Academy of Freelance Makeup NYC

DO NOT ENROLL HERE. I waited to write this as my daughter was enrolled and took a course in NEW YORK. The communication was poor. The quality was LOW. The education was sub par! I WOULD NOT Waste your money! The fashion jobs are NOT what they imagine it to be either! Look elsewhere, this school is a huge disappointment!

So grateful for this amazing school! I learned so much from some of the most incredible makeup artists in the world. A couple weeks after graduating they booked me for a 4 day print job in LA and had the most amazing experience. Ive also been able to join the AOFM Pro Team backstage at Paris and NY Fashion Week!

Because of the experience this school has given me, I was able to build up an impressive resume and portfolio in just a couple months. With that I was able to land a job working in production doing commercials, print work, and live television. Thank you AOFM you’re simply the best!

I loved aofm they teach you everything there is to know about make up. For the face, contouring, body painting, beauty, editorial, wedding, to even lighting.they only use high end brand make up for you to practice with and have a shopping day where you can get really amazing discounts for your kit. Theres a photoshoot at the end of every coarse as-well for your book, it’s also the only make up school that can give you opportunities to work backstage for new York, London, Milan, and Tokyo fashion week. What I love the most about AOFM academy is that every single educator isn’t just an educator they are also full-time artists in the game and they all teach their own way of doing make up.so it gives you a different outlook on how to do things instead of just doing it one way. I highly recommend aofm Academy

-Kyle Hugo Beauty

I did a lot of research on which makeup academy to attend and I couldn’t be more happy with my choice in AOFM.

I attended AOFM in Sept of 2017 and since then I have worked numerous shows backstage at New York Fashion Week for 3 seasons. Working backstage at fashion week with AOFM has really changed the course of my career. I went from being mostly a bridal makeup artist, to 90% of my work being fashion or editorial related. This type of work allows more creative freedom and personal growth as an artist and I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I was in my career without AOFM.

Career advancement aside, one of the best things about working with AOFM is the team. Every year I look forward to February and September not only for fashion week, but to see my AOFM friends that have turned into family, and for that I am forever grateful.

It's been 9 years since I trained at AOFM and I'm proud to say I'm still working as a freelance make up artist full time! I work mainly in fashion and with celebs and been lucky enough to travel the world, the skills and after care from aofm are incredible, you are taught by the best and given opportunities to take you to the next step in your career, from working backstage at shows and assisting its all vital to pursuing a career as a make up artist, you can learn make up but to learn the skills on how to actually make it a career move is so important. I would highly recommend AOFM to everyone

I studied at AOFM in 2008 and I found the course to be truly amazing. The support of the Academy changed my life. My experience started in my dream make-up studio settings - mirrors, bulbs and high chairs everywhere. We were welcomed with a set of the AOFMs very own brush collection and used in class the most luxurious brands such as MAC, Dior, Chanel and so much more. We recreated looks designed by all the talented freelance artists who act as our teachers for a day. Every tutor was actively working with the most glamours names in the industry and all has been proved by theirs wow portfolios. Every day was different and so exciting. We learned the basics, all the way to creative and fun looks using glitters, gems and body painting techniques.
At the end of my course I was rewarded with a Make-Up Combine Certificate and this is when AOFM opened the doors for me and my career offering a wide range of work opportunities. I have been placed to assist to many of the AOFM artist and been part of behind the scenes of many high fashion magazines and shows. One of my very first experiences AOFM gave me, was working on a location photo shoot for Vogue fashion editorial story! The Academy also took me to work backstage at New York, Paris, Milan and London Fashion Weeks. How amazing!
My passion for traveling brought me and my beauty skills to Ibiza where I was successfully working as freelance artist. I became a part of the biggest dance clubs in the world producing creative make-up, working with local dj's, fashion magazines, international film crews and production companies. The highlight here is David Guetta, Timbarland and Pitbull music video:)
With my hard work and loyalty, the AOFM team and artists rewarded me with allowing me to head my own On Schedule Milan and London Fashion Week Shows. What an incredible feeling!
I would recommend AOFM to anyone wanting to get in to the industry. They gave me so much more then just education, they gave me a career jumpstart and they keep offering me lots of work opportunities.
Thank you AOFM for your support and help over the years and sharing your passion x

Graduated one year ago at their school in London and since then I’ve had many opportunities to work in different parts of the world, such as Milan, New York and Paris.
The teachers were amazing and I learnt so much from every single one of them.
I also had the chance to attend some really good masterclasses with great brands, like Tom Ford and Charlotte Tilbury.
I would really recommend this school to anybody who is looking for a good place to start their journey in the makeup industry.

