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If you’re a budding makeup artist, you’re probably thinking about the best way to propel your career forward. For many, getting published in a fashion magazine is the catalyst for success. Submitting to fashion magazines is a great way to get your work out there. It’s also a great way to collaborate with other creatives and build professional teams for future work. After all, you never know who the next industry superstar is going to be. You want to build relationships and create something wonderful, and working on fashion editorials is a great way to start doing that. Once your work gets printed in the best publications in the industry, more people will want to hire you and work with you. But really, how can a makeup artist get published in fashion magazines?
Is hiring an agent necessary? Is attending the right makeup school important? Or, do I have to wait years before even thinking about submitting my work to a fashion magazine?
These are probably a few of the questions on your mind—and we’ll do our best to answer them here. Landing a job in the editorial or fashion makeup industry isn’t going to be easy. But of course, if there’s a will, there’s always a way to get your makeup printed on the pages of the top fashion magazines in the world.
Why should I submit work to fashion magazines?
Submitting your work to fashion magazines is a smart move for makeup artists like you. It’s like showing off your skills on a big stage. When your work gets featured in these magazines, it’s like getting a golden stamp of approval that you’re really good at what you do. Plus, it’s a chance to meet and work with cool people like photographers and stylists, who can help you learn and grow. Think of it as a way to build your reputation and make your name known in the world of makeup and fashion. So, why not give it a shot and see where it takes you?
How to get published in a fashion magazine as a Makeup Artist
Build your makeup skills to A Master’s level
Ask yourself: do you believe you’ve got what it takes to get published in a fashion magazine? If you aren’t entirely confident with your skills yet, then work hard to hone them.
Having A Master’s level skill in Makeup means you can walk into any makeup session and apply makeup flawlessly, regardless of skin tone or skin type. Furthermore, you should be able to do beyond beauty makeup. Often times you will need to do stylized makeup. Give yourself more range for self-expression by experimenting with editorial makeup.
Figure out your weaknesses and work on them. Find out the latest trends, tools, and techniques in the world of makeup and fashion. Study meticulously the same magazines you want to be in. You should also consider attending makeup school or makeup programs.
Once you are confident in your skills, you should experiment with different styles. Hence, don’t rely entirely on what you see on the magazine spreads or what you’ve learned from your makeup program. Every project is an opportunity for growth. So, push yourself out of your comfort zone and explore everything that the beauty industry has to offer.
If an agency doesn’t represent you, you can use all your online platforms to establish a name for yourself in your industry. Setting up a professional website, as well as social media channels, will help you showcase your skills. Over time, it will help you gain the attention of photographers who shoot for fashion magazines, creative directors, or producers.
Create a diverse portfolio
If you want to get published in fashion magazines, you ought to build a stellar portfolio. If editors, photographers, and directors can’t see your work you have no chance of being picked up for a photo shoot or even for an interview. Showcasing your skills and your range in your portfolio also enables you to visualize your work in a professional setup. Investing in a good website is an excellent way to start. You don’t need to hire a professional to make a site. Check out the beautiful and free templates from Wix or Squarespace, and you can set up it yourself today. From there, you can illustrate your creativity, your expertise, as well as your range of skills.
Sharing your work on social media also helps. Platforms such as Instagram are ideal for creative professionals like makeup artists. It’s one way to gain the attention of photographers or producers.
Hiring an agent can be beneficial to your career, especially when they have good connections with people running fashion magazines. However, you can represent yourself if you can’t or don’t want to hire someone else.
Leverage Online Platforms
Establish a professional and visually captivating website that showcases your portfolio, highlighting your makeup artistry in its full glory. Social media channels, particularly Instagram, can become powerful tools for sharing your work, engaging with your audience, and catching the attention of photographers, stylists, and editors. Regularly update your platforms with high-quality images, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and insightful captions that reflect your unique artistic voice. Building a strong online presence not only enhances your visibility but also positions you as a dedicated and influential makeup artist within the fashion industry, making it easier for magazine editors to discover and appreciate your talent.
Create a Compelling Pitch
Your pitch is your opportunity to convey the essence of your makeup artistry and the story behind it. Clearly articulate your inspiration, the mood you aim to evoke, and the unique elements that set your work apart. Consider how your makeup looks align with the magazine’s aesthetic and target audience, tailoring your pitch to resonate with their preferences. A well-written pitch not only captures the editor’s attention but also provides them with a clear vision of how your makeup can seamlessly integrate into their publication.
Persistence Pays Off
In the competitive realm of fashion magazines, persistence undeniably yields fruitful results. Embrace rejection as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback, understanding that it’s an inherent part of the creative journey. Keep submitting your work, learning from each experience, and fine-tuning your approach based on feedback. Your tenacity will lead to invaluable insights, refining your craft and presentation with each attempt. As you consistently showcase your evolving talent, your determination, and unwavering commitment will eventually capture the attention of magazine editors, opening the door to the well-deserved recognition and publication you’ve been working diligently towards.
