This past summer, I assisted a makeup artist on weddings all over Westchester County, New York. I performed small tasks like cleaning brushes, keeping the kit organized, and prepping skin with various moisturizers and primers. As an aspiring makeup artist myself, I learned priceless tips and tricks about makeup artistry and technique. But as a collegiette, I learned a plethora of life lessons, which I want to share with you.
Efficiency is everything. Timing, anticipation, and communication with the other people involved in staying on schedule is essential. Every minute can make a difference. You don’t want anyone rushing when it’s time to head to the venue! We went to every job with a schedule: Mary at 11, Jenna at 11:30, etc. There was always a cushion in timing in case someone arrived late or hair took longer than expected. It is imperative to be aware of other tasks happening simultaneously, and to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Could I be washing this brush? Should I prepare the eyelashes now? Can I start working on lips or do people still need to eat? But at the same time, you have to stay calm, not rush anyone, and not let anyone see that you’re rushing. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
We may come from different cultures, but at the end of the day, we have the same basic nature and are all just looking for love. That love could be a fellow bridesmaid telling you your dress fits beautifully, a text from your fiancé about his excitement of what’s to come, or a makeup artist respecting your insecurities about the breakout on your chin. Always be the person who freely gives love away, whether it is someone’s wedding day or the Monday morning after 500 Weekend.
Experience is the best form of payment. Often when people learn what I did this summer, one of the first questions they ask me is “Did you get paid?” While I appreciated whatever compensation I did receive, the purpose of the apprenticeship was not to make money. Instead, it was to grow as an artist and as a human being. Even if I were born as rich as Chuck Bass, I would do makeup for the rest of my life for no compensation at all.
I felt fortunate to experience intimate days with people from all walks of life. I loved being able to watch all those families help one another out and tell each other they looked beautiful to calm their nerves. Getting ready for a wedding with family and friends is an environment unlike any other because everyone (mostly) is trying to be as happy and calm and helpful as possible. 9 to 5 desk job, what?????
Silence can speak loudly of your professionalism (if you utilize it properly.) No one loves to gab with gals more than I do, but that is not what my job was. I was the assistant, not the makeup artist. I was basically a ninja in the background making things happen under the radar. Of course, I still chimed into conversation here and there, because staying completely silent would be almost as bad as blabbing uncontrollably. I learned when to keep my mouth shut and when chatting about The Bachelor was appropriate.
The way you phrase questions and comments is critical. You can alter someone’s mindset drastically by the way you ask something. After completing someone’s makeup and saying “All done!” is better than saying “Take a look and let me know what you want to change,” because the latter makes them think you didn’t really know what you were doing and something does need to be changed. Be conscious of how you phrase things in order to make everything work in your favor, for example, asking a teacher for help with your grade, talking to a boy you like, or at your next job interview.
Always make sure your GPS is set to exactly the right place before you end up in the Lower East Side very confused and scared. But if it does happen and you cry, know it’s because you truly care and have picked the right profession for you.
Shameless plug: If you want your makeup done for any special events, email me at ram193@pitt.edu or check out my website www.makeupbyrachelmalkin.tumblr.com.
Photo Credit: All photos provided by the author.