Roadmaping Your Hair or Makeup Career

You are probably thinking, "I'm an artist, why would I ever write a business plan"? As an artist, you have to remember that the business plan is for you and not for future investors. It gives you a clear plan as to what your career goals are, who you are marketing your services to, how you are going to get your name out there, and how much it will cost you to advertise each month.

I so often hear Hair & Makeup Artists complain that they "don't have the money or that there isn't enough work". Well there are a lot of shows on television, movies in the theater, and ad campaigns out there, so someone in this industry must be working! The truth is that most people fail in this business because of either poor planning or a lack of networking. Create a clear career plan for yourself and decide how you're going to get there.

So ask your self the following questions:

1. What type of career do I want to have? Do I want to work in film/television or print/ celebrity? Would I rather work in a salon or the bridal industry?
2. Make a list of people you admire and find out how they got to where they are.
3. Decide what gives you the competitive edge above all the rest. What do you do that makes your work unique?
4. How much competition do you have?
5. How are you going to get your name out there? Will you send out your book, will you email you website, take out ad space on LA411, will you go to networking events, will you join networking organizations, will you need comp cards or business card, or will you hire a publicist?
6. How much advertising will you be doing a month or a year?
7. How much will it cost you to advertise your services?
8. How are you going to finance you advertising without going into credit card debt?
9. How do you plan to recoup the costs and still make a profit after taxes, advertising, and bills?
10. What are the trends in the market place or economy: how will you prepare for slow months, recession, or a union strike?

These are the important questions that all Artists should ask themselves. If you plan well you have a stronger chance for success. And it's never too late to start planning your success.


Makeup Maverick
http://www.hmartistsnetwork.com
http://www.mymakeupart.com