LC Makeup Artistry wrote:
If Im helping out with portfolio updates, then I just do TFP, but if it's for a proper assignment I charge $25 per model

Unless the OP was asking about salon/studio work then charging by the face/model isn't really appropriate as working MUA's in other industries(e.g fashion) charge a half and full day rate only.

@OP It's hard to find specific quotes and numbers as no one really likes to wave their rates in the air and it varies on so many things. If you feel that you are ready to charge then I would suggest you get some rates from MUAs that are on a similar experience/skill level to you. Add up all their rates together and divide it by how many MUAs you got quotes from and then you have a average. So for example : 3x MUAs = £10 half day , 1x MUA= £15 half day , 1 MUA= £20 half day. Altogether it's £65 then divide it by the amount of MUAs which is 5, which is  £13 so the average rate is £13 for MUA's on the same 'level' as you.Then you can add a little bit more , £30 or so more and you have your rate babe   Btw £10 half day is stupidly low, I'm rubbish at maths so just used easy numbers lol

I have been told to go to agencies and get their rates but for you to even be represented by agency you have to be pretty amazing and very experienced (tear sheet after tear sheet) so your not going to be charging what they charge as a new artist.

This topic has been done to death so I'm sure you'll find some useful suggestions in the FAQ's. You need to charge what MUA's charge where you work (not necessarily where you live) as rates in new york are not the same in London for example. Some things your should consider: type of work (editorial,commercial,private project..), location, client budget, your experience and skill level, your own self worth.

Congrats on getting offered paid work

Aaliyah I wrote:

Unless the OP was asking about salon/studio work then charging by the face/model isn't really appropriate as working MUA's in other industries(e.g fashion) charge a half and full day rate only.

@OP It's hard to find specific quotes and numbers as no one really likes to wave their rates in the air and it varies on so many things. If you feel that you are ready to charge then I would suggest you get some rates from MUAs that are on a similar experience/skill level to you. Add up all their rates together and divide it by how many MUAs you got quotes from and then you have a average. So for example : 3x MUAs = £10 half day , 1x MUA= £15 half day , 1 MUA= £20 half day. Altogether it's £65 then divide it by the amount of MUAs which is 5, which is  £13 so the average rate is £13 for MUA's on the same 'level' as you.Then you can add a little bit more , £30 or so more and you have your rate babe   Btw £10 half day is stupidly low, I'm rubbish at maths so just used easy numbers lol

I have been told to go to agencies and get their rates but for you to even be represented by agency you have to be pretty amazing and very experienced (tear sheet after tear sheet) so your not going to be charging what they charge as a new artist.

This topic has been done to death so I'm sure you'll find some useful suggestions in the FAQ's. You need to charge what MUA's charge where you work (not necessarily where you live) as rates in new york are not the same in London for example. Some things your should consider: type of work (editorial,commercial,private project..), location, client budget, your experience and skill level, your own self worth.

Congrats on getting offered paid work

My Rates will change the more experience I get. I charge that because Im actually trying to help our local talent out and most of them dont have alot of $$$ to spend. If I got offered a freelance job from an agency or something then my rate would be much higher.

Jaime Criel Makeup wrote:
This question comes up a lot so do a search in forums. You need to research what MUAs are charging in your area, and adjust your cost depending on your skill level and experience. Most pros charge half day rates and full day rates, not depending on the amount of talent. And please don't charge just $25/head. It's charges like this that cheapen our industry. But again, your charges highly depend on your area and your level of expertise.

To say that it cheapens the industry is insulting. I was talking about my charges, no one elses. Obviously everyone will charge different based on experience.

LC Makeup Artistry wrote:

To say that it cheapens the industry is insulting. I was talking about my charges, no one elses. Obviously everyone will charge different based on experience.

She wasn't trying to insult you but to educate. It DOES cheapen the industry and creates confusion about rates too. Professional industry standards are half day and full day rates, NOT per face or per look. When someone comes along and undercuts in their market they lower expectations for budgets for makeup/hair. If you are not ready to charge standard rates for your market (usually a range based on experience and the type of job) then it is better to work for trade or continue to test until you are ready. Please spend some time reading previous threads and the FAQs on this topic.

