Forums > Hair, Makeup & Styling > Contracts for MUA's

Makeup Artist

LisaJohnson

Posts: 10525

Nashville, Tennessee, US

I have not had good luck with most brides that insist on a bridal makeup agreement.  I've found the majority of them (the ones I've worked with or NOT) have been litigious in spirit, and can weed thru them either on the phone, in an email or during a consultation.  Just my .02.  I ask for cash UP FRONT on all gigs now, unless corporate.  I have been ripped off 99% of the time waiting payment otherwise. 

If I don't get the cash in my hand, then I leave the gig - 9 x out of 10.  Just the way it has become for my business.  Most everyone understands this when working with me.

Oct 27 07 09:50 am Link

Makeup Artist

Aziza Walker

Posts: 865

New York, New York, US

Lisa Johnson MUA wrote:
I have not had good luck with most brides that insist on a bridal makeup agreement.  I've found the majority of them (the ones I've worked with or NOT) have been litigious in spirit, and can weed thru them either on the phone, in an email or during a consultation.  Just my .02.  I ask for cash UP FRONT on all gigs now, unless corporate.  I have been ripped off 99% of the time waiting payment otherwise. 

If I don't get the cash in my hand, then I leave the gig - 9 x out of 10.  Just the way it has become for my business.  Most everyone understands this when working with me.

This makes so much sense.  Brides expect to pay up front when dealing with the location and catering services etc. , so why not makeup and hair? Besides, why would a bride want to deal with the hassle of paying for services on her wedding day? It's simpler for both parties involved to have everything taken care of before hand.

Oct 27 07 10:18 am Link

Makeup Artist

Make-up by Heather

Posts: 556

Phoenix, Arizona, US

Lisa Johnson MUA wrote:
I have not had good luck with most brides that insist on a bridal makeup agreement.  I've found the majority of them (the ones I've worked with or NOT) have been litigious in spirit, and can weed thru them either on the phone, in an email or during a consultation.  Just my .02.  I ask for cash UP FRONT on all gigs now, unless corporate.  I have been ripped off 99% of the time waiting payment otherwise. 

If I don't get the cash in my hand, then I leave the gig - 9 x out of 10.  Just the way it has become for my business.  Most everyone understands this when working with me.

I am sorry that you feel this way-
I do a ton of weddings, and photo shoots, I have never had any problems, but then I weed thru my brides with a trial, ( for them to interview me as well as me to interview them). I have never had an issue with them and the contracts, because I state in my contract - a signed contract is what holds the date... I don't even put them in the books until it is signed. After looking at some of these contracts, I will probably update and add some addendems to mine...... but here is the simple one that I have been using for my brides.

Thanks for all of the contracts you guys have listed........



Make-up Artist Service Contract

This contract is to state that Heather Wilson, professional make-up artist, will provide makeup services for ________________, on the date of  ______, 2007, at the following time   ________  , and for __  people at the location of  ___________________, AZ

A deposit in the amount of  $_______ (which goes towards your wedding day ) is due at the time your event is booked.  This deposit will confirm, and hold the date/time agreed upon above and is non-refundable. (Without a deposit I can not hold the date). 

Pricing is as follows: Bride only $_________  Bridesmaids are $________ each.  If additional hours are desired from the times stated above, a day rate will be $______for the day, or an additional $______an hour.

Cancellation less than two weeks prior to wedding date will result in full fees being charged. I cannot guarantee or be held accountable for any allergic reactions, or any complications from the makeup or the application (this is why we have a trial). 

Please mail a signed copy of this contract and your deposit at your earliest convenience. You can also email it to ____________ and make your payments thru paypal to ______________Thank you.

All photos taken by Heather Wilson on the day of the wedding can be used for her own promotional use on website or on fliers unless otherwise agreed upon prior to wedding date.
____________________________________________________________________
Client
                       
________________________               _________________________(Sign)                                                        (Sign)

______________________                       ___________________________
(Print name)                (Print name)   

___________                                              _____________                                      
(Date)                                       (Date)

Oct 27 07 10:26 am Link

Makeup Artist

Made Up by Admin

Posts: 393

Middletown, California, US

Deadly Design Make-up wrote:
This is a sample of my TFP contract, it has saved me from not getting images so many times ,since I strated using this form I havent been stiffed by a photographer once.

