The Hair, Makeup & Styling Career Guide - Softcover

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CRYSTAL WRIGHT BIOGRAPHY

As founder and president of The Crystal Agency, for hair, makeup and fashion styling,

Crystal Wright guided her company to become one of the most dynamic and respected talent agencies of its kind, representing some of the most talented and sought after makeup, hair and fashion stylists in the business. Magazines, record labels, production companies, and public relations firms relied on the talented artists at The Crystal Agency.

Pursued for advice by young hopefuls, Crystal set out to write The Hair, Makeup & Styling Career Guide to assist stylists in developing a portfolio, marketing skills, and the professionalism necessary to establish a successful career behind-the-scenes in the fashion, beauty and entertainment industries.

The "Career Guide" was a chance for Wright to return the favor of her Grandmother’s lifelong teaching. "My grandmother was an entrepreneur––a seamstress. She taught me a lot about clothing, style, self-determination and drive. All have been instrumental in the success of my personal and professional life."

The Hair, Makeup & Styling Career Guide, now in it's 4th edition, is the official text book for the Fashion Styling courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T) in New York, Bauder and A.I.U in Atlanta, the International Academy of Design in Orlando, Florida and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles.

A summer internship at the Seattle branch of Xerox Corporation led to a full time sales position while still a Junior at the University of Washington. In less than a year, she was among the top sales executives in the region. A weekend visit to Los Angeles prompted a transfer to Long Beach, CA, where Wright continued to excel, but began to launch business plans of her own. A chance meeting with a professional photographer resulted in a decision to leave Xerox and become his agent. But shortly after the move she was fired. With two options, return to Xerox and beg for her job back or move on, she reluctantly opened The Crystal Agency with one makeup artist.

Her company grew steadily and she developed a reputation for being professional, hard working and meticulous. The Crystal Agency logo became a familiar sight on the desks of photographers, art directors, fashion editors and video producers. Today she publishes 1stHOLD, a trade magazine for the freelance makeup, hair and fashion stylists, and a portfolio workshop that focuses on marketing for freelancers.

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Hello Future Stars and Welcome

REESA’S FYI!

Hello Future Stars and Welcome!

It’s such a pleasure to be a part of this publication, the only resource of it’s kind for artists who are searching for a way to break into this exciting and growing field of freelance hair, makeup, and fashion styling.

            For me, the opportunity is in sharing all the information and inside tips I acquire every day at the agency. There’s so much useful information and advice given to me from the clients that hire freelance artists, and I feel honored to be able to pass along the knowledge to people who can really use it to their advantage.

            I’m convinced that reading advice can be much more valuable than getting it face to face or over the phone because you can review it again later. Some of you may agree with what I have to say and some of you may not. I am just passing on what I have acquired in an effort to enhance your career. Take it as you will. Just remember, what I’ll say throughout the book is what I’ve heard over and over again from the folks who will be hiring you!

            If I had one general comment for freelance artists it would be “be pleasant and positive”. In the beginning nothing is easy but clients like to work with people who have good attitudes and are team players. Paying your dues is like changing the oil in your car: it’s a pain in the butt, but it must be done in order for your car to run properly.

            Once you have the technical skills down, it’s important for photographers, producers, fashion and video directors or whomever is hiring you to like you. Nobody wants to spend eight to eighteen (depending on the type of project you are working on) hours a day with a whiner. This is, after all, a show business folks. So put on your happy face, know your job, and no matter how negative the director, model, or other artist working next to you becomes hour after hour, don’t let them get to you! The guy standing by the food table all day munching on the fat free pretzels and red vines may be the one who chose you for this job, and he may be watching you deciding if he wants to book you for the new Madonna video next week.

            Best of Luck, Test, Test and Keep testing and believe in yourself. Remember, if you don’t have confidence in yourself no one else will!                                                    

Sincerely,

Reesa L. Mallen

Agency Booker

The Crystal Agency, Los Angeles

––Reesa Mallen was the booker at the Crystal Agency for 2.5 years. During that time she garnered many new clients and substantial revenue for the agency in the form of bookings for the talent we represented. The artists represented during her reign as head booker included Neeko, top hair stylist for Halle Berry and Nia Long; Asia Geiger, Gina Sandler and Cherie Combs and Maxim Khalig, makeup artists;and fashion stylists Alejandro Pereza and Victor Vargas.

Reesa also brought Teen magazine to the agency as a client. When she left The Crystal Agency 2.5 years later is was to take a great job at Teen as the Sittings Editor­­––the person how books makeup, hair and fashion stylists for the magazines photo shoots.

Over the next 3 years, Reesa was promoted twice. First to Bookings Editor and then to Photo Editor.

Aus dem Klappentext

The growth of the Internet, cable TV, independent film and record labels has created enormous demand for cutting-edge image-mak

The growth of the Internet, cable TV, independent film and record labels has created enormous demand for cutting-edge image-makers! The need for freelance makeup, hair & fashion stylists is at an ALL-TIME high. This comprehensive guide, is a text, workbook and resource all-in-one. Coined the “Bible” of the industry, this how-to book teaches you how to land a job behind-the-scenes in print, video, film and television. In it, Crystal skillfully paints an in-depth and honest picture of what it takes to create images for the stars of fashion, television, film, and music.

            This Updated and Revised 4th edition of The Career Guide is Full of NEW information on how to market yourself properly, from the handshake to the promo card to getting signed by an agency. YES, top Makeup, Hair and Fashion Stylists DO have agents! Crystal’s Guide is still the ONLY publication in the world that contains everything the aspiring or working professional, in ANY city, needs to know to get on first base and stay on top of their game.

            Are you just beginning your career in makeup, hair or styling? Are you trying to get ahead in the business? Don’t worry. This book WILL help! The Guide offers a no-nonsense approach to mastering the skills of a successful freelance artist in the entertainment and fashion industries. It will help you make smart decisions, avoid pitfalls and get practical, step-by-step instructions to succeed in the business. The text includes information on:

• Building a makeup, hair or styling portfolio that gets you work.

• How to test with photographers and [professional] models––for free.

• How to get signed by an agency, typical fees, commissions and contract obligations.

• Getting into the TV and film union. . . .or NOT!

• Working with record labels, magazines, and video production companies.

• What art directors, photographers, and agency owners expect from YOU!

• U.S. and International agency listings and specific requirements for representation.

• Magazine and agency listings. Including portfolio drop-off days, times & rates paid.

• Resources: Popular photo labs, portfolio companies, schools and more.

• SPECIAL FX Makeup: Breaking into the Biz!

As President of The Crystal Agency for Makeup, Hair & Fashion Styling in Los Angeles, and a former photographer’s rep, Crystal’s 17 years of experience in the industry have given her a wealth of information to pass on. With the 4th Edition of the Career Guide, she answers clearly and concisely the numerous questions she receives from aspiring and WORKING artists on a daily basis.

The 4th edition has more NEW stuff. I’ve expanded the agency listings AGAIN. The magazine, TV & film and education sections have new information and insights, as well as a ton of new stuff for fashion stylists. Bookers, stylists and educators offer new observations and ideas on how to work in any market. And for the first time EVER, there’s helpful information for aspiring special FX artists who want to break into the biz.