actually surprised me. Yes, I loved makeup, but I wasn't a junkie... and I certainly was known to be without makeup frequently, but that didn't matter... when I did wear makeup I adored the transformation and the creation of it. I also love being part of a bigger team and knew that this is what I wanted to do.

I wasn't stupid, I knew there were/are a gizillion "artists" out there and that it was going to be incredibly hard, so I did my homework, I knew I had to learn from the best to set myself apart. There are many makeup schools out there, I could have gone to any one of them. Dun Laoighaire would have been ideal except for my commitments which couldn't allow for a fulltime year/2 year course. Also, that ruled out going to London to the likes of the London College of Fashion. Other courses I looked at, but I looked at the students work and I also researched the teachers thoroughly.. there are many people out there that call themselves international this...celebrity this..the truth is they probably did their Aunties makeup in Edinburgh on holidays (hence the international) and know a Z list Apprentice star who used to be a neighbour and hence the celebrity...even if they were international, celebrity makeup artists it all boils down to one thing... "DO YOU LOVE THEIR MAKEUP?" If not...don't get taught by them...very simple.
I came across Zoe Clarks makeup school by simply gathering all the magazine shoots that I loved...researching the artist ...which remarkably was 90% Zoe and also if there was makeup looks that I loved on tv I rewound the credits to find out who it was... Zoe again... so that answered that question. At this point, I had no idea if she had a school or not... but my plan was to beg her to teach me regardless! Or  at least find out where she got taught.

Once I began my first module with ZC and the amazing Ciara O' Shea on the next module I was hooked... nothing could take me off the makeup artist track. I've don'e most/all the modules with Zoe and Ciara and I have done my share of apprenticeship and assisting.  That's an integral part of learning you have to be on set with someone who knows their stuff and keep on doing it.  I soon gave up my job and here I am.. loving it, and still learning.

Remember, the kit costs a fortune.. and it doesn't stop once you've bought it. There is insurance, kit, tools, travel, training, portfolio..all of which costs thousands and thousands...Yes, you heard me.. so please don't get in to this game willy nilly cos believe me it is a vocation... there is a revolt about to happen as makeup artists are not getting paid from Magazines, Newspapers and even clothing campaigns are not paying a fraction of what they should... .so please don't dilute the industry and only join if you are serious! Having said that, I love it... .I love flying by the seat of my pants, painting and winging it... and for those of you that love a bit of positive pressure this game is for you..Defo!

I haven't stopped learning and I hope I never will.... it takes years to get out of the apprenticeship years (earning/learning speaking) but you meet some crazy people along the way.. some good, some bad... but mostly good!

So, I could give you a list of people or schools to go to... but to be the artist you want to be you have to be taught by the people that inspire you.

Oh, and you never stop learning...once you think you know it all...Roll over....

http://www.ZoeClark.com