I took the AOFM Total Pro Creative course at the London campus, and it was a fantastic experience that comprehensively covered all the key aspects of freelance makeup, in addition to modules on hair styling and nails. We had a wide range of instructors with decades of experience between them, some of whom had personally worked on some of the world’s most famous faces. The variety and professionalism were highlights, along with the beautiful studio in the heart of Shoreditch and an intimate class from a broad range of ages and backgrounds. Since graduating from AOFM, I’ve had so many incredible backstage opportunities. I’ve assisted backstage at both on-schedule and off-schedule shows at London Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. I’ve worked on graduate showcases for the Jimmy Choo Design Academy, assisted with makeup for the launch of a Love Island winner’s fashion brand, and even got to go on a whirlwind, five-day trip to Marrakech for a top UK fashion university, meeting amazing people and talented creatives along the way. I treasure not only the glamour and fun, but also all the amazing people you meet along the way, including fellow makeup artists, hair stylists, models, designers, photographers and others. Through various people on the AOFM team whom I’ve got to know, I’ve also had the opportunities for external work, from assisting with shoots for renowned photographers and working backstage at charity fashion shows to flexing my creative muscles with face-painting and body-painting. Each job, from the big to the small, helps build my confidence and gets me closer to my goal of supporting myself full-time in the varied and exciting world of freelance makeup.