Forums > Hair, Makeup & Styling > Suitcases vs. Makeup Cases

Makeup Artist

faithb

Posts: 830

Washington, District of Columbia, US

I started this thread based on a comment in another thread that's currently going on.  I also know that there's another thread on suitcases vs. makeup cases and which is best, but what I want to know is, do you view a makeup artist as unprofessional if they carry a suitcase vs. a makeup case?  If not/If so, why?

Feb 22 07 03:18 pm Link

Makeup Artist

EmElle Makeup and Hair

Posts: 5013

San Jose, California, US

I used to think it was unprofessional.  Now I see that many working artists are switching, and after my case fell apart and carrying it's empty wait around, I switched too.  I can fit far more and be better organized in a suitcase.  And it's Samsonite, so it's sturdier.  And, it weighs a lot less.

Feb 22 07 03:29 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Charley B

Posts: 90

faithb wrote:
I started this thread based on a comment in another thread that's currently going on.  I also know that there's another thread on suitcases vs. makeup cases and which is best, but what I want to know is, do you view a makeup artist as unprofessional if they carry a suitcase vs. a makeup case?  If not/If so, why?

I don't think ppl would think us unprofessional if we had a suitcase, to be honest, if they had to carry a make-up box all through London on the way to a shoot, nearly knocking ppl out everytime the bus stops...lol.....they wouldn't care in the slightest, there are some really professional looking ones about for great prices anyways!!! xxxxx

Feb 22 07 03:30 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Naomi

Posts: 257

New York, New York, US

Not for a NYC artist...you try carrying a metal case on the subway , up and down steps..etc Even cabbies frown.
I had a shoot yesterday in a 4 story walk up.
I think if you are organized, it's OK.
No one really cares, they just want you to work in the time alotted so whatever is best for you..

Feb 22 07 03:43 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Tyler E Cross

Posts: 102

Saint Louis, Missouri, US

i definitely prefer suitcases. much cheaper, and usually more sturdy.

a note on the durability of aluminum cases though... i keep a bunch of simple jewelry i take to shoots in a smaller caboodle brand aluminum case. yesterday it fell off the car when i left it there... [i am still so profoundly amazed at my stupidity] but it took the fall and kept on truckin... i just thank god it wasn't my makeup case. but then, i treat that thing like a newborn child sometimes.

Feb 22 07 03:45 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Katie Scanlan

Posts: 977

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I started using a suitcase when I first began makeup, and I think it was one of the best decisions I made starting out. I still use it to this day and love it. I see most of the biggest artists in Canada using them on set, so I don't think there's an issue of seeming "unprofessional". In my opinion, you actually look smart for not lugging around one of those god awful heavy aluminum cases.

Feb 22 07 03:54 pm Link

Makeup Artist

KatAragon

Posts: 1549

FAIRFAX STATION, Virginia, US

I worried about that too. I had the whole 3 tiered metal case. UGH I can not believe I worked with it that long. I did worry people were going to give me crazy stares when I walked in with a regular suitcase and I have never ever gotten any wierd looks. It seems to be pretty norm these days. The only comment I've ever gotten case related is about how much makeup was in the case!

Feb 22 07 05:05 pm Link

Makeup Artist

About Faces-Lynn

Posts: 957

Detroit, Michigan, US

I gave up my metal train case for Heys XL Case Luggage late last fall.  Best thing I did.  All 3 cases in the set weight less the the train case did!

Feb 22 07 05:25 pm Link

Makeup Artist

faithb

Posts: 830

Washington, District of Columbia, US

Naomi wrote:
Not for a NYC artist...you try carrying a metal case on the subway , up and down steps..etc Even cabbies frown.
I had a shoot yesterday in a 4 story walk up.
I think if you are organized, it's OK.
No one really cares, they just want you to work in the time alotted so whatever is best for you..

This exact experience is why I switched to suitcases in the first place!  AND it was pouring down raining, with those NY sidewalks, craters in the street, and subways, traveling from SOHO to Harlem!  And no empty cabs in sight!  (Okay, flashback.) 

I just saw someone in a current thread say something about makeup cases looking more professional, so it got me wondering.  Thanks for the feedback!  My suitcase stays!

Feb 22 07 05:35 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Victoria Makeup Artist

Posts: 237

Los Angeles, California, US

I just switched to a  suit case after 5 years WHEELS what a great invention!

