Alumni Stories – Mackenzie Wiggin on Being an Influencer

Alumni Stories – Mackenzie Wiggin on Being an Influencer

Influencer marketing, especially around makeup, clothing, and health has exploded over the last few years as social media has become a part of everyday life. You can probably relate to seeking advice or recommendations on products from people on Instagram or YouTube. Influencer marketing is where brands use influencers to promote their products. Influencers on social media are often more relatable and trustworthy than traditional celebrities, mainly because social media has given everyone an opportunity to build their own brand. Because influencers are so popular, companies realize they can use social media platforms for their marketing. More often than not,…
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Alumni Stories – Meko Davis

Alumni Stories – Meko Davis

We love hearing what alumni have been up to since they graduated from AMUA because they end up doing really amazing things! Today we're sharing Meko Davis' story, who shares: "Since graduating from AMUA, I have been fortunate to work on a lot of amazing productions. I have done makeup/hair for shows like "The Little Couple" on TLC, Oprah’s "Where Are They Now?" On OWN, "NFL on FOX" and more.  Most recently, I've been key makeup artist on films such as "Pride and Prejudice" on Lifetime, “Three’s Complicated” on TV One, and "Tales" on BET. I've also worked on ads…
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Alumni Stories – Char Braden

We love hearing what alumni have been up to since they graduated from AMUA because they end up doing really amazing things! Today we're highlighting Char Braden, who has been working on many different projects in a variety of industries since graduating in 2011. Her goal right now is to be on the cover of Time magazine.  The picture below shows Char working her magic on the legendary Clark Sisters, one of the top Gospel artists in the country, showed here at TBN.  Char also has been a part of Disney's "Pete's Dragon" - she traveled to St. Louis where…
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3 Reasons Why  Trade School is Better Than University

3 Reasons Why Trade School is Better Than University

It can be hard to choose how to continue your education, let alone where, what programs to take, how much time to invest… So with the help of AMUA instructor, Kevin St. James, we’re giving you some friendly advice that might help you decide. Kevin shares: “As I was finishing my undergraduate degree in theatre, I spent countless hours deciding which graduate program I should continue on with. If I was serious about a career in professional theater and/or film and TV, it seemed the more degrees, the better. But I’m living proof that that’s not the only way.” Since…
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Makeup School vs. Cosmetology School – What is Right for You?

Makeup School vs. Cosmetology School – What is Right for You?

If you desire a career in the beauty industry, you may have been asking yourself if you should go to cosmetology school or makeup school. There's confusion around this because until somewhat recently, it was simply assumed that a diploma from a cosmetology school was the only path to success in the beauty industry. Turns out: not true! Let's break down the facts and clarify.  One aspect of this is black and white:  If you want to work in a salon cutting and coloring hair, or performing facials and skin treatments in a spa setting, you must attain a cosmetology…
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Alumni Stories – Carson Pack

Alumni Stories – Carson Pack

We love hearing what alumni have been up to since they graduated from AMUA because they end up doing really amazing things! Today we are sharing Carson Pack's story, who just won a special effects makeup competition in Atlanta last week. Carson tells us, "After graduating from the special-effects program in December (2018), I set my sights on moving to the “Hollywood of the South”- Atlanta, Georgia. I entered into a SFX competition at the PMAC Expo, and it turned out to be really good exposure for my work! I ended up taking home first place, and got to network…
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Alumni Stories – Tess DePotter

Alumni Stories – Tess DePotter

We love hearing what alumni have been up to since they graduated from AMUA because they end up doing really amazing things!  We’re sharing Tess DePotter’s story today, who is working on building her freelance business. "Since graduating AMUA (Beauty & Fashion program) in February I’ve been working at Starbucks part-time, but mostly focusing on building my freelance business. I’ve booked a few photo shoots, prom makeup jobs, and weddings! For the last two weeks though, my time has mostly been consumed with assisting Mackenzie Barnett (a graduate of the Beauty & Fashion Program and the Special Effects Program) on…
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Alumni Stories – Jenni Walton

Alumni Stories – Jenni Walton

We love hearing what alumni have been up to since they graduated from AMUA because they end up doing really amazing things! We're sharing Jenni Walton's story today, who has been very busy with pursuing her makeup career!She says: "Since graduating, I have been hired as key in house HMUA for two different photographers. I also work with Don McPeak (Sports Illustrated  and Reuters photographer) for all of his work in Nashville. I have worked on numerous music videos and films, as well as a Discovery ID docu-drama series.  I work with artists under Epic Records for Nashville appearances and productions. Travel…
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Alumni Stories – Elizabeth Wolf

Alumni Stories – Elizabeth Wolf

We love hearing what alumni have been up to since they graduated from AMUA because they end up doing really amazing things! Here is a snapshot of a graduate and her job. I was already building my career prior to enrolling at AMUA, but I didn’t feel like I was a true professional without schooling. I noticed that sometimes when I told clients I didn’t have a certification, they would get uneasy. I wanted a formal education so I could confidently say, “I am a professional makeup artist.” By joining AMUA, I now have credentials under my belt. AMUA also…
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