How a Makeup Artist becomes a Mentor – I wear many hats: independent makeup artist, small business owner, educator, and now – mentor. Because my classes are so small and personalized I realize that part of the education my students receive needs to be mentorship. I can’t just hand them some information and send them into the world. Our business as artists and crafts-people can be so difficult, just knowing how to get out there is a huge piece of knowledge that needs to be passed down. Actually when I think of crafts-people as they used to be, young “apprentices” were passed the craft and business. In a way we are still doing that. Makeup Artistry is almost a secret society and a lot of the people with the secrets are not talking. Even I cannot tell everything as an artist has to find their way. It cannot be fully given like a new car. An artist must create and grow and find their way in the world, find what they do best and how to earn a living with it. But as a mentor I can show tell them what doors are out there to be opened and what avenues they can traverse and give them experience.
Recently while teaching my Level 2 Advanced Makeup and Media Class I had a call from a photographer about a job. The job occurred while my class was in session and I thought I’d for sure have to turn it down. But the photographer asked if I could bring a second. I emailed him back and asked if me and a team of 3 assistants would work! He said yes and so a few days later my “team” packed up a few of my new makeup chairs, 2 airbrush machines, and a kit and off we went. We worked on 23 people that day and did over 60 shots. It was a beat-down. It was also an amazing hands-on experience for three really talented and new makeup artists. I was so happy to give them that experience. I’m not a softy by any means and expect a lot from my team. I also see every moment as an opportunity to shape and teach. In the big picture it makes me a better artist as well.
Until next time, Terri Tomlinson Makeup Artist Dallas Texas
Terri Tomlinson Makeup Training Academy
On Set with Makeup Training Academy
Terri Tomlinson
Terri Tomlinson- Makeup Artist based in Dallas, TX creating hair and makeup for print, film, video, runway, Television and the real world for over 20 years. She loves super natural, clean makeup, HD, and getting people “camera ready”. Terri owns Makeup Training Academy offering professional training to new and existing makeup artists. She consults on makeup for HD, speaks publicly, and serves as an on-camera Beauty Expert.
