Right now I'm reading the book "Secrets of Stylists
" by Sasha Charnin Morrison. I mentioned it in a video but again, I'm not aiming to become a stylist but anything that has to do with breaking in to the "industry" I find it useful. In my interview with Ferenc Photography, I actually said, if you never give up, it WILL happen. So when I read the passage below, I was so excited that someone felt the same way!
In the book there is a Q and A with stylist Monica Rose. She was asked: What words of advice would you have for young people who dream of doing what you do?
Her answer is:
"My advice is never give up. If you work hard and set your mind to it, you will make it. Focus is key. Don't worry about everybody else; it's a waist of time to worry about someone else making it before you. You're time will come if you are on the right path. I also suggest working in retail, interning, and assisting. Don't expect to one day decide to style and the next have an A-List client walk the red carpet. Also, don't go into it thinking you are going to make a ton of money right away. It's all about timing and patience."
If I could add my own input to her last sentence, I would say it's also about dedication. The ability to see something through is important.
What I love about her answer (besides both of us believing that never giving up brings success) is that she brings up the point of worrying about other people making it before you. I can't lie, I have been a victim of this. You worry that there won't be any more room for you when you are ready but like Monica said, be on the right and your time will come. And definitely be prepared to work for free. A lot of people trying to break in don't want to work for free, for example, hair stylists that work in salons find it very hard to understand you must work for free in the beginning. You will do a lot of test shoots for prints for your portfolio.
I have gotten ignored by people just because they feel they are better than me. I have people ignore me once they find out I have a child. I just have to remember that some people will find ANYTHING to judge you about.
Reading Monica's answer gives me so much hope because I know I am working my butt off to make my dreams a reality, and it calms me down after I freak out over a new makeup artist getting signed to an agency when I don't feel ready to take my work in myself. All in due time.
-Makeup Artist Jessica Rivera
SHORTCUTS
My Facebook
My Homepage
My Twitter
My YouTube
My Newsletter
Great post, very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jessica! I also worry too much about "is there still room for me?" Keeping forcused is key.
ReplyDeleteAre you starting out as a makeup artist Beatriz? Where are you located. Its hard and there are always people to bring you down but that's why I love keeping inspiring quotes, to remind me of the good!
ReplyDeleteI've been an artist on and off for ten years doing mostly pageant contestants, quinceaneras and some brides. My goal was to grow but then came marriage and babies. Not a bad thing by any means, but I did put my professional dreams on hold. Now that my boys are a bit older and with my husband’s support I want to start my business up again. Your blog has been so helpful, inspiring, and motivating.
ReplyDeleteI’m from the lovely city of Chicago with a ton of competition. Staying positive because I know there is a spot for me.
Excellent Post!!! It's just what I needed to hear today! I often get discouraged when I may send a "Pro" "Celebrity" mua a friends request and reieve no response. I have to keep going and worry about where I'm heading not about them and their success! Thanks again!
ReplyDelete@Beatriz That's great you can start up again. If only our children realized how much of ourselves we sacrifice for them. And Chicago is a great place for business! Chicago is the capital of tv commercials!
ReplyDelete@Satsuki omg I've had soooo many people ignore my friend request or my message, tweet. It's funny, these Pro MUA want to gain a following on twitter or where ever else, but they don't encourage young MUA at all. Very sad. But I've learned to get over it quick and not care.