Any freelance makeup artist will tell you that our working lives can be somewhat lonely at times.

It’s not like being in an office or on a counter where you have colleagues around you every day of your working life.

We freelancers work for ourselves, on our own and by ourselves.

Who do you bounce ideas off?

When you have a little ‘wobble’ as you embark on a new career, who in the industry, can you talk to, who’s been there too?

What about researching the best products to have in your kit?  Would you want to make costly mistakes, or get an experienced opinion?

Our Private PrePro area in the forum is mentored by Amanda Roberts, London based hair and makeup artist with experience in theatre, TV, film as well as bridal and photographic, Rochelle O’Brien, Leicestershire makeup artist with hundreds of weddings under her belt, Lauren Sally, a photographic and bridal makeup artist, plus Sam Donald pops in with her experience too!

There are a happy mix of regulars in the PrePro area, from recently qualified artists who have other ‘day’ jobs, artists in training and one or two who are considering Makeup Artistry as a career for them but who have a few questions they want to ask in private.

Some makeup schools and courses are fantastic, offering everything from basic training and good hygiene practices, right through to specialist areas in SFX, bridal, photographic, media etc etc.

But do they offer advice on where to advertise?

Do they tell you how to get professional discounts on makeup brands?

Or even how to manage your accounts, you’re self employed after all…

Who offers the best insurance cover?

How much should you insure your kit for?  How much should you budget for kit building?

The forum itself is a wealth of information, and the PrePro area is a stepping stone to becoming a fully fledged advising MAF artist, if that’s where you want to go to, or even just a helping hand when you haven’t got anyone else to talk to.

It’s totally free to join the forum, and free to join the PrePro area too.  Pop along and send a ‘pm’ to SamMakeup (MAF) for access.