Denise wrote:

She wasn't trying to insult you but to educate. It DOES cheapen the industry and creates confusion about rates too. Professional industry standards are half day and full day rates, NOT per face or per look. When someone comes along and undercuts in their market they lower expectations for budgets for makeup/hair. If you are not ready to charge standard rates for your market (usually a range based on experience and the type of job) then it is better to work for trade or continue to test until you are ready. Please spend some time reading previous threads and the FAQs on this topic.

Not everyone is highly experienced yet, so should be able to charge what they feel is right for them.  If people want to charge higher rates or half/full day, good luck to them and their ports show why they are entitled to charge this way. Im not there yet, but I will be.  I was responding to the OP stating what I do and if I can make $125 doing 5 models in less than 3 hrs, then Im happy, Im making more money than I would working a full day elsewhere, doing something I love.

Denise wrote:

She wasn't trying to insult you but to educate. It DOES cheapen the industry and creates confusion about rates too. Professional industry standards are half day and full day rates, NOT per face or per look. When someone comes along and undercuts in their market they lower expectations for budgets for makeup/hair. If you are not ready to charge standard rates for your market (usually a range based on experience and the type of job) then it is better to work for trade or continue to test until you are ready. Please spend some time reading previous threads and the FAQs on this topic.

Thanks for the advice. The faqs were interesting and once I got paste the silly arguments back and forth, it was quite helpful. people need to understand though that people who are relatively new, don't know these things, so if people want to help, be kind about it, there's no need for harsh words that may affect confidence In people.

LC Makeup Artistry wrote:
Thanks for the advice. The faqs were interesting and once I got paste the silly arguments back and forth, it was quite helpful. people need to understand though that people who are relatively new, don't know these things, so if people want to help, be kind about it, there's no need for harsh words that may affect confidence In people.

I didn't see those words as harsh. And if they were, it's only because it's the truth without any BS. Whether you like to accept it or not, undercutting SO low does make it harder for people who are fully professional and when you get to that level it'll be harder for you, too.

It's happening all over the industry but I guess it just is what it is.

Oh and in relation to the OP, my half day rate is £75 and full day rate is £150. It'd vary a LOT depending on what country I was in, though.

Castorena  stylist wrote:
You guys made me feel that I should really give my work value. THANKS xoxo

I am soo happy you 'get it' also. Listening to established/experienced/active mua's on this forum has reinforced my ideas and expectations of the makeup industry. Researching past threads and learning from both postive and what can be misconstrued as 'negative' discussions will hopefully help in increasing our longevity within the industry. 'De-valued' Mua's do not appear to last long.

Please research past threads on these topics thoroughly also, it'll give you tons of valuable information and the solid reasoning behind professional rates vs paltry charges.

All the best.

Jaime Criel Makeup wrote:
This question comes up a lot so do a search in forums. You need to research what MUAs are charging in your area, and adjust your cost depending on your skill level and experience. Most pros charge half day rates and full day rates, not depending on the amount of talent. And please don't charge just $25/head. It's charges like this that cheapen our industry. But again, your charges highly depend on your area and your level of expertise.

The only thing that cheapens the industry is bad makeup on the client and being unprofessional on set.
As far as making other makeup artist look bad on charging low or a certain way.
No.
If someone charges $10.00 for makeup, I'm fine with that..
But I know when that client or person has a bigger budget, they are not going to hire the $10.00 makeup artist. They are not going to pay extra to someone who thinks they are worth just $10.00.
No, if they have a bigger budget, they will pay good money to get some one they really want..
Its the same with doing makeup for free, why pay that person if they can get that person for free? No, when they have money, they will go out of there way to hire the best..

Also, the amount of talent does matter. Because its like saying 20 people on a half day is fine.

There should be no flat rates on half day or full day.
There should be base prices on half and full days.. Starting from on how much talent...

