Rules for Assisting

Your job is to make the key makeup artist shine.

In return, you get invaluable experience and learn a lot. A great assistant gets job opportunities and career advancement. A bad assistant will have a hard time getting work. To be the best assistant you can be and avoid any negative situations, I’ve outlined what to do and what not to do.

“I didn’t know” doesn’t really work here. Know the rules. No excuses. If you do something that makes the key artist look bad to their client, you’ll ruin any potential future opportunities with that artist and your reputation.

Watch the key artist and pay attention to their workspace. Do they need their brushes cleaned? The best assistants can anticipate what the key artist needs are ahead of time.

What could you be expected to do?

• Help setting up and breaking down

• Cleaning the makeup, work area, and/or brushes

• Keeping everything organized

• Doing errands

• Doing touch-ups for the key artist

Some simple rules to live by as an assistant:

• Comply with set etiquette

  Don’t take photos unless directed by the key artist to do so. Don’t socialize on set with other departments or talent. Don’t be on your phone unless you have a break. The key mua shouldn’t have to babysit you. Have a great attitude and enjoy your day!

• Dress appropriately & comfortably

  Layers are great because you can adjust your temperature comfort. Comfortable shoes are important on set because you will be running around and carrying equipment. Being comfortable overall helps with productivity and creativity. I highly recommend Oofos shoes for anyone on their feet all day.

• Bring your own snacks & water

  Don’t assume they are provided. Sometimes they are, sometimes not.

• Be prepared

  Always bring your kit and brushes unless the key mua specifically tells you not to. Many times you might not need it but you should always bring it. Just because you bring it 10 times and didn’t need it, doesn’t mean you should not bring it again. No one wants to hear “Well I never needed it the past 10 times I brought it so I left it home”. It could literally save the day in high stress unanticipated situations like the key makeup artist was supposed to have 2 hours to get the talent ready, talent is late, and production is only giving 30 minutes for makeup.

• Know who your client is

  Your “client” is the key makeup artist who hired you. Your client is not their client. You are there to make the key makeup artist shine and to impress them with your good work ethic and skill set.

• Always know your place

  You are representing the makeup artist who hired you and should pass THEIR cards out and follow THEIR dress code & set rules. You should read up on their business to answer basic questions and represent yourself as part of their team.

  It is in poor taste and unethical to promote your own business when you are hired to assist another artist. You are not there to network.

• Referrals

  If you do a good job, you will get more opportunities & eventually referrals from the key artist. Don’t expect job referrals right away. It takes time for the key to trust you and to be confident in your skill set before they will refer you your own jobs.

  If you are an artist looking for makeup assistants, make sure they know the rules of assisting so it is a positive experience for both of you. Don’t assume.