 Applying the finishing touch
Makeup student’s George Brown education leads to enviable success
By August 2007, Mila Victoria already had five years of experience as a freelance makeup artist (doing weddings, proms and photo shoots). She was also taking a part-time makeup program, but she knew it wasn’t what she wanted.
“I had been in school for the better part of two years but only finished three courses,” says Mila. “I just wasn’t getting enough.”
What she didn’t know, however, was how quickly that would change.
“I read Christine Cho’s student success story in the George Brown College Continuing Education course calendar and knew what I wanted.”
Mila called the George Brown School of Makeup and Esthetics almost immediately and began the Professional Makeup Artist – Advanced Certificate just over one week later.
“Even though I had already taken some courses in makeup, had experience working in the field and had a background in cosmetic retail, I didn’t know what to expect on my first day,” she says. “But I knew right away that I had made the right decision: the class, the program, the location, the schedule – it was exactly what I was looking for.”
During her first week at the school, Mila volunteered as a makeup artist on The Steven and Chris Show (and was asked to come back). She also got a taste of the real life of a makeup artist when she did a 10 pm to 4 am shift for a radio station’s anniversary party – and was in class at 8:30 am the next day.
“Obviously the classes have helped with my skill as a makeup artist, but the opportunities the school provides are perhaps the most beneficial,” Mila says. “Because the instructors are still so active in the field, it’s easier for the students to make connections and network with people in the industry.”
Between classes and volunteer opportunities, the then 24-year-old continued to work – assisting with the prestigious Artist Group Limited agency. She signed on full-time after she finished the certificate in July 2009.
“I learned so much even though I had a background as a makeup artist,” she says. “The classes helped me develop my skill and appreciate what I do and that meant I left the school as a better artist than when I entered.”
That was a fact that was recognized early on for Mila. At the urging of Karen McLaughlin, the school’s manager, Mila entered the 2008 Canadian Makeup Show in the Fantasy/Runway category.
“I love runway makeup, so when I found out I was in the show, I started planning everything – from head to toe,” she says. “To me, the makeup only makes sense if you see the whole outfit.”
Mila used a friend with a background in modelling as her canvas, and her preparation was evident to all who passed by.
“I had a story for my look; when the judges asked me, I was prepared with answers,” she says. “And my answers weren’t limited to makeup – they included hair, nails, shoes and clothes as well.”
Finally, after more than 12 hours on-site at the show, the winners were announced – and Mila’s skill and hard work were rewarded with a first place finish.
“For some reason, when they started calling names, I thought second place,” Mila says. “I was ready to pass out when they called my name. It really took a minute or two to register.”
Since that win, and the completion of her program at George Brown, Mila's career has taken off. She has launched her own web site (www.milavictoria.com) and has switched representation to Plutino Group – working with a number of celebrities at the Toronto International Film Festival, including Ellen Pompeo (Grey's Anatomy). Mila's work currently appears in Canada Goose magazine will also appear on the pages of Dress to Kill magazine this spring and on the small screen (a Much Music promo with Troian Bellisario from Pretty Little Liars).
Return to:
|
