To begin with, I would say that this post is gonna be pretty lengthy, ranty and mostly full of my own opinions (hence, this is MY blog). If you wanna stay with me on this one, that would be great but if at one point you decide to scroll away that’s completely fine.

Moving on.

I have tried to suppress my insights about being a freelancer, because there’s just a lot around me (specially on facebook) who already do that, and because I have said in the past that while it is your own social media space, and you have all the right to put out there whatever it is you have in mind, I also believe that the more negative posts you put out, it’s very likely that people will just assume you are quite a mouthful to deal with… but I guess I should come out with my own rants and raves since I share and at some level have different experiences and thoughts about it from other people.

I have been a makeup artist for at least 3 years now, but only full-time for almost 4 months. I was working in the corporate world for 5 years, been in retail for 2 and then finally decided to pull out all the harnesses and jump into the world of freelancing, head first.

It has been a challenging 4 months for me. Getting yourself out there, finding clients, giving out offers, closing deals, being declined… but I knew all that was part of the package since I had to deal that before when I was doing makeup part-time, the difference is; I have no 5-day-8-to-5-job to save me from the days that I don’t get any gigs.

On my first year of being a makeup artist, I didn’t get a lot of unpaid gigs because I was smart to partner with a photographer and we made it a business and sold our services to actual clients like families, aspiring models, weddings, debuts, etc. and plus I worked 5 days a week and made sure I was doing well there than with my being a makeup artist. You know, “keeping my head in the game”.

On my second year, this was when people started noticing that I can do makeup and started asking me if I can do some photo shoots with them and in return, I would get photos that I could use for my portfolio.

IF THEY WERE, ACTUALLY USABLE.

You see, the pictures were shit, the models were not even models, and the styling? Ugh! I can’t even describe.

That was when I realized I needed to be thorough when people ask me for “Ex-Deals” and “Test shoots” I had to find out who the photographer was, who the model was, who the stylist was so that I can check their portfolio and make sure that my time, effort and money don’t go to waste. Because I have 3 online venues that show my work, so by all means, check out my work.

If you intend to ask someone to do you a favor for an event, make sure that the person gets credited, that the transportation is covered and that his/her meals are taken care of. That is THE LEAST you can do.

I’m Currently on my third year now and here are 5 clients that I am dreading about:

1. Clients who pencil book EVERY ONE.

Clients who think they own the entire Hair and Makeup industry that they reserve every team they can find. Here’s the thing, you are not our only client and we know we are not your only option. When you ask a supplier to pencil book you for a date, make sure that you are 90% sure about getting this person’s services. The 10% chance is still pretty big, that is why clients should consider keeping their suppliers pencil booked for only a week, and inform them after that time period so that they can give the date away to someone who is ready and sure to book them.

*This doesn’t even begin to explain my feelings about clients who pencil book you for multiple dates.

2. Clients who say she’s friends with this and that person.

Sure, Ms. Whoever is a friend of mine. but you’re not? Why should I give you my services for FREE? Even my friends don’t get FREE services, they understand the system.

3. Clients who decline or don’t show up last minute.

This is why booking fees are important. A lot of people don’t understand what it means for freelancers to block off a date (and time) for their clients. Your freelancers miss out on opportunities, cancel other activities, and they will devote their expertise and services to you when you book them. When you decide to bail, They lose a lot. It’s unprofessional, It’s disrespectful, It’s disappointing.

4. Clients who question your prep-time requirement.

If I say an hour, it means I need an hour. Your makeup artist / hairstylist should give you some tips and reminders a couple days before your appointment and that is usually to help the process flow and preparations. The time they ask of you is usually the maximum time they will need, miss a half hour of sleep if you have to, it’s a give-and-take system.

If you don’t follow their advice that means it’s gonna take longer and it’s going to be disorganized. If you arrive late, we will our best to catch your schedule. If you arrive early, you will have to wait. Remember: You are not (never) the only client.

5. Clients who ask for discounts. 

I get it. We’re all working on a tight budget. but asking your Makeup Artist to do P500 hair and makeup per head when the initial offer is P3000/head is just plain disrespectful. Please go look somewhere else. Let us not disappoint each other any further.

You are paying for the technique and expertise. You are booking the artist, not the lipstick.

I love what I do and I am good at it. I invest in it, I express art with it.I charge what I am worth and take care of you while I’m at it. My work is not just about brush strokes and putting powder on faces. It is about renewing one’s confidence in herself and bringing out the beauty in her.

It’s sad when people undermine that and when people don’t understand what that is worth. To those who are looking for hair and makeup artists, photographers, stylists, or any freelancers for that matter.

It is quite simple to work with us, We basically only need one thing from you, and that is: COMMITMENT.