Today we’d like to introduce you to Jade B.
Hi Jade, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was originally modeling, but I was doing it more for fun and personal development. I liked getting ready for shoots and doing my model friend’s make up more than actually shooting. I unintentionally booked my first client in December 2016 while walking to class at UT Arlington in Texas. A girl stopped me because she loved my makeup and wanted me to do her makeup for her graduation photos. She asked what my rate would be. I didn’t know anything about being a makeup artist so I did it for $30. She loved her makeup and photos and booked me again for her graduation ceremony. She just happened to be from LA and booked me to do her makeup for her cousin’s birthday after we came back home from school. To this day, she is still a client and good friend. After then, I started working with a couple of photographers that I used to model for, but now as their makeup artist. I jumped straight into editorial makeup artistry which was great because I immediately started building my portfolio and got experience working with different models.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d say the only struggle has just been learning the business side of makeup. People really be trying hair and makeup artists unfortunately. Each new policy I’ve added to my rate sheet has its own horror story behind it. I guess I had to learn the importance of pre-appointment contracts the hard way. Also, the importance of social media. I’m not too into social media myself, but my Instagram page has attracted a lot of clients so I’ve been working at getting better at it. I am currently teaching myself photography to make sure that I am constantly practicing makeup and constantly producing high-quality images to post. Keeping up with my Instagram page and YouTube channel feels like a full-time job in itself, but I’ve been loving the work that I have created so far.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I didn’t plan for it, but my trademark became natural glam. Since I started with editorial work, most looks called for natural, camera-ready makeup. About 75% of the clients I attract prefer natural makeup or rarely wear makeup. I didn’t know how I felt about that at first, but honestly it really prepared me for film makeup and male grooming. Now I absolutely love natural glam and minimal makeup looks just much as full glam. Clients that reach out to me for the first time usually comment on how diverse my portfolio is. I make a conscious effort to highlight all skin tones, skin types, and eye shapes.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
At this point in my career, I’d say about 90% of the work I’ve booked has been through referrals and social media. My advice would be to keep searching for new projects to jump on. Mutually beneficial TFP projects can actually benefit you in the long run. If your work is consistent, work will keep coming to you.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/babygirlbeat
- Facebook: Facebook.com/babygirlbeat
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2OsqSu1OYUD7l085AYuVKQ
Image Credits
Ahdrie Wright Amber Gilbert Meg & Komie Nadine Simmons Taylor Turner Dupree Stansell Kristin Preston Yessenia Mazzini