Today’s Date __________________________________20_____

I __________________the make-up artist, will provide the make-up and (or) Hairstyling on this TFP, TFCD, TEST.
I will provide all of the make-up supplies that are needed for this shoot, including Hair supplies, including disposables (sponges, mascara wands, tissues, water ect.)

The photographer(s) on this shoot is (are)______________________________________
_______________________________ ____________________________________
The model(s) on this shoot is (are) __________________________________
______________________________ __________________________________
______________________________ _____________________________________

In Exchange as “payment” I require the following (please check the boxes that you will provide for me)
A copy of the images shot today on a CD or DVD
Size(s) 8X10___# of prints,    9X12___#of Prints,  10X13___#of Prints

The photographer will provide me with good quality images that can be printed out in any size.
I _____________________the make-up Artist will not alter or change the images that the photographer has given to me, other than cropping.


The photographer will
Mail
Hand Deliver
Meet at a specific location
To give me the agreed upon “payment”

It will take _____________________ Days to complete the necessary edits and once it is done the photographer ____(photogrpher name)________________ Will Deliver the images in the agreed upon manner as stated above.

If the images are not received by me, __________________the make-up artist 10 days past the agreed upon date, and no contact has been made by the photographer _______________ about a delay, a file will be placed in small claims court at the photographer’s expense.

The photographer owns the copy right to these images, the images from this shoot will be used by myself ________________________the make-up artist as Promotional Material, portfolio work and will be posted on my website.


Make-up Artist _______________________________(signature)
Photographer    _______________________________(signature)
Witness             _______________________________(signature)


I will see if I can find my "paid" work contract as well it seams to be hidign in my computer... Mandy of Deadly Design Make-up Artistry

This is perfect!  Thanks a bunch... wink

Oct 28 07 12:54 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Katrianna

Posts: 236

Port of Spain, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Make-up by Heather  wrote:

I am sorry that you feel this way-
I do a ton of weddings, and photo shoots, I have never had any problems, but then I weed thru my brides with a trial, ( for them to interview me as well as me to interview them). I have never had an issue with them and the contracts, because I state in my contract - a signed contract is what holds the date... I don't even put them in the books until it is signed. After looking at some of these contracts, I will probably update and add some addendems to mine...... but here is the simple one that I have been using for my brides.

Thanks for all of the contracts you guys have listed........



Make-up Artist Service Contract

This contract is to state that Heather Wilson, professional make-up artist, will provide makeup services for ________________, on the date of  ______, 2007, at the following time   ________  , and for __  people at the location of  ___________________, AZ

A deposit in the amount of  $_______ (which goes towards your wedding day ) is due at the time your event is booked.  This deposit will confirm, and hold the date/time agreed upon above and is non-refundable. (Without a deposit I can not hold the date). 

Pricing is as follows: Bride only $_________  Bridesmaids are $________ each.  If additional hours are desired from the times stated above, a day rate will be $______for the day, or an additional $______an hour.

Cancellation less than two weeks prior to wedding date will result in full fees being charged. I cannot guarantee or be held accountable for any allergic reactions, or any complications from the makeup or the application (this is why we have a trial). 

Please mail a signed copy of this contract and your deposit at your earliest convenience. You can also email it to ____________ and make your payments thru paypal to ______________Thank you.

All photos taken by Heather Wilson on the day of the wedding can be used for her own promotional use on website or on fliers unless otherwise agreed upon prior to wedding date.
____________________________________________________________________
Client
                       
________________________               _________________________(Sign)                                                        (Sign)

______________________                       ___________________________
(Print name)                (Print name)   

___________                                              _____________                                      
(Date)                                       (Date)

What do you usually take as a deposit? 10% 50%?

