Many jobs require planning for a makeup artist. Often artists will create visual boards that have color, style, and the steps needed to create a specific look on them. We call these “story boards”.
A story board is like a map for an artist. As a makeup artist sometimes it is necessary to work out a look in order to be able to create it. A story board is also used to show others how to produce a look for a show or large event.
For me story boards are essential when developing challenging makeup looks that require specific techniques and products. Fantasy for example which usually has to be worked out prior to the job. I will also storyboard fashion looks that are heavily stylized. This keeps me on track and also helps me be prepared. I know what products to use and also where I am heading creatively. Sometimes I have to stick with the vision of the creative team and the storyboard helps me.
Once I have an idea I will start my board with a color theme and verbage. This helps me narrow in on the look and feel for the makeup. I will also find magazine pictures to put on my board to represent different aspects of the look. Lastly I will create a chart of the makeup look and the steps I need to get there.
Once this has been done, it is time to practice the look. Here are some pictures that show the process from story board to practice to the final look. These are taken from Makeup Training Academyʼs Fantasy Day where students were given a day to come up with a look and story board. We met at the Make Up For Ever store that morning to work out any technique questions and had models in the studio that afternoon.
Storyboards at the MUFE boutique for our pre-production meet.
The practice run: student Becky practices on student Adriana.
