How much money I make as a makeup artist | First year vs. current year

YES, you read this right! NOT CLICKBAIT just truth! I wanted to create this video to show what an actual makeup artist makes. I'll be comparing what I made in my first year vs. the current year.
It's important to know that even though you have high hopes and dreams, you still need to be realistic and not quit your day job right away. However, the great thing about this job is that you can choose to make as much or as little as you'd like :) The sky is the limit!!!
MUA BUSINESS TEMPLATES: shopjulieruby.com/
Pre-filled business templates for makeup artists to make bookkeeping easy! Bridal contract, consulation template, and accounting template available!
____________________________________________________
EQUIPMENT:
Camera: Sony A600 & Sony ZV-1
Editing Software: ‪@FilmoraWondershare‬
________________________
CONNECT WITH ME:
Instagram: / jm_artistry
Business Inquiries: [e-mail]
Website: jmartistrymakeup.com/

[@julieruby]

Hey guys!! I hope this video is VERY insightful for you guys! I knew it was a risky video to post, but I wanted to show you guys the realities of what your income could possibly look like when starting off as a makeup artist.

[@klaudia719]

Julie, you mentioned that you are still working your other job. How do you balance your schedule for both jobs? Im currently working a full time job so I am limited to working makeup on weekends. Do you freelance during the week as well? Just curious, im sorry if this might be a repeated question you get 😅

[@julieruby]

@@klaudia719 Hey! No, I don't freelance during the week. Just bridal previews sometimes :) I uploaded a video a while back talking about this if you wanted to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/maDLlIRuZbF1fK8

[@klaudia719]

@Julie Ruby Awesome I’ll go check it out! ☺️👍👍

[@sarahpogany527]

I went from 2 weddings in 2020 to then having 28 in 2021!! Definitely very proud of the progress 😊

[@julieruby]

Wow Sarah that's incredible!! I'm so happy for you girlie! Just wait till this year :)

[@sarahpogany527]

@@julieruby thank you! happy for your amazing growth as well! :)

[@faizakashif9341]

Where do you work

[@beverlycole4977]

Thank you so much for this video. I found when I started I would try to find out what other mua's were charging so I could get an idea but everyone was secretive. That what I love about you and your channel. Your willingness to share and teach is wonderful. I've learnt so much from you. Thank you ❤️

[@julieruby]

You’re so welcome Beverly! It always saddens me when other artists don’t help newer ones out, but I’m glad you found my channel and are learning new things from it :)

[@jackiebarbery4763]

This is amazing! 👏🏼 Thank you SO much for sharing. I love your MUA content. Can’t wait to see what this year has in store for you! 💗

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much!I'm so glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for being so supportive :)

[@foreverhe]

Finally starting my makeup business this year as well & I've always felt like make up was my calling and me stumping across your channel was a sign from the Universe! Thank you for all your tips. I could watch you for hours! 💗💗💗

[@julieruby]

Aww thank you so much Ayeisha! I’m so glad to hear my channel has been helpful for you. Congrats on starting with makeup artistry! So excited for you :)

[@mariabarrios1247]

I love this!!!! Thank you for being transparent. 🙌🏼

[@julieruby]

You're so welcome Maria! I'm glad you loved this video :)

[@Maha420]

Amazing!!! So great to see your growth and thanks for always sharing your tips and tricks. Wishing you even more success in 2022!

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much Maha! I really appreciate you saying that!! :)

[@bluangel1388]

Your growth is incredible!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽Definitely motivates me to kick it up a notch 😊🙏🏽 💗

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much Francesca! Hard work really does pay off :)

[@nina_lls]

Yes girl, I love this , thank you so much for sharing!

[@julieruby]

Thanks so much Nina! You've been killing as well! love seeing your work on Insta ;)

[@mizwonton7736]

You’re so inspiring Julie ❤️ thank you for making this video and creating great content as always. I’ve started freelance makeup but very part time, I haven’t invested as much effort and time as I should. Watching your videos keep me inspired, thank you!

