Freelance vs. In-House Makeup Artist: Pros and Cons

Introduction

When it comes to makeup artists, there are two main categories: freelance and in-house.

Freelance makeup artists work independently, while in-house makeup artists are employed by a specific company or salon.

This blog post will explore the differences between freelance and in-house makeup artists, as well as the pros and cons of each.

Whether you are considering hiring a makeup artist for an event or thinking about pursuing a career in makeup artistry, understanding the distinctions between freelance and in-house artists can help you make an informed decision.

Pros of being a freelance makeup artist

Flexibility in schedule

As a freelance makeup artist, you have the freedom to set your own working hours.

You can choose to work during the day or at night, depending on your preferences and commitments.

Ability to choose clients and projects

One of the advantages of freelancing is that you can select the clients and projects you want to work on.

This allows you to focus on areas of makeup artistry that interest you the most.

Higher earning potential

Freelance makeup artists often have the opportunity to set their rates and negotiate fees with clients.

This means that you have the potential to earn more compared to an in-house makeup artist who may have a fixed salary.

Creative freedom

When you work as a freelance makeup artist, you have the freedom to express your creativity without constraints.

You can experiment with different makeup styles and techniques to showcase your skills.

Opportunity to build own brand

As a freelance makeup artist, you have the chance to build your own brand and reputation in the industry.

You can create a unique style and develop a signature look that sets you apart from others.

Read: Breaking into the Film and TV Makeup Industry

Cons of being a freelance makeup artist

When considering the career path of a freelance makeup artist, there are several cons that should be taken into account:

Lack of Job Security

Freelance makeup artists often face job insecurity.

Unlike in-house positions, they don’t have a guaranteed income.

Their workload can vary, leading to unpredictable financial stability.

They must continuously find new clients to maintain their income.

This uncertainty can create financial stress and instability.

Need to Manage Own Business and Finances

Freelancers are responsible for managing their own business operations.

This includes handling finances, scheduling, and client communication.

They must track expenses, file taxes, and manage invoices.

Balancing these tasks with makeup artistry can be overwhelming.

The administrative burden takes time away from focusing on their craft.

Marketing and Self-Promotion Required

To succeed as a freelancer, strong marketing and self-promotion skills are essential.

Freelance makeup artists must create and maintain a personal brand.

They need to build a professional portfolio and engage on social media.

Networking and attending industry events are crucial for gaining visibility.

This constant self-promotion can be exhausting and time-consuming.

Inconsistent Income

Freelance work often leads to inconsistent income.

Unlike a salaried position, income may fluctuate month-to-month.

Busy seasons can be followed by slow periods, impacting financial stability.

Managing this inconsistency requires careful budgeting and financial planning.

Freelancers must prepare for periods of lower earnings and plan accordingly.

Potential for Isolation

Working as a freelance makeup artist can be isolating.

They often work alone or with a small client base.

This lack of regular team interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness.

Unlike in-house roles, freelancers miss out on daily office camaraderie and support.

Building a strong professional network can help mitigate this sense of isolation.

Read: Networking Tips for Special Effects Makeup Artists

Pros of being an in-house makeup artist

Stable salary and benefits

Being an in-house makeup artist offers a stable salary.

You receive regular paychecks, which provides financial security.

Additionally, in-house positions often include benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

These perks add significant value to your overall compensation package.

Built-in clientele

In-house makeup artists benefit from a built-in clientele.

The company’s established customer base ensures a steady flow of clients.

This reduces the effort and cost of acquiring new clients.

Having a consistent client roster allows you to build strong professional relationships.

Mentorship and training opportunities

Working in-house often provides access to mentorship and training.

Experienced colleagues and supervisors can offer valuable guidance.

Companies frequently invest in ongoing education to keep their staff updated.

This exposure to new techniques and trends enhances your professional skills.

Networking within the company

In-house roles facilitate networking within the company.

You can build relationships with colleagues from various departments.

These connections can lead to collaborative projects and career advancement opportunities.

Networking within the company can also increase your visibility and influence.

