My Road to Make-Up

When asked why I chose to go to Blanche Macdonald for Make-Up Artistry my answer would normally be "I love being creative, artistic, and working with people one on one". This is the best short and sweet answer I can give.

My love for make-up must have began in high school because when I attended elementary school I did not wear one speck of make-up or care what my hair looked like from day to day. I was a kid being a kid. I took photography classes in high school and immediately excelled in all my projects. I took a photography class every year from grade nine to grade twelve immediately showing myself that I am very interested in art and beautiful things in unexpected places, and finding the beauty in anything I lay my eyes on. I also took a Videography Co-op in grade eleven (for anyone that does not know what this is, it is basically one class for an entire semester consisting of Videography, Social Studies, CAPP and Work Experience). This is when I was able to test out the "make-up" world. I did a short work experience at Flesh and Fantasy, a special effects studio in Burnaby. Back then they were known for their work in Scary Movie and Andromeda. It really opened my eyes to the world of film and television and it verified that it was definitely what I wanted to do in life at that point. I was also placed in the cosmetics department of London Drugs for a few weeks. It was great learning the products and helping customers choose the perfect color of lipstick. I highly recommend work experience to all high school students. It can really lead you in the right direction in life.

After all said and done, I graduated high school...then what!?

Many friends took the summer off, others were enrolled in college or university for the upcoming fall. I made my move and jumped feet first into the process of enrolling into one of the best schools for Make-Up Artistry in the world, Blanche Macdonald. There, of course, was a waiting list because it was on high demand. This course was not cheap in the least. I am lucky enough to say that my parents were able to help put me through school, and I couldn't have done it without them.

I began my eight month course in April of 2005...which feels like FOREVER ago. Thrown into a classroom with sixteen girls. Some from BC, some from Alberta and others from Japan and China whom spoke little English. It was a great bunch of girls and a beginning to a wonderful experience. Courses ranged from Fundamentals, TV & Film, Special Effects, Airbrushing, Job Skills, and Freelancing. Every class contained a new teacher and a new adventure. Some classes were extremely difficult but fun at the same time. I got up at the crack of dawn three days a week and got my butt onto our good old public transit and made my way down to the campus on Cambie and 12th Avenue. Large black rolling luggage in tow. I have to say, I do not miss that commute at all! The other four days a week I worked at a retail store in the mall called Dog's Earm making custom t-shirts. No comment.

I graduated with honors from Blanche Macdonald in December of 2005.

Since I've graduated I have had the pleasure of working with many Brides, Bridal Parties, Grads, Photographers and Models. I did a part time position with a Photography company while freelancing on the side. Now, strictly freelancing on the side, is where I am at. From first wanting to work in films making aliens and zombies and now spending most weekends making over a bridal party, my views have completely changed. I bring back my experience with gore on Halloween of course but I am happy I chose the route that I did. It enables me to do make-up when I want. My love. My passion. But I do not have to sacrifice my life and family for it.  A happy medium, I like to call it. I am proud of myself for sticking with it. Many students do not end up in a field of make-up once they graduate, for reasons of their own.

I still look back at all the photos from when I was in school and realize how far I have come. No, I am not a famous make-up artist. No, I do not work on films and television, but I am a passionate, experienced and talented artist that is honored to do make-up for someone on their special occasion. The women I have had a pleasure of working with up to this point are all wonderful. I have yet to meet a Brideszilla (knock on wood) and I love to work with the client until they are completely satisfied. When someone wants something changed I am not offended, it is make-up, it washes off. You are a paying customer, you get what you want, no compromise.

My road to make-up never seemed so long until I wrote it down.

I hope this gives all who reads this a better view on where I came from. My journey.