RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!!!

We are living in a fast paced, we want it now world. People want things without the hardwork of looking or working. Google can and will have information at your fingertips quickly. It's understandable that sometimes we have an excellent idea but don't quite know how to begin to search for it or may not know the exact wording to get the results that you are looking for. 

Listed below are things I like to do, before I ask for help: 

• Some good old fashion Brainstorming. Just thinking of the right keywords can better assist you with your search.  Be specific in what you want to search for. 

• Save articles from magazines that are informative, you never know when you may need it. 

• I always look at my Crystal Wright Guide, which is also available for download: http://www.makeuphairandstyling.com/#!hair--makeup-guide/c1l6a She also has other great products and workshops available to assist you in your journey as a Makeup Artist. Hair Stylist, Fashion Stylist, and Nail Artist.

• If you're looking for Production Companies, Producers, and other decision makers you can look at LA411, NY411 and get listed with your City & State's Film Commission.

• Get listed in your State's Entertainment Sourcebook. 

• Subscribe to Production Weekly, The Mercury Report, USA Production News and Variety.

• ProductionHUB is a website where you can be listed, find and search other crew members and companies. 

YouTube is a great free source and tool to use, but not everyone is a professional. And that's not to say that you cannot learn from a newcomer or someone who doesn't have training, that's not what I'm saying. Some of our best teachers and admirers of the industry didn't go to school but they do generate an income and living. 

As Artists' we can go out and spend money on the newest hot product but sometimes will think investing in the knowledge on a monthly or yearly basis is too expensive. Here are some other outlets that can teach you and inform you of business, networking and techniques.  

• Greene Street Beauty Kim Greene & Melissa Street offer a 1-on-1 mentoring service through the comfort from your computer via Skype or iChat. (I've done this, and they were a big help. I will definitely be using them again.) They can also teach you a technique and go step-by-step to help you achieve success. They also have a Face Chart app that was launched last year for the iPhone and iPad.

• Hair & Makeup Artist Network Michelle Lee created this great networking website with a TON of information and services that serve the working artist. Networking events, Self Promotion, Career Tools, and Legal Resources are just few things that are offered. There is also an education section which has a virtual classroom, that allows you view videos from some of the Top Artists, Agents from Top Agencies, interviews with different working Artists. It's truly an informative place to be apart of. There is a membership fee $159 per year but you can create a free profile but there are premium benefits that you won't be able to use. It's worth it.

• Stan Winston School Offers new videos every month with an unlimited views. This would be more for Special Effects Artists BUT they have do have content that can have an added benefit to your resume. They have a free 3-day trial but also have 4 different paid subscription options. 

• Lynda This site is AMAZING! You can learn so much from Photoshop, Excel, ZBrush, and many more. I believe anything computer related, you are able to learn. They have 4 different paid membership options. 

These are just a couple of things that I use on a monthly basis to keep myself sharp, knowledgable, and educated. I hope some of this information will help some of you who are either stuck, or just need some new information.