Keeping cool...

There are moments in this industry were you have to check your self...  For example I was on a shoot over the weekend were the designer wanted the same makeup for 12 looks.  This is were you have to decide to hold your self back.  Yes creatively you want to show your talent and also get great pictures for your book.  I had a moment and then I centered my self and moved on..  

Between you and me I did tweek the makeup every once in a while during the course of the shoot and the designer loved it.  

So they're are moments were we as artist wont be able to express our work and creatively be free.  Those moments will actually be a test of your personality.  Be calm and just roll with the day.

See you at the top...

Meagan Hester

Work from my Portfolio

Makeup and Styling by Meagan Hester

Photography by Caitlin Mitchell

This shoot was actually shot out of a salt water swimming pool in Westchester, NY.

We took over 300 frames and the pictures came out beautiful.  Some of the shots were underwater as well.  For Underwater I used makeup that would not come off, mainly water proof and creme eyeshadows.  It was a cold day but the end results were perfect.  To see more of my work I have an online portfolio on DRIPBOOK.

Building a strong Portfolio

Do as many test shoot as possible to build a strong portfolio.  Try to shoot with different photographers and different models.  Always show the range of your skill.  If your deal is to get into print and runway its a necessity to have a strong book.  

Sometimes you will start to build a relationship with the photographer that she/he will always call you for a shoot just on the basis of your skill and personality.  

As a freelance artist unfortunately we don't have people booking us gigs, unless you become apart of an agency.  Our books are our main tools.  I purchased my book at The House Of Portfolio right in Manhattan.  They have Variety of colors, textures to choose form..  Based on your personality choose one that will sell you.  Books there get pricey and a decent book can run about $400.00 to $500.00 so make sure its a book you will never get bored with.  

Building a strong portfolio will take time, train your eye become your own critique.  Take a step back from it, and make sure that you are placing high quality pictures, and make sure they are airbrushed.  If you are clueless on your portfolio there is a portfolio class at The Makeup Designory in NY and LA.  Also Crystal Wright is an author on a book about marketing your self and gives great advice on your actual portfolio book...

Good look, Ill see you on top.

Meagan Hester

The Journey and Keys to Sucess as a Makeup Artist

Become a success....   Realize and know you are a success it will come to you.  If you have problems visioning it buy the book , "The Secret".   It is a key to train your mind to think what you would like to receive.  I started to believe that I wanted to change my life.  I wanted to become someone who made a mark in history, no I'm not there yet but I am setting goals each day of were I want to be.  

Four years ago I was waisting away in a bar,,, "literally".  I was a bartender in a small town and I didn't do anything else but that.  I started to do drugs and drink and I wasn't realizing that I had bigger dreams and passions.  I knew I wanted to change....  From that point on I stopped drinking , stopped doing drugs, changed my friends, my job, changed everything.  

I knew I was always into hair, makeup and fashion so I started to take classes.  I got my license in NY state for Hair, and then continued to want more.   I started working in a salon that was one of the best salons in Westchester NY, Richard Scott Salon.  That was the best training out of anything I was thrown in to working with clients and great coworkers and bosses.  

But I still wanted more, I then left the salon and moved to LA, California.  Were I enrolled in the Makeup Designory in Burbank.  I took intensive classes on SPFX Character makeup and basic beauty.   I learned my skills with my brushes and my airbrush machine.  I even got into a worldwide competition for prosthetics right after school.  I was determined.

I came back to NY and now I have worked on film sets with great directors like Tracey Moore- Marable...  I've had the privilege to meet VNiels and also work on a runway show with BillyB.  In such a short amount of time......

The key is to think you are successful, know you are capable and own your skills as an artist.  I cant wait to see the rest of my journey, but I definitely know I couldn't of done it without support from family and friends.  Keep your life positive and keep your self strong and productive.  

Be THANKFUL everyday....

See you on top...

Meagan Hester 

Educate your craft as a Makeup Artist

Educate your craft.  Becoming a top Artist is all about keeping up with the trends.  If not for your self educating your craft is the fuel for your career.  Constantly giving your self an edge on the makeup artist who is next to you.  You need to know, you never know everything about your career.  There are constantly new techniques, skills to improve and a better awareness of color theory.  

Why set your self up for disaster and be an average artist, when you can know you are a better and stronger artist.  

Good places in NY to find education is MUD (Make-up Designory), Rouge Makeup Studio and even The Powder Group has workshops which are available.   Search the web for some training, you never know to much...

See you on top.

Meagan Hester

Finding Work

I found it useful if you find a source.  Lets say you want to do weddings; a brides makeup and hair for there big day.  Make well with a catering hall or many catering halls, bring comp cards business cards and create a deal with the director.  This will enable a more productive business flow for the market you want to work in.  Every time you get work from this catering hall be grateful send a percentage of money you are comfortable with to the director.  It will able you to grow a friendship and business relationship.  When you are grateful to people it is recognized and more work will come your way.

Keep your head up this business is tough.

Ill see you on top.

Meagan Hester

The fight of a Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist..

How many of you have struggled and wanted something so badly.  Well keep reading because I am going to take you through the journey of a struggling artist.  So many of us want to be the next BillyB or the next VNiels where ever you are don't quit.  

I'm going to tell you this journey is hard and sometimes it may seem like you are there.  One day your doing a runway show with BillyB and the next day your just wondering how your going to find your next gig.  

Your morale goes from being the best to am I ever going to make it were I see my self.  If you have ever felt this way don't let the fight drag you down.  Know where your goals are surround your self around caring and supportive people.

Ill keep you posted and trust me you will see me on top and I hope to see you there too.

Great Love,

Meagan Hester

Makeup & Hair

New York