After completing Professional Hair and Make up course, one of the Aofm courses, and taking part in various masterclasses such as Bobbi Brown, MAC, Dermalogica and Smashbox, just to name a few, all offered by AOFM, because with them you are updated in on everything that is new in beauty and makeup. I will gladly recommend the Academy for anyone interested in building up a career in make-up industry. I would like to say that AOFM taught me the secrets of the art of makeup and introduced me to the makeup world. This way I have learned that makeup is not just about brushes and brands and products, but most of all technique and artistry and team effort all together! I felt inspired by the wonderful team of teachers, all of them world-renowned make-up professionals, the stimulating environment, and above all, the unique approach of creating opportunities for their graduates after the course. I have worked with them at Milan Mens Collection and Milan Women fashion week, London fashion week, New York fashion week, Paris fashion week, Tokyo fashion week, Bath in Fashion, Fashion Finest and for a lot of makeup events. For me, AOFM give me the best experience that a graduate of a makeup school could have it: working in backstage, learning how to work under pressure, doing a lot of creative makeup looks and, of course, making friends for a lifetime. I am thankful for contributing to this big dream of mine and for helping to make it possible.
I highly recommended AOFM, the unique Academy.

I studied at Aofm less than an year ago. I had no knowledge about makeup (I was a total beginner) and I found that the full course gave me not only the skills to break in this industry, but also the confidence that I need to build to be able to do it. At the end of the course I had to do a masterclass which is a test which can possibly allow you to work for the official fashion week, and here's the news. Not only the London one! Aofm will provide you the Milan, Paris and also NY one's! Isn't it crazy? I had to learn and afterwards work with simply the best in the industry. I can name some of them, Michelle Webb, Yin Lee, Valentina Creti. With Aofm I had also the chance to collaborate with couple of magazines that published my work! I am beyond grateful to the academy and to the amazing staff working in it.
Don't consider anything else if you simply wanna work with the best and for the best. Good luck!

I was a student in the 1st AOFM NYC course in 2011. The course back then as well as now is like no other training in the industry. To be taught by working artists each day gives you a glimpse of what its like to be in the industry up close and personal. Every teaching artist brings their expertise and I gained a real world view into the industry. Since graduating I have worked many seasons of fashion week and work with  major domestic brands - MAC, Too Faced, Temptu, Fenty Kiehl's and Make Up Forever. This course laid the foundation for my artistry and NYC is my home. I hope to see more students graduate and flourish like I have. One recommendation to students, if you see opportunities to receive aftercare take it! Network in the industry and build yourself. No one is going to hand you a thing. Build tribe with other artist and work collectively. We all can make it.

Having had such a positive experience during my training at AOFM I wrote a review 3 years ago to aid students considering a make up course and to highly recommend AOFM. I am now 4 years on from attending the total pro creative specialist course, and felt compelled to follow up with this review. I feel it’s important to not only review the course itself but also the amazing opportunities and jobs that have come my way since graduating from AOFM in 2015. This exceeds all expectations, the proof is definitely in the pudding and AOFM have offered me life changing jobs and experiences. As long as you are hardworking, reliable and punctual these opportunities are available for every AOFM graduate. Once I had attended and passed the backstage masterclass, I then went on and still continue to work backstage at London, Paris, Milan, New York, Florence, Tokyo fashion weeks, I do this at least 2-3 times each year. I have also worked at celebrity events, and fashion shows at beautiful hotels and venues, and with incredible designers. A recent show was actually featured in Vogue! I have also been given the chance to key 4 shows of my own 2 in London and 2 in Florence. To attend and achieve these types of opportunities most make up artists have to wait years. AOFM have opened so many doors for myself and many of the other graduates and give us all the fortuity to continue benefiting from the excellent aftercare AOFM offers all students. Thank you so much to all at AOFM! Xxx

One of the best courses I've ever done.