Oct 31 07 11:21 am Link

Wardrobe Stylist

Decadence D

Posts: 719

Chicago, Illinois, US

This contract was good, but I made changes that I thought would be best to help it stand up strongly in court if need be. If you guys have seen me state before, I write contracts and actually have taken someone to court before. Always keep in mind that:

1. all parties' addresses should be on the agreement
2. clearly state compensation (whether it be monetary or other)
3. clearly state what is expected of all parties
4. specify liability
5. do not supply soc. sec. number unless it is required and requested. And if so do not put it on the contract.
6. bring two copies and have all parties sign both, or photocopy the original and keep that.

 

Work for Hire Agreement


This is a “work for hire” agreement between                           
____Lynn Golovich___,{your street address, county, state go here}(hereinafter “Consultant”), and , and ____________________, _________________[title] of  _________________ [business],
  __________________ [address], ____________ [city], ____________ [county],
_________ [state] (hereinafter referred to as Company)
agree to the following terms below.


Article 1. Rate of Pay

The consultant is to perform the duties of _____Make-up Artist______ on the

production entitled   _


1)    Flat Rate for Production =_________________
   
Flare rate includes: ____ travel days, ____ prep days, & ____ shoot days

OR   

2)    At the rate of         _ for each of ___ shoot day(s).

And ________ for each of ______ travel day(s).
And ________ for each of ______ prep day(s).


1.1.Company shall pay all contracts on a 30 day net payment from day of invoice.

1.2.The flat rate quoted above (listed as #1) applies to 12-hour shoot days, travel days, and any pre-production. 
The 12-hour shoot days that are applied to work hours and do not include meal breaks.

1.3.The rate quoted above (listed as #2) applies to a 12 hour shoot days which are applied to work hours and does not include meal breaks and will be pro-rated on an hourly basis for any overtime incurred at the site.  The pro-rated charges will be after 12 hours: double time up to 14 hours.

Article 2. Obligation of Contractor

2.1.The company and consultant agree that the consultant will perform his services as an independent contractor and not an employee of the company and will not claim any status as an employee of the company.  The consultant agrees that he/she knows and will follow all safety requirements for the job hired to perform.  Consultant acknowledges that he/she’s work is a “work made for hire” and therefore company shall be the author and copyright owner of any work created under this agreement unless otherwise specified in writing by Consultant.

2.2 I certify that I, the consultant, am;

a. operating with proper licenses, insurance, etc. and understand that I, am responsible for all payroll taxes on money paid to myself on behalf of this contract.

b. solely responsible for liability and collision insurance and deductible on my personal vehicle used in conjunction with their job.

c. in agreement to the terms of alcohol or drugs during work hours will result in my immediate termination.

4. solely held responsible for purchases, rentals, and expenses not approved in advance by the company.

2.3. Contractor will not be liable to Corporation, or to anyone who may claim any right due to a relationship with Corporation, for any acts or omissions in the performance of services under the terms of this Agreement unless such acts or omissions are due to willful misconduct. Corporation will indemnify and hold Contractor free and harmless from any obligations, costs, claims, judgments, attorneys' fees, and attachments arising from, growing out of, or
in any way connected with the services rendered to Corporation under the terms of this Agreement, unless Contractor is judged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be guilty of willful misconduct.


Article 3. Confidentiality

3.1. Consultant promises and agrees that he/she will not disclose any confidential information to any person unless specified in writing by Company to do so.  If company gives consultant written consent to make any disclosures; consultant will do so only with the limits of that authorization from the company.  Consultant has permission to show a videotape of their work in connection with seeking employment.  In return company shall have the right to use consultant’s name, voice, picture, and likeness in connection with the production for advertising and promotion without additional compensation.

3.2. Consultant warrants that any unlicensed materials provided by consultant for use by company in according to this agreement will not contain any material that is protected under the Copyright Act or any other similar law, except the “fair use” law, as defined in the Copyright Act.  Consultant will be solely responsible for ensuring that any materials provided by him/her for use by company according to this agreement satisfy this requirement and Consultant agrees to hold Company harmless for all liability or loss, including the expense for attorney’s fees to which company is exposed on account of Consultant’s failure to perform this duty.

Article 4. Termination.

4.1.This agreement is subject to immediate suspension and/or termination (at company’s election) without further obligation on the part of the company in the event of any default of consultant or in the case of any suspension, postponement or interference with the production by reason of labor controversy, strike, earthquake, act of God, governmental action, regulation, decree or for any other customary force majeure reason.

