Artist to Artist

In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact products I’ve been loving lately for bridal, commercial, and on-set work—and more importantly, why they’re in my kit. If you’re a newer makeup artist still building your kit, this is the kind of episode that will save you money, time, and frustration. You’ll hear how each product performs on real jobs, which skin types they’re best for, and how to decide what’s worth buying based on your budget, your goals, and your clients. Favourite products right now: Maybelline Firework Mascara – A tubing formula that resists smudging, even on oily lids. Great for long days and bridal clients. Danessa Myricks Water Powder Serum – A beginner-friendly primer for textured, acne-prone, or oily skin. Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Powder Flushed – Two blush shades (I Got You Girl + Rose N Brunch) that blend easily and suit a wide range of tones. Danessa Myricks Dewy Cheek & Lip Palettes – Not ideal for cheeks, but incredible for lips—especially for deeper skin tones. Makeup by Mario Soft Blur Powder – A reliable, beginner-friendly setting powder that blurs, sets, and de-pots easily. YSL Make Me Blush 24H Buildable Blush in Shade 37 – A gifted product that earned its place in my kit. A luxe-feeling peachy nude blush that’s quick to apply and client-approved. Listener Q&A: “How do you keep it interesting when you’re always doing natural makeup?” This job can be repetitive. Most of us aren’t doing dramatic transformations every day. But natural doesn’t mean boring. I talk about why I stick to natural looks even for TFP, how I keep things fresh by constantly adjusting my technique, the challenge of making someone look camera-ready and still like themselves, and why nuance, not variety, is where the real artistry lives. Bonus tips for new artists: How to test products without a full client roster, how to document your work so you know what’s actually working, why “good enough” is sometimes better than perfect, and how to avoid wasting money on the wrong products. If you’re building your kit, practicing your application, and trying to get more confident with real-world makeup, you’ll love this one.  Join the Artist to Artist Membership for access to tutorials, real-time demos, and practical advice that goes beyond social media.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what working fast actually means as a professional makeup artist—and why speed doesn’t have to equal sloppiness. We’re talking about how to stay efficient under pressure, what steps I skip or simplify when time is tight, and why perfection isn’t always the goal (especially in real working environments like bridal, commercial, or e-comm). I also introduce the Speed Series, now live inside the Artist to Artist Membership, where i'll be sharing content from jobs where I had under 30 minutes to get talent camera-ready. In this episode:  What “speed” actually looks like on real jobs What to cut, simplify, or skip without sacrificing quality Why working fast is about decision-making, not shortcuts The mindset I use to stay calm under pressure What I want newer artists to stop doing right now Why repetition—not rushing—is the only way to build speed A listener question about assisting in the headshot niche Artist Question:  I answer a thoughtful question from a fellow MUA who’s trying to find assisting opportunities in the headshot space and struggling to connect with photographers. We dig into the truth about timing, mentorship, and the long game of networking in this industry.

So… you want to assist a makeup artist. Before you volunteer yourself (or worse—show up unprepared), listen to this episode. I’m breaking down what assisting actually looks like, the mindset shifts you need to make, and why most newer artists are getting it wrong. If you’ve ever wondered: What should I bring to an assisting job? Will I get to do makeup? How do I not overstep? Why do so many artists hate working with assistants? This episode will answer all of that—and more. You’ll learn: What your role as an assistant really is (hint: it’s not about showing off your skills) How to make a great impression without saying a word Why showing up early, staying quiet, and paying attention goes further than you think How assisting can actually fast-track your career (if you do it right) What experienced artists wish more assistants understood And if the idea of assisting makes you nervous? That’s probably a sign you should do it. 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes. 📲 Follow @artisttoartist.ca on Instagram for more advice like this. 💬 Got a question or topic request? Drop it in the YouTube comments for this episode. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6KXU_9wPVvLZuBeh2gqilUVV2JWafBp&si=umbX2wLGIPvx3bz9 

Let’s talk about the thing every working makeup artist deals with eventually, what do you do when a client doesn’t like their makeup. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to handle it with professionalism, clarity, and zero ego. We’ll talk about: How to prevent client dissatisfaction before it happens What to say (and not say) when someone isn’t happy How to handle vague, rude, or unclear feedback Why it’s not always about the makeup What to do if negative feedback is a pattern in your work This one’s real, practical, and made for any artist who’s ever walked away from a job questioning themselves. Leave any follow up question in the comments section on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe6KXU_9wPVvLZuBeh2gqilUVV2JWafBp&si=xkloaFHu2qH6e4uJ Thanks for listening!

If foundation still feels like the hardest part of your application, this episode is for you. In this one, I’m breaking down why it’s so tough to master, especially if you’re newer to the industry, and why a lot of what you’ve learned might be holding you back. I’m covering: The biggest mistakes I see with foundation Why “dimensional skin” matters if you actually want to get booked What social media isn’t teaching you What to practice (and what to stop doing immediately) How better foundation applications helped build my career—and why it can do the same for you I’m also sharing some real advice on swatching, shade matching, lighting, and how to think through your foundation choices instead of just following steps. 🎓 If you’re still second-guessing your foundation application, check out my new course: Foundation Fundamentals: Mastering Placement, Blending & Dimension  I show you exactly how I create clean, intentional base work that holds up on camera and in real life. Check out the course HERE 💇‍♀️ And if you do hair or want to level up your styling skills, don’t miss this: My friend Ashley Readings is teaching an Updo Masterclass on April 27th in Toronto. Get Your Tickets HERE

If you’ve ever felt like your makeup applications take way too long or you struggle to finish on time for weddings, photoshoots, or commercial work, this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: speed matters. Whether you’re on a tight bridal schedule or working on a fast-paced commercial set, the ability to work efficiently while still delivering high-quality results is what sets a professional apart. In this episode, I’m breaking down: Why speed is a non-negotiable skill for working artists The biggest mistakes that slow artists down (and how to fix them) How to work faster without sacrificing quality Why social media techniques won’t help you on the job How to train yourself to work under time constraints If you want to be the artist clients rebook again and again, learning how to work efficiently is essential. Got questions about this episode? Drop them in the YouTube comments! I’d love to continue the conversation there. Join the Artist to Artist Membership – Get weekly pro-level education, real-world strategies, and step-by-step tutorials to help you become a more skilled and confident makeup artist. All for $20 CAD/month—less than a single trending makeup product! [Join here] If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to rate, review, and share—it really helps more artists find this podcast! See you next week.

