Breaking Down the Cost of Getting Red Carpet Glam

When celebrities step out on the red carpet they look like a million bucks, but is it all luck and good genes? Not really.  The amount of time, work, and money that it takes to look Oscar-worthy is mind blowing, yet it offers artists and stylists a chance to book a lot of work and shine in their own right.

With the advent of HDTV, which magnifies even the most miniscule of imperfections, celebs truly count on their team of artists and stylists to up the ante and make them look as flawless as possible.

Jennifer Lawrence has been quoted as saying that it takes her 4.5 hours and a group of people to get her ready for the red carpet.  How is that possible? Well, the answer is simple.  When a celeb gets ready for a big event, it takes much more than  hiding out in the bathroom doing their own hair and makeup and deciding on what to wear.  They spend hours with a team of professionals, aka their glam squad, deciding on the look du jour.

While every star you see in front of a step and repeat may have gone through a different beautification process, it’s not uncommon that most have a similar schedule on the days leading up to a red carpet event.  They’ll start off with an esthetician who will make sure that their skin is as glowing and unblemished as possible from head to toe.  Massage therapists may be called in to help the celeb relax as well and a manicurist is booked to coordinate those beautiful hands and feet with the gown and shoes.  If the look of the moment is St. Tropez-ready, then a spray tan expert will be booked to work his/her golden magic.

Should the star need a traffic-stopping smile, a dental hygienist will be booked to glisten up those pearly whites. Fashion stylists will have collaborated with designers and pulled together fabulous ensembles that include, gowns, suits, shoes, watches, purses, jewelry and hair accessories.  Hair and makeup artists will be ready to transform the stars from hot to haute and assistants of all types will be waiting in the wings to pick up any slack.

Wondering what kind of money goes into looking red carpet ready, and how much some of these top notch beauty and fashion experts can make?  It’s pretty astounding.  While prices vary depending on the artist and services rendered, well known makeup artists can make $4,000 per day, fashion stylists may earn upwards of $2,000 per day, and highly revered hair stylists are known to command  $2,000-4,000 for the day.  While 4 celebrities took a stand against showing off their hands, feet and rings to the Mani Cam at this years SAG Awards in Los Angeles a manicurist prepping the hands and feet of an award nominee can walk away with $600 – $1,000 per celeb. If the star requires a facial, the esthetician can be expected to charge up to $350 for the procedure, and a spray tan will cost $80 or more.  That Colgate smile has a price tag between $500 and $1,000, and for $600, any minor blemishes or skin imperfections can be lasered away.

The time and money that it takes to look Oscar, Golden Globe, Emmy, or Grammy worthy is substantial, but celebs deliver a fantasy….and it takes a village of hair, fashion, and beauty professionals to make that fantasy a reality!  Those professionals get paid a pretty penny to work their magic, and what better inspiration is there to get up, work hard, focus, and turn your freelance career into an empire!

Visit our website at www.PYPSummit.com NOW to buy event tickets online and discover how you can take your career to THIS level. For more information or to set up payment arrangements call (323) 299-0500.

Monifa Mortis, Makeup Artist to the Stars!

Monifa Mortis is a Manhattan based Celebrity Makeup Artist with an impressive client list that includes, but is not limited to, Queen Latifah, Kimora Lee Simmons, Alicia Keys, Venus Williams, Michelle Williams, magazines like Marie Claire, Essence, InStyle Magazine, Elegant Bride, O Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone, and a plethora of top notch directors and photographers.

Monifa’s ability to create a fresh, modern, clean look that enhances her clients’ features while maintaining the authenticity of their faces makes her one of the most sought after Makeup Artists with a truly impressive line-up of star clients.

She will be gracing us with her knowledge and presence at this year’s PYP Summit and took some time out of her busy schedule to answer questions about life as a Makeup Artist and what she’s looking forward to seeing and doing at PYP.

Tell me a little about what how you got started in the Industry?

I really kind of just fell into it. I was a beauty junkie since my teens. I liked experimenting with cosmetics on myself, but never really thought of myself as an artist. I actually went to school for fashion and received a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising, but ended up being more interested in makeup than in clothing.

