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Sue McLaurin, Brisbane makeup artist and business coach with over 20 years’ experience, gives some great advice!
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This week: getting personal with Sue McLaurin, Brisbane makeup artist and educator with over 20 years’ experience.
Ever wanted to change careers, but thought… I’m too old to start over? Not for Sue McLaurin! Sue was working in the travel industry in Europe for most of her twenties, travelling and loving the feel-good freedom that the lifestyle brought. It was only when she returned to Australia working in a corporate job that she had the yearning to be back working with people, in a fun, creative way.
In an age where social media is critical to building and maintaining your networks, Sue talks us through how networking was key to her success as a freelance mua – and how the skills can still be applied to artists now.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
NETWORK.
As a freelance mua, you’re running your own business and should treat it as such.
Sue’s top tip is to network. Get on the phone (hit the socials) and organise face-to-face catch ups.You will get knock backs, but the ones you land, and do well, will be the ones to further establish your business and build your networks.
A lot of people don’t see being a mua as a legitimate job, more like a ‘hobby’. So, the knock backs, they can be hurtful. And we fully understand it can be tough. But that’s what you have to use as fuel to keep you going. When you land a job or have a client that is REALLY HAPPY with your work – you know, and you get that good ole’ pat on the back kinda-feeling, that this is what it is all for!
Networking to meet other artists is just as important, something TMI aims to achieve. We want to build our community of artists, so that everyone has someone to lean on, learn from and grow with. If you’re interested in assisting, you can pop your details down here.
“I got so many no’s, so many knock backs. In the first year I did five weddings… but then in the second year I did 56, and the third and fourth years I did over 150 each of those years.”
FIND YOUR NICHE.
Something Sue really impresses on her students is to find your niche. In an oversaturated industry, you need to find your niche, your ideal clients, your own style and way of doing things.
What sets you apart as an artist? Think about your style, what would someone say about you when recommending you to a future client?
Sue suggests working to a two-year timeline. ‘It takes about two years to establish yourself’, and while it’s not all bright lights, if it’s your dream and you’ve set clear goals to achieve – then you’re going to work your hardest to get to that point.
You can be the most talented makeup artist in town, but if nobody knows about you, you’re not going to get booked. Keep your networks up-to-date, keep your skills up-to-date and stay true to yourself.
SHAPING SUCCESS.
What not to do? Don’t focus purely on the makeup, to the detriment of relationships. Half of what is going to get you booked for that next job or next client, is collaborating with other artists and being part of a community.
Being a successful freelance mua is only about 20% focused on the makeup you do.
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