1. Busy work during the Spring Festival
Every day, from morning to night, in addition to the necessary rest, almost all of them are creating antique makeup for customers. This is the description of Xiaoqin, a Hanfu makeup master in the 12 Hours Neighborhood of Chang'an, Xi'an, about his work during the Spring Festival.
Fu Xiaoqin has been working as a Hanfu makeup artist for three years, and she feels that the original niche hobby of Hanfu has gradually become a cultural experience for the public. As an immersive ancient scenic spot in Xi'an, Chang'an Twelve Hours Street has attracted many tourists to check in, and Fu Xiaoqin's main task is to provide them with professional makeup services. She said that after customers enter the store, they must first choose the right Hanfu, and then choose the corresponding makeup according to the style and background of the Hanfu. In general, a customer's makeup process takes anywhere from half an hour to an hour and a half.
Second, the rise and competition of Hanfu experience stores
Fu Xiaoqin further said that in the past two years, Hanfu experience stores in Xi'an have sprung up like mushrooms after a rain, mainly concentrated in places with strong ancient styles such as Datang Sleepless City, Chang'an Twelve Hours Block and Furong Garden, which has also driven the demand for Hanfu makeup makers. "For a period last year, Hanfu makeup makers were hard to find, and many people who were interested in working in the industry signed up for training courses to learn relevant skills and knowledge, and some even changed careers from bridal makeup makers. Judging from the current number of tourists in Xi'an, these makeup artists can still find suitable jobs. Fu Xiaoqin said.
Liu Ying, 24, is one of them. She just graduated from the training school half a year ago and is considered a "newcomer" to this industry. She told the Global Times that the current Hanfu makeup artist market in Xi'an is still relatively tight. On the one hand, it is because of the high demand in the market, and on the other hand, it is also because of the "two-way choice" between makeup artists and Hanfu stores. As a result, the mobility of people in this industry is also relatively high.
3. The income and plight of Hanfu makeup makers
Liu Ying said that she studied at the school for about three months, and after officially entering the market, she found that there were some differences with the school's teaching. "When we were in school, we had to pay attention to the details and delicacy of makeup, but when it came to the market, some hanfu shops valued the efficiency and speed of makeup. Liu Ying said that in terms of salary, she revealed that if it is full-time, the basic salary is generally between 2,500 and 3,500 yuan, and there is also a commission, which ranges from 15 to 40 yuan per customer. If it is a store with a large flow of customers, it is entirely possible for a makeup artist to earn 8,000 yuan a month.
Of course, Liu Ying also admitted that there are still some difficulties in this industry. "Most of the Hanfu makeup artists rely on Hanfu shops to 'survive', and the management level and standardization of Hanfu stores are different, and the ability of makeup artists is also uneven. When it comes to salary protection, sometimes you can only rely on a verbal promise from the store on WeChat, so I hope that this aspect can be improved. She said.
Fourth, the professionalism and importance of Hanfu makeup artists
Zhao Yuxiang is a customer who has had Hanfu experience, and she believes that makeup artists are very important, mainly in the following aspects: first of all, professionalism, Hanfu makeup artists will ask customers according to their preferences, ask them whether they want to restore the style or artistic style of makeup, if it is a restoration style, will further ask them which dynasty they want to refer to the makeup; The second is convenience, restoring ancient hairstyles requires professional tools and time, and it is impossible for ordinary people to carry accessories such as hair bags and headwear. But she also pointed out that the lack of transparency in makeup fees is also an issue that makes customers unhappy.
For the standardized development of the industry in the future, Chen Chen, a staff member of the 12 Hours Block in Chang'an, said in an interview with the Global Times that the demand for professional makeup artists in the market is increasing, not only requiring them to have professional skills, but also requiring them to have a certain historical and cultural literacy, to be able to introduce relevant background knowledge to customers, and explain why this set of Hanfu should be matched with this hair accessory. "We also look forward to the intervention of industry associations in the future to formulate a reference standard to make the entire industry more standardized and orderly. Chen Chen said.
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