Photographer
Jason Felip
Posts: 40
Evansville, Indiana, US
I think most photographers develop and eye for great photography that grows much faster than their actual skill. We know where we need to go, even if we are far from that goal. Makeup is another story. When I look at great photos the makeup and hair work seamlessly to create the look, but I don't know what I am looking at. When I look at the portfolio of a MUA here, I can't tell how well they can produce create makeup, given that most of their portfolio photos seem to be iPhone pics. What do I look for? Like bad lighting or bad photoshop, what are things to look for that are dead giveaways that this MUA may not be the one to choose?
Makeup Artist
Sandra Valero
Posts: 293
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
I'd say even foundation, good colour matching (face-neck-body) straight lines, defined lips (easy to spot on pictures with dark lipstick colours) groomed eyebrows, soft even blending on eyeshadows.
Makeup Artist
Danielle Blazer
Posts: 846
Los Angeles, California, US
It's great that you are asking the question. First of all, if you're looking at cell photos you are looking at an amateur, "wishful thinker" not a real artist. Look at the skin of the model in the photos. If the skin is overly retouched and you can no longer see the texture, it could be because they are not working in the real pro leagues yet or because their makeup was so bad it had to be highly retouched. If you can see the texture of the skin and it still looks flawless, that's a sign of a good artist. If you look at their photos and the first thing you see is the makeup in every photo and not the model, another sign things aren't where they should be. Another bad sign: lots of photos with crap on the face. Feathers, candy, glitter, jewels, etc. glued on the face for no reason other than they thought it looked cool. Not good. How do the models in their port look? Are they agency quality? Is their book cohesive, or does it seem to be all over the place, like they don't know what kind of artist they are? Is their communication clear, edited, without spelling/grammar/punctuation errors? Professionalism matters. It's too late by then, but if they show up on set in heels, dragging a 4,000 pound metal case full of makeup from Sephora...not such a good sign. 
Photographer
Jason Felip
Posts: 40
Evansville, Indiana, US
Wow, both are very clear and concise answers. Really helps. Thanks.
Photographer
Oscar Partida
Posts: 732
Palm Springs, California, US
I think there are many who know technique and have equipment....but few have the IT factor...it's hard to describe it..but people know it when they see it
Photographer
J O H N A L L A N
Posts: 12221
Los Angeles, California, US
Personally my evaluation of makeup artists has evolved over the years.
One of the things for instance I really pay attention to (beyond just "good" makeup, blending, etc) is the ability to do a nice transparent/translucent foundation for models with good skin.
A lot of makeup artists come from doing wedding work (can't argue with what necessarily pays the bills), but I've found that if they're too much in "that place", they're often doing a style of makeup that isn't well suited for agency girls for instance and fashion/beauty.
Makeup Artist
ArtistryImage
Posts: 3091
Washington, District of Columbia, US
Jason Felip wrote:
Signs of a Great MUA Jason there is one metric that is highly reliable... tear sheets in their book... seriously...
Publication demonstrates proven performance in a commercial realm...
THAT is what art directors look for...
A second metric is gender and ethnic diversity...
Many of my agency assignments involve male grooming...
An artist without gender and/or ethnic diversity in their books will not be taken seriously at the agency level... word...
The final metric is Agency Representation...
At that level the winnowing process and been dealt with...
An agency artist is likely capable of any narrative the AD on the project needs...
Hope this helps...
Model
MelissaAnn
Posts: 3971
Seattle, Washington, US
Makeup Hair by Dani B wrote:
It's too late by then, but if they show up on set in heels, dragging a 4,000 pound metal case full of makeup from Sephora...not such a good sign. LOL. Dammit, I thought I could be a professional MUA, and that my gigantic rolling metal case & pounds of Sephora makeup would get my there. How dare you burst my bubble! 
Makeup Artist
Danielle Blazer
Posts: 846
Los Angeles, California, US
MelissaAnn wrote:
LOL. Dammit, I thought I could be a professional MUA, and that my gigantic rolling metal case & pounds of Sephora makeup would get my there. How dare you burst my bubble! Tee hee.
