Starting a career as a makeup artist can be both exciting and daunting. It’s important to have the right skills, knowledge and experience in order to succeed in this competitive field. First, you need to decide what type of makeup artist you want to be – such as bridal or fashion – then research the qualifications that are necessary for your chosen field. You should also consider taking classes or workshops at a professional school in order to gain hands-on training with different products and techniques. Once you have built up your skillset and confidence, look into joining an association like The British Association of Makeup Professionals which provides members with access to industry contacts, educational resources and exclusive discounts on equipment. From there, start building your portfolio by offering free services for friends or family members who may need makeup done for special occasions or photoshoots; this will help give potential clients an idea of your style and capabilities as well as giving them an opportunity to review your work before booking you for their event. Finally, don't forget about marketing yourself online by creating social media accounts (such as Instagram) where you can showcase past looks and share tips and tricks with followers!