How to become a MAC artist? Im sorry if this has been asked!

[AdlersMommy22]

Hi!!! Here's my little story- I am ABSOLUTLEY in love with MAC.. as im sure everyone here is... I do, I guess "freelancing" for people quite a bit.. today I was playing around with my shadows trying to come up with a good look for my manager for a wedding she's going to and it finally hit me- I want to be a makeup artist.. its the only thing ive ever done in my life that doesnt feel like WORK.. I love more than ANYTHING doing makeovers on people and raving about the line and spending more than my fair share of money on the products...

I have a 4 month old little boy.. his father abandoned us, and right now im looking to either go back to school or find a "real job" otherwise.. Ive been offered management posistions at the resteraunt I work @ (an upscale food and brewery) which has good benefiets and pretty decent starting salary.. but I dont REALLY want to do that the rest of my life!

I really need to figure out WHAT im doing with my life for me and my son... he needs some stability that doesnt include mommy working til 1-2 in the morning every night just to try and bring in some cash..

I live in Central IL (peoria to be exact) and the closest MAC counter we even have here is in aurora, which is 117 miles away!!!

I'm not sure WHAT to do... what school to attened? How much money/benefiets to MAC MA's get? Im at sucha crossroads but I know.. for once... that this is REALLY what I want to do... I couldnt imagine getting up and doing something else ... i enjoy it so much and it seriously is such an outlet for me ....

Does anyone have an specific advice for my situation? Would I have to move somewhere to go to a specific school? Who should I get ahold of? What kind of yearly salary would I be looking at?---is it enough to support me AND my son?

Anything would be SO helpfull! I really want to get started on this... I have been toying around with the idea forever but I never looked at it is a real possibility for a career! Pleeeeeeease help! =)

 

[Cosmogrl]

I'm right there with you. I'm trying to figure out what I want to be "when I grow up." I spent 2 years in Cosmo school but then relocated to NJ (I'm originally from Peoria too, moved to MO, now in NJ). I haven't gotten my license yet but I thought I would give make up a try also. Other than school and doing some friend's make up, I have no prior experience. I fixed up my resume and turned it into a MAC counter today. I felt like I might have "the stuff" to get a job, but after reading everyone's posts and far greater knowledge of the line than mine, I'm feeling weary.

I wish I could tell you what you need to do to get started at MAC but I'm trying to figure that out myself! When you figure it out, please let me know! GOOD LUCK!

 

[MAC*GIRL08]

Don't give up girls! if working for MAC is your dream than go for it! I too am a single mother and never thought I could have accomplished what I have especially landing a postion with MAC. I am not a professional MUA, just did family and friends and started a very humble portfolio - it was my drive and ambition to succeed in this field and my love for MAC that got me hired! Of course there can be obstacles like distance issues for some. I travel about a half an hour which isn't bad at all but I have to pay tolls. I suggest reading everything you can on this site! It's loaded with information from interviews, to makeup tips, to how MAC first started and tons of other info. Salary is something that is rarely discussed but you can make a living as a MU artist they are paid quite well. Check out my other threads because I too had the same questions. So read on and take notes if you have to it's all worth it!

Good luck!!!!