Dealing with the Public

Just speaking on what I have learned in the past few years as a professional makeup artist. I love when a photographer, fashion coordinator, or whoever is in charge of a shoot or fashion show says this... "This gig/assignment will be TFP or non-paying." Now normally that would set off alarms to NOT WORK WITH, but learning different ways to approach this situation is interesting and can be awarding.

1st I try to be diplomatic about their status and budget. After I have thought things through, I'll suggest a payment arrangement to help ease some of their troubles. (This may work some of the times but not always...so be careful!!!)

I will suggest this only if the 1st solution doesn't work to my favor.
2nd I will work out something to pay a fee involving travel and kit. (This one I'm finding is working out a lot more than I thought expected it would.)

3rd and final is this one. If they are still not willing to move to solution 1 or 2. Then I can either just graciously decline or give and have them sign my TFP/TFCD contract. (Actually all this is a contract that simply states within a two weeks to a month time frame I will be doing a paid job with them.)
This one actually works in both parties favor. They get a MUA for their needs at the moment and I get a new client for a future assignment.

I truly love how the business mind and negotiations can work to my advantage. Caution!...Always remember during negotiations that you are the CEO of your business and you have to think what is best for you and the client. So watch what you say and your body language because that can make the difference between you getting the job or the client never calling you again.

Until next post... A Day and Life of a MUA signing off!!!