Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maggie Overbaugh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Maggie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How do you think about spending on things like coffee when times are tough?
Freelance work is all fun and games until youre not sure when your next check will be! While I love what I do and wouldnt change it for the world, I do think it’s super important to discuss how scary freelance can sometimes be. Similar to anyone who’s running their own business, it’s hard to predict sometimes when youll have money coming in, and the flow of it. Theres been months Ive only gotten a few jobs, and other months that Im booked nearly everyday! It’s hard to not want to splurge when you have a lot of cash flow coming in, but it’s so important to prepare for the unpredictability of your next few weeks or months. Especially in a career that functions mainly off of creatvitiy instead of necessity, recessions make it super difficult for people to factor in “fun” money, and budgets get tighter with large productions. Best financial advice I have for freelance creatives is learn where your write offs are, and if you want to splurge do it on your business pursuits! Market yourself, have savings ready to use, and learn where your income is best spent.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Im Maggie Overbaugh- makeup artist and photographer from Long Island, NY living in Los Angeles. I grew up with a very creative family full of artists, dancers, and musicians and definitely learned how to express myself from an early age. I got into set industry a few years ago working at a photo studio and pitching myself as an assistant to the people that came by these studios. In my art, I prioritize looks of bold colors, fun expression, storylines that inspire me + more! I wear many many hats besides MUA +photographer such as production/set designer, creative director, producer, hair stylist- depending on the day. I love being on set and creating and will just about do it all for the right price. I think what sets me apart from others is that ability to do many roles. While it can get tiring, I feel so expansive of my career because Im learning from nearly every department that there is. There is no territory I don’t feel comfortable stepping into, and that makes feel really proud of myself! I would call myself a great assistant because of my ability to calculate what needs to be done fast, and sometimes before it even has to be said out loud. While there is always room to grow, I feel like Ive truly thrown myself into this career and have built up so many lasting relationships in the few years.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
Social media is such a blessing in this industry! It can sometimes be difficult to keep up with certain creators, and everyone has their own flow of how much they post- but regardless its important that you make SOME time for it. Someone who hired you a while back might see a new post and rebook with me just based off seeing that! It helps so much to keep connection even when its been a while since youv’e seen or spoken to someone. Supporting others through likes, comments , and shares means more to people than you may think. I always do my best to share love to people I want to work with so they know how I feel about them. Posting on my page when I have open availability also helps to give people a push to reach out to me. Some people may feel its better to directly message people so do what works for you! Show your authentic self and show love where you can, and the right people will get to you. I heard a quote recently that said ” networking comes easy when you are who you claim to be.” and WOW! I love that! It really is about being about what you say you are- and if you are a respectful, loyal, confident person- then there will be no problem having clients call you back.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Honestly, seeing people travel from their creative jobs is so awe inspiring to me! I mean- imagine getting a full trip to your dream destination and only have to work a little bit out of the time you spend there. That is so special & such a privilege. I see so many of the people I assist fly to other countries and I cant wait for the day that I get to have that experience. I want to be extremely well traveled, and If i could get paid to be well traveled…… what else could I complain about! Im manifesting a tour experience for myself when the time is right. I had a few major tour experiences fall through, but I know there is a reason it did not work out. I meant to be in Los Angeles for now- but I cant wait to see the world!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/maggie.overbaugh
- Other: maggieoverbaugh.framer.website
