For awhile now, I have been able to consider make-up one of my many passions. And although I cannot say I am an expert at it, my skills and ideas are not that of a small child’s, and I adore working with make-up wholeheartedly, so I have hoped to one day soon open my very own blog on the subject, for a place to share what I create. I truly believe I can do it, and I look forward to it as not only a way to express myself and, hopefully, inspire others as you have inspired me, but as a learning experience that will help me grow as a future MUA. The only thing stopping me? I’m 15. I have unfortunately been through it before: I am judged and thought of as “completely inexperienced” or “ignorant” simply because I am young, so I feel that, when I go through with this, I will experience it myself, and be skipped over and ignored without a chance to be spared.
I truly consider you one of my heroines, so I’d like to ask you: what can I do that would make people take me—and my ideas — more seriously despite my age?
XO Andreea
Image: A Photo For Mojo
Dear Andreea,
Not being taken seriously due to young age can be very frustrating. Just because you’re 15 doesn’t mean you can’t possess the skill or at the very least be ambitious and willing to learn. I, for one, really enjoy collaborating with young talent because they are most likely to take creative risks, not being weighed down by responsibility yet.
The beautiful thing about this industry is that your work really does speak for itself. Sure, networking is important, but if you have the talent and the determination to meet people who might appreciate it, you will find your audience! The better question is, how do you convince others to recognize your talent?
What you need is a portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of works you’re most proud of, compiled in one big folder or on a website. I recommend ModelMayhem.com for making an online portfolio and meeting models, stylists & photographers all the while getting your work out there. Before you set up a profile, take the time to browse the site: it will give you an idea of the minimum skill you need to compete. If you are not quite there yet, don’t despair and just practice. Find something you truly like and imitate it. Next time, do something similar and put your own spin on it. The more you do this, the faster you’ll find your own unique style.
At first, you will be judged and possibly even discounted as ‘inexperienced’ – that’s ok. It’s an inevitable part of the process everyone goes through. But the ones who come out on top are those who have the stamina to persevere. Being a successful makeup artist requires confidence and blind faith in your talent – get over your fear and charge forth!
oh my, Doe!
I’m totally in love with the picture O.O
who’s the MUA who did that? he/she sure is an inspiration!!
♣ Serena
That’s the thing, I don’t know! I would’ve credited them otherwise… If anyone knows, do tell!
Wow! Great post Doe! .<)
And I agree that picture is breathtaking. :)
@DoeDeere: ow, that’s a shame! :( I’ll start doing researches right away! :D
thank you so much! im 15 as well, and this is very helpful and inspiring :D
As my mother used to tell me, youth is a problem that will go away with time, so don’t worry about it too much. And she was right.
It’s true sometimes you have to step out there and show them what you’re made of :)
Great advice x
Well said Doe Deere! Everyone no matter the age has to start somewhere when venturing into something new! I’ve been an Aesthetician for 8 years and I’m 39! So when starting over as I did, in a new career, it was hard, but my dedication and quality of work and of course, my passion has made me into someone that people can rely on. In the beginning, it was hard trying to convince people to take me seriously and have confidence in my abilities, but my perseverance has paid off. I never forget where I started though. This has only made me want to keep going. She should take her passions and run with it! Time takes care of everything! That she knows what she wants to do at such an early age, will only serve her well!!!!
Good luck, Andreea. I’m 21 and it seems to me that there are people who will never take a young(er) person seriously; I often wonder how old I’ll have to be before people start truly listening to me and respecting what I have to say, rather than dismissing it completely because I don’t have as much experience as an older person.
I’m not talking about makeup artistry here but I think it’s something that pervades all areas of life. I think Doe’s advice was perfect…just get your head down and charge on with it, and make people pay attention!
x
To Andrea- As a fellow 15 year old I would absolutly love to see your work! Please do start a blog or something, as they are easily deleted if something were to go wrong. Also, I find the eariler you start something, the better you are. I mean, it may suck now but I’m sure it will feel great to wow your future teachers/bosses/models with all that extra practice, right?
Show us your work Andrea! I would love to see it. I’m a bit older than you (19), but I still feel sometimes that some people do not take me seriously. I just have to remember that I take myself seriously, and thats what counts. Best of luck.
Thank you to both Andreea for the question and Xenia for featuring it. I’m fifteen as well and my collection of makeup is definitely one of my favorite possessions. I’m no expert but I am a YouTube junkie and from what I’ve collected online, I have a good deal of makeup know-how. I still don’t know what I’d like to do as a career but I have definitely considered makeup artistry.
I’m intimidated, though, by the huge beauty world out there, and am often worried about what people will think if I want to share my collection or post looks on a site like Specktra. I’ve seen girls my age with great talent, better than mine, get told that they’re wearing too dark eyeshadow, or that red lipstick isn’t for teens, or that their collection size is ridiculous for someone their age. Obviously it makes the experience a little frightening.
I think that some people need to realize that it’s not about how old you are, what your gender is, what your sexuality is, what your race is. So long as you’re comfortable with what’s on your face and you’re doing it for YOU, nothing should stop you from joining the online realm of makeup and having a total blast in the process!
<3
thankyou to both andreea and doe for putting this out there! being 15 myself and the owner of an etsy store [and joining the line of makeup artists to be as well XD] its hard for people to take me seriously in what i do too, so i can relate! just keep working at what you do and people will eventually learn to look past your age and see your talent instead.l..or you can just barely mention your age, haha! also remember, the earlier you start, the more experience you’ll end up with in the long run.
thankyou to both andreea and doe for putting this out there! being 15 myself and the owner of an etsy store [and joining the line of makeup artists to be as well XD] its hard for people to take me seriously in what i do too, so i can relate! just keep working at what you do and people will eventually learn to look past your age and see your talent instead.l..or you can just barely mention your age, haha! also remember, the earlier you start, the more experience you’ll end up with in the long run.
Oops…forgot to say great post! Looking forward to your next one.
I adore that picture.
Thankyou for posting this question Doe, and thankyou Andreea for asking it.
I’m seventeen, and even at my age I am discounted based on my age. I have tried to publish novels and short stories, and the publisher will outright refuse to look at them because I am under the age of eighteen. That there is pure discrimination. I have taken countless amount of writing courses and I have certificate: I have the experience and language of a person twice my age yet I am deemed immature based on the fact that I am a teenager.
Age discrimination goes as far as being unlawfully treated in the work industry. Teenagers, with a part time job, are given less pay and are treated harshly. What employers do not understand is that many teens have an understanding of the rules of conduct between employer and employees rights and responsibilities. I supposed they merely deem us dumb and incapible of understanding and enforcing our rights.
While shifting around the internet I found who the phtograph belongs to: http://www.modelmayhem.com/96412
FOUND IT!!
http://www.modelmayhem.com/pic.php?pic_id=46b6c54d8d613&date=2007-08-06%2001:53:01&id=96412&pid=3674030&the_count=170&group_id=&ua=
…oh. just noticed the comment above….sigh. this makes my efforts feel so useless.. :(
haha but I’m happy anyway!
Wow I must cnfoses you make some very trenchant points.
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