Bianca may have loved makeup since she was young, but only when she was pushed out of her comfort zone in Makeup school did, she start growing creatively as an artist. Since then, Bianca has been continuously learning and evolving in the industry.

Now, Bianca works as a member of the Mecca Team while also building her name as a Freelance Makeup Artist. From managing social media presence, building various makeup experience, doing TFP jobs to professional networking, Bianca really knows what it takes to build a successful freelance career in Makeup!

We chatted to Bianca about her roles and experiences, and learned a lot from her Makeup journey.

What was your path to The Masters and why did you choose to study the CUA51015 Diploma of Screen & Media (specialist makeup services)?

Makeup has always been something I enjoyed and was passionate about from a young age. I think my passion stemmed from watching my mum apply makeup when I was little. I'd always then rummage through her beauty case and swatch absolutely everything!

My decision to study makeup was quite spontaneous, but I also had been thinking about it for quite a while. I actually went on to study a Bachelor in Psychology before I decided to wriggle my way into the beauty industry and that led me to The Masters. From my first visit to my first class I knew it was the right decision and the place to be for me. I don't think I had ever been so sure of something!

 

Tell us about your role as a freelance makeup artist and working at MECCA

Lots of preparation goes into becoming a freelance makeup artist. From establishing your social media presence, working behind the scenes to create an established business format and not to mention preparing your kit and washing your brushes all the time! I enjoying getting to know the client and making them feel beautiful inside and out, no matter what the occasion is!

A day at Mecca however is always different and unique! You're always confronted with new clients and new challenges to overcome which really makes you grow as an artist. My favourite thing about working at Mecca is being able to guide and help people in the right direction when it comes to all things beauty. I love going out of my way to make the customer feel comfortable and safe because I know how confronting and overwhelming beauty as a whole can be sometimes. I also really love sharing tips and tricks for applying makeup.

 

What are some of the opportunities working in industry that you have done?

So far I've worked on three short films, one of which included a Bachelor star who I learnt a lot from. I've also worked on various editorial style and commercial photoshoots. As well as building my clientele for my freelance business I also had the opportunity to work at a Melbourne Fashion Festival runway show while I was at The Masters, and not to mention my opportunity to work at Mecca and my specialised training with major brands like MAC, Nars and Tom Ford!

 

Tell us about what it’s like working as a professional makeup artist

Working as a Makeup Artist is such a rewarding career. You get to meet and work with some amazing people and you're continually learning and growing in the industry. I love keeping up to date with the newest trends and being a part of such a cool and unique industry. It can be tough at times and you can be faced with some big challenges, don't get me wrong, but mostly it's a great industry to be in.

 

Bianca's makeup artistry for editorial shoot

Is there anything about working in-industry that has surprised you?

I think what has surprised me most is how willing to learn and trusting clients can be when they are in the makeup chair. A lot of the time I've been lucky enough to have clients say that I could do whatever I like (within means) creative-wise and they trust me to be able to do that. I think that also comes down to creating a safe and comfortable environment for the client as well.

 

Bianca's film makeup artistry 

 

How did your role at MECCA come about?

I stumbled across a job ad for them one day and thought I would give it a go. I actually contacted some of the teachers at The Masters for help with my application. I was convinced I wasn't going to get the job but one day after the whole interview process I got an email saying I got the job! I actually cried a little because I was in disbelief!

 

How have you grown your freelance business?

Word of mouth has been a big aspect of growth as well hopping on all different Crewing pages on Facebook and Instagram and networking on them. Taking TFP jobs has also been a great way to network! I've made many connections from that. As well as just being active and engaging and creating content on my social media pages! That's also very important!

 

When you were study at T.M. do you taken on any other opportunities through Agency T.M.?

While I was at The Masters I had the opportunity to work on a Melbourne Fashion Festival runway show which was an amazing experience. I also worked on a photo/video shoot for The Masters social media as well as various other editorial like photoshoots.

 

Bianca's makeup artistry for Melbourne Fashion Festival 

How do you feel TM helped prepare you to work in the industry?

I think TM prepared us all really well to work in the industry. Something that stands out for me is this one assignment we had which was a mock interview. That was very helpful in preparing me for the interview I had with Mecca. Also the knowledge and industry work from the teachers were awesome! They were always honest about what could happen in the industry so I wasn't surprised if I ever came across a challenge or something to overcome.

 

What’s been your greatest memory studying at The Masters so far?

There are so many great memories at The Masters. I think one of my favourites though was during the hair units when a lot of us struggled to pick it up and we would just laugh at our mistakes (but also learn from them too). I also really loved the calendar shoot we did, in which we came together in the end for one big group photo.

 

What is your advice for anyone starting their journey in the Makeup industry and considering studying with TM

If you have the passion and will to work in the makeup industry, just go for it! Take that leap of faith, you won't regret it. My biggest tip is to network and create connections as much as you can! You never know where they could lead you. Also while studying at The Masters, not only will you learn from the best at TM but you will also gain valuable life skills. I know I grew into a more confident person while being at The Masters and that was from being pushed out of my comfort zone and pushing the creative boundaries.

 

What are your ultimate career goals?

I'd love to continue to build my Freelance Makeup Business and work in more photoshoots which is something I really love to do. Ultimately I'd love to have more experience in fashion. It seems like a cool and fast paced environment which I also enjoy! Also who wouldn't love to do makeup for a celebrity going to the Met Gala?! Aiming high but you never know where life can take you!

I'm also very much enjoying my work at Mecca so I definitely love to work my way up the chain because I know there are so many opportunities and learning experience to be had with them!

 

 

Want to build a successful career in Makeup? Join the CUA51015 Diploma of Screen & Media (Specialist MakeUp Services) and get qualified with The Masters!