Collaborate and Network
As a freelance makeup artist, you have so many opportunities to work with incredible people. Don’t let that go to waste. Soak up as much information as you can, and use it to build your strengths as a professional makeup artist. Nurture relationships with other creative professionals. Your network of contacts might help you find that big break in your career. You don’t need high-level connections to connect. Reach out and connect to creatives and influencers who have just a little bit more experience than you do.
If you want to get published in a specific magazine, you can seek advice from other creatives you’ve worked with before who have been featured in the publication. Building relationships with hair stylists, photographers, fashion designers, and wardrobe stylists will be beneficial to your career. They can help you build a diverse portfolio. Together, you can do paid work or test shoots. Not only that, but they might also lend you a hand with your submissions. Then, you can mention that you’ve collaborated with creatives who’ve worked for the magazine before.
Sometimes, all it takes to create a strong network of creative professionals is courage. Even if your submissions don’t get you published, working with these creative minds will help you improve your work.
Related: How Collaborations are Shaping the Beauty and Fashion Industry
Respond to Every Person Who Reaches Out
Establishing credibility in the beauty or fashion industry is vital if you want to get published in a magazine. You can do that by responding to potential clients who are reaching out to your business. Needless to say, you must also keep your commitments.
Your credibility and reputation depend on your ability to follow up and follow through on your word. This way, you can build a steady client base and a network of creatives.
Look For the Right Fashion Magazines
Instead of sending a whole bunch of emails to a dozen or so publications, you can take a more targeted approach. Do not send mass emails to dozens of publications and expect success. Mass emails not only decrease the likelihood of success but will show magazines that you are not doing your proper research and preparation.
That means you must research publications that you want to work for. This way, you can prepare for the job more efficiently and effectively. Define your makeup style and then research magazines that share this aesthetic or that match the look and feel of a particular shoot.
Fashion Magazines That Take Submissions
- Atlas Magazine
- LUCY’s Magazine
- Féroce Magazine
- Scorpio Jin Magazine
- SÝN Magazine
- Fashion Shift Magazine
- Volition Magazine
How Do I Submit to Fashion Magazines?
No matter how incredible your pitch sounds and looks, publications are most likely going to ignore it, especially if you didn’t bother to comply with submission guidelines. Before sending your portfolio or pitch to fashion magazines, you should go to their website. There, you will probably find a submissions page, where the publication details how you can apply for a job in their makeup team. They’re there for a reason – follow them!
Not all fashion magazines have submission guidelines. If the publication you want to work for doesn’t, you ought to start finding and reaching out to the decision-makers. For instance, you can find contact details of the editor-in-chief, managing editor, or creative director. Any of these people might have the power to set you up for a job for the magazine. I recommend that you try to connect with these individuals on social media; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or whatever network they are most active on. Find ways to comment and build a relationship with these individuals and organizations.
Create a Compelling Pitch
Creating a compelling pitch is akin to painting a vivid picture that entices editors to delve into your makeup artistry. Your pitch should encapsulate the essence of your creative vision, weaving a narrative that captivates and resonates. Express the emotions, concepts, and inspirations that underpin your makeup looks, showcasing your ability to craft a cohesive and visually engaging story. Tailor your pitch to the specific magazine’s style and audience, highlighting how your makeup can seamlessly complement their content. A well-crafted pitch not only piques your curiosity but also demonstrates your professionalism and understanding of the magazine’s aesthetic.
Makeup Artist Chair with Headrest
Submission Guidelines are Key
Navigating submission guidelines is a vital step on the path to securing a coveted spot in fashion magazines. These guidelines serve as the roadmap to presenting your makeup artistry in the best possible light. Thoroughly review and meticulously adhere to the specifications outlined, including image format, resolution, and accompanying details. Precision in following these guidelines showcases your attention to detail and professionalism, reassuring editors that you respect their publication’s standards. By respecting submission guidelines, you not only streamline the selection process but also demonstrate your commitment to delivering work that seamlessly aligns with the magazine’s production and aesthetic values.
Elevate Your Makeup Career With a Magazine-Worthy Portfolio
In the dynamic world of fashion and makeup, the path to publication in esteemed magazines may be challenging, but your dedication and perseverance can lead you to remarkable success.
Remember, building connections is key – whether through collaborations, networking, or reaching out to decision-makers. Respond to every opportunity with unwavering professionalism, building a reputation that underscores your commitment to excellence. Embrace growth, forge connections, and let your passion light the way to a dazzling career as a published makeup artist.
