For those looking to get into the Fashion Week circuit, Andrea emphasizes relationships and quiet confidence. Recommendations are gold, and maintaining a positive, adaptable attitude can get you invited back season after season.

On Friday, I had the absolute pleasure of glamming the gorgeous and incredibly kind Georgia Caine. Georgia was visiting from Melbourne, and since we’ve worked together before, I was so happy we could line up our schedules again.

From Vic’s early beginnings in Sydney to working with international icons, Victoria's journey is not just about cosmetics—it's about passion, perseverance, and personal growth. Here, we delve into her experiences, insights, and the invaluable lessons she's gathered along the way.

As a multi-talented entrepreneur with a background in creative direction, media, and content production, Arielle has worn many hats throughout her career.

Kandra has faced her share of challenges—one of which went viral. A video surfaced of a bride washing off her makeup, and the incident was linked back to her team. Instead of reacting defensively, Kandra used the moment to advocate for transparent client communication and industry-wide reflection.

Meet Madeline Baucia—bridal hair and makeup artist, destination wedding queen, and all-around inspiring creative. Originally from Australia, Madeline took a bold leap, packed up her brushes, and moved to Italy. Fast forward a year and a half, and she's now glamming up brides across Europe and building a dream business in the heart of one of the world’s most romantic regions.

Isabella Schimid’s journey is a reminder that you don’t have to fit into a box. In fact, it’s your unique blend of skills that will set you apart. Whether you’re a makeup artist, a creative, or someone still figuring it out—take a page out of Isabella’s book: Own your weird. Embrace your passion.

A standout part of the conversation is Sarina’s take on micro-influencing. She points out that having a smaller, highly engaged audience can often provide more partnership value than a large but disengaged following. Makeup artists, freelancers, and content creators are encouraged to identify their unique strengths—whether that’s content creation, product testing, or audience trust—and use these to build strong, aligned brand collaborations.

Is it ever too late to start over? According to Nicole Lee, absolutely not.

At the age of 37, Nicole walked away from a successful career as a fashion buyer and stepped into the dynamic, fast-paced world of freelance makeup artistry.

This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Nicole spent over a decade climbing the ranks of the fashion industry. But despite her professional accomplishments, burnout and a lack of fulfillment began to creep in. The demanding nature of the industry was taking a toll on her health and well-being. After years of ignoring the signs, she made the brave decision to pivot toward her long-standing passion—makeup.

Rae Morris—an internationally renowned makeup artist whose journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional. From styling hair in a salon at just 11 years old to becoming one of the most respected figures in global beauty, Rae’s story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and creative evolution.

One of the pivotal moments in Stoi's career was her encounter with Pat McGrath. After reaching out to Pat's team and showcasing her portfolio, a chance meeting with Pat on the streets of New York became the catalyst for her entry into the high-fashion world. This serendipitous encounter underscores the importance of confidence and the willingness to seize opportunities, even when they appear unexpectedly.

Testing is a vital part of a makeup artist’s journey—especially when you're new to the industry. Ash explains that test shoots are a collaborative, non-commercial space for artists, photographers, and stylists to come together and experiment. The result? Striking images that reflect your personal style and build a strong, relevant portfolio.

Navigating the financial side of a creative career can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling gigs, invoices, and inspiration. That’s why our recent podcast episode with Lucas from Darkwave Consulting is a must-listen. Lucas specializes in helping creatives understand their tax obligations, manage GST, and sort out superannuation—so you can focus on doing what you love without financial stress.

In the fast-paced, competitive world of makeup artistry, your portfolio is your visual resume—your first impression, your strongest pitch, and often the deciding factor in booking high-profile jobs. But how do you build a portfolio that not only showcases your talent but positions you as a serious contender in the fashion and editorial space?

In a powerful episode of The Makeup Insider podcast, host Vanessa Barney sits down with seasoned industry professional Maxie, who offers a wealth of insight into the strategic construction of a standout makeup portfolio. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refresh your body of work, Maxie’s advice is a must-listen—and we’ve compiled the key takeaways right here.

We take a deep dive into the art and strategy of condensing a makeup kit—without compromising performance. From discussing the pros and cons of repressing powders to introducing tools like the Z Potter.

Let's talk about the Airwrap—a game-changer in the world of hairstyling. But is it a must-have essential in your kit, or more of a luxurious treat? Well, let's dive in and explore.

In the ever-evolving world of makeup artistry, there’s no single path to success—and that’s exactly what makes Jade Kisnorbo’s story so inspiring. Known professionally as Jade K, this Melbourne-based artist has carved out a diverse and fulfilling career spanning editorial shoots, live events, wellness campaigns, and even major gigs like the Grand Prix. Her secret? A powerful mix of resilience, humility, and unwavering self-belief.

A common misconception? That assisting is only for beginners. Not true. Both Emma and May are proof that assisting is a tool for all artists, regardless of age or experience. The best artists never stop learning, and assisting offers a front-row seat to new techniques, products, and ways of working.