Article 4. General Provisions.

4.1. This Agreement supersedes any and all agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties hereto with respect to the rendering of services by Contractor for Corporation, and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the parties with respect to the rendering of such services in any manner whatsoever. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises, or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein, and that no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding. Any modification of this Agreement will be effective only if it is in writing signed by the party to be charged.

4.2.   This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [your state].

Signed,

Company


X____________________        Date___________
   



Consultant

X_______________________________  Date___________

Oct 31 07 03:46 pm Link

Wardrobe Stylist

Decadence D

Posts: 719

Chicago, Illinois, US

I forgot to add that whatever state the company that is hiring you is in, that is the state in which you are doing business with them. Meaning their state laws apply to your contract. Unless they solicited your business within your state like had a job fair, met you in person randomnly, or hired you through an office in your state.

Just something to keep in mind because I had to find that out the hard way.

Nov 01 07 04:33 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Eve Jade Artistry

Posts: 7

Málaga, Andalusia, Spain

Really good info.

Jun 08 08 02:43 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Picture Perfect Makeove

Posts: 795

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Lisa Johnson MUA wrote:
what are the standard mileage rates one can charge for travel?

is it .48 a mile or?

$1 per mile but I only charge one way.  I think i worked it out as how much a taxi costs... but that was about 7years ago when I started!!!

Jun 08 08 08:14 pm Link

Hair Stylist

STARLET Hair and Makeup

Posts: 46

Brighton, England, United Kingdom

this thread is a Godsend....thank you all for posting your own contracts .

Jun 08 08 10:39 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Shanilton

Posts: 20

Riverside, California, US

Thank you so much everyone for this information! I am in the process of re-typing my contracts and these are very helpful! Thanks Agian!

Bless,
Shanilton

Jul 01 08 04:36 am Link

Makeup Artist

Bee Wisely

Posts: 23

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

OMG! I'm definantely learning a lot here. Thank you for all those whose share their contract forms in this thread. cheers all. xx

Feb 28 09 07:46 am Link

Makeup Artist

Elaine FACESbyEMG

Posts: 151

Irvine, California, US

Decadence D wrote:
This contract was good, but I made changes that I thought would be best to help it stand up strongly in court if need be. If you guys have seen me state before, I write contracts and actually have taken someone to court before. Always keep in mind that:

1. all parties' addresses should be on the agreement
2. clearly state compensation (whether it be monetary or other)
3. clearly state what is expected of all parties
4. specify liability
5. do not supply soc. sec. number unless it is required and requested. And if so do not put it on the contract.
6. bring two copies and have all parties sign both, or photocopy the original and keep that.

 

Work for Hire Agreement


This is a “work for hire” agreement between                           
____Lynn Golovich___,{your street address, county, state go here}(hereinafter “Consultant”), and , and ____________________, _________________[title] of  _________________ [business],
  __________________ [address], ____________ [city], ____________ [county],
_________ [state] (hereinafter referred to as Company)
agree to the following terms below.


Article 1. Rate of Pay

The consultant is to perform the duties of _____Make-up Artist______ on the

production entitled   _


1)    Flat Rate for Production =_________________
   
Flare rate includes: ____ travel days, ____ prep days, & ____ shoot days

OR   

2)    At the rate of         _ for each of ___ shoot day(s).

And ________ for each of ______ travel day(s).
And ________ for each of ______ prep day(s).


1.1.Company shall pay all contracts on a 30 day net payment from day of invoice.

1.2.The flat rate quoted above (listed as #1) applies to 12-hour shoot days, travel days, and any pre-production. 
The 12-hour shoot days that are applied to work hours and do not include meal breaks.

1.3.The rate quoted above (listed as #2) applies to a 12 hour shoot days which are applied to work hours and does not include meal breaks and will be pro-rated on an hourly basis for any overtime incurred at the site.  The pro-rated charges will be after 12 hours: double time up to 14 hours.

