This summer Artists Within Makeup Academy offered “AW Fashion Camp,” for girls ages 11-17. On their website Artists Within described the course for those “who are passionate about style, make up, hair and fashion.” Class sizes were at most 8 girls, ensuring each student got one-on-one time with the instructor.
Four separate weeks were offered, costing $375/person.
Everyone who worked at the academy was friendly and helpful, not intimidating in the least. The instructor, Michelle, was supportive of everyone’s artistic vision and gave great tips and suggestions for how to get where we wanted in our appearance and in the fashion world.
The academy itself was very nice, the room where we worked had great lighting, and each student had a station to work at. Makeup was not supplied, but hair tools/products were provided.
To get an idea of what it would be like to be a stylist, we each had to create an outfit from pieces supplied for a partner. Two guest speakers came in to talk about jobs in the fashion industry. One was a blogger and the other dealt with public relations and events for designers.
We also made inspiration boards which displayed things that inspire us. These were aimed to help us develop our own personal “brand” and our style.
We went to the clothing stores A Vintage Affair and Better on You. We talked about shopping at consignment stores where better deals can be found, about buying a couple trendy pieces for each season, the difference between personal style and trends, and about buying “investment pieces” which will last for years.
Kaitlyn, a model for Artists Within, taught us how to walk on a catwalk and how to pose for pictures.
My favourite part of the course was the hair and makeup. Michelle taught me how to do smokey eye makeup, which is something I have tried for years to do, yet never perfected. I also got to try out M.A.C’s Strobe Cream, which brings a dewy effect to one’s skin.
We learned about proper skincare techniques, how to take care of our locks, proper eating, sleeping, and exercising, and the effect these have on our well-being and appearance.
On the last day of the course we had a runway show and photo shoot at ChiChi Couture. The theme was 80s, but also incorporating the pieces we had reinvented. Kaitlyn and Michelle helped us as we put together our looks.
Overall, the course was amazing. I learned new cosmetic techniques I will put into practice in my daily routine and got more confident in my personal style. I thought the course was well worth the price and would definitely recommend it.