Expert: Kitty Kavey - 2/4/2005

Question
Hello
I'm very interested in becoming a make-up artist for the fashion industry,it's just that I don't know where to begin. I have experience in theatrical make-up . do you know of any internships for make-up artistes?
Thank you

Answer
There are many opportunities available should you be willing to do TFP to build your book, or wish to work for a while with a particular photographer or studio.  The people I know who are just out of school, don't have a book yet or references/experience, will often volunteer their services to up-and-coming photographers in the particular area they are interested in.  Here in LA more often than not paying work comes through networking and the associations you've built.  Since you already have experience, you may already have a portfolio.  You can explain that while you've done theatrical makeup, you're looking to branch out into doing fashion makeup.  You'd be willing to work on a non-paid trial basis until you have enough work and experience for your book to continue on into paying work.  If you don't feel comfortable enough to work directly just yet--instead of asking photographers for work, find a couple of makeup artists who do the type of makeup you are interested in (I suggest trying the makeup guild, local trade papers, or in parts of the US the always fun Craigslist.org), and tell them you admire their work, and would like to know of you could assist them in exchange for learning.  People generally like to teach and share with others, and you can also use friendships and associations to build while learning to move on into paying work.  If you're in Los Angeles, even better.  There isn't any business here where people don't intern, and such arrangements are quite common.
Best of luck to you,
~Kitty