HOW TO FIND A GOOD PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST
Scheduling a Consultation
(Part #5 of 5 posts)
If you have been following this series, you've been able to identify and narrow down the artists you think could be options. So now you have to choose --and scheduling a Consultation is the next step.
What is the point of a Consultation?
What about the location?
Before you even talk with the artist, there are important things to note about the location. First, is the studio clean and appear neat and orderly? This is very important because there are standard laws requiring a high degree of cleanliness within a location that does Permanent Makeup. The treatment room itself should not have any 'porus' surfaces within it---which is something you may not have even considered. This requirement is because of the potential for bloodborne pathogens: a treatment room must be fully disinfected before, after and between clients. There shouldn't be fluffy pillows, fabric chairs or sofas, rugs ---or any other porus s
urface that could harbor contaminants because it can't be disinfected.
Cabinets or storage racks typically contain all materials utilized for the procedure --they aren't typically scattered about or sitting haphazardly in the studio. If the room is messy, cluttered and has obvious trash or debris within it, the first rule of Permanent Makeup has been broken : a clean, sanitized environment is absolutely essential.
Do you see evidence of licensing & training?
As detailed in prior posts, licensing is required to be clearly visible in all Permanent Makeup studios. Training certificates are often displayed in the studio, but this is not necessary and can vary by artist. Having a wall of certificates doesn't always mean an artist has skill....but it usually indicates they are serious about their craft and have invested to perfect it. At a minimum, you need to know they are LICENSED--and this should be obvious!
Lets just talk....
The most important element of your Consultation will be the dialog you have with the artist: Does the artist ask what you are looking for and want to understand your motivation? Does the artist answer your questions and address any concerns? Are you rushed out because another appointment has arrived? Do you feel confident this artist understands what you want and can do the work?
During a Consultation I will typically outline the procedure, how long it will take and give overview of what to expect afterwards. I want to make certain any client knows what they are signing up for--and what kind of healing to expect. I am also:
1) asking a few questions about medical history/health --this will help determine if you are/are not a good candidate and reveal any possible conditions that could impact your results
2) looking carefully at your skin to determine what procedure is most appropriate and give you feedback on what results I would expect.
A picture is worth a thousand words
A good artist will be able to show you pictures of their work. This one is a deal-breaker: if there are no pictures I would be very hesistant to proceed. When you review these pictures, do you see examples of work you find appealing? Do you see examples of people with skin/hair/coloring that is similar to yours? These are all elements of determining how much experience an artist likely has (for more information, see Blog #3 Pictures, Reviews & Referrals).
How much will this cost and what are next steps?
Pricing should be easily discussed and clearly identified---most artists have standard pricing for most procedures. Remember that ALL procedures are a two-step process: the initial procedure and the touch up which occurs 4-8 weeks after. Any good artist will be clear about pricing for both services. If you require something extra (like color correction), this should be something the artist anticipates during the consult --it is why you are there. Occaisionally skin condition of a client will mean an extra touch up --I have standard pricing to accomodate. If you require additional touch ups (beyond the first) to acheive desired outcome, this can cost more--so make sure to ask. A reputable artist should be forthcoming about pricing and it should not be a surprise.
A good artist will share advice with you about what to AVOID before your procedure--there are a number of things you should be aware of in order to acheive the best results. This is very important to receive and it should be highlighted during your Consultation. A reputable artist will need you to fill out and bring intake forms with you to your scheduled appointment --you should get this during consult OR they will direct you to where you can find intake forms.
Summary
Overall, use the Consultation to get initial impression of the place, the space and the artist ---all should make you feel comfortable and confident about proceeding. A good artist will make sure you know what to expect during and after the procedure--and should give you advice about what to do pre-procedure. In many cases it will boils down to how comfortable/confident you feel with this artist about proceeding.
Any other questions? Please text or give me a call to book an appointment at 952-207-4899 ---happy to help you!
SUSAN
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