Hi MMers,

I would like to know what is the best way to create a portfolio for a makeup artist. I have tons of work to choose from.

What should/shouldn't be represented in my port?
How many total photos max should I include?
How far back in my work should I go?


Thank You all in advance looking forward to the feedback!

Portfolio images are discussed fairly often ... take a walk through Search for some good reading.

Reoccurring points:

1) A portfolio is only as strong as it's weakest image.

2) Clients want to see images that match or exceed what they hire for, so portfolio should be tailored to the marketplace.

3) Portfolios show how well we work as a team. The quality of the photographer, model, wardrobe, hair, etc are just as important as our contribution.

4) A portfolio is never done. It should always be updated and pruned.

80% clear excellent natural make-up
10% creative, 10% alternatives (extreme.hair, or conceptual)
mix it with color-pallets and contemporary , fashionable make-up styles...and above all show teamwork

Remember most who look at a portfolio, can't judge about make-up...so they will focus mostly on the quality of the image and the kind of teams you have been working with...if the image is good, they assume the make-up was good...

make sure your make-up is not too much retouched..it should remain your signature...

When i judge mua's portfolio i judge at 3 levels:
-technical (how are the eye-shadowblends, lip-lines etc), how did you apply powder/skintones etc
-do you understand faces? is the make-up blended into the face, or is it a loose part of the face? did you correct the face, does the shapes enhance the face? are the lines correct? does it express the theme of the shoot?
- how creative are you?


Herman
www.hermanvangestel.com
make-up-artist, wardrobestylist, art-director, and only then photographer

Both replies above are excellent. I'll just add: only current work unless it's your best photo and was done within the last year or two. Have different ports for different work. I have separate ports for SFX and theater. I have two regular ports; one shows more creative than the other. What I hand out depends on the client/agency and need. How many photos? A dozen is plenty. Put the best first. The second best last. The third best in the middle. This grabs attention, leaves a great memory or may make them think twice, and keeps them flipping through to the end.

Excellent points. I totally agree with what has been said. I am constantly adding to my portfolio and removing images as needed. I think it is also important to pay attention to trends in fashion/beauty...if you're planning on doing things outside of specific genres (bridal, theatre, SFX).

Right now street chic and 90s fashion are on fire, so having looks that sort of cater to that have been getting me a lot of jobs recently. Come fall I might play up some of the images I have a bit more of a fall theme...dark bold lips, flushed cheeks, etc. I'd say general images that every overall MUA should have in their port are:
-a few natural looks
-something pinup based
-several dramatic/avant-garde looks
-several glam/bridal looks
-Men's grooming

I like to do this because chances are you'll work with seasoned pros as well as aspiring photographers/models.  A lot of times they might not know exactly what they want aside from something 'winter' inspired or something 'urban'. So having examples of your capabilities will help clients to better visualize what you can do for them.

I always aim for quality over age. If I did a killer job on something two years ago and it still seems relevant to my port it stays.

Thank you all so much this was a great help! Great confirmation!

We are never to old or have been around for so long that we can't learn, relearn and rethink.  The reply's are perfect advice for all of us.  And for me, the timing couldn't be better.  I'm having my site redone. (again) ugh.  R-