The Alex Box

One of my favourite makeup artists in the fashion industry is Alex Box. I love the way she brings her art into each makeup design she creates. As a person Alex is very generous with her time and a thoroughly down to earth northern girl. A highlight for me from a MAC Cosmetics event a few years ago I introduced Alex to another makeup legend in the film world Jenny Shirecore. It was great to listen to them both talking about their creations and inspirations.

When I headed up the HE Specialist Makeup Courses at West Thames College, our Graduate shows were sponsored by Illamasqua and were always attended by Spob OBrien and the Illamasqua Media teams. One year Alex came with the team to view our Graduate Show titled "Wonderland". After the show Alex & Spob went backstage to meet our graduates and chat to them about their designs. Knowing how busy Alex and Spob are, it was a real privilege for them to spend time with the graduates and it made their final show very special.

Alex Box left her role at Illamasqua earlier this year to develop her own specialism in the makeup industries. More recently she announced the launch of her box of cards each offering words of wisdom from the maestro herself. I was one of 25 people selected by Alex to receive one of the cards prior to the launch. My card said "only use fingers"

I ordered one of the first editions to be released. I felt for me they would be a great teaching tool for when I am with makeup students. I can challenge each student to create a makeup design in alternative guises and methods.

The cards are illustrated in Alex's handwriting and each one will inspire and promote creativity in a makeup artists mind.

‘I want to help people in those moments where they need
inspiration or change of direction, or even just encouragement
from a friendly voice’. - Alex Box 2016

Each card gives makeup artists the opportunity to experiment and explore boundaries. They are a great tool and a wise investment. The first edition of cards have now sold out but there is now a second edition available. The cost of the cards is £50.00

For more information check out www.thealexbox.com

The Business of Makeup

When I recently launched my courses at the JT Makeup Studio I introduced a course titled "The Business of Makeup". My reason for doing this was because graduates from makeup schools often contact me for advice on starting their career. This is sometimes skimmed over in training but should be fundamental knowledge.

In the 6 wk & 12 wk courses at JT Makeup Studio our students will cover a unit titled "The Business of Makeup". This is a core unit designed to assist the students to understand the makeup industry, starting out, building contacts, self promotion techniques as well as tax & insurance requirements. These are essential tools for any makeup artist.

Over the last year I have met up with many makeup artists at all levels in makeup to help them with career plans. This led me to develop the 2 Day Programme "The Business of Makeup" Course. This is aimed at makeup artists starting out & offers an intensive training in:

The Makeup Industry

Getting Started

What your role is
Assisting
Working in the Fashion Industry
Working in the Film & TV Industry

Plan, prepare, promote techniques

Promotional Tools

Essential skills

Building Teams & Assisting

Key Players

Websites

Social Media

Portfolios 

Agencies

Working teams

Tax, Insurance

Building clients & contacts & maintaining them

Goal Mapping

Career Planning

Through my own experience and knowledge of the Makeup Industry I can help others achieve reasonable goals.

The course is very intensive, covers 2 days of training from 10am - 6pm. These courses are based in Leeds & London and are highly in demand. For more information please email JTMakeupUK@gmail.com