5 Steps to Becoming a Permanent Makeup Artist

Are you considering a professional career in permanent makeup? Great! Now that you have made the decision to become a permanent makeup (PMU artist), there are a few tips I want to share with you to increase your chances of having a successful career in permanent makeup. 

1. Research the Industry

Now by no means am I saying you need to know it all, but you should at least know enough to understand what it is you are getting yourself into and why this has become such a fast growing industry.

With social media bringing together people from all over the world, seek the opportunity to ask questions to artists already established in the industry. Simply by sending them a message on their page, they might be open to share some insights with you.

You also want to see local artists already doing permanent makeup procedures. Go on their professional pages, see what type of content they are posting on their social media, how much are they pricing their procedures, what type of products are they using?. This is also important for you to have an idea of what to expect when you get your business up and running. This way you will begin understanding the type of clientele you most likely be working with and what procedures are being requested the most.

2. Obtain Permits and Licensing

Every state has different regulations and most Permanent Makeup Academies do not meet such regulations. This is why is it so important to make sure you check with The Department of Health what your local and State laws are regarding licensing. You should know:

- What type of documentation is needed to apply for a Tattoo/ Permanent Makeup Artist license

- Does your state require a number of hours of study?

- Does your State require a certain amount of procedures under your belt?

- Does your state require Material Safety Data Sheets for each product you use?

- Do they accept certification from other States?

Once you know what is required by the state you will be able to start researching schools that provide Permanent Makeup Training. You will know the right questions to ask them and if that school is the right one for you.

3. Get Training

With so many trainings happening now days you need to make sure you do your research. Make sure the training is complete with theory covering skin undertones, proper sanitation, eyebrow mapping, client consultations, machine speeds, and different lining as well as shading techniques among other things. It is important to leave your course confident that you have all the tools necessary to work on your own. Stay away from 2 day basic trainings that will only leave you unsatisfied and will force you to spend more money on retraining.

4. Find Support

Also, find out what type of support are they providing you as a student after graduating? How long is the support for? What are the advantages of being an alumni with that school? You also want to know what is included in the tuition. If you are traveling out of state you might want to know if you have to add a hotel expense or if it’s covered with the tuition. 

4. Have a Plan

Having a plan will allow you to visualize the objective. It will focus your attention on the objectives you have and the results you are seeking. Make sure to write down your plan, studies have found that you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals just by writing them down. It will be such a rewarding feeling when you are able to look back on those goals and see the progress you have made.

5. Celebrate

After putting many hours into your craft, whether it's training, practicing or working on clients, be sure to celebrate the wins. Big or small. Celebrate each milestone and always look ahead to more accomplishments!