Welcome back to our guide on embarking on your drag journey!
Splitting this guide into two parts was essential because the initial six tips laid the foundational bricks for your burgeoning drag persona. Now, these next seven tips are designed to catapult you from a mere hobbyist to potentially a full-fledged career drag artist, or at least secure you a consistent side gig. Here are tips 7 through 13, each vital to launching every baby queen’s drag career. They will guide you in navigating the industry, honing your craft, and making a name for yourself in the world of drag.
Disclaimer: Just as a reminder, this guidance reflects my personal journey and insights I’ve learned about drag. I am not the ultimate authority on how to do drag, and I acknowledge that I am still learning and growing in my own journey. These tips are meant to inspire and encourage you as you find your own unique path in the art for.
7. Embrace the Digital Stage
In today’s fast-paced and digitally-driven world, mastering social media is an absolute must for any aspiring drag performer. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have become the virtual stages where drag artists can showcase their talent, creativity, and unique personas to a global audience. These digital arenas offer unprecedented opportunities for visibility, engagement, and connection with fans and the wider drag community.
Regular content creation is not just about staying relevant or gaining followers; it’s about building a strong and lasting bond with your audience. By consistently sharing your art, your journey, and your authentic self, you invite your followers to be a part of your world. You create a space where they can feel inspired, entertained, and emotionally invested in your growth and success.
Moreover, social media platforms serve as powerful tools for networking and collaboration within the drag community. By engaging with fellow performers, commenting on their posts, and showing support for their work, you foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual upliftment. These digital connections can lead to exciting opportunities, such as collaborations, joint performances, or even mentorship from more experienced artists.
Remember, your digital presence is an extension of your drag persona and a crucial component of your overall success. Embrace the power of social media, and use it to amplify your voice, showcase your talent, and connect with a global community of drag enthusiasts. By mastering the art of content creation and digital engagement, you’ll not only expand your reach but also solidify your place as a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving world of drag.
8. Network Relentlessly
The heartbeat of the drag scene is its community and the connections within it. Every gig is a golden opportunity to network. Make it a point to meet everyone when you go to a gig. Don’t arrive late, perform, and leave early! Try to arrive early wenough to greet and introduce yourself to all of the staff, the bartenders, and the other performers. Further, don’t just dissappear once your performance is over! Stay after the show ends to day hi to guests and audience members, adn thank them for attending theshow. A friendly demeanor and visible engagement can swing doors wide open for future performances. Remember, it’s not just who you know, but who knows you. The more people who get to meet you and get to see your friendliness, the more opportunities you may have to be booked again.
9. Invest Wisely in Your Drag Arsenal
Financial prudence goes a long way in drag. While it’s tempting to splurge on an ever-expanding wardrobe and makeup collection, focus your spending on quality foundational items like a versatile wig and professional-grade makeup. Your budget should reflect your priorities. Economize on accessories and incremental pieces until you have the means to expand. Building your drag collection takes time, and it’s okay to start small and gradually invest in higher-quality items as your skills and confidence grow. Focus on the essentials that will make the biggest impact on your drag persona, and don’t be afraid to get creative with what you have.
Here are some practical tips for spending your money wisely for drag:
Foundation is key: As you mentioned, splurging on a high-quality foundation that matches your skin tone is a wise investment. A good foundation will ensure a flawless base for your drag makeup and will last longer, saving you money in the long run.
- Versatile lip colors: Instead of buying a wide range of lipstick shades, focus on one or two versatile colors that complement your drag persona. Classic shades like red, nude, or pink can be used to create various looks and are a staple in any drag artist’s makeup kit.
- Quality over quantity with wigs: It’s tempting to buy multiple cheap wigs, but investing in one or two high-quality wigs can make a significant difference in your overall appearance. A well-crafted wig will look more natural, last longer, and save you money in the long run.
- Thrifting and DIY: Don’t underestimate the power of thrift stores and your own creativity. You can find unique clothing pieces, accessories, and even materials for creating your own costumes at a fraction of the cost. Learning basic sewing skills can also help you modify and customize your looks without breaking the bank.
- Prioritize essential padding: Investing in quality padding for your hips, butt, and breasts can make a huge difference in achieving a feminine silhouette. Focus on getting the essential padding pieces right, rather than buying multiple sets of inferior quality.
- Reusable false eyelashes: Instead of constantly buying disposable false eyelashes, invest in a few pairs of high-quality, reusable lashes. With proper care, they can last.
10. Be Proactive in Seeking Opportunities
Don’t sit back and wait for gigs to find you; be the architect of your own opportunities. If your city feels oversaturated with talent, look for venues without established drag nights and pitch your unique act. Remember, a proactive approach can set you apart from the crowd. You are your best advocate.
In a city like San Francisco (for example), where the drag scene is thriving, it’s easy to feel discouraged and attribute not getting booked to fierce competition. However, it’s essential to remember that not every single bar or venue in the city, or even in the Castro neighborhood, has a resident drag show. There are undoubtedly untapped opportunities waiting for you to discover them.
It’s natural to assume that others may have attempted to start a drag show at these venues and failed, but don’t let that deter you. Whether or not that’s true, remember that they are not you. You bring something unique to the table—a distinctive look, a captivating act, or a combination of both that sets you apart from other performers. Embrace the qualities that make you stand out (as outlined in steps 2-4) and use them to your advantage.
