Hey there, glam boss! Let’s talk about something that every makeup artist needs but lowkey stresses about: a killer digital makeup portfolio. You know, the kind that makes potential clients or brands go, “Whoa, I need them in my life!” But creating one can be like trying to perfect winged eyeliner—tricky, but oh-so-worth it. So grab your favorite coffee (or wine—I don’t judge), and let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of curating your masterpiece.
DO: Show Off Your Best Work (No, Not All of It)
Listen, I get it. You love every look you’ve ever done, even the one where your client blinked mid-eyeshadow. But your portfolio isn’t your camera roll. Highlight your absolute best work, and make sure it represents the kind of clients you wanna attract. If you’re obsessed with bridal makeup, show glowing brides. Dreaming of editorial gigs? Toss in those high-fashion shots. Keep it snappy—10 to 15 pieces max.
Quality over quantity always. Blurry pics or weird lighting? Toss ‘em.
DON’T: Forget to Include “Before and Afters”
Girl, people love a glow-up story. Including a few before-and-afters in your portfolio shows how transformative your skills are. Just make sure you’ve got permission from your clients to share their “before” photos (nobody wants their bare face blasted without a heads-up).
DO: Make It Mobile-Friendly
We live in the age of scrolling. Your future client is probably creeping on your site during their lunch break or mid Netflix binge on their phone. So make sure your digital portfolio looks flawless on a small screen. Test it on different devices to catch any weird formatting.
Use a clean, simple layout—no one’s here for your neon pink Comic Sans font.
DON’T: Go Wild With Filters
I know, I know—filters can make anything look dreamy. But your portfolio is not Instagram. Over-editing your photos can make potential clients wonder if the makeup’s good IRL. Keep your edits minimal and natural, focusing on lighting and clarity.
DO: Add a Touch of Personality
Your portfolio shouldn’t just scream, “Look at my makeup!” It should also whisper (or shout), “This is who I am.” Add a fun bio section—maybe share your journey into makeup, your favorite products, or even your go-to playlist when you’re working. People hire people they vibe with.
A cute headshot of you? Always a yes. Show off that smile (or smize, if that’s your thing).
DON’T: Ignore SEO and Keywords (Ugh, I Know, But Still)
Okay, here’s the boring-but-important stuff. If you’re making a website, you’ve gotta think about SEO. Add keywords like “bridal makeup artist in [your city]” or “editorial makeup looks” to your site copy. This helps people find you when they’re Googling makeup artists at 2 a.m. in a panic.
DO: Include Contact Info Everywhere
It’s wild how many portfolios forget this. Make it ridiculously easy for clients to book you. Add your email, phone number, and links to your socials (and maybe a booking form if you’re fancy) on every single page.
Use a professional email. “glitterqueen420@gmail.com” doesn’t exactly scream “hire me.”
DON’T: Forget to Update It Regularly
A digital portfolio isn’t “set it and forget it.” Keep it fresh by adding new work and ditching stuff that feels outdated. If you’ve upped your skills or switched up your style, your portfolio should reflect that.
DO: Show Range, But Stay Cohesive
Versatility is great, but your portfolio should still have a clear vibe. Think of it like your brand’s aesthetic. If you love bold colors, show bold. If you’re a soft glam queen, lean into that. Stay true to your style while sprinkling in enough variety to keep things interesting.
DON’T: Make It Hard to Navigate
If someone has to spend more than 30 seconds figuring out your site, they’re out. Keep it simple. Use clear categories like “Bridal,” “Editorial,” “Special Effects” (or whatever fits your niche). Add a search bar if you’re feeling fancy.
Bonus: Tools to Try
Not sure where to start? Here are a few platforms to help you build your digital portfolio:
Squarespace: Sleek and customizable.
Wix: Easy to use, even if tech isn’t your BFF.
Instagram Highlights: Perfect for quick client stalking.
Adobe Portfolio: Free if you’ve got a Creative Cloud membership.
So there you have it! Follow these dos and don’ts, and you’ll have a digital makeup portfolio that slays harder than a perfectly blended smoky eye. Now go forth and shine, superstar.
