Many people ask me about starting out in make up artistry. There is no easy answer. To start with what area of make up do you want to go into?

Fashion
Film and television
theatre (not as frequent work, you need to be able to do wigs too).
Teaching
Bridal and image consultancy

Once your sure of the area you want to go into its then a good idea to look at colleges that offer make up courses, both the Privately and local colleges. I agree with the old view that it takes you five years to be considered skilled and trained in your job. Many of the tricks that I use on a shoot were born of time, I did my training at college then learned how to do the job when I was out working. It doesn't happen overnight. I am still learning on site when I am out, this is a continuous learning curve we are on, enjoy it.

Gain as much experience as you can, when you start out you will be offered unpaid, portfolio work and low budget jobs. Take them if they will benefit your portfolio. You will learn little things doing this, if you can get work that will pay you well great but don't think that you are going to make it overnight. Everyone has to learn their craft, even Pat Mcgrath was a trainee once!

I am a big fan of make up brushes and the classic airbrush. Invest in your brushes and they will make your job easier, good brushes will last you for years. I rarely buy them from online companies, if you do, order one brush, see how it feels in your hand. What are the bristles like? I like different brushes for different jobs. Go to your nearest department store or make up supplier: Debenhams, Frasers, Boots, Screenface, Make up artist provisions to name but a few and look at the brushes they have on offer, ask questions. Most stores are happy to help you. I love Boots stores for make up as well as all the others I have listed because the staff are friendly and willing to help.

When it comes to airbrush, look into the companies, ask around about the various options that out there. Personally I have linked to the company I use and prefer on my blog and website.

What else can I say? Learn your craft, work hard and enjoy the job. Keep up to date with the latest techniques and know your market sometimes that's all that stands between you and the competition.

If your looking for more information then get online, there are dozens of sites that are tailored to make up and will have answers to all your questions, my favourite site for this model mayhem, a resource of artist, photographers, models and more.

Copy and paste this link and you can view a range of information that myself and some the best artist in the world have added to:

http://www.modelmayhem.com/p.php?thread_id=65200

James