No one can refute the fact that Covid-19 has disrupted many industries, careers and jobs. As a result of social distancing and a halt in travel and non-essential work in a bid to control the pandemic, many jobs have been affected negatively as well as in some cases, positively. To counter these changes, companies and individuals alike have had to adapt and get creative to protect their livelihoods. Makeup artists have not been left behind. Before Covid-19 the job was exhilarating and busy but now, our jobs have been put on hold. What, with the requirement to maintain distance from someone, then it becomes almost impossible to be able to do what we do. However, just because actually makeup work has trickled to a pause does not mean that makeup artists are not looking for other ways to adapt. Here are a few ways through which makeup artists have been affected as well as how they are adapting to the effects of Covid-19 on their jobs:
Financial Constraints
Some makeup artists own studios to work on clients ranging from models, working women, commercials, and events to E-commerce runners. Due to the closing down of beauty and hair studios, makeup artists have lost over 90% of their earnings. The lack of work has rendered the industry’s workers to be pretty anxious towards Covid-19’s continued upward trajectory. As a result, here are a few strategies that are helping makeup artists bring in a little money while keeping us sane!
- Content Creation
While the physical aspect of the job is put on hold right now, makeup artists can still apply their knowledge and earn money from it through content creation for beauty companies. Many of us are now working hard to create content such as makeup photos, product reviews, IGTV makeup tutorials, and makeup videos for YouTube. In essence, we are trying to further expose ourselves and our talents with hopes of monetizing by promoting beauty brands on all social media platforms.
- Influencing
Content creation is not the limit and makeup artists with a good social media following are taking advantage of this to post content and promote makeup and skincare products from various makeup brands. Most makeup artist are taking a fee to create looks as well as beauty content for different beauty companies. In these times, people are glad to look for beauty and artistry to distract them from the bleakness of constant pandemic news. Obviously, we need to do it in a responsible, moral and ethical manner.
- Virtual Makeup Lessons
We are also leveraging on the power of social media to offer virtual makeup lessons based on tutorials and makeup tips which not only helps to keep artists relevant but also gives them a chance to earn some money. Offering makeup classes is profitable because we are able to reach a nationwide audience instead of only those local to us. With so many people abiding by stay-at-home orders, women have more time to sit down and take a one on one makeup class giving them the chance to finally master their makeup skills.
Beyond the Pandemic
Going back to work will also mean some self-care for artists. Whether you are working in your studio or doing house calls, thorough cleanliness, face masks and self-care practices for anxiety are imperative. Check out my latest YouTube video “How to Apply Makeup On Clients-Corona Virus Sanitation Tips" for helpful information on how to safely return to work as a Makeup Artist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LdZrTr65PY