I recently attended a "Master Class" best described as a Panel Discussion.
The class description was as follows:
The gate keepers share their thoughts on the industry and becoming a working artist. Listen to an Agent, Creative Director, Publicist and Editor discuss their roles in the industry and what they look for when booking artists and reviewing portfolios.
The panel included Judy Casey and Joan Zingarelli of Judy Casey Inc. Judy Casey Inc is an agency representing a diverse group of photographers, stylist, hair and makeup artists.
Also on the panel was Richard Ferretti, Creative Director for Gourmet Magazine and Cari Ross, publicist to the stars.
Here are some of general notes that a took down during the discussion:
Be Professional - Across the board, they couldnt have stressed this more.
Maintain Relationships/Network - Keep in contact with all contacts you make (old and new).
Team Player - Dont just go to a shoot a do makeup... become involved, communicate and ask questions. Work together with everyone involved (ex: photographer, stylist, director).
Be Expansive/Flexible - Be open-minded and willing to try new things.
Be Open to Creative Input & Critique - take criticism as positive as possible.
Be Personable - Easy to communicate and work with
Don't Rely on Retouching - You want your work to look as amazing before as it does after. Photographer shouldn't need to retouch makeup.
Portfolio & Career Development
Avg portfolio size is 11x14
Have atleast 10 GREAT Images in your book
Keep your book clean and sleek
Make the images flow - Series of images that "tell a story"
Set realistic goals
Assist Professional Makeup Artists
Ask Advice
Be on the look out for up and coming talent to work with.
Request untouched photos along with the touched images. This way you can self evaluate your own work and improve in areas which need improvement.
Focus on clean and beautiful makeup.
Find a hair stylist to work with.
Understand lighting.
Next blog .... Notes from MAC Master Class - Celebrity Style w/ Celebrity Makeup Artist Frances Hathaway ... Stay Tuned!!!