[@julieruby]

Aww thank so much I really appreciate that! I’m so glad I’m still able to bring valuable content to you :)

[@mistycuz2011]

Thank you so much for sharing your growth! It’s crazy to compare the years like that. But so amazing to look back on!

[@julieruby]

You’re so welcome! Yes it’ll be amazing to see what 5 years looks like from now :) glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@xxringpop]

Julie, i needed to here this. I’ve always said i will forever do makeup because i love it so much but truth be told it’s soo tiring that i took a good time off at the end of last year. You’re progress is inspiring. Thank you for sharing. You’ve got a strong hustle, not to mention you also make KZbin videos omg!

[@julieruby]

Aww thanks so much Ali! It defnitely gets exhausting after a while and I get to my breaking points every 6 months or so, but you just have to keep going even when it's hard to do it! I'm sure you'll definitely have a solid career since I can tell you are super passionate about makeup :)

[@Beautybyprincess.o]

I have been binge watching ur videos as I’m a new mum and this helps a lot! Thankyou for sharing this as not many people are actually saying the truth about being a Mua❤️

[@julieruby]

So glad you found my channel! Yes I’ve found not many artists share info so I wanted to provide everything :) It’s not an easy career to enter into so why not know all the ins and outs?

[@ezotemua4434]

I’m on a lunch break and I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this information with us. 2 take aways patience and timing is everything when you’re trying to be a BOSS. Happy NY to you and your family and the doggies. You’re the best

[@julieruby]

Aww thank you so much! I’m honored that you’re watching this on your lunch break lol yes being a business owner is a lot of work but it definitely pays off in the end! Thank you and Happy New Year to you and your family as well :)

[@darzenvlogs]

An inspiration indeed. 🥰 Thanks for being transparent. ❤️❤️❤️

[@julieruby]

You're so welcome! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the video :)

[@bisolaspice]

Loved this video! I love when I can learn how to make my business better by learning from other pros

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad to hear this. I feel like we never stop learning :)

[@yareliperez1990]

I am starting my MUA business this year and I am sooooo happy I came accross your channel.

[@julieruby]

Aww yay I’m so glad you found my channel as well and I’m glad it’s been helpful for you :)

[@nevskaya19]

Thank you for this video! Would be great to see how your income will grow in another 3 years. 🤓Absolutely love watching it! Thank you for talking and showing other sides of being freelance makeup artist, that almost no one does, keep doing it! 😍

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much!! I’m glad you liked the video. My income has definitely grown since I made this video. It’s really tough to make it on your own but it’s possible! :)

[@makeupbyahshia]

That's AMAZING!!! Congratulations 🎉

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much! :)

[@elliRaav]

You are literally putting me in business 😊, thank you Julie ❤️🙏, with you everything is so simple and sounds really realistic for me

[@julieruby]

Aww I’m so glad you liked the video!

[@canelami1285]

Thank you so much for sharing ❤ 💕.....i found you by searching for reviews for OMA, watched several more of your videos so now a new sub here. I'm waiting for my kit to arrive from OMA in the meantime I'm binging your videos, LOL I'm a bit older than you and just got into makeup during the pandemic. Blending skills on my eyes are much better but I can't get foundation to work for me so I'm looking forward to your skin prep video. Anywho, I'm blabbing the point I want to say is my plan is to learn n practice makeup and maybe in 5yrs when my son is a teenager have a side hustle of pro mua. (With OMA i signed up for the Elite course, figured might as well go all in and get the makeup kit) your videos are fantastic just knowing what to expect and how to be organized when I'm ready to start my career. Tho that won't be anytime soon, I'm still taking notes!!

[@julieruby]

Hi Canela! Thank you so much for subscribing! That's so exciting that you are interested in starting your MUA career in the future :) OMA is definitely a fantastic program for newer artists. I'm also happy to hear that my channel has really been helping you set yourself up for success. I wish you all the best!

[@iggyrosa]

Loved this video I’ll definitely be purchasing your templates

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much! Hopefully you will find them super helpful :)

[@farheeng2806]

Thank you for this video!

