“You’re really good at applying makeup,
Why don’t you be a makeup artist?”
If you are a beauty junkie or exhibit interest in makeup, you’d have received questions like this. I get that all the time. However, contrary to what most people think, applying makeup on oneself is entirely different from applying it on to someone else’s face. Yes, it’s all makeup, but while I look at and study my own features everyday, I don’t do that to anyone else. There is a whole lot more to being a makeup artist than knowing how to apply it on your own face - or a couple of friends’, for that matter.
Being a makeup artist is hard work. Only if you are willing to put in the time and commitment, and constantly aim to improve on your skills, will you be able to enjoy the perks of a career formed from a passion. Yet, thousands join the industry every year. I guess it's like they always say, if you love what you do, you’ll never work another day.
I was invited to be one of the judges for the Cosmoprof Academy 30th Artist Awards 2016, and it was one of the most exhilarating experiences ever. It was like a roller-coaster ride - from feeling the adrenaline seeing students working tirelessly right until the last minute, to the high tension in the air when they stood in two lines while we judged for every single detail (that was super stressful for me too OMG), to the joy when they cheered for each other on the runway.
Special Effects
Special effects has a special place in my heart. I love the drama, exaggeration, boldness, clash and blend of textures, OTT concepts - your creation is limited only by your imagination. Everything goes, and there are no boundaries.
The moment I stepped into the Special Effects room, I immediately felt right in my element. So I exited the room, saving this for last. After judging the Bridal and Fashion segments, I returned and wished I could have stayed with them right from the start to witness the transformation.
Imagine how many hours the team must have toiled to work from this...
... to THIS. OHMAHGAHD.
Skull Queen was my and everyone's favorite. This team won!
The Awards show was a great opportunity for students to have a feel of how it's like to prepare for a show and deliver it to the end. It must have been a stressful few weeks, but without a doubt, an invaluable experience.
Sitting by the aisle of the stage, I had no idea the immense pressure the models experienced from standing on stage and walking the runway, UNTIL they called the judges on stage to receive a token of appreciation. The moment I got onto the stage I was BLINDED by the stage lights and frozen from all that attention - stage lights, cameras, eyesssss. OMG it was absolutely nerve-wrecking, I barely could keep my falling-apart self together. And I didn't even have to walk the runway. Many rounds of applause for all the models who strutted down the runway like you owned it! You go girls! 😀
It was a great honor gracing your event and witnessing the amazing work your students have put forth, Cosmoprof Academy! Thank you for giving me this opportunity to witness the birth of another batch of qualified students.
While you can start off watching YouTube videos and experimenting on yourself and friends, nothing quite beats the exclusive quality training you’ll get from being formally enrolled into a professional makeup school like Cosmoprof Academy. Here are 5 reasons why you should get officially certified by a trusted makeup institution:
1. It’s Never Boring
Artists treasure variety, experimentation, change, play. At Cosmoprof Academy, students get to experiment with colors and textures, learn how products work on various skin tones, analyze facial anatomy, what makeup compliments a costume, how to put up various hairdos, types of prosthetics and more. There is repetition as often as one can find an identical snowflake.
2. Versatility
Cosmoprof Academy Diploma in Professional Makeup Artistry provides students with an arsenal of know-how across different genres – beauty, fashion, bridal, stage and drama, special effects, body art makeup, hairstyling.
Students learn in a hands-on environment, which means you can start to build your portfolio while studying, and also discover which area(s) you excel in. The beauty and fashion industry is one that goes through constant rapid change and growth, and being in a makeup school will furnish you with exposure and reach.
3. Meet Amazing People
Firstly, those who enrol themselves in a makeup school are already a special breed of people. Enrolling yourself in a makeup academy means you get to make friends with similar interests, work together on projects, and have opportunities to showcase your talent. The Special Effects models each had a team of 2-3 students.
Secondly, think of all the people you’ll meet through your craft – industry veterans, models, brides, actors, celebrities, politicians. With each face you touch and each life you change for the better, it’s one more window of opportunity for you to expand your network and portfolio. Whether you’re making a bride look beautiful on her wedding day or adding 20 years to a young actor for a role, every client is unique. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to positively contribute to someone’s important event. 😀
4. Job Placements
A good academy will have a solid network of industry partners that offer good job opportunities to students. Cosmoprof Academy holds in-campus recruitment talks and job interviews conducted by industry partners to job-match students and companies. Internship opportunities with leading companies are also available for Cosmoprof students.
5. Work Around Your Schedule
One thing that stops people from furthering their studies or learning a new skill is the time required to commit to it. There are family needs, personal obligations, and life responsibilities to be taken care of, and one's own interests tend to take a back seat. Cosmoprof Academy offers full time, part time and weekend classes to make pursuing your dream career easier to achieve.
The Diploma in Professional Makeup Artistry course is a recognised diploma and widely accepted by the industry.
5. Credibility
The film and fashion industry can be challenging to break into as a new face, therefore it’s always better to be equipped with the right qualifications. Clients tend to respond more positively to new makeup artists with proper certification, as they know you were trained under a formal institution and possess relevant skills.
Cosmoprof Academy has under its wings 30 years of experience in training many of Singapore’s makeup artists. They have been credited as the official makeup artist for many iconic events such as The New Paper New Face 2016, Miss Universe 1987, Miss Universe Singapore 2016 National Day Parades, Fashion Steps Out, 28th SEA Games Opening & Closing Ceremonies, 2010 Youth Olympic Games’ Opening & Closing Ceremonies, Chingay – Asia’s Grandest Street Parade, and more.
As Singapore's most recognized Makeup Artist Program, Cosmoprof Academy's Diploma in Professional Makeup Artistry will be your first solid step into establishing yourself in the industry.
Here are more pictures from Cosmoprof Academy 30th Artist Awards 2016. Well done, everyone! 😀
This post was written in collaboration with Cosmoprof Academy.
I graduated from this school. Such awesome experience and exposure! 🙂
I'm sure it was! How fortunate of you to experience that. =D