Many people have gotten in touch over the last few months have asked me about becoming a make up artist: how long does it take to train, what kind of money can I expect? Is it a good job? Will I be famous and work with big name celebs?

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

When it comes to learning make up you need to be aware of what area you want to go into, all outlined above, then start thinking about how your going to do this.

Personally I have been doing make up for seven years. I went full time three years ago and set this up as a business. Was it easy? No.

Many people don't realise that this is a business, I earn my living from working on photo shoots, films and events. Is it a great living? Sometimes, it can be good and it can be bad. You learn to work with that.

Anyone thinking of going into this industry has to be aware of that. My closest friend is an actor and he has said the same thing about being an actor, its hard graft. When we discuss the people who contact us to ask for advise we both feel guilty for bursting their bubble but we tell them the truth its hard work. You earn your craft.

Like any skill, make up artistry takes time to learn the basics, then you take time to hone your skills. It doesn't happen overnight. Build your skills. Leaving college with a certificate doesn't make you an expert. Good product knowledge, a respectable cv and personality makes you good, time makes you better.

Here's a few tips that will help make you good at your job:

Listen to and watch other artists. Everyone has their own skills and knowledge, learn by working as an assistant. There is no shame in it, there are people who make a career out of being an assistant to make up designers and have been make up artists themselves for many years.

Research: learn as much as you can, if you know about a wide range of products from theatre make up to the latest range from the larger cosmetic houses then you can better advise your clients.

Know your market: if you do bridal, keep track of what the bridal magazines are saying, if you do theatre get to know the theatre actors, crew and companies, film and TV look at whats happening in that sector. If you can discuss the needs of HD film and TV then you will have the advantage over someone who hasn't learned that yet.

Learn business skills and make friends with the net. Look at the net and find out whats happening, find the networking sites and make your presence known on the market using websites.

Have I missed anything? Maybe, keep watching for updates and a book of information that will be complete and available in the new year.

James

Due to the volume of requests using myspace, bebo and email asking for advise and support I have decided that I will be offering classes in make up. The classes will be run over one day and will cover:

Bridal and special occasions make up; basic make up for the bride and the bridal party, make up for men, Marketing and you, websites design and content. Portfolio's and kit.

Marketing for make up artists; a theory class covering the basic elements of getting started in the make up business covering fashion, film and video make up artistry. Covering portfolio content, websites and broad spectrum advertising.

Students will leave with a full booklet of information and websites for advertising.

Classes will be centred on gaining a footing in the make up industry and will be subject to minimum number of three students. If this sounds like something you would like to pursue then email: enquiries@makeupstylist.co.uk for more information.

I have just finished woking on the indie film "Second moon on the right." The film was based on the idea of an alien coming to Earth.

The cast was excellent and made the film a dream to work on. Behind the scenes was as always a laugh and we got through the early starts by giggling.

I was recently given the opportunity to try the skin MD natural shielding lotion. A moisturiser and skin protector. I am always looking for new moisturisers, mascara's and so on that I can recommend for clients and this has just made the top of the list. It was going into my kit but I hate to say it I am keeping it for myself, although I think my mother may have something to say on that! she was really taken with this as well.

We both tried it and were really pleased, my skin is normally really difficult to treat with any success and often looks oily and shiny or feels clogged after using a product on it, this however left it feeling smooth and protected and I have been using it each day since it arrived.

Thank you skin MD for this fantastic lotion, my skin appreciates it as do I.