What do a person have to do to become a make-up artist?

Should I spend the $ for school to become a makeup artist, or just start on my own?

• Since my mother and some of her friends have been makeup artists/hair stylists, I always get different answers. I have a diploma right now and I'm looking around for any hiring makeup counters right now. But, a majority of people have told me I donnot need to go to beauty school to become a makeup artist unless I want to do hair too (which I don't). Just makeup. I would obviously take out a loan but I have heard it IS possible to just build up my own work and do my own makeup on people & make good money. Or go to school so they can set me up with a certificate which would be alot easier for me to get hired by companies and make me seem more professional? I have no idea!! Any makeup artists out there that can help me out with advice? Greatly appreciate it :-)

• Answer:

  In a good economy, you could build up your own business. In todays economy, your going to need to become a certified makeup artist. If people are going to spend money to have their makeup done, their going to want someone who has a license. You don't need to learn to do hair, people who become makeup artists usually become estheticians.