About

Published Project a philanthropy project that helps to develop the careers of hair and makeup artists through recognizing their creative work.

How did Published Project come about?  

Reason Number 1.  While working behind the cosmetic counter I noticed there were so many of us who wanted our work to get noticed so we could advance our careers.  There were so many incredibly talented makeup artists who did amazing work without any type of online presence or published work.  Listening to the countless stories of co-workers who did work on magazine sets, for runway, or other visible projects and did not have a place to display and share with others was so defeating.  Many of us relied on having someone catch us when we had someone in the chair or through a verbal reference from one or more of our coworkers just to get additional gigs.  To be quite honest if a very generous business owner had not walked into where I was working and asked if anyone was interested in doing makeup for an upcoming spring catalog, I would not have become a published makeup artist.  The only reason I got the gig was because the girl who originally agreed to do the gig decided not to do it and asked me if I wanted it.  This does not happen all the time, if at all.  I had no online presence or portfolio at the time and it was a miracle that this opportunity happened for me at all.  About six months later my work was seen in a chocolate company catalog visible to the country and the world, something I will always be grateful for.  Up to this point, I had done makeup for the occasional bride and wedding party, fashion show, and clients.    After I completed the gig I was offered amazing career opportunities.

Reason Number 2.  After retiring my retail career I segued into public relations/marketing based on a very strong recommendation from a client of mine.  I brought all my skills and talents with me in addition to an amazing ability to efficiently coordinate press/events and create visibility for the spas and salons I represented.  While working in spas and salons the only element keeping some of the amazing talent I worked with from making their business move forward was simply a presence of some sort.  Taking this a step further, these talents desperately needed someone to help them with marketing their talents and special services or to teach them how to maneuver the basics of PR.  One of my greatest obstacles across the board was pitching talent who had no visible work presence.  This, of course, came from pitching services to potential high-end clients and being asked to see a professional portfolio online/website or even hard copy.  Other times potential clients would not allow anyone to touch their hair without having been published.  Of course, I did everything in my power to make sure these gaps were filled but sometimes they were completely out of reach due to lack of resources or even cost.

Today there are many wonderful mobile and online resources where work can be posted but nothing beats taking ownership through being published.  Having a publication recognize your professional work and sharing it with their readers, and the world, is amazing recognition.  The value is enough to catapult a career forward in the right direction.

Opportunities that can come from having a published online presence: 

(1)  Creating a fully comprehensive portfolio.

(2)  Developing a solid clientele in retail, spa, bridal, etc.

(3)  Being considered for print, runway and video work.

(4)  Join the film union for major media work.

All of these career moves require having finished work published.