Industry Talks: Aimee Strawbridge

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Industry Talks: Aimee Strawbridge

Aimee Strawbridge
Freelance Makeup Artist & Clinique Consultant

Since graduating Servilles Academy, how has your career progressed ? Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?

After graduating in 2021, I landed a counter manager role with Clinique and became a Clinique Consultant. This was a massive move as I’d been working in hospitality for 5 years, fitting my makeup work in on days off. I’ve also started building a freelance client base and making an online portfolio, taking bookings via Instagram @aj.faceandbeauty and my website. I offer services like wedding party and special events makeup and tanning. Since leaving Servilles, I’ve teamed up with a professional photographer from @momentmediax for fashion shoots with models from local agencies to help build their portfolios. Working so closely with models and photographers has made me realise how much I admire working with like-minded people and collaborating creatively. I would love to see myself doing full time freelance makeup in the next 5 years, whether that’s special events or working with brands and models for fashion shoots.

How did your time as a student continue to ignite your passion for the industry and what are the most important lessons you learnt there?

Being at Servilles was an amazing environment. All the students and tutors were so supportive and engaged in the learning. Makeup was a hobby but I didn’t realise how much of an amazing career path it was until I began studying. Having so many people advancing our skill-set was a fantastic support system. The tutors were extremely knowledgeable and patient when teaching. One of the most important lessons I learnt was that it’s okay to make mistakes. Every time you try something, you will learn from it and take away new information and techniques. Learning isn’t a straight path and you have to move past the obstacles.

What was the best part of being part of the Servilles Academy team?

The work experience opportunities! We did a fashion runway show, a dance video shoot and two weeks doing the Mary Poppins theatre show at The Civic, which was a highlight. Learning about theatre, being behind the scenes and working closely with the actors and wardrobe team was an experience I never thought I’d have. The course has a wide curriculum which exposed us to sides of the makeup industry we hadn’t thought of such as theatre, special effects, historic beauty trends and runway fashion. We fell in love with new styles and techniques we otherwise wouldn’t have explored. The tutors are so invested in the students and put in the effort to get to know each of us and where we want to go.

Why would you recommend Servilles Academy to aspiring makeup artists?

Servilles has two different courses that allow those with different levels of skill to learn. Level 3 is great for those who want to learn a little about makeup and application. Level 4 is more in-depth, elevating your knowledge of every aspect of makeup artistry; new techniques, skills and styles, the connection between history and beauty trends, how to navigate working in the industry and what to expect in work environments. Both push and teach you while also being in a fun and professional environment.

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