Makeup is a way for self-expression, creativity, and an endless possibility of artistic recreation. It's a hobby, an exciting profession, and also can be great therapy! If you love cosmetics and you are interested in taking part in transforming people’s confidence and appearance with the help of makeup, and you dream of making the world more beautiful, kinder and happier, then we suggest you read the story of our Makeup Artist course graduate Lisa Walker. Be prepared for a big dose of inspiration!

Lisa came to Online Makeup Academy with the clear goal of starting her own business. “I am for sure closer to that goal.” — she says now after graduation.
With a specific goal in mind, it was easier for Lisa to ask herself what she expects to get from an online course? It was important to her that the curriculum matched her career goals. For example, does the school offer marketing advice and different ways to increase clientele? “I absolutely love Halloween. I wanted to know that the school that I chose offered courses in SFX because I LOVE how creative and spooky that can get, which is why I love Halloween so much! Just witnessing the creativity that that time of year brings out of creatives and makeup artists is like a breath of fresh air. OMA offered exactly what I wanted and needed and I knew it was the school for me.” — Lisa says.

After studying the courses of our academy, Lisa chose our Elite Career Path course. “I have a vision for my business. I don’t want makeup to just be a “job,” but a career that I am elated to have. With a course that focused on starting your own makeup business, marketing, and branding, I knew that this course that focuses on your career path was perfect for me and all entrepreneurs out there looking to start or expand their own makeup business.” — she explains her choice.

So, how was Lisa's training on our course? Is online learning really effective? Well, you can find out about it first hand — Lisa shared her experience with you in detail!

“I loved my online makeup experience. I looked forward to watching the videos provided by OMA. When I am passionate about something, I dive deep into it. With that being said, I could not put my phone down or step away from my laptop. I was constantly saying “this was great! I can’t wait to watch the next video!” One of the many perks of attending Online Makeup Academy: everything was right at my fingertips and I was able to move at my own pace. Being that I was so addicted, I went on to the next step pretty fast.”The course that Lisa selected is a complete professional makeup education, beginning with the Master Makeup course continuing through to our Advanced Makeup Artist curriculum. It includes hours of video training, cheat sheets, checklists and a complete makeup artist manual. Graduates of this course receive a certificate of completion, showing that they have mastered the in depth knowledge of professional makeup artistry.

What level did Lisa especially like? “Both courses were extremely informative. However, I must say that the Advanced Makeup Course was my favorite. It included more creativity and I enjoyed learning about the makeup worn in different time periods. It was so much fun learning about makeup worn in the 20’s, 30’s, 60’s, and even 80’s. I was also intrigued by creating the Twiggy inspired look.” — Lisa mentions. Our goal at OMA is to provide one on one personal education based on each student's needs combining the best benefits from both in-person and online education, which is why we are the only makeup school that offers individual video responses for each submission.

“I absolutely loved watching the personalized video feedback. Alena is so kind and full of energy. I looked forward to each video.” — Lisa noted. Lisa has done some incredible work already; booking on set with agencies for publications — as well as for private clients in bridal. She shared that with any collaboration, Lisa always aims for something that aligns with her vision for her brand and pushes her outside of her comfort zone. “With agencies, I notice that they often go for simple, elegant glam. As mentioned in the Master Makeup course, simple looks will be booked the most in the industry. That is fabulous! However, I try to find brands or agencies that like to experiment and step into the creative mode a bit more. For example, edgy editorial looks. If I am the one to reach out first, I introduce myself, and get straight to the point, let them know of my vision or ask if they have anything in mind that they would like me to create on their models. I end the message with my contact information, social media links and website. With clients, I market myself by handing out my business cards, social media, and word of mouth. My career path has definitely changed. Prior to this, I have never worked with agencies or magazines. This has truly been a dream come true.”

Like every artist and creator, Lisa also constantly seeks inspiration to begin the creation of her makeup masterpieces. She finds inspiration from nature, music, seasons, and holidays, as well as other makeup artist pages. She also gets her  inspiration from TV shows and movies. “This includes movies that I loved as a child. I create most of my Halloween looks based on my childhood favorites.”

Lisa loves shimmer makeup looks and even chunky glitters, smokey eyes and the list goes on. “I must say that the trends that I absolutely love include a luminous look or even glossy eyes. Lately, I’ve been loving the soap brows, which I’ve been doing on my own brows as well. Colored eyeliner, a simple look with a bold, red lipstick (my personal favorite is Stunna from Fenty Beauty). Next on the list is dewy highlighter, smudged out eyeliner, halo eye shadow. The list goes on and on. I love experimenting with different looks.”

Fortunately, our course involves learning a variety of makeup techniques and a bunch of experiments! There are a total of 19 assignments to complete your certification in this complete curriculum. 

Lisa told us: “When working on my assignments, I plan out each look and the products that I want to use to create it. Doing my makeup is always quite therapeutic for me so I try to keep things in a specific order, especially when working with clients. I keep the products in the order in which I will be using them from left to right. I go from skin prep, to brows, to foundation, concealer, then eyeshadow, and so on. Depending on the type of look and if the eyeshadow is the type to give lots of fallout, then I do eyeshadow prior to foundation. I do this when I am doing a smokey eye or anything with glitter.”

When Lisa was creating the look with gold flakes, she was so excited to do the eyebrow blocking method. She said that the first time that she tried this was Halloween 2021 when Lisa created a look inspired by Dr. Facilier from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. “I absolutely loved the technique so I decided to do it again for two assignments in the Advanced Makeup course. I actually used Got2B glue to keep my brows down. I then put setting powder on them followed by foundation. Then, I put the gold flakes on the part of the brow that was covered up. With the look of the spikes, I once again did the brow blocking technique and added lash glue to the spikes to make them stay in place, along with gold flakes.”“My advice for future or aspiring students is just go for it! You will love the experience!”

Lisa’s goals and dreams don’t stop here — she seeks to become a celebrity makeup artist and be on set of movies and TV shows! “I would love to see my work on television, in magazines and billboards. I’d truly love to watch a horror movie and see the scariest character and say: ‘That’s my work! I did that!’” Well, we have no doubt that you will definitely do it, Lisa with your passion, dedication to your craft, and talent - we know you will continue to achieve all of your goals!

Lisa’s advice to future students: Take your time. Don’t be hard on yourself. Practice makes perfect! Also, let your creativity flow as you create wonderful looks. Just have fun with it! Do it with passion and love what you do!
“OMA has given wonderful advice on how to get out there and get booked more. Thanks to their advice, I was able to work with a modeling agency and a magazine. I know that it’s only up from here. Definitely check them out and I definitely recommend enrolling.”

Follow Lisa on Instagram and TikTok (@Lisa_Fashionista) to keep up with Lisa’s progress. Also, you can book an appointment with her at www.FashionistaFaces.com.