[@julieruby]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@ashisabellamua]

Wow!! That’s Awesome Julie! Congratulations! You can definitely see where your hard work goes and clearly paid off!! I wish this were a trend where you can see artist from other states sharing information 🤔 I’m definitely going to keep track and maybe share a video for my state. Anyway 🍾🎉💕🙌🏾 great job!! Wishing you all the best for 2022

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much!! I’m hoping to start this trend so it spreads awareness :) I’m so glad you enjoyed this! Definitely do one on your channel. It would be fun for me to see others as well!

[@marywiththelonghair1330]

Please do. I want to freelance and I just am so clueless on how to set what my value is. And I’m nervous to ask local artists. From the comments, it looks like a lot of us want to know! ❤️

[@julieruby]

@@marywiththelonghair1330 hi Mary that’s so great that you’re looking into freelancing! However, you will have to ask other artists since it can vary by city! Even between myself in Fort Wayne and a bigger city like Indy there can be a $50 difference for bridal! You can just DM local artists but you will have to ask to make sure you are overpricing or undercutting yourself!

[@ashisabellamua]

@@marywiththelonghair1330 hiii 😊 don’t be nervous! It’s okay to ask questions when starting out. Some artist (like myself and Julie) don’t mind sharing details Bc been there…but others don’t. And that’s fine. One things for sure you’ll always start at a level that’s comfortable for you and your area..as you start to promote, hand out your cards and get more clients, experience and knowledge you’ll have an easier understanding of how much to charge. Thank goodness for KZbin and videos like this where people are willing to share 🙌🏾❤️ Bc when I started we didn’t have as many videos as there are now lol

[@marywiththelonghair1330]

@@ashisabellamua awww thank you so much!! I really do appreciate that! I will certainly try to be braver!

[@shaireensidhu2948]

You inspire me everyday! ❤️

[@julieruby]

Aww thanks so much Shaireen! :)

[@danielavillaron34]

Thank you so much for sharing this ❤️

[@julieruby]

You're so welcome Daniela :)

[@klaudia719]

Ooooo Ive been looking forward to this video since you posted the premier! Lol

[@julieruby]

Hi Klaudia! Hopefully you enjoy it! It was a risky video but I figured why not? haha!

[@klaudia719]

@@julieruby Not gonna lie I have been binge watching your videos! I just got my airbrush makeup certification about 3 months ago and ive been so excited to work on clients. Im still in the slow process of recruiting models but im still excited nonetheless 😆

[@julieruby]

@@klaudia719 Aww I'm so glad to hear that they've been really helping you out! I'm sure you'll do great :)

[@marywiththelonghair1330]

THANK YOU for having the balls to do this!! I live in Longview Texas. Our minimum wage rate is the same. Other than all the fast food joints are advertising they are starting at $12 now, but I think that’s cause they can’t find workers. Anyways. I’m thinking maybe it’s around the same median income. I will check at some point. My point being, this video is so great. I’m wanting to freelance. And this is really eye awakening to me. Not that I really had any expectations or anything. But, it’s good to know some realistic, truthful info. Thank you for being so open. For all the free education you give us. It really does mean a lot. And congrats on your growth! I suspect 2022 is gonna be even bigger for you!! ❤️❤️

[@julieruby]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the video Mary! I really appreciate all of your sweet comments lately :) Being a freelance artist is definitely such a rewarding career, but it can be financial tough at times. Whenever you decide to launch your business, I'm sure you'll do really great bc of your passion for it!

[@marywiththelonghair1330]

@@julieruby awww thank you so much!! And you are so welcome! Women gotta support each other!!!! I’m wishing you all the success in the world! And I’ll definitely be leaning on your videos and kind words!! 😘😘😘

[@beauteapolitan]

You are so realistic with your journey being a full-time employee while freelancing bridal makeup artistry! You get me so inspired and I hope to become as strategic as you.

[@julieruby]

Aww thank you so much!! My biggest suggestion is the never give up and keep going!! You’ll start seeing the results :)

[@beauteapolitan]

@@julieruby I'm teary-eyed right now! Thank you 🥺

[@Risselita1992]

Thank you for sharing. I would love to see you do a video about your price increase and how often you do it.