Angel Graves wrote:
This brings up an interesting question, who accepts a half day where 20 talent are your task?
It seems to no producer or AD would assign such a task to one person lol
When I figure my rates they vary a lot for Colorado but were pretty straight forward in Toronto and NYC and in California I was always just told this is the workload and the budget take it or don't. 
When I'm being approached for paid work to submit a bid I look at the proposed workload and the proposed time and hitch on the X hours at X rate of pay and then there is still negotiation based on their budget lol. I do wish that I could say $700/half day is what I always get but it's never just that simple. There's always some sort of counter offer no matter who I'm working for.
However there are times I am just setting a rate period end of story take it or don't. I do haircut specials once a month, prom hair & makeup is a set charge, weddings I rarely negotiate, and special events are set prices for hair & makeup end of story.  I enjoy certain work and loathe others so if my rate isn't good for them I'm happy to work on something else instead

I agree.... I would never take on 20 people in a 4 hour period or even a 5 our period unless there came camera ready and just needed touch up.

Mary wrote:
I agree.... I would never take on 20 people in a 4 hour period or even a 5 our period unless there came camera ready and just needed touch up.

Lol glad to hear your wand won't touch that maji either!

LC Makeup Artistry wrote:

Thanks for the advice. The faqs were interesting and once I got paste the silly arguments back and forth, it was quite helpful. people need to understand though that people who are relatively new, don't know these things, so if people want to help, be kind about it, there's no need for harsh words that may affect confidence In people.

A lot of people are saying her words werent harsh but they were. I understand where she was coming from but she didnt have to say that what you charge is insulting. Professional MUAs  have an entirely different clientele than rookie, amateur, and student MUAs do. depending on what budget or look calls for, there are several different prices out there for clients to choose from. I agree that on the professional level it is wise to charge this way (half/full day), but for starting out a person should charge what they can. I know id be upset if I paid a starting MUA a full day rate for mediocre work. At least if I pay less i know what to expect. This is why, if I want very high quality I will pay more money. I dont think anybody on either side needs to worry about the future of the industry. Makeup has been around for thousands of years and its still around.

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
A lot of people are saying her words werent harsh but they were. I understand where she was coming from but she didnt have to say that what you charge is insulting.

I mean no disrespect, but those of you that find this conversation "harsh" need to toughen up if you plan on building a career in this industry.
The people who will make or break your career WILL NOT be coddling entitlement issues. This is not a race where everyone gets a trophy just for showing up. There will be a winner and many losers.

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
Professional MUAs  have an entirely different clientele than rookie, amateur, and student MUAs do. depending on what budget or look calls for, there are several different prices out there for clients to choose from. I agree that on the professional level it is wise to charge this way (half/full day), but for starting out a person should charge what they can.

INCORRECT.

If you are serious about building this into your primary source of income, you need to follow the rules of the actual, working industry FROM THE BEGINNING.
As you progress from assistant to beginner to veteran, you will ALWAYS be expected to:

- Use ONLY professional terms when talking to potential clients (not made-up terms that have been "created" on MM - they are not recognized in the real world).
- Book work using the correct steps (rate quotes and negotiation) and paperwork (deal memos, contracts).
- Charge clients using industry standards (half day, full day, flat rate) and bill them like a regular business (terms, invoices, deadlines, penalties). "Per Face" or "Per Model" rates were made up by non-professionals on Craigslist and MM - you could possibly damage your credibility if you use those terms with a legitimate client.
- ALWAYS present yourself properly - keeping your appearance, language and attitude professional at all times on set.

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
I know id be upset if I paid a starting MUA a full day rate for mediocre work.

This statement is illogical. You have to pay for work, mediocre or not.

You pay a lower rate when hiring a starting MUA.  You have CHOSEN to save money and your quality expectations should be lower due to their lack of experience.
BUT, they still need to charge a 1/2 or full day rate that reflects their experience level in your market.
If you pay top dollar for a person who represents themselves as a highly experienced artist and the work is sub-par, you have every right to dispute the charges.

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
I dont think anybody on either side needs to worry about the future of the industry. Makeup has been around for thousands of years and its still around.

Really?
20 years ago I was booking assistant work during NY Fashion Week at $600-$800 per show (these were normal rates).
Today, the same booking pays less than $200 (if you manage to get any money at all).
Why the drastic change?
We've allowed ourselves to be de-valued in the eyes of potential clients by UN-professional artists undercutting the competition (or working for free). This has consistently driven rates down and will continue to do so.