 I would look at fashion magazines and really examine the different looks and makeup being used, really for my own benefit. I wanted to try the different looks on myself. Eventually, friends started commenting on how much they loved my makeup and asking me to do theirs. They wanted me to recreate on them what I was doing on myself. This led to more referrals and I started getting paid to do makeup.

 One exciting example was when one of my girlfriends, who was a Wilhelmina model at the time, asked me to be her makeup artist on a test shoot with a photographer that she admired. The photographer loved my work so much that he hired me to come back the next Monday to do makeup for another shoot. I ended up booking more work through him and more jobs started coming my way. This was a defining moment and opened my mind to pursuing makeup as a career.

Was there a defining moment or turning point in your career that led to your current success?

I think it’s when I worked on my first celebrity that I really felt that I was on to something big. I was working with hair salons doing makeup for their lookbooks and the photographer mentioned that he had a contact for Stevie Wonder. He got me in touch and I ended up grooming Stevie for a television appearance. I was starstruck at getting to work with such a legend and to have this incredible opportunity.

 After working with Stevie Wonder, I went back to thank the photographer who had recommended me for the job and was overheard and approached by Eric Spearman who asked if I would be interested in being his assistant. Eric had worked with celebrities like Missy Elliot, Angela Bassett and many more, so this opportunity would prove to be another great turning point in my career.

 What excites you the most about the Summit, and what do you think attendees will get at the Summit that they won’t get elsewhere?

One thing that I am really excited about and looking forward to, is meeting other makeup artists. I love being around my peers and other people that are on the same journey. Normally, as makeup artists, we work solo and don’t get a chance to hang out with other people in our craft, so it will be really nice to share camaraderie with old friends and new. I am also excited to see how the energy of learning affects people at the Summit, as well as how it will affect me. I look forward to feeling re-charged!

 Other than yourself, who is another “must see” speaker at the Summit?

I am really looking forward to seeing Anthony Dickey, Maria Echelard, and Kevin James Bennett!

What is the biggest mistake you think a freelancer can make in today’s beauty business?

One of the biggest mistakes a freelance makeup artist can make in today’s beauty business is to mistake social media makeup for a real business. They need to set themselves apart from makeup enthusiasts. Selfies can be fun, but you want to build a real portfolio, working on models, with a good photographer and images that tell a story. Doing your own makeup and taking selfies is a completely different thing than working with models, different types of faces and features and really putting your energy into creating a portfolio that shows you are qualified to book gigs. Glam it up!

 What kinds of things do you have coming up or going on in your professional life that you would like our readers to be aware of?

I just launched GlamKitti! It’s a mini face kit for makeup artists to give to their clients when they can’t be with them for touch ups, for example at weddings, special events, the red carpet, etc. The kit is small enough to fit into the smallest clutch yet allows you to add up to seven different items for makeup touchups. It’s also great for any woman to be able to have access to her makeup throughout the day or evening without having to carry around a bulky case and it’s great for makeup artists to use for building their business and client services.

 GlamKitti (glamkitti.com) just got picked up by Alcone and I will be at their booth at IMATS (International Makeup Artists Trade Show) in Pasadena, California this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, January 16-18. I’m also happy to say that I have been featured in February’s issue of Essence magazine which is out on stands now.

 Thank you, Monifa!

To learn more about the PYP Freelance Business Development Summit in Stamford, CT this April 18-20, 2015 visit www.pypsummit.com or call (323) 299-0500.

Building Your Personal Brand

One of the key elements to enhancing your career as a freelancer is the development of your “brand”.  Personal branding is one of the most effective ways to market yourself as a freelancer and allows you to use the same strategies that celebrities use to stand out and appeal to your existing and potential customers.

Creating a brand that represents you well while at the same time makes people stop and take a second look at what you have to offer is essential and just what you need to really jump start your career.  With the increasing popularity and use of social networking, creating your own brand is easier and more effective than ever.  So, what do you need to do to develop your personal brand?   You want to figure out what you want your brand to be, and then you need to expand on it.