Feb 22 07 06:47 pm Link

Makeup Artist

CMMakeup

Posts: 1727

New York, New York, US

I'd say it depends on the field your in. I have different kits for different jobs. i have a huge 3 teir metal one that i use if im working on films or SFX because there are more of things you need on a movie set then a photoshoot becuase your on the job longer and usually the kit stays put for the run . For photoshoots i use a suitcase with wheels cause usually im taking PT/cab to and from the shoot its just easier it just has to be clean and organized. it shouldnt matter what your makeup arives in, your hired based on your work not your makeup case.

Feb 22 07 07:41 pm Link

Photographer

Vector 38

Posts: 8296

Austin, Texas, US

faithb wrote:
do you view a makeup artist as unprofessional if they carry a suitcase vs. a makeup case? If not/If so, why?

this is a lot like [ ] photographer who uses a low-end camera versus a high-end, all the bells & whistles, camera ...

... but realizing a MUA might transport his/her gear in [container] that suits the displacement (i.e., is the shoot down the street? or across the country?) and amount of material brought along, as a photographer i'm not really as interested in that as i am in his/her being competent, punctual, and artistic.

~ F

Feb 22 07 07:46 pm Link

Hair Stylist

Ava Fiasco

Posts: 47

Seattle, Washington, US

I took the advice in this thread when revamping my kit this week.  I went with a suitcase and plastic boxes from Target.  I had my first shoot today and it was awesome!  I got pencil-box-sized boxes that stack and clip together - as many as I need - some are deeper than others, and they have movable dividers.  I have one box for lipsticks - tubes and palettes, one for glosses, one for face, etc, etc - and a tackle box that I put at the very bottom for all my eyelashes and glittery stuff.

When I got to my shoot - I unstacked all my boxes in a neat row around my towel and brushes and was ready to go - I could see everything, get what i needed quickly, and put it back when I was done.  It was 5 minutes to set up (if that) and 10 to put away.

I'm super happy, thanks everyone for the suggestions!

Feb 22 07 11:31 pm Link

Makeup Artist

ganeshkarma

Posts: 684

New York, New York, US

I am suitcase girl all the way! For my birthday I received most beautiful little bead organizer case from my friend and fellow make up artist. So I am the coolest girl in NYC right now. It is pink and green and I feel pimpish runing around with it. Plus it is from someone I care about so much so it is extra special.

Feb 23 07 12:30 am Link

Makeup Artist

faithb

Posts: 830

Washington, District of Columbia, US

ganeshkarma wrote:
and I feel pimpish

And that's all that matters!  We all like to feel that way, lol!

Feb 23 07 07:04 am Link

Makeup Artist

Kelley Woods Makeup

Posts: 304

Washington, District of Columbia, US

unprofessional..please..

Heck if I care...i care about my aching muscles more.. lol...

I have gone through every size train case there is... about 6 or so..and all of them i either grew out of, or was just too big....

I have mine now in a rolling duffle, and when i travel, i put the sucka in a book bag... works just fine..

and im tired of running over the back of my feet, with that hard train case *sigh*

!Face

Feb 23 07 09:45 am Link

Model

RDawkins

Posts: 4532

Breckenridge, Colorado, US

Model's Opinion:

As long as you and your product appear organized and CLEAN, you can bring your products in a cardboard box on an old-lady grocery trolley for all I care.

Feb 23 07 09:52 am Link

Makeup Artist

faithb

Posts: 830

Washington, District of Columbia, US

K. Holden wrote:
Model's Opinion:

As long as you and your product appear organized and CLEAN, you can bring your products in a cardboard box on an old-lady grocery trolley for all I care.

LOL

Feb 23 07 09:57 am Link

Makeup Artist

Kelley Woods Makeup

Posts: 304

Washington, District of Columbia, US

K. Holden wrote:
Model's Opinion:

As long as you and your product appear organized and CLEAN, you can bring your products in a cardboard box on an old-lady grocery trolley for all I care.

Right!!! love it...

Feb 23 07 09:58 am Link

Makeup Artist

v ic ki

Posts: 229

New York, New York, US

I have a Stanley tool box I purchased from Home Depot that divides into three sections, has wheels, and has cute little compartment style drawers for nails and such that I use for liners, small eyeshadows, etc.  I like the tool box because it helps keep me organized.  However, when I fly or travel long distances for bookings, I use a suitcase.  I agree, as long as it looks clean and organized, who cares?!? :-)

Feb 23 07 10:25 am Link

Photographer

Shelby Rich

Posts: 208

Vancouver, Washington, US

Personally, we don't care if it's a suitcase or not, if you are organized and your work kicks ass, that's what matters! Comfort and Common Sense prevail, bring on the suitcases!

Feb 23 07 10:32 am Link

Makeup Artist

EmElle Makeup and Hair

Posts: 5013

San Jose, California, US

I actually got more compliments on my organizational skills, the cleaniness of my kit, and my "obvious" professionalism after switching to a suitcase.  Go figure.