MADE NYC wrote:

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
A lot of people are saying her words werent harsh but they were. I understand where she was coming from but she didnt have to say that what you charge is insulting.

I mean no disrespect, but those of you that find this conversation "harsh" need to toughen up if you plan on building a career in this industry.
The people who will make or break your career WILL NOT be coddling entitlement issues. This is not a race where everyone gets a trophy just for showing up. There will be a winner and many losers.

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
Professional MUAs  have an entirely different clientele than rookie, amateur, and student MUAs do. depending on what budget or look calls for, there are several different prices out there for clients to choose from. I agree that on the professional level it is wise to charge this way (half/full day), but for starting out a person should charge what they can.

INCORRECT.

If you are serious about building this into your primary source of income, you need to follow the rules of the actual, working industry FROM THE BEGINNING.
As you progress from assistant to beginner to veteran, you will ALWAYS be expected to:

- Use ONLY professional terms when talking to potential clients (not made-up terms that have been "created" on MM - they are not recognized in the real world).
- Book work using the correct steps (rate quotes and negotiation) and paperwork (deal memos, contracts).
- Charge clients using industry standards (half day, full day, flat rate) and bill them like a regular business (terms, invoices, deadlines, penalties). "Per Face" or "Per Model" rates were made up by non-professionals on Craigslist and MM - you could possibly damage your credibility if you use those terms with a legitimate client.
- ALWAYS present yourself properly - keeping your appearance, language and attitude professional at all times on set.

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
I know id be upset if I paid a starting MUA a full day rate for mediocre work.

This statement is illogical. You have to pay for work, mediocre or not.

You pay a lower rate when hiring a starting MUA.  You have CHOSEN to save money and your quality expectations should be lower due to their lack of experience.
BUT, they still need to charge a 1/2 or full day rate that reflects their experience level in your market.
If you pay top dollar for a person who represents themselves as a highly experienced artist and the work is sub-par, you have every right to dispute the charges.


Really?
20 years ago I was booking assistant work during NY Fashion Week at $600-$800 per show (these were normal rates).
Today, the same booking pays less than $200 (if you manage to get any money at all).
Why the drastic change?
We've allowed ourselves to be de-valued in the eyes of potential clients by UN-professional artists undercutting the competition (or working for free). This has consistently driven rates down and will continue to do so.

Ameen !

Have you written a book yet ?

Aaliyah I wrote:
Ameen !

Have you written a book yet ?

LisaJohnson wrote:
WHAT???  you are what?  are you kidding me?  do you EVEN know who Kevin is?  he graced this tread with info.  now i understand why ppl stop doing this.  you need to TAKE NOTES. 

I'm guessing you quoted me by accident then...

Lisa Berczel wrote:
You don't have a referral and mentor network build up.

Network build up?? Please explain further

Simire MUA wrote:
Network build up?? Please explain further

Should have read: Referral and Mentor network BUILT up....

Every major campaign I've worked has been either referred directly or vetted through my Network. I can count on one hand the number of gigs that have come to me from out of the blue with zero research on the Client's part.

We build our Network as we build or Portfolio.

A good portfolio shows the prospective client that we've made all the mistakes and learned all the lessons and now we're ready to be trusted.

Along the journey, we will have amassed a network of photographers, models, wardrobe stylists, hair- and other makeup artists that we've connected with on set.

THIS is arguably our most valuable asset.

While skill is paramount, we ALL know talented artists so will NOT be referred because of one valid reason or another.

MADE NYC wrote:

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
A lot of people are saying her words werent harsh but they were. I understand where she was coming from but she didnt have to say that what you charge is insulting.

I mean no disrespect, but those of you that find this conversation "harsh" need to toughen up if you plan on building a career in this industry.
The people who will make or break your career WILL NOT be coddling entitlement issues. This is not a race where everyone gets a trophy just for showing up. There will be a winner and many losers.

