• The Art of Makeup GOES VIRTUAL

    • June 12, 2020
    • Author | Celena Rubin

    In these challenging and uncertain times, sometimes it is necessary to adapt, learn new skills, and do things differently. The Art of Makeup School has risen to the occasion and created a virtual program, so that we can still provide an excellent education while still in quarantine.  We viewed virtual streaming as an opportunity to provide virtual guest speakers and tours from some pretty incredible people in the makeup artistry industry which I’ve shared below.  By continuing our program virtually, it has given students the opportunity to connect with a group of like minded individuals, a way to keep busy while stuck at home, and new skills to look forward to using once production begins.

    Take a look at what this talented group has accomplished without ever leaving their homes!

    I am so proud of this group’s ability to adapt, stay focused and positive, and  constant motivation to learn and be the best at what they love to do. This says a lot about their path to future success. We are very excited to share our Zoom class experience with you!

    Celena Rubin, Jessie Hafer, Linda Wong, and Christina Braun are the instructors that have continued educating in our Zoom virtual classroom. Students apply makeup together on camera, and constantly inspire each other with their finished looks.  They take selfies of each look and post it to our school communication app where they often share tips, tricks, resources and product knowledge with each other too.  This session has been a real learning experience for all of us, and we plan to implement some of our new tools even after we are in the school classroom.

    So far we have had 4 virtual guest speakers in the last 4 weeks.  We started with veteran makeup artist Melanie Jackson who is also Creative Director and Editor in Chief of the local fashion publication TearSheetPDX. Melanie shared her years of makeup knowledge and invited students to participate in photo shoots or submit photos of their work to be published in her fashion magazine.

    Kristian Spetic
    Candace Armagost
    Clarissa Pellicia

    Our next guest speaker was with highly sought after Portland fashion photographer, Kendra Barber. Kendra gave a virtual tour of her photo studio and explained what she looked for in a makeup artist, what her working expectations are on set, and many more helpful tips for budding makeup artists interested in working in fashion and advertising.

    We then invited Hollywood celebrity hair & makeup artist, Marie-Flore Beaubien who came to us from her home in North Hollywood, CA.  Marie has over 20 years experience working in film, tv, commercials, fashion, & celebrity red carpet events. Marie is also a black makeup artist, and shared product knowledge, technical application tips, and communication skills for working with black clients.  We are so grateful to learn this important advice during this time of incredible change in our world.  It is very important to us to look at our own program offerings and see where we can make changes to help eliminate racism, and Marie had some great ideas.

    This week we also had the great honor to include two-time Emmy Award winning makeup artist and industry leader, Michael Key. Michael not only is the creator of Make-Up Artist Magazine and IMATS (International Make-up Artist Trade Show), but has worked on some film and TV favorites such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek, Coneheads, Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and many more.  We were so lucky to have a virtual tour from his home, because he was able to show us his makeup kit, set bag, original prosthetics from films he worked on, and even went into his garage and shared all of his boxes of makeup in storage.  He shared his favorite products, told stories and gave us lots of tips for working on a film set. What a treat!

    Our online sessions have been going so well that we have added an upcoming Virtual Summer Makeup Camp program this summer on August 3-6.  This 4 day workshop takes lessons from our Master Class program.  Learn more at the link from our website.

    Our virtual sessions have been an incredible experience, but we also look forward to being back at our school. Hopefully, very soon.

    We hope that you are staying healthy and happy, and finding new ways to practice your own creativity!

    Zoom class with guest artist Michael Key
    Zoom class with guest artist Marie-Flore Beaubien