MAC FAQ: PPID/MAC PRO Card

[DownInAHole]

I have a question, and I really hope that it has not been answered (but I did a search). I am currently a licensed aesthetician, but I have focused more-so on makeup artistry. Would MACPro by any chance take my professional license, resume and diploma for aesthetics as a makeup artist. I only have a resume saying I have worked with a freelance photographer and also a extracurricular activity in school as proof since it was freelancing. Should I still try to apply as an MUA or would I be more likely accepted as just an aesthetician bc of my licensure, etc.? Hehe, sorry that was wordy but thanks so much!!

 

[EmWyllie]

I have a question, and I really hope that it has not been answered (but I did a search). I am currently a licensed aesthetician, but I have focused more-so on makeup artistry. Would MACPro by any chance take my professional license, resume and diploma for aesthetics as a makeup artist. I only have a resume saying I have worked with a freelance photographer and also a extracurricular activity in school as proof since it was freelancing. Should I still try to apply as an MUA or would I be more likely accepted as just an aesthetician bc of my licensure, etc.? Hehe, sorry that was wordy but thanks so much!!

Your best bet might be to give them a call and just ask about it. The CSRs are really helpful on the M.A.C. Pro line. I would assume if you have credit as a makeup artist (your resume) they should, but it's possible they'll see the license as just an aesthetician and not a makeup artist.

 

[goldilocks88]

Just checked my visa statement and.....MAC COSMETICS $45 IS ON THERE!!!!

I am so excited to get my pro card!

 

[EmWyllie]

Just checked my visa statement and.....MAC COSMETICS $45 IS ON THERE!!!!

I am so excited to get my pro card!

Nice! When did you send in your application? I'm curious how long their processing time is taking since I just sent mine in. lol

 

[novellastar]

I am a photographer. I just did a photoshoot for a client, however she is a doctor, so the reference letter she has given me is from the hospital she works from. Do you think that will work?

I also have some publications on me however it uses my alias not my full name on my identity card, so im not sure if that would work?

 

[goldilocks88]

I sent mine on January 20 from Toronto and usually things don't show up on my credit card for 3-4 days after I've been charged so I would guess that they probably charged me on Monday. If that's the case, I could potentially get my card tomorrow or Monday (assuming that they sent it out relatively close to the time they charged my card). I'm so excited!!

Nice! When did you send in your application? I'm curious how long their processing time is taking since I just sent mine in. lol

 

[sarahbe492]

Here's my question: I'm just trying to get started on freelancing but have done two of my friends' makeup for their weddings recently. I obviously didn't charge them. Could I still make up a contract, even though in the payment line it would be $0? I just don't know if I have enough cred to even apply yet but am not really sure how to gain more business in the town I live in to improve my cred enough to apply later. Ideas?

 

[LC]

Sarah, send them a biz card and a contract. You don't need to put on there that it was free, you can always black that part out

 

[aic]

....

 

[mizsjr]

I was told on the telephone in the fall that client contracts are no longer acceptable as proof of profession, because they're easily faked. I was told on the telephone and at a pro store that you need to have tearsheets (editorial pages with your name in the credits as the makeup artist), letters of employment from a business (not a photographer), or callsheets. They said they'd tightened up their criteria a little because too many people were falsifying credentials and getting letters of recommendation from photographers who were doing, say, portfolio shots. I ended up sending in my business card, a letter of employment on a production company letterhead and a callsheet.

 

[EmWyllie]

I was told on the telephone in the fall that client contracts are no longer acceptable as proof of profession, because they're easily faked. I was told on the telephone and at a pro store that you need to have tearsheets (editorial pages with your name in the credits as the makeup artist), letters of employment from a business (not a photographer), or callsheets. They said they'd tightened up their criteria a little because too many people were falsifying credentials and getting letters of recommendation from photographers who were doing, say, portfolio shots. I ended up sending in my business card, a letter of employment on a production company letterhead and a callsheet.

That seems a bit odd since they haven't changed their application. The application still states that a contract on company letterhead is acceptable.