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
Professional MUAs  have an entirely different clientele than rookie, amateur, and student MUAs do. depending on what budget or look calls for, there are several different prices out there for clients to choose from. I agree that on the professional level it is wise to charge this way (half/full day), but for starting out a person should charge what they can.

INCORRECT.

If you are serious about building this into your primary source of income, you need to follow the rules of the actual, working industry FROM THE BEGINNING.
As you progress from assistant to beginner to veteran, you will ALWAYS be expected to:

- Use ONLY professional terms when talking to potential clients (not made-up terms that have been "created" on MM - they are not recognized in the real world).
- Book work using the correct steps (rate quotes and negotiation) and paperwork (deal memos, contracts).
- Charge clients using industry standards (half day, full day, flat rate) and bill them like a regular business (terms, invoices, deadlines, penalties). "Per Face" or "Per Model" rates were made up by non-professionals on Craigslist and MM - you could possibly damage your credibility if you use those terms with a legitimate client.
- ALWAYS present yourself properly - keeping your appearance, language and attitude professional at all times on set.

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
I know id be upset if I paid a starting MUA a full day rate for mediocre work.

This statement is illogical. You have to pay for work, mediocre or not.

You pay a lower rate when hiring a starting MUA.  You have CHOSEN to save money and your quality expectations should be lower due to their lack of experience.
BUT, they still need to charge a 1/2 or full day rate that reflects their experience level in your market.
If you pay top dollar for a person who represents themselves as a highly experienced artist and the work is sub-par, you have every right to dispute the charges.


Really?
20 years ago I was booking assistant work during NY Fashion Week at $600-$800 per show (these were normal rates).
Today, the same booking pays less than $200 (if you manage to get any money at all).
Why the drastic change?
We've allowed ourselves to be de-valued in the eyes of potential clients by UN-professional artists undercutting the competition (or working for free). This has consistently driven rates down and will continue to do so.

100% agree, Kevin!

Makeup by Maria Luisa wrote:
To made nyc. I think youve taken my post and dissected it to go off on an irrelevant shpiel regarding the industry.

Really?
Providing correct industry rules and standards so beginners can build a solid foundation for their career is an irrelevant "spiel" (correct spelling)?
Sorry you feel that way.

MADE NYC wrote:
Really?
Providing correct industry rules and standards so beginners can build a solid foundation for their career is an irrelevant "spiel" (correct spelling)?
Sorry you feel that way.

If so, this beginner has learned many valuable things from your 'irrelevant spiels' (correct spelling actually... looks wrong to me too). Keep spieling!

Tegan Lynn MUA wrote:
Keep spieling!

I concur.....keep spieling/sprouting/spouting/spilling/springing and spelling. Whatever you do KJB don't stop advising :-)

KJB wrote:

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
A lot of people are saying her words werent harsh but they were. I understand where she was coming from but she didnt have to say that what you charge is insulting.

I mean no disrespect, but those of you that find this conversation "harsh" need to toughen up if you plan on building a career in this industry.
The people who will make or break your career WILL NOT be coddling entitlement issues. This is not a race where everyone gets a trophy just for showing up. There will be a winner and many losers.

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
Professional MUAs  have an entirely different clientele than rookie, amateur, and student MUAs do. depending on what budget or look calls for, there are several different prices out there for clients to choose from. I agree that on the professional level it is wise to charge this way (half/full day), but for starting out a person should charge what they can.

INCORRECT.

If you are serious about building this into your primary source of income, you need to follow the rules of the actual, working industry FROM THE BEGINNING.
As you progress from assistant to beginner to veteran, you will ALWAYS be expected to:

- Use ONLY professional terms when talking to potential clients (not made-up terms that have been "created" on MM - they are not recognized in the real world).
- Book work using the correct steps (rate quotes and negotiation) and paperwork (deal memos, contracts).
- Charge clients using industry standards (half day, full day, flat rate) and bill them like a regular business (terms, invoices, deadlines, penalties). "Per Face" or "Per Model" rates were made up by non-professionals on Craigslist and MM - you could possibly damage your credibility if you use those terms with a legitimate client.
- ALWAYS present yourself properly - keeping your appearance, language and attitude professional at all times on set.

