EPISODE #2 

This week: getting personal with Julia Green, an Aussie mua, mother of two and 2019 Makeup Artist Guild Asia Pacific ‘Makeup Shot of the Year’ winner.

Integral to the success of any makeup artist is their ability to pivot styles to suit the brief. Makeup often needs to change to complement the client, the lighting, the photographer or the trend. Julia Green is thankful makeup has come such a long way. Inspired by an article in Vogue when she was in year 8 of people doing makeup on models backstage in the Milan and Paris Fashion Shows, she was roused to “create”.

FUN FACT: Julia still has the Vogue article which set her on her path to becoming a makeup artist!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

"CREATE."

Makeup artists don’t just ‘do’, we ‘create’. Julia found her spark early on, putting her hand up to do makeup at every opportunity she could. The School Play? Yes, a perfect place to get hands on practice and an introduction to products. Through your course instructors? Yes, you’ll be surprised the good stead these connections will put you in, in years to come.

Beauty styles, special effects, period makeup, character makeup and development – get a good overview of everything, so that when it’s your time to create, you can show off that spark of yours!

“At the start (of my career) there 
wasn’t a lot of makeup available... 
think thick crayons, aqua colour, 
pan sticks and grease paints – these
weren’t very inspiring when you 
love CREATING. Makeup has come such a 
long way, which is one of the most 
exciting things, with technology 
changes, you have to 
understand your formulas for makeup.”

Julia Green

"Don’t underestimate WOM."

From cold calling clients to the ole’ grapevine (now called the Googles!), word of mouth is critical and can make or break your career. 

Julia employed the “go see” technique, calling up photographers and artists to get her foot in the door and show them her portfolio. 

Building a solid, loyal client base takes time, patience and a little bit of savvy (wine optional!). Find artists and brands you want to be aligned with, be professional and show up.

"Communication (is Queen!)".

What happens when sh*t doesn’t go the right way? Communicate, communicate, communicate. Your work hours are all over the place and yes a 4am start is a very possible reality. Make sure you are reliable and consistent with your clients. 

Exceptional customer service skills are extremely important; this means learning the hierarchy and when you can step in. It’s building your community and keeping their bookings (yes, that hangover is going to have to be fixed with a breaky burger & large Coke enroute to the booking).

This industry is crazy fun and crazy hours – and you’ll find communication does a lot more than just keep the lights on.

​

“I went from grooming footy players for 
retail ads to being a lead mua for 
Fashion Week. Communication is so 
important, realise your capabilities 
and advocate for yourself. 
You can grow your community 
organically by being reliable.”

Julia Green