Some fantastic ways to figure out what you want your brand to be is to think about what drives you.  What is your motivation for your career?  Where do you want to see yourself in the next few years?  Who do you want to appeal to?  What sets you apart, or how can you set yourself apart from the competition?  Brainstorm and write down answers to these questions and ideas that can lead you to creating a mission statement for your brand that tells everyone who you are and what you do.

Think about how your current and past co-workers, clients, teachers, mentors, etc. have described you.  If you’re known for being witty, an out-of-the-box thinker, a problem solver…these all make you stand apart from the crowd and should become part of your brand.

Think about your niche and how you can make it your own despite competition in the same work genre.  What’s something that makes you a better hairstylist, fashion stylist, manicurist, or makeup artist?  Don’t limit yourself to only considering what you can do well career-wise, but also include parts of your personality that would make others be drawn to you.   What you show people via your brand will be their first impression of you, so you want your brand to be an accurate representation of who you are and what you can bring to the table.

Once you’ve discovered your brand and are feeling confident about it, you’ll be ready to expand it and put it out into the world!  You’ll want to create a business card, both on paper and virtually via sites like mydropcard.com. Including a photo, your personal brand statement (i.e. Holistic Beauty Professional), and contact information are key.  Once your cards are ready, you’ll want to make sure to always have them on hand because you never know when you’ll meet a potential client or contact.

Next, you’ll want to start a website that you can also use as your portfolio if you don’t already have one.  A well put together site adds to your credibility and professionalism and can be used as an online resume.  Make work references easy to find on your site as well as lists of clients and work experience.

Take advantage of social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, etc.  If you want to add a video element to your social networking, open up a Vine or YouTube account.  Come up with a social media handle that you use on all of your sites, so that your name/brand is easy to find.  Having a different profile name or handle for each site can create confusion for your audience.

When your accounts are up and running, stay active on them.  Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to post multiple times a day, instead,  set up a schedule of days and times when you can respond to other users, leave feedback, and make yourself a presence.  To save on time, sign up for sites like Hootsuite.com, that help you post across all of your sites at once.

Add content to your sites that make you seem approachable, honest, positive, and someone that everyone would want to work with or get to know.  You don’t need to update with long, wordy posts, rather keep things simple with tips, witticisms, trend observations, relevant news to your niche…all of these will keep your audience interested, connected, and growing.

Having a solid personal brand as a freelancer allows you to grow your exposure and your business.  It influences how the world sees you and what you have to offer.  You get to be in control of the impression you make on your audience and a good brand makes you more memorable and easier to connect with.

When all is said and done, you’ll want to make sure that you live your brand. The world is your stage and if your brand sells you as being highly motivated, you might not want to come off as the opposite in person.  Your brand should be a genuine representation of who you are and what makes you awesome.

Now go on, and get to creating and expanding your personal brand!  The world awaits!

To learn more about the PYP Freelance Business Development Summit in Stamford, CT this April 18-20, 2015 visit www.pypsummit.com or call (323) 299-0500.

Fashion and Style Terminology for the Freelance Fashionista

This is a list of style terms that are helpful for the beginning makeup, hair, fashion stylist or manicurist who is just getting their feet wet working on the set. While not a complete list of all the lingo, it is inclusive of many terms that will help new artists and stylists better understand the language swirling around them before the director screams, “That’s a wrap!”

Mood Board: A collection of images and textures that express the concept, direction and inspiration of a photo-shoot, commercial, fashion show or event. The mood board may include people, color collections, clothing patterns, background options, makeup choices and more.

Test Shoot: A non-paid portfolio building session with a photographer, makeup artist, hair stylist, manicurist, fashion stylist and model. The goal is to have images demonstrating the talent of the team good enough to add to their portfolio to help them get booked for paid jobs.

Call Sheet: A call sheet contains all details of the shoot including location, call times, creative team, essential contact information, schedule of the day, and any other important details. This is sent out at least 24 hours prior to the shoot.

Call Time: The time an individual should arrive for a shoot. Call time may be different for different me members of the creative team.

Wrap Time: The projected time that you will complete the shoot.

Trade: When a shoot is done in exchange for services, for example, images.

TFP:  Trade for Pictures. The pay for the shoot is compensation in digital files or printed images not for money.