Photographer
Jason Felip
Posts: 40
Evansville, Indiana, US
ArtistryImage wrote:
Hope this helps... It all does. Thanks
Photographer
Awesome Headshots
Posts: 2370
San Ramon, California, US
Jason Felip wrote:
I think most photographers develop and eye for great photography that grows much faster than their actual skill. We know where we need to go, even if we are far from that goal. Makeup is another story. When I look at great photos the makeup and hair work seamlessly to create the look, but I don't know what I am looking at. When I look at the portfolio of a MUA here, I can't tell how well they can produce create makeup, given that most of their portfolio photos seem to be iPhone pics. What do I look for? Like bad lighting or bad photoshop, what are things to look for that are dead giveaways that this MUA may not be the one to choose? IMHO: I think it has a lot to do with the shoot itself. For my specific needs I prefer speed and accuracy. Most of my clients (business portraits and actor headshots) do not have 45 minutes to sit in a chair prior to the shoot. When I post to my MUA list for a need I only send it to seasoned business and actor MUA's. If I have a fashion shoot, speed is not an issue, whereas creativity and precision are paramount.
Makeup Artist
TheMakeupMan
Posts: 3799
Los Angeles, California, US
Makeup Hair by Dani B wrote:
It's great that you are asking the question.
First of all, if you're looking at cell photos you are looking at an amateur, "wishful thinker" not a real artist. Look at the skin of the model in the photos. If the skin is overly retouched and you can no longer see the texture, it could be because they are not working in the real pro leagues yet or because their makeup was so bad it had to be highly retouched. If you can see the texture of the skin and it still looks flawless, that's a sign of a good artist.
If you look at their photos and the first thing you see is the makeup in every photo and not the model, another sign things aren't where they should be.
Another bad sign: lots of photos with crap on the face. Feathers, candy, glitter, jewels, etc. glued on the face for no reason other than they thought it looked cool. Not good.
How do the models in their port look? Are they agency quality? Is their book cohesive, or does it seem to be all over the place, like they don't know what kind of artist they are?
Is their communication clear, edited, without spelling/grammar/punctuation errors? Professionalism matters.
It's too late by then, but if they show up on set in heels, dragging a 4,000 pound metal case full of makeup from Sephora...not such a good sign. agreed ( although I do carry about 90 pounds of makeup lol )
also If their port is full of IPHONE photos that should be your first clue lol
I will say this however I have seen alot of talented artists who live in non urban aeras that do not have acess to agency quality models
But I do think Dani Nailed it pretty much and Artistryimage as well although im always on the look out for new talent and I truly belive the difference between a good and makeup artist is as easy as seeing if the Model is wearing the makeup or if the makeup is wearing the model ,,,,, thats is a true sign of talent ,,,,, it has to make sense
other than the makeup other considerations is about team building
Whats their work ethic , how are they in a team enviroment , how do they function under pressure, are they fun , funny , kind ect
alot of the jobs I do Id say almost anyone competant can do , big paying jobs .........but its the other things one brings to the table which keeps clients requesting them back , personality , temprament , energy ,ect ect all of those things help to create a great makeup artist
you can be as talented as all hell but if your a pain in the ass to work with ,,,,, you wont get rehired
Makeup Artist
Micky De Witt
Posts: 19
Louisville, Kentucky, US
TheMakeupMan wrote:
you can be as talented as all hell but if your a pain in the ass to work with ,,,,, you wont get rehired I totally agree. Kindness and humility can take you so far, even if all you have are IPhone pictures or your only experience is neutral looks for highschool senior shoots. If the MUA is willing to learn and is personable with clients, I think they are more likely to get called back.
I think each job will depend on what kind of MUA you are searching for. I know I have been so grateful for photographers who have given me a chance. I work with one photographer in my town who repeatedly calls me back, has given me opportunities to write for her blog, and passes my name along whenever possible. I've been free lancing for 6 years, but most of my bigger jobs were assisting. Somewhere along the line, someone gave me a chance to work on my own.
So I guess if you know you need a seasoned artist then all of the above advice is perfect, but don't forget the "new talent" as said by TheMakeupMan. We are all here to network, learn, and grow (I hope). ;-)
Photographer
Leonard Gee Photography
Posts: 18096
Sacramento, California, US
Book with enough clean, natural looks
Good range of make-up uses (natural, day, night, beauty)
Sophisticated use of color
Good blending and transitions
Contouring corrections for shape and symmetry
Perfect symmetry
Little retouching, no over-retouched/blurred images
Good skin color match - forehead, face, neck, body
Appropriate age range and skin colors in images
Great communications skills
Asks all the correct and necessary question for job
Correct hygiene procedures
Correct work speed and attention to rest of team
Adapts well to changing conditions and locations
If beginner, quick to learn
Good eye for photographs
Adapts well to my photography style
Photographer
T A R I Q
Posts: 1302
Baltimore, Maryland, US
Makeup Hair by Dani B wrote:
It's great that you are asking the question.