 

[LC]

Yeah I think a contract with an actually company is different though, a lot harder to fake

anyone can make up a fake client contract

It seems silly though because even if people go through the trouble of faking criteria, they're probably going to buy a lot from mac, so mac should welcome the business lol

 

[mizsjr]

 
LC - that's it exactly. The pro store very specifically told me that my contracts with clients were simply evidence of self employment - they were looking for contracts with businesses, productions or publications as opposed to anything else. They wanted letters of recommendation on production company/publication letterheads, that kind of thing.

 

[DownInAHole]

I faxed my application & information yesterday...and within 6 hours the charge posted on my bank account. Whew hew!

 

[xevilxevax]

I am a freelance make-up artist who works mostly on bridal parties, prom girls, halloween costumes, etc. I have done work for small businesses whereas I do the make-up on the models they photograph for their marketing material. I have business cards, signed contracts (My contract, signed by my clients.), and some letters of reference by my business clients, as well as thank you letters from my brides (But I know my brides probably won't count as "clients")! Do you guys think that will work? Also, I have not been able to find a fax number, but would really like to get my card stat so that I can get some new foundations! Do you have the fax number to share? How soon after the charge hit your account did you get the email with your PRO number?

 

[EmWyllie]

I am a freelance make-up artist who works mostly on bridal parties, prom girls, halloween costumes, etc. I have done work for small businesses whereas I do the make-up on the models they photograph for their marketing material. I have business cards, signed contracts (My contract, signed by my clients.), and some letters of reference by my business clients, as well as thank you letters from my brides (But I know my brides probably won't count as "clients")! Do you guys think that will work? Also, I have not been able to find a fax number, but would really like to get my card stat so that I can get some new foundations! Do you have the fax number to share? How soon after the charge hit your account did you get the email with your PRO number?

If you are in Canada, you can ONLY apply through the Mail.

If you are in the states, I think you might be able to apply via fax. Your best bet is to call the pro line and ask for the number.

 

[sarahbe492]

Ok so I posted on the last page and said that I didn't have call sheets or experience with a company, do you think it is worth a shot with a business card, contract with a bride and or letter of recommendation from a bride? I've heard of people getting it recently with these "less credible" resources so I just wanted opinions. Is there anything negative about applying now and getting rejected? I can still try again later right? If you aren't accepted, they don't charge you, do they? (I guess I'm thinking back to my college app days where it didn't matter whether you were accepted or not, you paid either way. That'd obviously be a way for MAC to cut down on those not serious about the makeup profession I suppose.)

Thanks in advance ladies! You are so helpful - glad I found specktra!

 

[kayley123]

Sorry, this is more of a MAC Pro website question, so I'm sorry if it's in the wrong place, but I was wondering, did they change it recently so that only MAC PRO members can see the list of Pro products on the macpro website?

 

[mizsjr]

The best thing you can do is to call your local pro store, like I did and they'll give you the definitive scoop. The artists at my store were very clear on contracts with clients NOT being proof of profession - they wanted contracts from someone else, hiring you to do makeup because that's not possible to fake. Call sheets, tear sheets, union cards, comp cards were also okay if I recall correctly. But if you don't get the card, they don't charge you. I just wanted to be clear in advance of sending my materials, because I wanted to be sure I gave them what they asked for. There are YouTube videos and blog posts out there on how to get a Mac Pro card using just client contracts that you can make out of templates that are available, printing cheap business cards, etc.. I guess MAC just got tired of giving pro cards out to people who simply like to buy a lot of makeup and wanted the discount.

So my advice would be to call either your local pro store or the MAC Pro number on 1-877-553-5536 and ask. Good luck!

The new website changes mean that you have to be signed in as a pro member before you can see the pro products. It's kind of a pain, if you ask me. I preferred the site the way it was!

 

[EmWyllie]

Sorry, this is more of a MAC Pro website question, so I'm sorry if it's in the wrong place, but I was wondering, did they change it recently so that only MAC PRO members can see the list of Pro products on the macpro website?

Sadly, yes, they changed it so that the Pro site is integrated with the regular site for purchases. Only Pro members can see Pro items rom now on.