Feb 23 07 02:51 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Lottie

Posts: 953

EmElle wrote:
I actually got more compliments on my organizational skills, the cleaniness of my kit, and my "obvious" professionalism after switching to a suitcase.  Go figure.

I did as well! smile

Feb 23 07 06:29 pm Link

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

PIMP MY MAKEUP KIT!  SHow your pics if you have them.  There are older threads with makeup kit pics...but this is asking for new pics of MUAs new to MM. 

I am awaiting my new organizational bags to revamp my exisiting kit..of which is inside a VERY nice and expensive, but light - wheeled with handle - duffle bag/suitcase...I LOVE IT!  Forget those clunky aluminum cases and pare down to something lighter.  Your shoulders, back and neck will be happy for it.

Feb 23 07 07:00 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Jennie LeDeaux

Posts: 17

San Antonio, Texas, US

HAHA I never knew it was such an issue.  WOW.  I use a tackle box..big one...and people are always amazed that I have so much stuff and have it all organized so well.  I do feel the need for something bigger though.

I would love to see some pictures of others set up.  I took my tackle box idea from another MUA friend of mine.  we have the same exact box and she threatens to take mine all the time hehe  I'll post a pic of mine just as soon as I can get one. smile

Feb 23 07 07:43 pm Link

Makeup Artist

KatAragon

Posts: 1549

FAIRFAX STATION, Virginia, US

EmElle wrote:
I actually got more compliments on my organizational skills, the cleaniness of my kit, and my "obvious" professionalism after switching to a suitcase.  Go figure.

That's what happened with me. I didn't realize how much my alluminum case slowed me down till I got all my stuff in bags/organizer kits and put them all in a suitcase. Set up and breakdwon take less than half the time it used to and just looks and feels so much cleaner! Whew! I would NEVER go back to the big ol metal klunker.

Feb 23 07 09:37 pm Link

Makeup Artist

MP Make-up Artistry

Posts: 5105

Prince George, British Columbia, Canada

I have both a wheely kit and a suit case, and I think as long as you are organized and clean it doesnt matter what your products come in.
I have seen some trashed make-up cases and thats much more unprofesssional than a clean well "outfitted" suitcase.
lately I have been getting away with my mini monster kit, it just has a sling strap and so far havent need my big monster kit in a while. I do how ever love my big train case for film jobs when I need everything and only have a small space to work out of and need to move on the fly.

Feb 23 07 09:59 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Sommer Mbonu Pro Makeup

Posts: 499

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

I did carry around a bag...but my back and shoulders got out of wack.SO.....now i have a slick, shiny ,black rolling suitcase..it changed my life smile

Feb 23 07 10:57 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Jaime Stetler-Grow

Posts: 6

Brickerville, Pennsylvania, US

I use both.  My sweet husband bought me a trolley thing for my train cases and so I can stack them and wheel them around with me, however, this is tricky and some days is not worth the weight.  I wish I was down to one suitcase, but I do hair and wardrobe styling also so that just isn't going to happen.  I do prefer suitcases.  But being organized is the most important thing to keep in mind, the minutes spent with your client shouldn't be looking for a liner at the bottom of any bag, but applying mu within the allotted time.

Feb 23 07 11:58 pm Link

Makeup Artist

faithb

Posts: 830

Washington, District of Columbia, US

Haha, yesterday at a shoot I got the organized and neat compliments, too!  I just reorganized and condensed (stuffed most everything I had into a smaller suitcase, lol).

Feb 25 07 08:31 am Link

Makeup Artist

Briana Lindsey

Posts: 75

Los Angeles, California, US

Victoria Stiles wrote:
I have a Stanley tool box I purchased from Home Depot that divides into three sections, has wheels, and has cute little compartment style drawers for nails and such that I use for liners, small eyeshadows, etc.  I like the tool box because it helps keep me organized.  However, when I fly or travel long distances for bookings, I use a suitcase.  I agree, as long as it looks clean and organized, who cares?!? :-)

I had that toolbox for all of a month! It was much too arduous. It wouldn't even fit in my backseat and if I had to lay it down, everything went everywhere!!

I now use a nice travel-sized suitcase and all of my product is separated by its use in clear make-up bags. (eyeshadows, blushes, base & concealers, etc) It has been a lifesaver ever since. I have kept my SFX kit confined to a toolbox. The materials are more caustic and likely to spill. The toolbox always stays upright and I know I don't have to worry about my spirit gum leaking all over and destroying everything it touches! tongue

Feb 26 07 01:07 am Link

Makeup Artist

JamesC Lost Creatives

Posts: 582

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

I have gone through 4 different aluminium cases and have gone to suitcases.  I have a big suitcase and a small train case.  i am trying to organise it so I have one case, its easier to organise and on trains its good, I can sit on the top when its busy!