First of all, if you're looking at cell photos you are looking at an amateur, "wishful thinker" not a real artist. Look at the skin of the model in the photos. If the skin is overly retouched and you can no longer see the texture, it could be because they are not working in the real pro leagues yet or because their makeup was so bad it had to be highly retouched. If you can see the texture of the skin and it still looks flawless, that's a sign of a good artist.
If you look at their photos and the first thing you see is the makeup in every photo and not the model, another sign things aren't where they should be.
Another bad sign: lots of photos with crap on the face. Feathers, candy, glitter, jewels, etc. glued on the face for no reason other than they thought it looked cool. Not good.
How do the models in their port look? Are they agency quality? Is their book cohesive, or does it seem to be all over the place, like they don't know what kind of artist they are?
Is their communication clear, edited, without spelling/grammar/punctuation errors? Professionalism matters.
It's too late by then, but if they show up on set in heels, dragging a 4,000 pound metal case full of makeup from Sephora...not such a good sign. very good feedback
Photographer
Garry k
Posts: 30128
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Skill and Creativity are important no doubt
But also (in my opinion) the best MUAs that i have have worked with have a good manner in interacting with the models and are able to also provide educated advice about makeup and skincare
if they choose to take bad cell phone pix of their work or work with substandard photographers then they are selling themselves short
Hair Stylist
rick lesser
Posts: 1116
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US
I think that the hair and makeup should be part of the story your telling. They should not stand out, unless that's the story. I see hair and makeup as an accessory to the total look. They should enhance the image. Not distract by being too strong or too weak. R-
Photographer
Thomas Van Dyke
Posts: 3232
Washington, District of Columbia, US
Leonard Gee Photography wrote:
Book with enough clean, natural looks
Good range of make-up uses (natural, day, night, beauty)
Sophisticated use of color
Good blending and transitions
Contouring corrections for shape and symmetry
Perfect symmetry
Little retouching, no over-retouched/blurred images
Good skin color match - forehead, face, neck, body
Appropriate age range and skin colors in images
Great communications skills
Asks all the correct and necessary question for job
Correct hygiene procedures
Correct work speed and attention to rest of team
Adapts well to changing conditions and locations
If beginner, quick to learn
Good eye for photographs
Adapts well to my photography style Extremely well stated Leonard... thank you for sharing your wisdom here...
The only variation I would suggest would be on the last item...
Might rephrase this as The ability to visualize any given narrative to underscore its meaning and translate concepts effectively into a compelling "look"which meets and/or exceeds client expectations
Also add I would add... Knowledge of the effects of various illumination sources on the talents skin... and the ability to deal effectively with sheen especially in the T-Zone...
Again, many thanks Leonard...
Makeup Artist
CC Makeup Artist
Posts: 39
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Lots of thing can tell you How good the artist are …
But First of all … You need to figure it out What you are looking for.
After that check the portfolio to look for …
1-Diversities : as an artist it’s important to be able to work with every kind (more the artist as diversities more the artist will be able to adjust into your need)
2-Creativity and structure: The look (it’s there a story when you look a portfolio ?!?)
3- Foundation/ skin of the model: No matter the look as an artist we want to archieve the skin work remains the most important focus (sometimes It’s good to check the amateur photo without the professional photograph intervention too).
4- Don’t hesitate to check out the feedback too (customer or people who work with the artist are the best to give you a cue about What the deal is).
Makeup Artist
MUA Janine
Posts: 242
San Francisco, California, US
Everyone has pretty much said them but...
-Color matching
-Being able to do natural makeup well (which is one of the hardest looks to do)
-Defined lips (no fading or feathering)
-Natural looking groomed brows
-Well blended shadow that isn't chalky or fading
-Symmetric work
Model
Amanda Mortem
Posts: 141
Albany, New York, US
Achieving a natural skin shade. I don't want to look red, orange, or pasty white.
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