Creating Beauty | Career | wavemag.com.np

Make-up artists are one of the underlying forces that drive the fashion industry, yet the spotlight is generally on the designers and the models. Make-up artists are the ones transforming and creating beauty through and through.

Most people do not consider it a real job, and therefore do not give much importance to it. But it is a job, which if done well can earn you big time money.

Sakil Kunwar, a freelance make-up artist, is just 17, but is among the best in Nepal. To do so well is no mean achievement, given so many others are striving for the same kind of success.

Says Sakil, "You can only become a make-up artist if you have an individual style and idea and know how to bring it across; otherwise you'll just be one of many."

Sakil adds, "I wanted to become involved in the beauty industry when I realised that beauty queens are not born, but are in fact groomed. Beauty pageants don't just mean ladies parading on a stage, but instead is a platform where young girls are transformed into all-round individuals. And a make-up artist has a big hand in the whole process."

Sakil learned his craft at VLCC institute, New Delhi and got himself a diploma in Hair and Design from VLCC and Hair City and Guides (UK). He then took it one step further and obtained a diploma in professional make-up artistry and media make-up. For all those people wanting to enter into the field of make-up artistry, Sakil says you have to study the craft as you would any other. India is a good place to begin; VLCC is nearby, affordable and renowned. The course lasts 1 year, though Sakil finished it in 6 months. The fee for hairstyling totals Rs 60,000 and makeup, between Rs 100,000 to Rs 150,000. This is very inexpensive compared to courses in the west, and though the course is quite basic, you'll soon learn that innovation in techniques is the key.

In order to make yourself known as a make-up artist, you have to get to know photographers, ad agencies, event managers, and basically promote yourself every way possible and have very good networking skills. Talent and skill is just not enough. The downside, as Sakil stresses, is that the industry is filled with people that will take advantage of you in any way. For instance you may not be paid for certain gigs if you are not careful. "You need to have the courage to stand up for yourself and ask for the money."

The beauty field becomes lucrative once you become well known though. Sakil provides us with some statistics that might give us some idea of the potential earnings. For a shoot, you earn between Rs 8,000-15,000 and for a fashion show you can earn between Rs 25, 000-70,000.

When asked whether he sees Nepali people with potential in this arena, with great enthusiasm and energy, Sakil says "Absolutely!" He has come across many extremely talented people, whom he has high hopes for.

Sakil is a gifted make-up artist himself, who is slowly bringing a revolution to the face of fashion in Nepal. With more and more people like Sakil it won't be long before fashion in Nepal becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.