As a Makeup artist your portfolio is essentially your calling card. It’s what you use to show off your work and to convince potential clients to hire you. So, how do you build a strong portfolio? Here are some tips:

First your portfolio should showcase your best work. Don’t include any images you’re not proud of or that don’t represent your style and vision. Choose a small number of your strongest images and include those in your portfolio.
Your portfolio should be organized and easy to navigate. Don’t overwhelm your viewers with a ton of images. Instead Choose a handful of categories (e.g., special effects makeup, editorial, clean etc.) and group your images accordingly. This will make it easier for your viewers to find what they’re looking for and to get a sense of your work as a whole.
Your portfolio should tell a story. Don’t just include a random assortment of images. Instead, think of about the overall message you want to convey and images that support that message. For example if you’re a media makeup artist you might include a mix of before an after shots to show off your ability to transform your models for the camera.
Finally, your portfolio should be updated regularly. As you create new work, be sure to add it to your portfolio. This will keep your portfolio fresh and relevant and will show potential clients that you’re active and engaged in your craft.

To help you get started, here’s an example of a shot list that you can use to build a strong portfolio.

Before & after shots showcasing your ability to transform your subject for camera.
Close up shots that show the details of your work (e.g., a bold lip or an intricate updo)
Full body shots that show how your work complements your subjects overall look
If you do on set work shots that showcase your ability to create on set special effects makeup (e.g., bruises, scars, etc.)
Don’t forget to add a variety of skin tones, and hair textures to show your ability to work with global skin and hair.

Remember, the key to building a strong portfolio is to choose your best work, organize it will, tell a story, and keep it up to date. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a portfolio that will impress potential clients and help you land the jobs you want.