How I started my career as a makeup artist

This is a question I get asked all the time so I thought a blog post would be the best way to tell you all about my career so far. I will share hints and tips about the industry that's becoming a popular career choice for many. When I first started out, I found posts about how other artists had got where they were super helpful, so hopefully this will enable you to learn more about my journey.   From the age of 16 I worked on makeup counters alongside studying Art & Design at college. Working for a makeup brand is a great way of learning new skills as it is a fast paced environment where you will see many different faces and pick up tips from others you work with. It also gives you chance to build up your kit and knowledge about different brands.  

I progressed to work on several makeup counters after declining a place at university. I loved making someone feel great with the help of makeup, but really disliked the selling side of my job! My love for makeup grew and I knew it was what I wanted to do forever. One of my friends told me about her friend who was in London training to be a freelance makeup artist which was the first time I thought I would love to do that.   I learnt so much through working on makeup counters and continued to do so, and found extra work doing bridal and occasion makeups. I think this a great way to start in the industry.   I knew I wanted to learn more and wanted a qualification. So after a year of researching what course was best for me, I went back to college and trained to be a professional makeup artist. I went to NEW College in Bromsgrove and did a National Diploma in Theatrical Makeup. I struck gold with my teacher as Jane was a BBC makeup artist for many years before going into teaching. 

 

Over two years I chose to be trained in all the different areas because at this point I was not sure what area I wanted to specialise in. I loved learning how to body paint, make wigs and was taught special effects makeup. These are skills I will always have so if I ever wanted to go into a different side of the industry, I have that option. It's important to pick a course that works for you, there are so many to choose from these days. This route is not for everyone and there are many successful makeup artists who have built up their portfolio and brand without a qualification.   As a training makeup artist you need to build up your skills. You will work for free for the first few years whilst you get your name out there and network, as it's a hard industry to break into; but so rewarding when you do. While at college I did test shoots and assisted other makeup artists, generally unpaid work, which was a great way to start gaining experience in the industry. Working on makeup counters enabled me to build up an extensive kit.  There are so many different areas of work within the industry, I do think it's good to have some idea of the direction you wish to go in as this may help you pick a course to study or help you when looking for assisting work. Training in hairstyling alongside makeup artistry is helpful as sometimes you are expected to do both.  

 Being in London, nearby or willing to travel is important if you want to work in fashion, editorial or celebrity work.   When I finished college I had got a portfolio together from testing with other creatives and assisting other makeup artists whilst studying. Alongside photoshoots and bridal makeup I started working in a photography studio. It was great experience working with other makeup artists and learning how they worked under time pressure as you only had 45 mins for hair and makeup to be finished.   I enjoyed working in the fashion and beauty side of the industry which included working on London fashion week, with the brand Collection 2000 and getting work featured in fashion magazines. I also experienced TV work and made a few short films before specialising in Bridal Makeup.   After building up my name within the bridal industry I'm lucky enough to have my work regularly featured on wedding blogs and in magazines. I have recently been listed in the top 50 makeup artists in the UK and have been voted best makeup artist in the West Midlands four years running at the wedding industry awards!   As a makeup artist you are required to continuously develop your skills and keep up to date with the latest products, looks and trends. You never stop learning as there is always new technology, techniques and trends around the corner. I often take masterclasses with top industry makeup artists, watch YouTube tutorials and love reading makeup books. 

Top Tips

•Practice, practice and more practice, on other people ideally    

•Get a kit together, you don't need to spend a fortune at the start. Do your research on YouTube and blogs as to what products to invest in.   

•Assist other makeup artists and get some experience testing with other creatives.
   

•Check out Crystal Wright, I found some of her tips very helpful when first starting out. 

I hope this blog has been helpful and that you have picked up a few hints and tips along the way.  

Compton Verney

Earlier on in the year it was a pleasure to get together with Sarah from Nellie Photography and create a bridal inspired photoshoot at the lovely venue that is Compton Verney in Warwickshire. Its my pleasure to share the photos with you.

Suppliers that worked on this styled shoot:

Venue | Compton Verney, Warwickshire
Photography | Nellie Photography
Dresses | Georgina Scott Bridal
Hair | Bridal hair by Helena Sinclair  
Make Up | Chloe McCall Make Up
Floristry | Your Perfect Setting

Ettington Park winter wedding styled shoot

Back in January I got together with some of the wedding industries finest and created a winter wedding inspired photoshoot. Organised by pumpkin events copper’s, bronze’s and warm golds were teamed with a navy blue on this occasion, establishing a striking look for upcoming Autumn and Winter Weddings.

I’m excited to share the photos with you from the day.

Suppliers that worked on this styled shoot:
Venue | Ettington Park – Warwickshire
Photography | Daffodil Waves
Videography | Blue Ridge Wedding Videography
Dresses | Wedding Belles of Four Oaks
Hair | Bridal Hair Specialists
Make Up | Chloe McCall Make Up
Cake | Cotton and Crumbs
Florist | Stephanie Saunders Flowers

Stationary | Love Laura Jane 

Complete Venue Styling | Pumpkin Events

A look back at 2013.......

A little delayed but happy new year to everyone I've meet and worked with last year.

What an amazing year I've had in 2013, A massive thank you to all of my brides for letting me be part of your wedding day. I can't wait to meet all my 2014 brides.

 

I've had a super busy 2013, so busy I've not had much time to blog! 

 

I'm looking forward to 2014 there's exciting new things to come, including a lot more blog posts!

Thank you everyone for your support ♥

 

Here's my year in a few photo's!

 

A selection of my 2013 bride's & occasion make-ups
 

 

Some of my favourite flowers in 2013, I love the mixed bouquets!

 

Photoshoots I've had the pleasure of being involved in.

 

Some of the Venues I've been to and the views I've seen.

