In this topic, we present a career development timeline and introduce the concept of mobility and flexibility as important components in this line of work. First and Second Years. Get yourself in with a mentor. Work as an assistant makeup artist and utilize that knowledge to learn more skills and perfect your trade. You will have access to their product lines, techniques and clients. Therefore, you can start to learn what to do, how to book appointments and take some side jobs to start making it happen for yourself. Third through Fifth Years. Start to branch off on your own and build your own clientele, reputation and business. You will have the experience, hopefully have built up a portfolio and know how to deal with clients. You can still work with your mentor, but the focus needs to turn to developing your own name in the industry. Sixth through Eighth Years. Your client list has likely expanded and now it is time to start mentoring your own assistants. It can be hard to keep up with all of the work that you have. You have the experience under your belt to train your “minions” and instil your brand in your assistants. This is the point in your career that you are well known, at least in your area, and that you are ready to take on more responsibilities, including training and developing your own staff. Nine Plus Years. Work to get yourself in with a cosmetics brand or implementing new services. Open up a salon and offer various services, besides just makeup. Become a consultant and help people find their perfect look. Incorporate all of your training and know-how into your business. You are a master of your skill now and you should be able to continue to grow your brand and increase your business. Conditions are forever changing in this business. You may set up a booth in a salon, go to a hotel room of your client, go to their home, be on the set, or visit a million different places. You may be working out of a makeup bag, the trunk of your car, or in a salon. You may have to fly to a remote location, or stay local. The idea is that you go where your client needs you to go. Make sure that you network wherever you go. The idea of building better relationships and meeting new people should always remind you of how you will work to build your brand. Never limit yourself by not being prepared to perform your services outside your salon or home. You want to make sure that you have a travel case or bag for your supplies. Be sure to bring all of the things that you need to maintain your materials as well. You never know when you may have to stay overnight because the shoot went long. Pack for a longer trip every time. You may feel like you are living out of your suitcase or vehicle at times. There is just too many factors to consider when working in this industry. You will likely not be working regular business hours. Therefore, be prepared to get your errands done in between jobs or on your lunch break, if you have a lunch break. You will want to fill your day with appointments and not leave much time for anything else. These opportunities will arise and you just have to play it by ear. That means to always be prepared. Leave your dry cleaning in the car, so if a client cancels, you can drop it off. Keep a cooler in your trunk with lunch in it and eat in on your way to your next appointment. Bring a book to read or a magazine for when your client is late or you get done a few minutes early. This is not a cut and dry business. You can learn to make good estimates on how long things will take.