Article 2. Obligation of Contractor

2.1.The company and consultant agree that the consultant will perform his services as an independent contractor and not an employee of the company and will not claim any status as an employee of the company.  The consultant agrees that he/she knows and will follow all safety requirements for the job hired to perform.  Consultant acknowledges that he/she’s work is a “work made for hire” and therefore company shall be the author and copyright owner of any work created under this agreement unless otherwise specified in writing by Consultant.

2.2 I certify that I, the consultant, am;

a. operating with proper licenses, insurance, etc. and understand that I, am responsible for all payroll taxes on money paid to myself on behalf of this contract.

b. solely responsible for liability and collision insurance and deductible on my personal vehicle used in conjunction with their job.

c. in agreement to the terms of alcohol or drugs during work hours will result in my immediate termination.

4. solely held responsible for purchases, rentals, and expenses not approved in advance by the company.

2.3. Contractor will not be liable to Corporation, or to anyone who may claim any right due to a relationship with Corporation, for any acts or omissions in the performance of services under the terms of this Agreement unless such acts or omissions are due to willful misconduct. Corporation will indemnify and hold Contractor free and harmless from any obligations, costs, claims, judgments, attorneys' fees, and attachments arising from, growing out of, or
in any way connected with the services rendered to Corporation under the terms of this Agreement, unless Contractor is judged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be guilty of willful misconduct.


Article 3. Confidentiality

3.1. Consultant promises and agrees that he/she will not disclose any confidential information to any person unless specified in writing by Company to do so.  If company gives consultant written consent to make any disclosures; consultant will do so only with the limits of that authorization from the company.  Consultant has permission to show a videotape of their work in connection with seeking employment.  In return company shall have the right to use consultant’s name, voice, picture, and likeness in connection with the production for advertising and promotion without additional compensation.

3.2. Consultant warrants that any unlicensed materials provided by consultant for use by company in according to this agreement will not contain any material that is protected under the Copyright Act or any other similar law, except the “fair use” law, as defined in the Copyright Act.  Consultant will be solely responsible for ensuring that any materials provided by him/her for use by company according to this agreement satisfy this requirement and Consultant agrees to hold Company harmless for all liability or loss, including the expense for attorney’s fees to which company is exposed on account of Consultant’s failure to perform this duty.

Article 4. Termination.

4.1.This agreement is subject to immediate suspension and/or termination (at company’s election) without further obligation on the part of the company in the event of any default of consultant or in the case of any suspension, postponement or interference with the production by reason of labor controversy, strike, earthquake, act of God, governmental action, regulation, decree or for any other customary force majeure reason.

Article 4. General Provisions.

4.1. This Agreement supersedes any and all agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties hereto with respect to the rendering of services by Contractor for Corporation, and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the parties with respect to the rendering of such services in any manner whatsoever. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises, or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein, and that no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding. Any modification of this Agreement will be effective only if it is in writing signed by the party to be charged.

4.2.   This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [your state].

Signed,

Company


X____________________        Date___________
   



Consultant

X_______________________________  Date___________

Not only bumping... but (probably) a stupid question: can this be applied for fashion shows? I will be doing h&mu for a fashion show this weekend and was wondering if anyone has an agreement/contract for that...? all help is appreciated! i just really don't want to get burned - i'll be doing 7 female models and 3 male and need to make sure i'm taken care of...

thanks much - everyone is always so helpful!

Jul 05 10 11:53 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Smoke and Mirrors

Posts: 26

Fort Worth, Texas, US

Omg! Great thread! Exactly what I was looking for!

Sep 26 11 10:26 am Link

Makeup Artist

Andrea Marisa Artistry

Posts: 102

South River, New Jersey, US

Elaine FACESbyEMG wrote:
Not only bumping... but (probably) a stupid question: can this be applied for fashion shows? I will be doing h&mu for a fashion show this weekend and was wondering if anyone has an agreement/contract for that...? all help is appreciated! i just really don't want to get burned - i'll be doing 7 female models and 3 male and need to make sure i'm taken care of...

thanks much - everyone is always so helpful!

+1 on the fashion runway show contracts...

Sep 26 11 04:35 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Priceless Beauty MUA

Posts: 170

Dayton, Ohio, US

Omg I've been needing this! I only had a bridal agreement thus far lol. This is so great!

