Getting the most out of your business
- Know your craft - Study the time line of your craft; learn how it has evolved. Educate yourself on the current trends in hair, makeup as well as in fashion. Be able to educate your clients, by doing so you'll gain their trust- which leads to a more relaxed client and continued work, because they now know that you are not only skilled at what you do but you are also very knowledgeable on the craft.
- Keep it Real - Be yourself!! Don't pretend to be someone you think the client wants you to be, instead just be yourself. By doing so they'll be able to really connect with you, thus breaking down all the barriers. Allow your personality to shine through.
- Time is Money- As you may know in the fashion & entertainment industry TIME IS MONEY, so it's necessary that you are AWAYS on time. Just think of it this way- if you arrive in time for the "call time" then you're LATE! Always arrive at least 15-30 mins. before your "call time". You arriving early gives you the upper hand. This may allow you the privilege of knowing any last minute changes and enough time to set up your work space, check for adequate lighting and review the plan for each client.
- Meet & Greet - If you are hired as a makeup artist or hair stylist on the set of a production, you should get acquainted with as many people of relevance, such as the director, the AP, the producer, the client, the client's manager and/ assistant, and ofcourse the casting director. Leave your stamp! Be PRESENT, POLITE & PROFESSIONAL, however try not to be over zealous and annoying. At the end or in your down time try to exchange contact #'s and store it immediately in your phone with a tag line, for example (ANN WHITE - casting director 4 bacardi).
- Take Breaks Not Vacations - Yes productions are usually long days sometimes 16hrs and it takes a toll on your body and you may feel like you need a break; it's ok to rest for a while but no more than 15 mins. at any given time unless there's a slow period. Be smart about it! Rest during major set changes or during location change (if there is one). Just ensure that you've done all that is required and then some before taking any breaks. Note: if you are aware that it's a major production which will run for an extended period then be smart and hire an assistant, this will take alot of pressure off you. It is also a good idea for your assistant to remain on set at all times to do the necessary touch ups. This will reflect positively on you because this will lessen the chances of the director having to radio you frequently to be on set. REMEMBER TO BE PRESENT!! This will determine if you'll get booked again.
- Seal It In Ink- As a freelancer every job is critical and is of utmost importance, as it is the only way you can stay a float with your personal expenses. How many of us have had a client call and arrange a date for an up coming gig, and you both review the details down to the location and arrival time; only to be informed at the last minute that there has been a drastic decrease in the # of clients you were expecting or that has been cancelled all together. This sucks!! Don't allow this to happen to you, create a contract for each job. If it's bridal, be sure to collect 50% of the cost upon signing and the balance on or before the day of the event.
These are a few tips I wanted to share with you, I hope it helps you on your road to success; we can never know too much.
love it... thanks for sharing!
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