When deciding which route to go as a hair and makeup artist, the choice between freelance and independently contracted artistry can be intimidating. Freelance artists enjoy the freedom to represent themselves as they please, while contracted artists have the benefit of working with an established branded company, such as Updos For I Dos.
Joining a company such as ours not only provides more stability but also more work. Updos For I Dos was one of the first premier on-site bridal wedding hair and makeup companies; being so well known, we work with over 500 brides and bridal parties every year! Freelance artists reap the benefits of representing and marketing themselves, however, flying solo may mean your schedule won't fill as much as if you were representing a highly respected brand and company.
At the end of the day, it's up to each artist to decide which route they prefer! Continue reading for our list of the pros and cons between freelance and independently contracted hair and makeup artistry.
The Pros of Being an Independently Contracted Hair and/or Makeup Artist
When you make the decision to represent an established company as an independently contracted artist, you will quickly understand the benefits of taking this route. When you are an independently contracted artist with Updos For I Dos, you are solely responsible for the "not-so-glamorous-but-necessary" aspects of working as a hair and/or makeup artist! Meaning, your main focus is taking care of your bride and any other members receiving services. You do not have to worry about all of the "behind the screens" work, such as contracts, communication with brides and planners, scheduling, logistics, managing a website, marketing... we could go on!
Not only does working as an independently contracted artist free you of being chained to your computer, but it also provides you with the opportunity to collaborate and enjoy being part of an incredible team. At Updos For I Dos, we have over 35 artists independently contracted on our team. Our artists enjoy continued educational opportunities, team-building activities, and so much more!
Lastly, by representing a highly respected and established brand, such as Updos For I Dos, your book will fill much quicker than it may as a freelance artist. We receive inquiries in very high volume, especially during peak wedding season! Additionally, brides tend to book their vendors very far in advance, we see brides locking in their date with us sometimes even 2+ years in advance! (PS: We are already booking weddings in 2024 & 2025!)
The Cons of Being an Independently Contracted Hair and/or Makeup Artist
The only con that we can think of when becoming an independently contracted artist, and that we are here to debunk, is the split contracted rate. Whether you work at a salon or are renting a chair, you are splitting your income with the salon and/or booth owner. It's no different being an independent contractor! Our artists receive a juicy percentage of their services completed and they receive their tips and travel fees in full. At Updos For I Dos, we have an Operations Team of five that handles all of the “fun” administrative work, such as contracts, payments, advertising, networking, marketing, logistics, communication, and a whole lot of other things. This is why we split the rate with our artists!
At the end of the day, we book our artists with such a high volume of weddings, that the split rate is not even a factor. Here's an equation for you:
As an Updos For I Dos artist in 2022, you were contracted for 47 weddings, at a split contracted rate. On the flip side, let's say another artist, that was strictly a freelance artist and not representing a company such as ours, was booked for 7 weddings in 2022.
Which artist do you think had a more profitable year?
The Pros of Being a Freelance Hair and/or Makeup Artist
Being a freelance artist also has its own benefits. You have the freedom to represent yourself and your work however you please! Social media platforms, like Instagram, have become a heavy influence for brides selecting their vendors. As a freelance artist, you are able to post and represent your personal brand however you may like.
The Cons of Being a Freelance Hair and/or Makeup Artist
One main difference between being a freelance artist and working with a company such as ours is the workload. Freelance artists are responsible for their own marketing, communication, scheduling, logistics... the list goes on and on! It can also take more time to build a freelance artist's bridal book; it can take years for your name and your work to become well-known.
Freelance VS Independently Contracted Artists
When deciding which route to go as a hair and makeup artist, the choice between freelance and independently contracted artistry doesn't need to be stressful. Freelance and contracted hair and makeup artists each have their own set of pros and cons!
Freelance artists have the freedom to represent themselves and their work however they choose, but they are also responsible for all of their own marketing, communication, scheduling, logistics, and so much more. Contracted artists sacrifice some of that independence, but in exchange, they have the support of a team and their book fills much quicker due to their representation of an established brand.
At the end of the day, it's up to each artist to decide which route they prefer! If you're ready to start your journey as an independently contracted Updos For I Dos artist, we would love to chat more with you! Please fill out our application form here and we will reach out to begin this journey together. We can't wait to work with you!
