A chat with Sandra Reynolds Agency
Today I have a super exciting blog post, that I know is going to be unbelievably valuable for our community. A couple of months ago, I reached out to some modelling and makeup artist agencies, trying to break the barrier (so to speak!) of secrecy behind what it takes to get signed as a makeup artist. One of the loveliest responses, came from Managing Director - Tessa Dewing at Sandra Reynolds Agency, who so graciously answered some questions on what it takes to become an agency signed artist. Keep reading for the tea!
1) Generally, be nice!
I know - maybe not the ground breaking advice you were maybe hoping for, but Tessa said “To be represented by us, we need you to be super-nice to work with, professional, reliable and have a strong commercial portfolio working with good brands. Our USP as an agency is our customer service – we know our clients and models really well and go above and beyond to meet their requirements. It’s very important to us that this is followed through by all the models and creatives we send out to work for us as one bad experience by a client can damage the reputation of the agency and everyone else in it”.
After 10 years in the industry, I have worked with countless makeup artists, with I’m sad to say, poor set etiquette. From constant cigarette breaks, being on their phone constantly or even just not knowing their place in and around the set. To be agency signed, you gotta be the best of the best when it comes to etiquette. If you feel you could do with some improving, chances are you might (this goes for me too on occasion!). Try to put yourselves in the shoes of the agency and represent them well. “Always arrive at a shoot in good time and fully prepared with whatever you need, and be friendly and helpful to EVERYONE, even if some people are anything but that to you.” Tessa recommends. I can vouch for this. Top tip, I know we are not manicurists, but having nail polish remover and a nude polish in your bag can save the day on multiple occasions.
2) Get Feedback and Always Improve.
Tessa recommended “Make sure you’re good. Ask for honest advice from people in the industry, not just friends and family”. This is great advice - get advice from your peers, the ones who know what they are talking about. Try not to get too stuck in your ego, constructive criticism and feedback can grow you exponentially, if you are willing to take it. I remember some advice I received from my MAC manager many years ago. She said “I’m telling you this because I love you, you need to grow a backbone”. Such hard advice to swallow, but it was true. I was letting customers walk all over me. I wasn’t BEING the expert, or the artist. As much as it hurt to hear it, allowing myself to take that feedback and grow, has got me to where I am today.
3) Your Portfolio is everything.
We all know, our book, our portfolio SELLS us. If you look at your portfolio and feel it isn’t great, chances are, it isn’t up to scratch for an agency. But luckily, portfolios are the number 1 thing in our control in our business. We can literally CREATE what we want within in. The first thing an agency looks at, is your book. Take a look at your top 5 agencies, who you feel you would really vibe with and would grow and create great work with, and model your own portfolio on what they do, what they represent and the work they book. Test, test, test - but only test what you want to book.
4) Assist!
“Contact the make-up artists you admire and want to work with, and ask to assist them on shoots. Also contact the agencies, as they will have a list of assistants.”
If you are feeling a little out of your depth right now, this tip is for you. The best way to learn set etiquette, is to observe a professional who does it day in and day out. Become an assistant and learn on the job, chances are you will be paid for it and the knowledge you can learn will not only make you a better artist, but grow your confidence as well. Also check out the We Speak Beauty podcast. They have some amazing early episodes on how to be an amazing assistant.
5) Upskill.
We all know, hair styling and make up artistry are two separate skills. But having some basic knowledge and a small hair kit, will take you far especially in an agency capacity. “Make sure you can do simple hair styling. If there is no hair stylist on set, your make-up can be beautiful but if the model’s hair looks like she’s been dragged through a hedge backwards, the shots will look awful.”
Brush up on those hair skills, carry a nude nail polish. Be prepared and helpful. This is generally key to being re-hired. And as Tessa said from one of my own mistakes “Don’t spray a camera lens with hairspray!!”
A huge thank you to Tessa and the team at Sandra Reynolds Agency on taking the time to share some tips with us. One part of my job I take very seriously, is breaking down barriers. By breaking down these barriers, we make higher income for women a real possibility. Keep an eye on the Sandra Reynolds blog, for a cheeky guest post from yours truly, coming soon if you enjoyed this one!