I think its what suits your needs first and foremost.

James

Ps I have pics of my kt on my webbpages.

Feb 26 07 04:59 am Link

Photographer

Jeff Fiore

Posts: 9225

Brooklyn, New York, US

All I care about is the end result, I couldn't care less how the makeup arrived.

Feb 26 07 05:11 am Link

Photographer

James Rich FBM

Posts: 128

Atlanta, Georgia, US

Ive normally seen the MUA work before working with them.  I really dont care how they carry their equipment, as long as they can manage it.  I personally love seeing black or silver cases.  I think those look professional regardless of what type case it is.  Ansel Adams didnt have fancy camera equipment and his images are worth more than any Ill ever take, lol.

Feb 26 07 05:17 am Link

Photographer

Julia Gerace

Posts: 1889

Monroe, Connecticut, US

I'd love to see pictures of your cases....is there a thread already with those?  I thought I saw one awhile ago...??

thanks!

Jan 05 08 07:19 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Monkey

Posts: 12755

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Julia Gerace wrote:
I'd love to see pictures of your cases....is there a thread already with those?  I thought I saw one awhile ago...??

thanks!

I tried looking for the thread but couldn't find it - no thanks to the search function! It's called "Kit organizing part deux" - so if you get a chance, browse through the forum - I looked up to page 10 and gave up.

Edit - Found the thread! https://www.modelmayhem.com/p.php?thread_id=174599

Jan 05 08 08:16 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Monkey

Posts: 12755

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

I really like my train case... It has wheels so it's easy to maneuver and the compartments keep everything in their place when it's vertical. I drive though so generally don't need to carry it around the city or in train stations.

https://www.ssb8.net/users/32973/dsp_cosmetic_case_silver_1.jpg
https://www.ssb8.net/users/32973/dsp_cosmetic_case_black_4_1188788976.jpg

I don't think a suitcase is unprofessional at all - not these days.

Jan 05 08 08:20 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Chloe Fiducia

Posts: 26

London, England, United Kingdom

Anyone who thinks it looks "unprofessional" need 2 come outta their own backsides lol Suitcases all the way!! Those trolleys are 2 damn heavy and dragging them around the London underground is soooo not practical lol. As long as your kit is organised and CLEAN what does it matter what its transported in? I used 2 have a trolley n it jus did me insane coz if i wasnt banging my shins on the corners while dragging it up and downstairs on the tube, i was banging someone else with it. Thyere maybe more practical if you drive, but for us public transport MUA's, suitcases!! lol An MUA i know even uses a granny-esque trolley from IKEA n im thinking of copying her as its so practical, so light and has rubber wheels so you can bang it about any old way and even better its only £25 n looks funky still!!

Much luv

~ Chloé MUA xoxo

Jan 05 08 08:23 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Todd homme MUA and Hair

Posts: 48

New York, New York, US

I dont think its unprofessional...I used to use a suit case and the thing was sooo unorganized that I could find anything, not to mention I need little compartments to put my lil things. Sooo I switch to one of those big rolling train case and I love it. It totally has tons of room and hella lil compartments to put everything you can possibly think of. I also seem to find everything a lil bet better. I also trek it thru the subways and train stations without a problem. I think its all about what you feel is better for you.

Jan 06 08 03:12 am Link

Makeup Artist

Jolene Beatson

Posts: 126

Sheffield, England, United Kingdom

Chris Milone wrote:
I'd say it depends on the field your in. I have different kits for different jobs. i have a huge 3 teir metal one that i use if im working on films or SFX because there are more of things you need on a movie set then a photoshoot becuase your on the job longer and usually the kit stays put for the run . For photoshoots i use a suitcase with wheels cause usually im taking PT/cab to and from the shoot its just easier it just has to be clean and organized. it shouldnt matter what your makeup arives in, your hired based on your work not your makeup case.

I couldn't agree more, I work mainly on independent film and I don't know how I would cope without my 3 tier light weight aluminium one, especially as most of the time I'm on location and I work out of the back of the lighting truck or shoved in the smallest bathroom on earth, if I couldn't work out of my case I would be in trouble!! I also have a small flight case for my airbrush system and special effects stuff and a small aluminium flight case for photo shoots. I don't think it really makes a difference though as long as you know where everything is and you don’t spend too much valuable time looking through your bag like Mary Poppins!! smile x

Jan 06 08 09:55 am Link