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I do makeup but worried of letting go of my job
Hi guys. My name is Eunice. I'm a freelance makeup artist. I quit nursing (college) and went back again to study Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts and will graduate on 2016. So I have been really having a conflict with doing makeup and teaching English to Japanese students (part time). I know the industry is too far away from eachother but then, teaching Japanese students is something I have for a regular basis and makeup does not come in everyday. But if I were to compare the two, I earn more from doing makeup but thing is, it's not everyday. My job as a teacher allows me to earn a decent amount that I could survive everyday. But makeup is also my passion. Sometimes I get discourage when I'm here in the office waiting for students for me to teach especially if the management is so poor at handling us teachers. As for makeup, I do have people who needs my services but thing is, it does not happen everyday. I could still do makeup everyday since my class schedule is very flexible but my only problem is maintaining the amount of clients I have..which also means I will not have money if I don't have clients. I buy makeup from what I earn from makeup gigs and teaching English. So, I'm having a conflict whether or not I should quit this job. I think most probably a lot of you will say "You should totally quit your job." If ever, how will I adjust without it? What if I become broke again? Any advice? Apr 02 14 04:57 am Link I would not quit a regular paying job just yet. Build up a awesome portfolio, work with the best photographers and models you can. This way, you can slowly build a clientele, this does not happen overnight. Keep your job, for now! Apr 02 14 05:14 am Link wendy haigh wrote: +1 Apr 02 14 05:22 am Link euniceenrera wrote: You answered your own question several times. Apr 02 14 05:50 am Link Hi! Thank you. I do believe I have a decent portfolio for now and because of that, I gain clients but sometimes I had a chance to work for mac before but I informed them I could not continue any further because I need to pursue college again. On my job, no students means no money too...so it's like freelance but on a different industry. .so I'm torn between the two. http://euniceenrera.weebly.com/beauty.html Apr 02 14 05:54 am Link You answered your own question several times. Thank you! Apr 02 14 05:55 am Link If you are concerned that you are not putting sufficient effort into your makeup business, then try to network properly. "Building a portfolio" is a nice thing to do, but marketing yourself within your clientele (not relying on websites) is more productive. It sounds like you already have somewhat of a base clientele to help you expand. That might be the best route to go, before you decide which job takes precedence. Have you considered offering private English tutoring? That is one service that can be done efficiently online. Starting an "English Tutoring for Japanese Speakers" website to advertise your private business, and see how much business it draws. You can work out your own hours, instead of waiting for people to show up at your job? And you can pursue weddings, events. etc., as a full time job during the rest of the time. Best of luck! Apr 02 14 05:58 am Link I'm in the same boat. Not quitting my full-time job until I have a well built portfolio and set of clients. Good luck and kaya mo yan! Apr 02 14 08:40 am Link It's totally acceptable to keep your day job and do makeup on the side until you really build up that clientele. I personally really love the balance. Apr 03 14 03:21 pm Link I'm going to be the odd one out here, and the bad influence, but.. I am honest in saying that my freelance work never picked up until I was no longer at my day job. Granted, I did not leave my day job on my own terms. In all honesty, I tried to leave, but kept changing my mind last minute, as I was scared to take the final plunge. It was a vicious cycle. I couldn't spend any time creating and developing new contacts, because I was too jumbled up trying to balance my work and my existing clients. It wasn't until I was in an accident, which left me unable to work - at my day job, or doing make up. I spent my two months' recovery networking like a crazy person. Making contacts and emailing every one I could. Maintaining a social media presence, and keeping in contact with my client base. When I was well enough to start working again, I didn't need to get a day job - I had enough bookings on my own. This also included networking with other artists in my area - who will often pass on jobs that they are not available for. (what I mean to say is - not 100% of my jobs were hustled by me and me alone.) I realize that my situation is pretty unique, but I still wanted to share - it's good to see all possible angles of a situation. While my accident was an awful thing to go through - on the positive side, it was a little push that got me somewhere new. Best wishes on your journey! Apr 03 14 09:15 pm Link Carmen Rachel MUA wrote: I have to second that. May 06 14 10:05 pm Link wendy haigh wrote: +1 May 06 14 10:33 pm Link This was a response to a photographer about a starting a studio but the idea of making a business plan goes for any and every business. Disregard the location part. I'll replay an answer from a previous thread, I don't own a "studio" but you've hit upon a pet peeve of mine, people entering into a business without doing a proper business plan. Before starting any business there's a lot you need to know, What your projected monthly cost of doing business will be (add at least 10% to your best projection), this includes, rent, electricity... This amount tells you how much business you have to do just to keep the doors open. Do a complete study of location, ( THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ) The wrong location can kill any business. Market research, population ( size of your possible client base ), competition, are they making a good living? Are they better than you? Can you offer what they can't? Feng Shui , no, really! The flow of traffic into and out of your, parking lot/ business... equals the possible flow of $$$ in! There's a tiny strip mall here that has a square shaped parking lot with only one opening, businesses, open and die within months, it's so much trouble getting in & out of the place no one goes there! Do you know someone who actually makes their living (better than you're making in your current job) and is there enough steady work for you and them in your area?? Do your due diligence before giving up your current steady income. May 06 14 11:00 pm Link |