QUESTION: When making contracts, do you need to have a lawyer sign off on it for any reason to make it legal or is it automatically legalized by it being typed professionally? I hope that makes sense what I'm trying to say...

Sep 27 11 01:56 am Link

Makeup Artist

Makeup Natalie

Posts: 175

Los Angeles, California, US

Great thread.

Sep 27 11 03:47 am Link

Makeup Artist

Priceless Beauty MUA

Posts: 170

Dayton, Ohio, US

Bump

Sep 27 11 07:37 am Link

Makeup Artist

Felicia Bromba

Posts: 532

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

@Priceless,  just sent you a PM on your question and a few other things I saw you post earlier smile

Sep 27 11 08:35 am Link

Makeup Artist

Bloom Makeup Artistry

Posts: 351

New York, New York, US

I don't use a contract. I have found them to be fairly useless in fighting off people who are going to not give you photos. (It has happened to me before with a well known photographer) Are you really going to take the person to court over a photo shoot and spend money hiring an attorney and so on? Most photographers know that you wont and that it is all empty threats. My suggestion is to work with people who have good recommendations and are trustworthy in the industry. If you have doubts about someone then it's not worth the hassle anyways.

As for bridal contracts the trial run acts as a deposit for the wedding day. I can say for sure that when you stuff a huge contract in a brides face you are probably going to scare them off. They are paying you to do a service why should they have to sign a contract? Just don't do anything before getting paid. Trial = paid then when you go to the wedding the check/cash is due upon completion of services right then and there. I have never had a problem with doing it this way. I have printed invoices that I send ahead of time and bring copies of with me. I hand the invoice and they give me the money simple as that.

Sep 27 11 09:41 am Link

Makeup Artist

The Beauty Artist

Posts: 918

Troy, Michigan, US

I don't do any testing anymore really (probably should though for creativity purposes). But here is my standard deal memo that I use for all my paid print/commercial video shoots.




Deal Memo
Terms of Agreement


Production Company:

__________________________


Address:

__________________________
__________________________


Employee: _________________


Position: Makeup Artist/Stylist


Address: ___________________
___________________________


Start/End Date of Services:
___________________________


Compensation:


In full and complete consideration for the services to be rendered hereunder, Employee shall be compensated the sum of ________ per day for ___ days of work. The total compensation being ________. ____ (Initial).
Deal Memo- Terms of Agreement – Continued:


Payment shall be made to Employee by no later than _____ days from ____________. ____ (Initial).


Assignment: Producer/Photographer may assign its rights hereunder to any person, firm, or corporation.


Agreement: This Deal Memo constitutes the full agreement between both parties unless amended to the contrary in writing and signed by both parties.


Agreed to:
(Employee Signature)

___________________________
Date: ______________________


Agreed to:
(Authorized representative of production company Signature)

___________________________
Date: _______________________

Sep 27 11 09:58 am Link

Makeup Artist

Felicia Bromba

Posts: 532

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

I have used contracts since the beginning, never had a problem at all. I find those that have a problem, tend to be the shady ones anyways. It's a level of value, if the own artist in question can't even give you an answer to stand by their work and return during a mutual collaboration, then that says a lot.

Though agreed, you should be doing your homework first as to "who" you are working with first anyways. In the end though, that too only pulls so far, as I can tell you first hand, I have worked with some higher profile photographer in our area and beyond, great "reputation",  big client lists, and they have screwed the entire team on images....

Sep 27 11 10:18 am Link

Makeup Artist

Felicia Bromba

Posts: 532

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Bloom Makeup Artistry wrote:
As for bridal contracts the trial run acts as a deposit for the wedding day. I can say for sure that when you stuff a huge contract in a brides face you are probably going to scare them off. They are paying you to do a service why should they have to sign a contract? Just don't do anything before getting paid. Trial = paid then when you go to the wedding the check/cash is due upon completion of services right then and there. I have never had a problem with doing it this way. I have printed invoices that I send ahead of time and bring copies of with me. I hand the invoice and they give me the money simple as that.

As for Bridal Contracts...

