How a Makeup Artist becomes a Mentor – I wear many hats: independent makeup artist, small business owner, educator, and now – mentor. Because my classes are so small and personalized I realize that part of the education my students receive needs to be mentorship. I can’t just hand them some information and send them into the world. Our business as artists and crafts-people can be so difficult, just knowing how to get out there is a huge piece of knowledge that needs to be passed down. Actually when I think of crafts-people as they used to be, young “apprentices” were passed the craft and business. In a way we are still doing that. Makeup Artistry is almost a secret society and a lot of the people with the secrets are not talking. Even I cannot tell everything as an artist has to find their way. It cannot be fully given like a new car. An artist must create and grow and find their way in the world, find what they do best and how to earn a living with it. But as a mentor I can show tell them what doors are out there to be opened and what avenues they can traverse and give them experience.
Recently while teaching my Level 2 Advanced Makeup and Media Class I had a call from a photographer about a job. The job occurred while my class was in session and I thought I’d for sure have to turn it down. But the photographer asked if I could bring a second. I emailed him back and asked if me and a team of 3 assistants would work! He said yes and so a few days later my “team” packed up a few of my new makeup chairs, 2 airbrush machines, and a kit and off we went. We worked on 23 people that day and did over 60 shots. It was a beat-down. It was also an amazing hands-on experience for three really talented and new makeup artists. I was so happy to give them that experience. I’m not a softy by any means and expect a lot from my team. I also see every moment as an opportunity to shape and teach. In the big picture it makes me a better artist as well.
Until next time, Terri Tomlinson Makeup Artist Dallas Texas
Terri Tomlinson Makeup Training Academy
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On Set with Makeup Training Academy
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