[@julieruby]

I’m glad you liked the video! I usually increase my prices by $5-$10 per app every couple of years. It’s not a industry standard or anything though. Everyone does it whenever they feel like it’s necessary:)

[@lauragarza5171]

This is so ironic. I’m looking into doing freelance makeup and when I heard you say Fort Wayne I ran to google! I am also from and in Fort Wayne! This is great!

[@julieruby]

OMG what a small world!! If you ever want to chat or have questions would be happy to answer those for you :) My Instagram is @juliemarie_artistry if you want to DM.

[@lauragarza5171]

@@julieruby That’s awesome! Thank you ☺️

[@Verbsdescribeus]

Thumbs up for you for being able to do 2 jobs at the same time! Where I live, bridal makeup is actually the most expensive one :D

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much! I technically balance 3 since KZbin is becoming more of a job as well, but I'm super grateful that my full time job is able to accommodate both! Bridal makeup is most expensive for us as well where I live since we don't have really big editorial shoots or tv crews here.

[@rachriri]

Im very impressed that you only work weekends and do so well! Good job’ so happy for you honestly!! For the expenses I have the same template but I only write “kit replenishing” or “education” meaning i dont detail what I bought but do have receipts. Do you think its important to write details about what u buy?

[@julieruby]

Thank you!! I definitely don’t have much free time I will tell you that between the two jobs & YT lol I think it’s nice to write a white description of what you bought just in case you get audited by the IRS someday! They just want to see that you made legitimate purchases.

[@siedebrownell2320]

Congratulations 🎊

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much! :)

[@SandraSanchez-pl6ly]

Great video Julie!! Thank you for the break down. I’ve freelance here and there. I’m working on having a small makeup studio in my home. I haven’t registered my freelance as a business yet. My question is when did you know that it was time to name and register your business?

[@julieruby]

Hi Sandra! Thank you so much :) I actually don’t have my business registered officially either bc I feel like I don’t make enough to do it quite yet (there’s no set monetary amount by the way just what I decided to do). I’m making a video over it here pretty soon on the benefits of creating an LLC bc I’ve gotten several questions on this topic!

[@miamakaveli]

It would be great to see a 2023 version of this video!❤

[@julieruby]

To be honest it’s about the same! I haven’t been taking as many larger parties or as many weddings to prevent burnout. My mental health took priority as opposed to jobs this year :)

[@miamakaveli]

@@julieruby I completely understand and you’re doing such a great job! And just to add your work and content is so inspiring, I look forward to every upload!!🫶🏽

[@julieruby]

@@miamakaveli Aww so sweet thank you so much! :)

[@chayap.199]

This is going g to be more helpful than you know for artists.

[@julieruby]

Thank you Chaya! I definitely am happy to hear such a positive response from this video!! It made me SO nervous posting it lol

[@loveyourselfthewayyouare.7704]

Thank you

[@julieruby]

You are so welcome :)

[@paolazephir2976]

💯💯💯

[@julieruby]

Glad you liked the video!!

[@jenkenj]

This is amazing, you go girl!!!

[@julieruby]

Thank you so much!! :) And yes it is gross income before taxes and also before the expenses are taken against it as well!

[@diksha7069]

Omgggg could you please share a template of your excel sheets???!! They're so apt

[@julieruby]

Hi! I sell these along with other templates on shopjulieruby.com. :)

[@milysarahiiii]

Congratulations love that’s great money 🤩!!! Around how much do you make from KZbin

[@julieruby]

Thank you!! For KZbin it varies every month but I’m thinking of making a separate video on it :)

[@milysarahiiii]

@@julieruby yeiii keep them coming I love them all

[@pursuingmypotential746]

Great information! Where’d you get your contact lenses?