Operating without a contract is one of the worst things you can do, both for yourself and business and ups your liability through the roof!!  I have watched countless girls involved in legal action over simple things that could have easily been prevented by using even a basic level of contract/terms in place. It's that mentality that has artists getting themselves into serious troubles, which is why I know teach contract classes.

I can tell you right now that using the word "Deposit" is the first and biggest no-no, and thus should a bride take action, you would likely lose immediately just on that guideline especially regarding anything of a "return/refund" nature.. It is Always a RETAINER, never the word deposit wink

A contract is legal protection for you and them. EVERYONE ELSE  that they are involved with/booking is using a contract in place to display services, pricing, terms, policies and more. Venues, Floral, Cake, Photographer, Video, Limo, etc. why wouldn't you have one in place??? You now become the odd one out in a sea of other businesses all operating as exactly that; A services business.

We've been doing Bridal services for many years, our clients book us a MIN. of 1 year in advance (sometimes more) and we do over a 100+ weddings a year.  They sign right from the start, everything is listed to them, Their Retainer amount is paid. We have yet to come across a client that does not want to sign. If anything, we have clients ASK to sign one for their own protection and check to make sure we have one in place!!

Otherwise you are just operating on heresy....how do they know you plan to show up? What if you're sick/car accident - then what? - Do you cover replacement artists? Time lines? Additional add ons? Pricing info? late fees? travel?

An invoice system only lists basics, but no backups for terms and policies. If something should arise, they could easily take action, and sadly "you" as the artist would lose, with nothing to even back you as it's then just a "I told her this, she said ok" - So whose the one lying?

As a Bride, I would be very leery on working with anyone who doesn't offer me a mutual service contract at the very least. As a bride; I'd also like to have everything in full writing, the terms of the artist etc. so there is no surprises to me...I'd know right from booking how much and what is and isn't allowed from my end as my wedding progresses and things might change. Added and written assurance of what the artist provides, doesn't and that they will show up....I can't tell you how many weddings we book each year, most last minute, after an artist bails out. It's ok for us to say "oh, I would never do that". But remember, this client is likely a stranger, they don't know that...

Thus why contracts for all sides is a good idea. Whether Bridal, commercial and so forth...

Sep 27 11 10:20 am Link

Makeup Artist

Bloom Makeup Artistry

Posts: 351

New York, New York, US

Felicia Bromba wrote:

As for Bridal Contracts...

Operating without a contract is one of the worst things you can do, both for yourself and business and ups your liability through the roof!!  I have watched countless girls involved in legal action over simple things that could have easily been prevented by using even a basic level of contract/terms in place. It's that mentality that has artists getting themselves into serious troubles, which is why I know teach contract classes.

I can tell you right now that using the word "Deposit" is the first and biggest no-no, and thus should a bride take action, you would likely lose immediately just on that guideline especially regarding anything of a "return/refund" nature.. It is Always a RETAINER, never the word deposit wink

A contract is legal protection for you and them. EVERYONE ELSE  that they are involved with/booking is using a contract in place to display services, pricing, terms, policies and more. Venues, Floral, Cake, Photographer, Video, Limo, etc. why wouldn't you have one in place??? You now become the odd one out in a sea of other businesses all operating as exactly that; A services business.

We've been doing Bridal services for many years, our clients book us a MIN. of 1 year in advance (sometimes more) and we do over a 100+ weddings a year.  They sign right from the start, everything is listed to them, Their Retainer amount is paid. We have yet to come across a client that does not want to sign. If anything, we have clients ASK to sign one for their own protection and check to make sure we have one in place!!

Otherwise you are just operating on heresy....how do they know you plan to show up? What if you're sick/car accident - then what? - Do you cover replacement artists? Time lines? Additional add ons? Pricing info? late fees? travel?

An invoice system only lists basics, but no backups for terms and policies. If something should arise, they could easily take action, and sadly "you" as the artist would lose, with nothing to even back you as it's then just a "I told her this, she said ok" - So whose the one lying?

