How a High School Student Became an SFX Makeup Pro
MEET CHARLEY PEEBLES
OMA Special Effects Makeup Artist Program Graduate
Before OMA Program
High school senior, experimenting with makeup through online tutorials.
After OMA Program
Mastered advanced techniques in Special Effects Makeup Artistry
Works with real clients
Collaborates with other artists
Charley @barley.sfx stands as an inspiring embodiment of determination, creativity, and passion within the makeup industry. Her journey, propelled by the successful completion of our online Special Effects Makeup Artist Program, has unlocked countless opportunities, elevating her career to unprecedented heights. Her story serves as a powerful testament that the pursuit of one's dreams knows no bounds of age or timing.
“I finally realized that if I did not chase after this dream, I would regret it for the rest of my life. In the end, I am proud that I persevered and conquered my fear.”
Check out Charley's full review of the Online Makeup Academy and the Special Effects Makeup Artist Program in this video:
BACKGROUND
Charley's exceptional experience exemplifies that it is indeed feasible to balance one's dream career with other commitments, like being a dedicated high school student. Irrespective of your age or location, we welcome all those eager to learn the art of professional makeup application.
“I really enjoyed the flexibility that Online Makeup Academy gave me! I am a senior in high school so I was able to easily balance work, school, and my modules.” — Charley says.
Prior to the course, Charley had no experience in the makeup industry. She had only experimented with makeup by replicating online videos. Her primary goal with the SFX Makeup Artist program was to elevate her skills and distinguish herself as a special effects artist.
“I was really excited to get started but very nervous about starting something new,” Charley admits. “The idea of developing my skills and becoming certified was so appealing, but the thought of embarrassing myself in front of my mentor was really scary at the time.”
Being a high school senior, Charley had to juggle her studies, work, and the online makeup course. However, she praised the flexibility of the program, which allowed her to balance her various responsibilities effectively:
“I was able to get a headstart on my professional career while still being a committed high school student! At no point did I feel like anything was “too much” for me to handle.” – Charley says.
LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The personalized video feedback from her mentor was the highlight of Charley's experience. Working closely with her mentor, she noted areas for improvement and found valuable guidance in her journey.
“I also really enjoyed that each homework assignment gave me the freedom to create my own interpretation, so I could express my creativity as an artist,” Charley shares. “I did not feel as if I was simply checking boxes just to get a good grade, but that I was truly judged on my ability to cohesively create a character.”
As Charley said, she found the entire program and the ability to learn from the comfort of her home fascinating:
“Each and every piece of information provided by Online Makeup Academy is wildly valuable.”
While the videos served as a reliable reference guide, she took diligent notes during her journey with each look, compiling them into a valuable binder for future use. Recognizing that her unique style and preferences mattered, Charley embraced the idea of not being bound by others' methods. Instead, she explored and discovered her own preferred products and techniques, confident in her ability to express her creativity as an artist.
OVERCOMING SELF-DOUBT AND DISCOVERING IDENTITY
The path to fulfilling a dream is seldom a straight and smooth one, and Charley's experience echoed this truth. Her dream was to become a skilled artist, but the journey was riddled with challenges and self-doubt.
In the Spring of 2019, Charley received OMA SFX Makeup Artist program as a gift, providing an opportunity to pursue her passion for art. The excitement was overwhelming, and she eagerly delved into the artistic journey. However, the initial enthusiasm soon gave way to self-criticism. Charley couldn't help but feel that each stroke of the brush fell short of the desired perfection. Frustration set in, and she made the heart-wrenching decision to quit, feeling disheartened and disappointed.
Despite the setback, Charley's passion for art remained alive within her, and the dream never truly faded away. After a hiatus lasting until the fall of 2022, something changed within her. The realization struck that this artistic aspiration was too important to be left unrealized. Determined to face the fear and self-doubt head-on, she mustered the courage to begin again.
With renewed vigor, Charley returned to the program and persevered, overcoming the nagging voice of self-criticism. The journey wasn't easy, but it was during this process that she learned a valuable lesson – that perfection is an unattainable standard. As an artist, one might always notice where improvements could be made, but that should not overshadow the beauty of the creation itself.
The fear of failure and the thought of not being good enough initially held her back, but with time, these fears gradually faded away. The realization dawned that this dream was worth pursuing, no matter the obstacles or potential disappointment. She decided not to let fear dictate life's course any longer.
GRADUATION, CERTIFICATION AND PLANS
Finally, in February 2023, Charley emerged triumphant, completing the program and officially achieving her dream of becoming a certified artist. It was a testament to her perseverance and willingness to confront inner doubts.
“I finally realized that if I did not chase after this dream, I would regret it for the rest of my life. In the end, I am proud that I persevered and conquered my fear.”
Charley's advice to aspiring makeup artists is a valuable reminder that success comes from pushing past fear and self-doubt and embracing one's own unique path.
The SFX Makeup Artist Program proved to be transformative for Charley's professional life. Not only did it provide her with a strong foundation, but it also boosted her confidence to collaborate with other artists and work with real clients.
After successfully completing the program, Charley also graduated from high school. Now, she is preparing to study International Business in Barcelona, Spain. Despite this, she plans to continue her makeup education.
“This fall once I am settled, I plan to pick right back up where I left off and even enroll in additional Online Makeup Academy programs such as the Master Makeup Artist Program and the Pro Hairstyling Program. I plan to continue to learn and grow throughout my career!” — Charley shares.
CREATIVE INSPIRATIONS AND GOALS
Charley expresses her love for working with prosthetics and fantasy-driven characters. She felt an immense sense of pride in her final character creation of the pirate look:
“I separately ordered each piece I wanted to use and purchased the entire ensemble down to the wardrobe! I was able to experience painting my own prosthetics as well as applying a silicone prosthetic, all for the first time! I am also really partial to the old age look because I ran into several obstacles during creation but in the end I pulled together a realistic look.”
She draws inspiration from movies and current trends, using these influences to create unique and captivating looks:
“My favorite thing about online trends is to pull together different variants to create a whole new look. I love being able to take bits and pieces of what other talented artists have thought up to create my own character.”
Charley's ultimate goals in the makeup industry include pursuing further education in special effects, honing her skills, and creating remarkable makeup transformations. She aspires to excel in the field and leave a lasting impact.
With her unwavering dedication, Charley is destined to make a significant mark in the makeup world, and we eagerly await the exciting works she will create in the future!