I graduated at Aofm in 2018 in London. During my "total pro creative specialist course" I've been able to learn how to create amazing looks from 20's to the most creative and modern looks, including bridal, editorial and airbrush techniques with some of the best experienced makeup artists. I had the chance to practice my makeup skills every day and to be accurately supervised by my tutors, since the day was divided into theoretical and practical application on a total of 8 hours per day.

After a masterclass has been passed, they would certainly provide great and exclusive opportunities to work on fashion weeks in London, Paris, Milan and New York, with their very best pro make-up artists team. So far I've been working in London fashion week and every time I'm there it's always the best day of my life! Really good aftercare with regular refreshments of make-up and masterclasses from the best brands, along with really fair discounts, useful for the make-up kit.

At the end of the course the school would also help the students to start building their own portfolio, with the help of super skilled photographers and hairdressers. Last two weeks included nails, hair and airbrush techniques which I really loved learning. I don't regret any day spent in that school and if it wasn't for them I would have never, ever being able to achieve my dream of working in fashion week and have so many satisfactions in my job. Now I truly love what I can do with makeup!

AOFM courses are superb. Full of amazing like minded creative people. The opportunities that you get from attending the school is second to none.

Amazing experience at AOFM! I had the wonderful opportunity to learn from amazingly talented make-up and hairstyle professionals and to practice my skills with their guidance.
Also I joined AOFM team at London, Milan and New York Fashion Week and it has been a great experience that allowed me to grow as a professional makeup artist and to get to know the industry.
Besides I've met a lot of amazing people between my school mates and had a lot of fun!

I graduated AOFM in 2012 and I should say, it was an AMAZING experience! Everyday you are learning from different makeup artists. Which is great, because each one has their own style and technique. Advancing your knowledge even more. Also, AOFM are providing a huge range of different high end makeup brands for you to try. By the end of your training you will know what you would love and need to have in your professional makeup kit.
But most precious is the aftercare for students!
After my graduation I had an opportunity to work backstage with AOFM at London, Milan, Moscow Fashion Week. Britain and Ireland’s next top model and Cannes Film Festival!
I don’t know any other makeup school which provides such amazing worldwide opportunities for their students!

I finished my course in Feb 2018. I did the complete pro course.and have had so many oppurtunites since, I have been in Paris several times for fashion week and have been the lead in my own show in Paris Feb 2019 for couture week.
I have worked New york fashion week and have had to turn down Paris and Milan and Greece this year so far as was so busy with my editorial work. Everyone is lovely at the office and you get oppurtuties here that no other Make up school offer. The Teachers are second to none and are specialists in their field.
There is great support and they offer refresher and Masterclasses so you are always up to date.
I would have no hesitation in recomendeing this school.
Lorraine Fowler
Ella connor MUA

AOFM is the most fantastic make-up Academy and I thoroughly recommend any potential student not to hesitate to join this elite school. The classes are kept small to maximise the learning, and more importantly the tutors are not full time stuck-in-the-classroom teachers but real-time working artists who are exposed to the everyday challenges and latest techniques which you will undoubtedly benefit from.

Moreover, what also raises this educator to another level is the Aftercare Programme which I have personally been actively involved with. Immediate opportunities like representing AOFM on projects like Britain & Irelands Next Top Model, Clothes Show Live, Harpers Bizarre, Global Fashion Awards are amongst some of the amazing projects I've worked on. Not to mention working with the Pro team in Milan, Paris, Russia and London on the prestigious Fashion Week shows which really boost my CV.

Since leaving, I took all the advice and help given, assisting, learning on the job and took full advantage of the ongoing free aftercare and masterclasses on offer, and have since built up my client base to include some of the most internationally recognisable faces in TV & Film today.

AOFM is a credible make-up Academy and I thoroughly recommend any potential student not to hesitate to join this elite school. The classes are kept small to maximise the learning, and more importantly the passionate tutors are not full time stuck-in-the-classroom dusty teachers but real-time live working artists who are exposed to the everyday challenges and latest techniques which you will undoubtedly benefit from.

AOFM are a professional school, with a dedicated hardworking curriculum to bring you from makeup zero to hero in the most condensed time possible. They offer no false claims or promises about your future in this most competitive of industries, however if you work hard and take as much from your experience with AOFM as you can, you will have given yourself the best foundation possible to build and grow this hard won but most rewarding of careers.