We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexandra Hopkinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alexandra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work as a makeup artist for over a year now. It was not like this since day one, and one of the biggest obstacles was trying to find a starting point. I attended a makeup school to get certified, but after graduation, I did not feel like I had a clear path to actually getting started in my career.

I started out by creating looks on friends and family members to practice and build my portfolio. I also reached out to local photographers and models to collaborate on photoshoots. After I had built a solid portfolio, I searched for paid job opportunities, and got some occasional work in photoshoots, weddings, and fashion shows. I enjoyed these jobs, but was still looking to grow and become booked enough to make this my full time career.

After assisting at a few weddings, I realized that I really enjoyed bridal makeup, and I decided to focus on pursuing that. I researched some of the top bridal makeup artists and teams in New Jersey, and sent messages to them, letting them know that I was interested in joining their teams and working with them. I interviewed and joined some of these teams. This was a great boost for my career because they received so many bookings, and gave me a lot of opportunities to work and gain experience. I loved being able to be in control of my own work schedule. I became very busy on the weekends, sometimes working on up to 4 weddings a weekend. I utilized social media by posting photos and videos my work on instagram and tik tok. This has led to more clients coming across my social media and booking through me directly.

I am still working primarily in bridal makeup, and am consistently booked. I don’t think I could have sped up the process much more because I needed to gain experience and build a portfolio before jumping into this career. All of my early experiences helped to make me a more skilled and confident makeup artist. I consider it a big responsibility and honor to do a bride’s makeup on her wedding day, and always strive to do my best work and make her feel beautiful.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a freelance makeup artist, specializing in bridal makeup, fashion, and photoshoots. I have always loved beauty, especially makeup, but when I was younger, I did not consider that I could actually make it into a career, instead of just a hobby. I attended Salem State University, and got my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. After that, I was an elementary school teacher for two years, before making the decision to change careers and pursue makeup. I loved teaching, but I wanted a career that would allow me more freedom with my time and opportunity for financial growth. I began looking into makeup artistry as a career.

I had experience doing my own makeup, but I needed to learn how to do makeup on others. I also needed some guidance on the industry and what a career as a makeup artist would entail. I decided to start by attending Chic Studios, a hands on makeup school in NYC. I completed their Professional Makeup Program and received my certification. After practicing more and working on my portfolio, I started reaching out to apply for different job opportunities. I eventually focused on bridal makeup, and I have been able to build a full time career as a freelancer.

As a freelance makeup artist, I typically travel to different venues to get my clients ready for weddings, events, and photoshoots. I always work with my clients to help create a look that is customized to them. I am proud of my ability to listen to what clients want, and use my skills and knowledge to help them achieve the look that they want. It is so rewarding to see my clients feel beautiful and confident.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think society could encourage children to use their creativity and pursue it as a career. As I mentioned before, I did not really see how something creative, like makeup artistry, could become a serious career and business. I thought the only right thing to do was go to college and then get a full time job in the field I studied. I think we should show children that there are different career paths and opportunities for their talents and creativity. Starting a career is not a one size fits all approach.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

As I’ve pursued my creative journey, I’ve found it very helpful to look for ways to continue learning. Attending classes and watching video demonstrations has taught me different skills and techniques that I have been able to implement. Early on in my creative journey, I wish I had known more about the tutorials and classes that are available on the internet. I could have started learning from them even sooner.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @alexhopkinsonmakeup
• Other: TikTok: @alexhopkinsonmakeup

Image Credits
Meghan Ann Imagery Gennaro Brigante Mark Edman Photos By Kintz