Makeup Artist is a PROFESSION

So, let's clarify what a PROFESSIONAL Makeup Artist is...one more time.

OK, let’s do this one more time...
Makeup Artist is a PROFESSION, just like plumber, lawyer, chef, etc.

Unfortunately, the title of my profession contains the word "artist," which has created much confusion about what an actual working professional makeup artist is.
People equate the term ARTIST with ART and use "artistry" as an excuse to label social media influencers and cosmetic enthusiasts as Makeup Artists.

This is an INCORRECT use (abuse) of the title PROFESSIONAL Makeup Artist.

You may use makeup applications as your creative outlet, like painting, using your face as the canvas. But that doesn’t qualify you to call yourself a makeup artist. Many people on social platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok) have monetized applying makeup to themselves. But applying makeup to yourself, to express your creativity, or monetize your social media channel, does not make you a working PROFESSIONAL makeup artist.

FACT:

A professional makeup artist is a person PAID to apply makeup TO OTHER PEOPLE as one of their primary sources of income. It is their PROFESSION - hence the term PROFESSIONAL.

Let me make this concept easier to understand:

I was a High School and College debater. I also worked as a makeup artist on the series Law & Order. Thanks to my debating experience, I can undoubtedly present an "argument" both intelligently and factually. I spent hours (and hours) in the courtroom set of Law & Order, observing actors playing defense and prosecution attorneys.
So, can I call myself a lawyer because I have debating skills and have spent hours observing actors playing lawyers on TV?
Of course not.
Being a lawyer is a PROFESSION in which you must train, gain experience, assist working lawyers, and eventually become accredited, which allows you to charge people money to argue their cases.

In Closing:

What have we learned today?
Being a Makeup Artist is a profession (like a lawyer) in which you train, assist (working senior artists), and gain experience until you reach a level where you are competent enough to request payment to apply makeup to others (not yourself).

I'm not hating anyone's hustle. Be a beauty content creator, sit in front of a camera, beat your face to perfection, and cash in on sponsorships and affiliate codes - but you do not have the right to call yourself a MAKEUP ARTIST.

The Exception:
If you were a working (PAID) professional makeup artist (not a salesperson that sells makeup) before you switched careers to become a social media content creator or influencer, you retain rights to the title, makeup artist.

Are you still confused or disagree with my POV based on FACTS? Then, let’s have a discussion in the comment section below.