As a Bride, I would be very leery on working with anyone who doesn't offer me a mutual service contract at the very least. As a bride; I'd also like to have everything in full writing, the terms of the artist etc. so there is no surprises to me...I'd know right from booking how much and what is and isn't allowed from my end as my wedding progresses and things might change. Added and written assurance of what the artist provides, doesn't and that they will show up....I can't tell you how many weddings we book each year, most last minute, after an artist bails out. It's ok for us to say "oh, I would never do that". But remember, this client is likely a stranger, they don't know that...

Thus why contracts for all sides is a good idea. Whether Bridal, commercial and so forth...

Let me clarify since I don't think I made clear enough what I do.

My trial run is $100 this is the same price as a regular makeup application. They pay that at the time of the trial. I am out no money if they bride chooses to not use me for the wedding. There is no risk involved.

Wedding day the bridal makeup is $100 this is paid on the day of along with any bridesmaids. To me this is the same as when you go into a business and buy something or even get your hair done. They pay you when you complete the service I don't see any of them asking for contracts.

Anyways that's just my own personal opinion.

Sep 27 11 10:31 am Link

Makeup Artist

Felicia Bromba

Posts: 532

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Bloom Makeup Artistry wrote:
Let me clarify since I don't think I made clear enough what I do.

My trial run is $100 this is the same price as a regular makeup application. They pay that at the time of the trial. I am out no money if they bride chooses to not use me for the wedding. There is no risk involved.

Wedding day the bridal makeup is $100 this is paid on the day of along with any bridesmaids. To me this is the same as when you go into a business and buy something or even get your hair done. They pay you when you complete the service I don't see any of them asking for contracts.

Anyways that's just my own personal opinion.

Oh, completely understandable. I get that part, as that's how a lot of artists do, Trial separately, then day of. Paid out separately when THOSE Services are done. But what about the rest of the time...No retainer for the date booked out of your calendar? What if you are turning away other client's in the meantime?

It's more so the span in between if that makes sense.

What if they want a trial now, say this week. But the wedding isn't until next Sept? You take nothing outside basic fee to retain dates that might be 6 months down the road? and nothing is set in contract to confirm booking/services of both ends if the client wants to proceed? What about your terms/policies for them...if they show up 4 hours late? Bail on you last minute? Say there's 6 BM's but now a week before there's only going to be 1?

What if you hold a date, then the client backs out a month before the date? Your now out that date, the money/services, etc.

That's more so what I mean and why a contract is in place both your you and them. Thus, majority of vendors have this all in place for liability reasons.

What's stopping a bride from booking/getting services, then 3 weeks later, emailing you and demanding a refund, slandering you, maybe saying you did _____ etc. she then as 100% ground over you, you lose - the money, your rep. etc. Seems silly really, but every week on here there's a new MUA' posting about who a bride did X,Y, Z...and "what should they do". Thus why there are hundreds of these contract threads in place and they see so much traffic smile

These are all the very same problems that many are listing in regards to TF* Work too; bailing last minute, the other side not holding up their end, no images back and so forth...

Sep 27 11 10:52 am Link

Makeup Artist

JamesC Lost Creatives

Posts: 582

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Does anyone have similar contracts and agreements they use in the UK?  I am in Scotland and I have never seen this done, here maybe just me. 

I would be interested in:

Bridal agreements/contracts
Test shoot
Production contracts

No one offers them inspite of my constantly asking for one and its generally just verbal agreements or email and invoicing.

Sep 27 11 12:59 pm Link

Makeup Artist

CarolynV

Posts: 1

Yorktown, Virginia, US

Question: I've been getting a lot of fashion show jobs and I need some pointers on things on what I should supply in a contract. A client of mind tends to book me for them and I end up getting underpaid. I don't know how to decide on a flat rate because some people want to do it that way. I feel per person is more beneficial for me because I do quality work fast. Some of the shows I've been to the other MUA's spend an hour and half on one person and I can get 3-4 done and I'm the only one that supplies different looks during the fashion show. If I supply a flat rateI don't want to under or over estimate to lose either way. Can anyone give me advice on this. Thanks.

Jun 23 14 07:39 am Link

Makeup Artist

Laurence

Posts: 4

Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada

I have contracts with everyone I do business with (bridal, portraits, etc.) I took a template and adaptated it to my needs.

Jun 23 14 01:46 pm Link