"Just" How Disrespectful Are You To An Artist

It's been a minute since I've blogged in this tone i.e vent/mini rant.

But I wanted to share my rage feelings and thoughts about the word "Just"

Let's look at it again.....

" Just"

As a freelance makeup artist and hairstylist I hear that word often, and over the course of 8 years, it has become an instant trigger for this reaction:

But why Saj? Okay, I'll tell you

Phone call exibit A: " Hi I'm Someone That Wants Your Services But I Don't Really Respect What You Do,  I'd like to know how much it is JUST for my makeup and hair to be done for my uber important event"

Phone call exhibit B: " Hi I'm Another Person That Wants Your Services But I Don't Really See The Need To Pay You,  I too have an uber important event and JUST need makeup and hair so how much"

Phone call exhibit C: "Hi I'm One Of Those and I was referred to you by one of your clients, I'd like to know how much is it for JUST my makeup and hair to be done".

Do you see it?! ( stay with me, can u tell the emotion as I type?)

Why is there a need to add the word JUST in front of my services? I'd understand if included in a package was a new car and lifetime supply of protein powder, so you'd only JUST want makeup and hair....not the new car.

I do makeup and hair, what else could I provide but just makeup and hair?

You may think oh it's just a way of speaking. Actually, no, it's a way of being disrespectful to my profession and expertise, you are immediately, upon contact downgrading my services with the tone that this really should be craigslist cheap since it's JUST MAKEUP.

These phone calls ALWAYS end the same way, " Okay well I'm still calling other people for more prices so I'll get back to you"

(Shout out to the previous artists that they called that stuck with their rates!)

Phone Call C is always my favorite, If you were referred by a previous client, 99% sure they told you how much they paid, so you prepared your fave word "Just", because you've decided you should pay less.

I've even had the " Oh that much for just my hair? I really only need JUST curls since I'm no good at curling my own hair"

Ma'm that is actually why you should pay me.

To my fellow colleagues, understand that they are 100% aware of what you can do for them, they are 100% aware of your value, because someone at some point told them. You cannot blame someone really for trying to score a bargain, but do not be sucked into lowering yourself below your standard of business.  See this POST on standard of business and this POST on working for free.

Do you call Lowes and ask how much is it to JUST install a fence? chances are you don't.

Saj Mack is a Professional Makeup Artist in Atlanta Georgia providing over 6 years experience in Beauty, Commercial, Film, Television, Special FX and more. See her work at www.makeupbysaj.com

Make Up Forever Pro Road Show ATL Bridal Class

 

This past weekend, Make Up Forever hosted the 2nd Pro Road show in Atlanta where I had the pleasure of hosting a class on the Beauty and Business of Bridal.

For those who don't know check out my first post HERE on the Pro Road Show.

My Class Focused on the business of Bridal Beauty, not just from a marketing type perspective but from understanding how to successfully control what you as an artist wants from doing bridal.

Many say that the Bridal Industry is an artists "Bread and Butter" which can be true, but it can also become your "Steak and Potatoes"..... if you want it to be.

This was one of the main things I spoke on during my class, not being afraid of doing bridal! It's pretty rewarding to work with every day women who show so much appreciation for literally making their dreams come true.

                  

 

Decide what type of bridal artist you would like to be and simply work towards it!

Unfortunately we had such limited time, I honestly thought going in, I hope I have enough to share to cover a 90 minute class, turns out we needed a whole day!

I did speak on calculating your rates as a lot didn't know where to begin on deciding rates. I previously wrote a blog post here on working out your Daily Cost of Doing Business ( click for post) feel free to look at it and work this out for your self. Not only for bridal, but for every aspect of business to freelance artist. Fair warning! That post is half rant but very informative. I was having a moment that day :)

The business side ended with a mock consultation on my Bride to be, Road Show attendee Sophie, who met her fiance in a bar lol don't ask. Her bridal look is 100% all Make Up Forever Products, including the new Aqua Shadows which are amazing and will be added to my kit!

If you attended my class, I thank you for making the time to come and being so welcoming, I hope that everyone was able to take with them at least one thing that they learnt that day.

Thank you also to Michael and Mariel for having me and for putting together such an amazing event for Artists at all levels. It was truly a great feeling of community and knowledge.

Saj Mack is a Professional Makeup Artist in Atlanta Georgia providing over 6 years experience in Beauty, Commercial, Film, Television, Special FX and more. See her work at www.makeupbysaj.com