Makeup by Marilu wrote:
I know id be upset if I paid a starting MUA a full day rate for mediocre work.

This statement is illogical. You have to pay for work, mediocre or not.

You pay a lower rate when hiring a starting MUA.  You have CHOSEN to save money and your quality expectations should be lower due to their lack of experience.
BUT, they still need to charge a 1/2 or full day rate that reflects their experience level in your market.
If you pay top dollar for a person who represents themselves as a highly experienced artist and the work is sub-par, you have every right to dispute the charges.


Really?
20 years ago I was booking assistant work during NY Fashion Week at $600-$800 per show (these were normal rates).
Today, the same booking pays less than $200 (if you manage to get any money at all).
Why the drastic change?
We've allowed ourselves to be de-valued in the eyes of potential clients by UN-professional artists undercutting the competition (or working for free). This has consistently driven rates down and will continue to do so.

+1 this is spot on!

Makeup by Maria Luisa wrote:
To made nyc. I think youve taken my post and dissected it to go off on an irrelevant shpiel regarding the industry. There is no doubt charging by half or full day rates is a standard that is well established, but unfortunately it isnt always easy to work that way. Furthermore you can disagree with someone but its not fair to call someones opinion insulting just because they are new and learning the biz. No one is saying that offering advice as you just did, is harsh. Furthermore, there is no doubt every standard and level of professionaliam should always be achieved, but learning these things takes practice and experience. And i disagre that the MU industry has been devalued because of people like LC makeup artistry who charge less. The fact of the matter is that the economy has suffered and pay either goes down or stays the same. Im pretty sure the same goes for every industry. Everyone should value their work and charge appropriately. I agree that no one should sell themselves short and charge less than what is deserved, but the MU industry is no diff from the corporate industry. Target charges more because it offers a better shopping experience with better quality products. Walmart caters to bulk, cheap, and fast. Both companies are highly successful and offer each other a healthy level of competition for each other. If i want nice clothes I go to target, if iwant cheap frames, walmart is my place. I rest my case.

the beauty industry is not a Walmart or a Bloomingdales,we are independent contractors and Un like Walmart we don't pay salary to sell cheap clothing. I work at a salon as well as freelance.I see this argument all the time.I have only been freelancing for about 2 years and my experience was 7 salon only which was totally different from being on set from the timing to charging to expectation.
I even though I had skills and experience in my craft,I did not have a book or experience on set,so I started doing TF after 5-6 shoot I find out I could charge a kit fee, after all I have buy the supplies.I checked out on MM what the hair stylist in NYC where charging for kit fee when doing TF for editorial and such which was about $30 & up depending on wigs and so on.I also figure out that from talking to many MUA how to get sign with an agency,what they are looking for in your book...thats where I am right now getting a many editorial & beauty tear sheets as possible and if I want to be taken seriously I need a website which has help me a lot booking wedding and its was also the reason I got book for a paid bridal week runway show,paid gigs from photographers and I did a small ad campaign(simple hair),but would not had been book or made as much money if I did not stablished my half/full day rates industry standard to my skill level,I did was look through MM of countless hair stylist port and compare them to mines and how ever was similar to my skill level,I PM them and ask what their rate were.After all I want to make just as much money as next guy and if we are both charge the same then it all come down to preference of style.

But if your still not convince here perfect example that just happen on Monday, I'm styling hair for agency show cards for their new face devision,I'd worked with them one other time before with a MUA friend of mine,we both got paid right,this week they hired someone else to do makeup as my friend was booked,all goes well and at the end the new MUA packs & leaves.I stay to wait for my paid,the owner of the agency which hired me last week wasn't there,her assistant booker was in charge this time.Anyway she just said see you later,loved your work,so I inform her that Sam and I have an arrangement of payment,she apologies and said that Sam did not tell her and cuts me a check...The new MUA did not get paid because she was just happy to work with an agency...moral of the story is work is work and if I would had let that slide they would have never paid for work again and as we all know too well everyone knows each other in the fashion industry,I don't want to have the reputation that I will work for free...unfortunately that very skilled MUA has just gain that reputation.