Pull Letter: A letter from a magazine or production company written on your behalf, to validate the use of clothing and/or accessories encourage designers and showrooms to lend clothing for a shoot. The letter usually provides details of the shoot.

Commission Letter: Similar to a Pull Letter, but this letter actually indicates that you have been hired/commissioned to work for the specific publication, film, commercial or project in order for you to secure clothing for a shoot. This letter also includes details of the shoot and when possible, publication and/or air dates of the merchandise to be used.

LOR: Letter of Responsibility is a letter indicating who is responsible for clothing and merchandise in the event of loss and/or damage. It is insurance that the cost of the damage/loss will be covered. In some cases it may be not in the form of writing but with a guarantee with a credit card covering the cost of the merchandise refunding you only for the merchandise still in saleable condition.

Showroom: A showroom is where designers showcase their merchandise. Many showrooms represent one designer and some may represent several. The showroom is where fashion and wardrobe stylists pull clothes for a publication, photo-shoot, commercial, film or special event project.

Accessories: Items/pieces worn or carried to complete a fashion look such as jewelry, hats, scarves, watches, handbags, shoes or sunglasses.

Right of First Publication: Once your work is accepted to be published by a magazine or online publication, they reserve the right to be the first to share these images online or in print. In other words, CANNOT share your images from these shoots on social media, your website or any other outlet until AFTER they have been published.

Fashion Editor: Head fashion reporter for magazine or newspaper who follows the fashion trends, designers, shows and events and interprets the information for their readers.

 Tear Sheet: An actual image from a publication of your work. You can actually tear the sheet of a magazine and use it in your printed or digital portfolio book, website or social media. Your name may also appear as “credits” in the publication. Billboards, book covers, TV commercials and videos are also described as a tear sheet.

New Face: New models with an agency still working at building their portfolios. These models may be available for test shoots (unpaid).

Composite: A promo card or Zed card with a collection of images that represent the work of a model, photographer, makeup artist, hair stylist, manicurist or fashion stylist.

Kit Fee: A fee charged by makeup artists and hairstylist to cover the cost of supplies in their kit

Clean: This is direction for the model to arrive without makeup or product in their hair. (This request will occur if makeup and hair services are provided).

Hair and Makeup Ready: Model should arrive with makeup and hair ready to shoot. (Usually there is no hair or makeup artist provided).

Fashion Editorial: A series of images based on a story theme that is then published in a magazine or online publication. (Magazine features and spreads).

Fashion Forecast: A prediction of fashion trends.

Fashion Trends: New directions (what’s happening or about to happen) in fashion styling. Trends are defined by what is hot and new in fashion.

Look Book: A collection of photos created to show the designer’s collection for the current season.

Digital Tech: On a photo shoot, a digital tech manages the communication between the camera and the computer, the tethering, image display and image backup. They help the photographer check critical focus and exposure for a shoot, and are solely responsible for backing up images.

BTS: Behind the scenes photos and videos.

Tether: Images automatically displayed on a monitor or screen during a shoot so the client and creative team can view the images in real-time.

PA: Production Assistant. On set this individual helps to ensure that the day runs smoothly and coordinates scheduling, locations, permits, food and other elements of the shoot.

Craft Services: Food on a set. The person in charge of ‘craft services’ must manage getting food or catering for the shoot.

MUA: Short for ‘Makeup Artist”- the person responsible for looks, application and selection of makeup products for the model or client.

Fashion Press: Reporters of news about fashion and style to magazines and newspapers.

Fashion Stylist: A fashion expert who selects colors, prints and styles of clothing, jewelry and accessories for photography, commercial, catalog projects and events.

Wardrobe Stylist: A fashion expert who works with individuals to dress them for events, award shows, press meetings and other special occasions.

Image Consultant: stylist who work primarily with business people and high-profile clients to create a signature look that becomes part of their brand.

Hair Stylist: The person responsible for the hair look, color, cut, and style of the model or client.

Manicurist: The person responsible for grooming hands and nails in addition to shaping and application of color.

This blog post was written and submitted by Lorrie Pearson, PYP Summit Communications Director, makeup artist and PYP Grad. Please direct questions and media requests to: lorrie.pearson@pypsummit.com or call 617.615.2674