It was 2015 had been a makeup artist for a while. Working part time at MAC, freelancing and doing the odd photoshoot or bridal client. Airbrush makeup was becoming more popular amongst brides and I was offering it as an option to my clients. However, truth be told I only applied it as foundation and nothing else. I hated doing it. It was more difficult than just painting on the foundation. Of course Now realizing - it was clearly because I needed more practice. I was determined to changed how I felt about working with airbrush, so, I decided to practice only 30 mins per dayfor 30 days. Here’s what happened…
Week 1 -Playing with colorSnacks. Lots of snacks. Airbrushing requires a precise color match. Within two days of practicing on paper, I noticed how much quicker I got at color mixing and planning out the order of which color I’d start and end with. It became way easier to find the perfect match for my client's skin tone.
Week 2 -Improved skillI noticed a better understanding for how the airbrush gun & compressor behaved when I played with various Psi levels and speeds. I found my preference for how to hold the gun and practiced moving my hold arm and body instead I’d just my wrist. I would never have experiment so much if I had a client or model standing in front of me.
Week 3 - Increased confidence By practicing on paper, it removed the anxiety of messing up a clients face. By now I felt way more confident and it showed. When I did work on a client, I spoke more confidently about my tools and even went beyond just foundation application by trying blush and eyeshadow. What a wonderful feeling it was!
Week 4 - Saved time & moneyBy this time I had gotten into a groove. I would practice daily for only 30 mins. I didn’t have to worry about finding a model/friend to practice on anymore. I used way less product on paper. I was feeling really good 😊
Conclusion - creativity on overdrive! I can wholehearted say that my creativity improved x100. I really becan experimenting with color, placement and formula. I became obsessed! I tried every product that I could on the airbrush gun. Even playing with stencils and experiment with so many different looks. My ideas were flowing and it showed in my makeup applications even when I wasn’t using the airbrush. If you have an airbrush machine you are doing yourself a disservice by NOT practicing on paper. Bottom line is that your confidence and creativity will allow you to flourish as a makeup artist or beauty professional. It’s time to get out of your comfort zone.
