Creating Your First Beauty Portfolio

By the time you begin beauty school, you probably already heard students and instructors talking about building a beauty portfolio. Whether you are a cosmetology or esthetician student, building a beauty portfolio is a must in growing your business and clientele. The more content you have, the more consistent your portfolio will become. You are going to want to be able to provide a visual of your work, so potential clients have an idea of what services you have to offer. If you decide to provide photos or video content, it should always be professional and something that catches someone’s eye so that they are more likely to schedule an appointment with you. Read more to find out how you can start your portfolio sooner than later!

Why is It Important to Have a Beauty Portfolio

Beauty portfolios offer a variety of benefits. It is a great way to look back on how you have grown and improved as a beauty professional. When you create a portfolio through a website or social media, anyone can see your work. It’s the perfect way to start a resume so you can impress future employers and clients and show off your specialties. A portfolio showcases experience and skills that you have gained in beauty school or during times you have worked in a salon or spa. 

How to Start Your Beauty Portfolio

Don’t procrastinate on starting your portfolio. Be sure to take a variety of photos of your work. You can take close-up shots or videos of your beauty process. Take photos and videos of anything and everything that can lead you towards the dream job you had always dreamed of. One way you can get started is by asking friends to model for your portfolio. Most people are willing to help out if you ask! An online portfolio can be built through portfolio template sites like Format or Squarespace. This allows you to set up your work and contact information.

Get Inspired

Begin your portfolio with some research. A great way to gather inspiration is by looking at other beauty portfolios in your industry. Finding someone who has a similar niche to yours is a great way to avoid feeling stuck and can really help you to come up with your own ideas. A mood board is a great way to guide you through the process and you can make one that you feel expresses your brand. Keeping up with different website trends can also lead you in the right direction. Be sure to ask fellow students, instructors, and friends for their input or any portfolios they might recommend.

What to Include

The best way to grab viewers attention is to get creative and have fun with your portfolio. Use it as a way to express who you are as a beauty professional. If you are a cosmetologist and have a passion for coloring hair, then be sure to come up with content that showcases this. It’s better to think quality over quantity when it comes to building a professional portfolio. Showing a variety of styles of hair, makeup, nails, and skincare can also get the attention of clients. Be sure to keep your work organized and as a way to not only show clients what you can do, but also who you are as a stylist.

Your Social Media Portfolio

Social media is a great way to get your name and work out there. A lot of people are finding their stylists through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. You can build your Instagram or TikTok while you are in beauty school and both platforms are great ways to share content and start your portfolio. Video and images are great ways to get someone interested in your business. Social media is all about consistency, so the more content you have, the more you can post on the daily. The beauty industry is competitive, so it’s important to create interesting and engaging content. If you have no idea how to start, take lots of videos and photos of work you have done for friends or assignments you have completed in beauty school. 

Build Your Portfolio in Beauty School

Attending a beauty school is the first step to get the experience and content you need for your beauty portfolio. Enroll in a cosmetology, esthetician, or manicuring program where you can learn a variety of skills to showcase your work. If you are looking to start your beauty school education in Ohio, then check out why Moler Beauty Academy is the perfect school for you. Schedule a tour to learn more about our programs offered at our Cincinnati or Fairfield campus. Learn how to apply and get started on your beauty school journey.