Predictable schedule

In-house makeup artists usually enjoy a predictable schedule.

Unlike freelance work, where hours can vary, in-house roles often have set shifts.

This consistency helps with planning personal time and managing work-life balance.

A predictable schedule contributes to overall job satisfaction and reduces stress.

Each of these benefits highlights why an in-house makeup artist position can be advantageous.

Stability, client continuity, professional growth, networking, and schedule predictability all contribute to a rewarding career experience.

Read: Top Makeup Artistry Schools in the USA

Cons of being an in-house makeup artist

When it comes to working as an in-house makeup artist, there are several cons to consider before making a decision:

Limited creative freedom

As an in-house makeup artist, you may have to follow specific guidelines and restrictions when it comes to the looks you create.

This can limit your ability to showcase your creativity and unique style.

Less control over the schedule

Working in-house often means adhering to a set schedule determined by your employer.

This may leave you with less flexibility in terms of working hours and time off.

Less opportunity for growth

As an in-house makeup artist, you may have fewer opportunities for career advancement or professional development compared to freelancers who can work with a variety of clients and projects.

Office politics

Working in-house often means dealing with office politics and navigating relationships with coworkers and supervisors.

This can add stress and complexity to your work environment.

Salary may be lower compared to freelancing

In-house makeup artists may receive a lower salary compared to freelancers who can set their own rates and negotiate payment terms with clients.

This can impact your earning potential in the long run.

Overall, while working as an in-house makeup artist can provide stability and benefits, it’s important to consider these cons before committing to a full-time position.

Read: Top Movies Featuring Incredible SFX Makeup

Comparison

Main Differences Between Freelance and In-House Makeup Artists

1. Freelance makeup artists work independently, while in-house artists are employed by a specific company or business.
   
   
2. Freelancers have more flexibility in choosing their clients and projects, whereas in-house artists may have a more stable income.
   
   
3. Freelancers are responsible for managing their own business, including marketing, client bookings, and invoicing, while in-house artists may have these tasks handled for them.
   
   
4. Freelance artists often travel to various locations for gigs, while in-house artists typically work in a specific salon, studio, or retail setting.

Which Option May Be Better for Different Individuals?

Freelance makeup artistry may be more suitable for individuals who value autonomy, creativity, and flexibility in their work.

In-house positions may be preferred by artists who enjoy the stability of a regular paycheck, benefits, and a structured work environment.

Some individuals may choose to start as freelancers to build their portfolio and gain experience before transitioning to in-house positions for more stability.

Pros and Cons in Relation to Personal Preferences and Career Goals

Pros of Freelance Makeup Artistry

1. Greater creative freedom and flexibility in choosing clients and projects.
   
   
2. Potential for higher earnings based on client demand and rates charged.
   
   
3. Ability to set your own schedule and work on your terms.

Cons of Freelance Makeup Artistry

1. Requires self-promotion, marketing, and business management skills.
   
   
2. Inconsistent income and workload depending on client bookings.
   
   
3. Lack of benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off.

Pros of In-House Makeup Artistry

1. Stable income, benefits, and potentially a regular clientele base.
   
   
2. Structured work environment with support from a team or company.
   
   
3. Potential for growth within the company and advancement opportunities.

Cons of In-House Makeup Artistry

1. Less creative freedom and flexibility compared to freelancing.
   
   
2. May be limited to working on specific types of clients or projects within the company’s scope.
   
   
3. Less control over your schedule and hours, with set shifts or salon hours to follow.

Conclusion

After weighing the pros and cons of both freelance and in-house makeup artistry, it is essential to carefully consider your options before making a decision.

Remember that as a freelance makeup artist, you have more flexibility and control over your schedule and rates.

However, you may have to work harder to build your client base and manage your business.

On the other hand, working as an in-house makeup artist may provide you with stability and benefits, but you may have less creative freedom and flexibility in your work.

It’s important to assess your career goals, lifestyle preferences, and personal strengths before choosing between freelance and in-house makeup artistry.

For further research and resources on this topic, consider networking with other makeup artists, attending industry events, and seeking advice from professionals in the field.