Here are a few tips to help you find and secure performance opportunities:
- Research and identify venues that don’t currently have a regular drag show. Look beyond the obvious choices and consider bars, clubs, restaurants, or even unconventional spaces that might be open to hosting drag performances.
- Reach out to the management or owners of these venues and propose the idea of starting a drag show. Come prepared with a well-thought-out plan, including the format of the show, the frequency, and how it can benefit their business.
- Highlight your unique selling points and what makes your drag persona and performances special. Emphasize how your show can attract a new audience and add variety to their entertainment lineup.
- Be persistent and professional in your communication. If you don’t receive an immediate response or if you face rejection, don’t get discouraged. Keep exploring other venues and refining your pitch until you find the right fit.
11. Always Come Prepared
In drag, as in life, preparation is key to success. Arriving at your gigs on time and fully prepared is not just a matter of professionalism; it’s a reflection of your dedication to your craft and your respect for your audience and fellow performers.
Before every performance, take the time to meticulously gather and organize your essentials. Make sure you have a well-stocked drag kit that includes a generous supply of bobby pins, eyelashes, eyelash glue, hairspray, and any other items you rely on to create your signature look. Double-check your kit before leaving for the venue to ensure that you have everything you need to dazzle on stage.
Being caught unprepared at a gig is a surefire way to sabotage your own success and tarnish your reputation within the drag community. Don’t become known as the queen who is always missing something crucial, like Shanita Bobby Pin, Shanita Hairspray, or Shanita Eyelash. Instead, strive to be recognized as a queen who consistently shows up prepared, polished, and ready to deliver a flawless performance.
Remember, your level of preparation directly impacts your ability to handle unexpected challenges and shine under pressure. A well-prepared queen is a queen who can confidently face any situation that arises, whether it’s a wardrobe malfunction, a last-minute change in music, or a technical difficulty. By being organized and self-sufficient, you demonstrate your professionalism and your ability to adapt and thrive in the fast-paced world of drag.
12. Embrace the Learning Curve
Mastering the art of drag is a journey, not a destination. It’s crucial to understand that becoming a skilled and polished performer takes time, dedication, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. Embrace the growth process and recognize that every misstep is an opportunity to improve and refine your craft.
As you progress in your drag career, you’ll naturally develop a more critical eye for your own performances. Looking back at your early days and identifying areas for improvement is a clear sign that you’re evolving as an artist. Instead of being discouraged by your past imperfections, celebrate the progress you’ve made and use those insights to guide your future growth.
Remember, every legendary drag performer started somewhere. They, too, had to overcome challenges, make mistakes, and continuously work on their craft to achieve greatness. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and never stop striving to become the best version of yourself, both on and off the stage.
One of my first times doing my own makeup – Feb. 2021.
Luz Lips stuns in sequined gown at the Royal Hearts Contest Finale – Feb 2024.
13. Develop a Professional Reputation
Your offstage conduct is equally as important as your onstage presence, if not more so. How you carry yourself behind the scenes can have a profound impact on your career and your reputation within the drag community. It’s essential to demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a positive attitude at all times.
Punctuality is key.
Always arrive at the venue well before your scheduled performance time, giving yourself ample opportunity to prepare, get into drag, and handle any unforeseen circumstances. Being consistently on time shows respect for the event organizers, your fellow performers, and the audience. It also ensures that the show runs smoothly and reinforces your reputation as a reliable and dependable professional.
Treat everyone you encounter with respect and kindness,
from the venue staff and fellow performers to the fans and audience members. Foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere backstage, offering encouragement and praise to your fellow artists. Avoid engaging in gossip, drama, or negative talk, as it can quickly tarnish your reputation and create an unhealthy environment.
Maintain a positive and gracious attitude, even in the face of challenges or disappointments.
Embrace the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration, and be open to learning from and uplifting others. Your backstage demeanor is a reflection of your character and can significantly influence how others perceive and interact with you.
Remember, the drag community is a tight-knit network, and word of your professionalism and positive energy will spread. By consistently conducting yourself with integrity and respect offstage, you increase your chances of being rebooked, referred to other venues, and earning a respected place within the drag community
Wrapping Up Part 2
If this guide has ignited a spark within you, it’s time to take action and begin shaping your drag persona today. Start by experimenting with makeup techniques, sketching out your unique looks, and rehearsing a few captivating numbers. Remember, practice makes perfect, and every step you take brings you closer to realizing your drag dreams.
As you embark on this journey, don’t forget the power of community. Connect with fellow drag artists, share your experiences, and embrace the challenges that come your way. Drag is a beautiful art form that celebrates transformation, self-expression, and the unapologetic pursuit of joy. So, step out onto that stage with confidence and let the world witness the fabulous, one-of-a-kind you!
To all the experienced drag artists reading this, I invite you to share your invaluable insights and words of encouragement for newcomers in the comments below. Your wisdom and support can make a world of difference for those just starting out. Let’s come together to nurture and enrich the vibrant tapestry of our drag community, ensuring that it continues to thrive and inspire future generations.
As you venture forth on this exhilarating path, always remember: the world is your stage, darling. Embrace it, own it, and let your unique light shine brightly. You have the power to captivate audiences, shatter expectations, and leave an indelible mark on the world of drag.
So, go forth, be bold, and never stop believing in the magic that lies within you. The spotlight awaits, and the journey of a lifetime begins now!
— XOXO. Luz Lips