[@julieruby]

Thank you glad you enjoyed it! They are from Desio Lenses :) they’re an Italian brand. Love them ❤️

[@sexy_tanjiro8878]

It depends where you get this makeup artist job. I also stated doing makeup at weddings and parties. Now currently I am doing make up at fashion shows as a freelancer. Not to be BS you, the fashion shows pay you good money. The cons is that before you sign up to work that day. They make you sign a paper saying if the model suffers some facial injuries you pay for it and they make you sign a nondisclosure agreement. The last one I did they gave me $5,000 from 9am to 12am. And they gave me a free jacket from the show. The last one was real generous. I have got low as $1,000 and up as $10,000 per show. But it's not a stable job. I am a fashion dresser also. I help dress up the models. I get another salary for that. I made 129k last year. I have yet to do one this year. Maybe I get one like in March or so, maybe... The cons of the job if you get criticism or longshifts without break. I once did from 7am to 2am. I did not eat that day. I even slept at the trailer that the show assigned us the makeup artists. I am in New York City that's my "base" if that helps. My age is 31. In 2016 it was my bad year. I only did 3 and I got in total only 7k. $7,000 for the whole year I had to get a second job to pay my bills.

[@julieruby]

Yes all of this is definitely true! It depends on what type of niche you're in and also where you live. NY for sure has a higher wage rate, but also the cost of living is higher as well. That's so amazing to hear that you are doing so well in your career! That's quite a big salary jump even in 5 years. Thanks so much for sharing :)

[@raelynnramos8623]

Hi, I’m trying to see if you have a video on Insurance. Where can I find that?

[@julieruby]

I don't have a specific video on this as I used an insurance broker to set it up. I'm not sure on the details as each business insurance covers different things depending on what policy you choose.

[@annestylez]

How do u manage having a full time job and being a freelance makeup artist? I work full time 8-5 and I sometimes do other people’s makeup and I’m finding it really hard. Do you get enough sleep?

[@julieruby]

Great question! I only freelance on weekends and On Fridays since I take Fridays off work. I’m not booked every single day during the weekend so I do have downtime as well. During wedding season though I definitely do want to pull my hair out sometimes though! Lol

[@gretamichelle8514]

My makeup artistry business is rn a side business also!

[@julieruby]

Hopefully it’ll become your full time someday (if that’s what you’re intentions are). I just went full time with it this month actually :)

[@mandiejpro]

Hey Julie! I know this video is super old and I didn’t want to read through all of your comments to see if it was mentioned but….. please tell me you have MUA pro cards now and are buying in bulk or at a discounted rate for your makeup products? I saw a glimpse of your expenses, but saw you were purchasing stuff at multiple stores. You NEED all the pro cards to get your products 20-40% off chica! ❤️

[@julieruby]

Hi Mandie!! Yes I do have pro cards :) I had them at the time haha However, me being an unprepared person … I need things last minute as in the next day sometimes lol Plus I don’t mind spending money since it offsets my income so I’m not paying a ton in taxes 😂

[@mandiejpro]

@@julieruby ah! Okay gotcha! Thanks for the video. I hope this year you made double if not triple of last year! ❤️❤️❤️

[@MakeupandMobility]

Hey just how do you get a pro license

[@julieruby]

Hi there! Are you referring to an actual license or for pro discounts online?

[@MakeupandMobility]

@@julieruby discounts

[@julieruby]

@@MakeupandMobility Each company has different requirements but the majority of the time you have to have a combo of 2 of these things: professional license, certification, business card, pro website, call sheet etc. if you go onto the website where you want to get the pro discount, there should be a page where they list the requirements!

[@MakeupandMobility]

@@julieruby thank you I’m not a professional MUA but I would love to be! Your channel has helped me see what it takes and I’m so thankful for that!

[@dani5612]

why don't you do regular people's makeup for their events, birthdays, proms, etc. besides bridal? that's what a lot of MUAs do to wayyy more money and can live off of it!

[@julieruby]

Great question! I don't necessarily refuse other special events, but since I book so many weddings each year, most often I'm already booked for any other events. Luckily, I have dropped down to 2 days each week at my office job so now I am able to live off my income since it's significantly increased since this video :)

[@baninrahimi9912]

That was juicy 😋😋

[@julieruby]

😂😂