If you feel like you’re putting in the work but your makeup isn’t getting noticed, this episode is for you. A lot of artists think standing out is about being different, but the truth is—it’s about refining your skills, developing your taste level, and consistently putting out high-quality work. And that takes time. In this episode, we’re breaking down: The biggest reasons your work might not be getting noticed Why consistency, skill level, and presentation matter more than being “unique” How practicing more will change everything for you The role of lighting and photography in making your work stand out Key Takeaways:  A signature style develops over time—you can’t rush it. Clients and industry professionals book artists whose work looks polished and professional. If you’re not practicing enough, your work won’t improve fast enough to get noticed. The way you photograph and present your work is just as important as the application itself. Your Homework This Week:  Scroll through your last ten posts—does your work look polished and consistent? Find three to five artists whose work you admire and analyze what makes them stand out. Aim to do more makeup applications this month than last month. Improve your lighting—use natural light, clean your camera lens, and if possible, invest in a Makeup Light for professional-quality results. Resources Mentioned:  The Makeup Light: Use my affiliate code ANGIEDIB for 15% off Artist to Artist Membership: Get deeper education, pro strategies, and feedback on your work. Learn more here: Artist to Artist Membership  YouTube Channel: Leave your questions in the comments: Artist to Artist Podcast on YouTube Listen and Subscribe:  If you found this episode helpful, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with a fellow makeup artist who needs to hear it.

   If you feel like you’re doing everything right but still aren’t booking clients, this episode is for you. I see this all the time—makeup artists putting in effort, posting on social media, yet struggling to get people to book them. Today, we’re breaking down the real reasons why this happens and, more importantly, how to fix it. And I’m not just talking about marketing. We’re also covering: The biggest mistakes that could be holding you back How to improve your work so clients actually want to book you The role of professionalism, visibility, and word-of-mouth marketing Actionable steps you can take this week to start seeing results Key Takeaways:  Clients don’t just find you—you need to put yourself in front of them. Your work quality, presentation, and professionalism all impact your ability to book.  If you’re not consistently improving your skills, you’re making it harder for yourself. Making your booking process easier and refining your client experience will help. Your Homework This Week:  Optimize your Instagram bio—make it clear who you serve and how to book you. Pin your best work to the top of your Instagram profile. Reach out to past clients for testimonials or referrals. Post more to your stories—behind the scenes, client education, or pro tips. Want more help growing your makeup career?  Join my Artist to Artist Membership, where I teach practical, no-nonsense strategies to improve your skills, book more clients, and build a sustainable career. Check out my Communication Templates For Makeup Artists Here. Have questions? Drop them in the YouTube comments—I’d love to hear from you. Listen and Subscribe:  Don’t forget to follow the podcast and share this episode with a fellow makeup artist who needs to hear it.  

If you’ve ever wondered how to develop a signature style in makeup artistry, this episode is for you. Your signature style isn’t something you can force or decide on overnight—it develops through practice, experience, and real-world feedback. In this episode, I break down:  • What a signature style actually is (and what it isn’t).  • Why it takes time to develop.  • How your work experience, client feedback, and market demand shape your style.  • The role of social media and why posting consistently matters.  • The importance of taste in curating a commercially viable aesthetic. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how to build your signature style naturally while refining your skills and positioning yourself as a sought-after makeup artist. Key Takeaways from This Episode:  ✔️ Your signature style is shaped by experience – It develops through repetition, mastering the basics, and refining your techniques over time. ✔️ Market demand plays a role – The jobs you get hired for and the looks your clients request contribute to your signature aesthetic. ✔️ Social media matters – Posting consistently allows potential clients to recognize your work and understand what you offer. ✔️ Taste is a skill, not just a preference – Being selective about what you post and how you present your work influences your brand as an artist. ✔️ Luck exists, but consistency wins – While some artists get quick opportunities, most develop their style through steady work, trial and error, and continuous learning. ARTIST RESOURCES If you have any follow-up questions, leave them in the comments!  🔗 Podcast Playlist on YouTube 📌 📖 Free Foundation Adjusting Guide  Learn how to mix and adjust foundation shades like a pro.  🔗 Download the guide here 📌 💡 Artist to Artist Membership  Get access to professional makeup education, tutorials, and industry insights designed for working artists.  🔗 Join Today 

In this episode I share what I’d do differently if I were starting my makeup career from scratch in today’s Toronto market. After 20+ years in the industry, I break down the essential mindset shifts, business strategies, and technical skills that would have fast-tracked my success. If you’re a makeup artist wondering how to stand out, build a profitable business, and skip some of the trial and error, this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn:   • Why focusing on profitable niches matters  • How to start to build a portfolio  • How to consistently post your work on social media  • The skills I wish I had prioritized sooner  • Why professionalism and referrals still matter  • How I’d approach networking and pitching today  • My take on imposter syndrome Resources Mentioned:   • Episode 1: How I Got Started in Makeup Artistry  • Episode 29: How to Stand Out as a Makeup Artist  • My Social Media Content Calendar If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more makeup artists discover the show!