Makeup artist contract: let's get into it!

Relying on verbal agreements are not enough especially when it comes to your business. As makeup artists the career can seem very "do it yourself" type of thing because schooling isn't necessary. Thankfully everything is online and you can learn how to train yourself or you are naturally artistic so painting comes easily to you. As a painter of faces, art isn't taken seriously because of the freedom involved in it so why would anyone ever think of needing a contract? YOUR TIME is a wonderful reason why.

I love money but not as much as expressing myself with eyeshadow. The only problem with that ideology is client's don't feel the same way. Think of it as a reason to make your client learn the importance of your work. When hired, makeup artists translate why overpriced concealer, airbrush foundation and a Natasha Denona palette are all necessary to create beauty. Client's don't know why the hell all this is necessary but they're drawn to how gorgeous you made yourself and models in your portfolio. To further express that point you make them sign a contract and pay a non-refundable. In other words money talks .. a lot.

NON REFUNDABLE

You're a sole business owner and a nonrefundable covers any cancellations or other alteration you've made with your schedule. That deposit can be half the payment of the overall service or 20%. By taking their money the minute they book you send the message that they are locked in and if anything arises your time is still paid. If they do cancel while paying their deposit it's up to you to charge an extra cancellation fee.

Cancellation fee

There has to be a charge for cancelling the day of or 24-48 hours before the appointment. Listen, time is valuable and with all that mix up you could've booked another client or had a nap. I recommend having a card on file once the contract is signed so that they know of all this. Keeping a card on file can also ensure that you're paid the remaining balance the day of. Do not begin doing makeup until you are paid. Add a late fee too if your client does not arrive at the scheduled time as well.

Travel fee

I used to believe that no one should pay for you to get to work because you work to get paid. Although this is true- it doesn't work here. I say charge a dollar a mile outside of the area in which you live. The last thing you want to do is to break even after all that work. If you're daring charge for traveling period; which can work if you have a car. Having a car, you can explain that you need the gas for extra mileage or parking fees.

NEW FACES?

We've all been there where we've done makeup on the people that were scheduled and out of no where another batch wants to look just as good. This is all great for your pocket but you want to keep a head count of who's there and for what. I say start with knowing /learning names and jotting it down just so you know. By adding your fee to any extra faces to your contract you ensure that you will be paid for whoever extra. Also, it relieves the tackiness of discussing your price aloud.

EXTRAS

Whenever out on a booking there's always a new charge sometimes odd. It can be random things that arise out of necessity. Sometimes your bride doesn't disclose the tattoo that she or her bridesmaids need covered or that her spray tan ran. Also, what the look is no longer what was agreed on and updated into another.When any of this occurs an extra change is needed because that's no longer just a full face. It also covers the extra moments that arise and let your bride or client know that you have a charge for extra services.

Bridal trial

Some brides love to be surprised on their day and create a look with you on that day. I don't know why but I believe it has a lot to do with cutting costs. I think that a trial is a must and should be included in your bridal package because the day of a wedding can be very hectic. I think keeping the look as planned can always help settle the bride's feelings. Also, it can help you stay calm cool and collected.

Client service agreement

You want your client to know that while looking out for your best interest you are also doing the same for them. You want them to know that you will make sure they will be satisfied with your service. Also, you want to include that what was agreed on will be the outcome of the service. Once again, protecting you from any flair-ups or changes that will alter the look. If that occurs the "extras" portion will remind them that a price update will occur because of changes. Also, you want your client to know that this is your business and it should be seen as such.

More of an explanation

You also want to go through the specifications of your contract with your client upon booking. I say during the consultation or DM you can let them know why everything is written out. It also sets everything in stone just in case they think bringing their lashes give them a discount. (I'd also add something about client's adding their products to your service because you don't know the hygienics.) All your utensils are sanitized and that would be a great addition to your agreement. Be sure to have it signed before the day of your appointment so that your service can begin without a hitch.

There's several templates of makeup artist contracts on Pintrest as well as extra tidbits that you may need or want to add. I say use your experience as a tool when considering what you need to protect yourself as a makeup artist. Also, bring in a copy of what was agreed to your client so everyone is reminded on what was agreed on. Lastly, contracts won't fix everything when it comes to being a working makeup artist but it's a start. I feel that there's another level to legitimacy that's shown. You are your own representative when doing makeup and contracts are an extension of that.

Tag a fellow makeup artist and if you are one share your contract details! We need more help in the community and less mystery when pursuing our talents.