Published work & My wedding industry award.

Got my first bridal front cover published this year, followed by another one a few months later.

 



Some of my favourite things I've snapped at weddings over the past year.

 



Behind the scenes

 



 

 

Testimonials From Recent Bridal Clients

Here are some of the lovely kind comments from recent bridal clients who voted for me in The 2012 Wedding Industry Awards, I have been touched when reading the comments made by my bridal clients, so I thought I would share some of them with you. Thank you again to every bride that voted

<3

“Chloe made my wedding experience wonderful. She really took the time to get to know me as a person and understand my personality and preferences. She made me feel like every bride would want to - special and cared for. Her calm and professional approach made me feel totally at ease and made the whole experience a complete pleasure. From my initial contact with Chloe she was responsive, professional and made me feel confident in her abilities, On my wedding day I felt a million dollars - everyone commented on how fantastic my make-up looked. I'm over the moon with how I look on my photographs (which is very unusual as I usually can't stand to look at photos of me! :-) and can't speak highly enough of Chloe.”

“Chloe was very friendly and professional, and she has alot of experience which means alot when you need a make up artist for the most important day of your life! She advised me which make up and technique was best for me and I still go by her advice now. Chloe was so good and I had so many compliments that my sister has booked her for her wedding in 18 months time, as bridesmaid I will be having Chloe to do my make up aswell.”

“She had me feel at ease during the trial and on the wedding day. She definitely knows what she is talking, very approachable and good value for money.”

“chloe is absolutely fantastic - her skill and ability as a make up artist are fantastic. i have never had my make up done before so it was a very big decision to a. have someone do my make up and b. trust and rely on her on the biggest day of my life, after one trial with her (on the morning of my hen do) i knew she was brilliant and that i wanted and trusted her to be responsible for the way i looked on my wedding day. her air brushing foundation was perfect - and every photo i look at i think wow - is that really me!? as a result. chloe listened to what i liked - i wasn't confident with dark eyebrows and anything more than natural lips......chloe tried the darker options and although would have looked brilliant i wasnt sure i could carry it off - so she came up with solutions that i felt comfortable with and, although i am nothing to write home about normally - looked amazing - i can not tell you how much confidence my make up gave me as a result of chloe - i am not the type of person to say this but - i think i looked amazing, my skin glowed, i partied, cried, partied and partied some more on a cold snowy winters day and my make up still looked fantastic the next day. chloe thank you so so much - to think i was scared of having my make up done - how silly! chloe is simply brilliant. ps on the day she was the one who calmed me down, made my bridesmaids look radiant even though i hadnt booked them in...... and was even seen to cover up my 21 year old brothers spot up!! chloes character and personality was an essential part of my wedding morning!”

“chloes work is outstanding: she is professional and helps to put her clients at ease on the wedding day. i was amazed with how my make up looked, it also looked great on the photos, i cannot recommend chloe enough, shes great and deserves success!”

“I first contacted her by phone, she has a very good phone manner and came across as very organised and accomodating. During my trail she was patient and willing to try many different colours etc until I was truley happy. I never felt rushed and felt really comfortable in asking questions and advice about my everyday makeup. On my wedding day, she had rang a few weeks previously to check I was still happy, she was on time, calm, proffessional, followed the deatail notes she had previously taken, and my makeup looked out of this world! It lasted all day as she had promised.”

“Chloe is totally amazing - talented and listens to what you actually want, her aim is to make you happy. My make up lasted ALL day on both my trial and wedding day, no one else locally offers spray foundation that is perfectly matched to my skin tone, my pregnancy exema cannot be seen on any photos!!!! My bridesmaids were blown away by how fabulous their make up was too. It was a very chilled out morning without any stress - what every bride wants and needs!”

“Chloe was very thoughtful and understood exeactly what myself and my Mum wanted for our make up, and the delivery was fantastic. We both had a lot of comments on the day as too how good the make up was and we would definately recommend her services.”

“Chloe was the most amazing make up artist. She arrived promptly on the day and i would reccommend her to all my friends. The products she used on my skin were amazing, i did not feel like i had make up on even though i did. It was very good value for money and of high quality. She came to the hotel room with a special chair too and i felt like a model. I had a lot of comments about my make up”

“Chloe is helpful, professional and excellent value for money.”

“Chloe gave an excellent service. With pre-wedding consultation and practice. She was Brilliant on the day. She set up whilst I was at the hairdressers and was ready to go as soon as I was back home. She was understanding and aware of my needs on the day and most of all did a great job. I got loads of comments on my make-up on the day.”

“Chloe is a fantastic make-up artist. She is highly professional and has a wide knowledge of different beauty products. Highly recommend to have a consultation with Chloe.”

“Chloe was very professional and the products used were all of a high quality. Chloe used some great techniques and even gave me some hints and tips. Many of my guests commented on my make up on my big day and it lasted for the whole day! I would definately recommend Chloe for anyone considering to have their make up done professionally!”

“Would have scored 100 if possible. She went totally beyond the call of duty on my big day. She rescued my wedding dress after it got covered in my sister's makeup and radiator oil (long story!) and even drove my auntie's to my nan's house to catch the taxi to our wedding because they were running late. The makeup was fabulous to say the least. Made-up but yet natural looking, which looks fantastic on our wedding photos. I really couldn't recommend her enough.”

“Chloe was fantastic on the day of my wedding, the make up which she did for my two bridesmaids and I was fantastic. So many people commented on how lovely it was and I have already recommended her to a number of people. A true professional and I would use her again, if I had a special event to attend.”

“Chloe was very professional and reliable. She was very punctual on the day and made me feel very relaxed. The makeup was superb and I was very pleased with the way it looked. I would definately recommend her to anybody looking for a makeup artist for a special occasion.”