CAREER ADVICE FROM MARV WESTMORE

A thought, a dream, a plan, an action - a CAREER!

Nothing of true value or substance is ever created, manufactured, constructed or designed without a plan. Even the creation of a sparkling many-faceted diamond from raw stone is carefully planned, thought out and designed before the mallet strikes its first blow! Every blow thereafter is part of a plan, one step at a time, until that raw lifeless stone becomes a brilliant, priceless gem that is admired and sought after.

Continuing education as a career builder

You're employment choice - a Hobby, a Job or a Career!

• A Hobby because you have fun doing it!
• A Job because you have bills to pay!
• A Career because you have a passion for it and you never want to stop growing, creating and learning, as well as being rewarded!

A Meaningful and Rewarding Career is Based on Continuing Education!!!

Most Cosmetology and Aesthetician licensing courses give you the minimal basics for job training. This education level will also provide you with an entry-level pay scale. If that is all you require or aspire to, that's fine, but on the other hand if you desire to having a high-paying, rewarding career, then continuing education will be a constant element in your life. New trends, styles, products, tools and a passion to be at the top of your profession require continuing education.

This author has been working in the field of Makeup for over 35 years, practicing consumer makeup, print and fashion, industrial videos, television and motion pictures. I have grown from just doing consumer type beauty makeups as a job to a career in Fashion: Retro, Avant-Garde, Futuristic, and Historical as well as character, makeup effects and horror makeups. I've been rewarded, financially, but also with Emmy Nominations, a British Academy Award Nomination, Life Time Achievement Awards, Civic Awards and Proclamations. The highest reward, I feel, one can achieve, is that of the respect of my peers. I have been asked to share my knowledge and skills at tradeshows and conventions as well as having been Chairman of Continuing Education for the Hollywood Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists Guild.

None of this education is in your standard beauty makeup or line education - I had to reach out and find it - thus my entire career has been, and is one of continuous education. Not everything is found in a book about Beauty Makeup - the world of Art, Color, History and Fashion is part of continuing education.

Continuing Education can be found in many advanced classes and courses in the Private Post Secondary field as well as night school in high schools, junior colleges and art schools. Many manufacturers have classes, which teach you how to use their products and tools, hoping that you will then use them in your every day business, thus promoting their sales. Tradeshows and conventions are providing better quality education as a means of enticing you to attend. It becomes a win/win situation. You can get an overview of what's new and then focus on the direction you wish to pursue.

If you are open-minded, creative and think outside the box, there are many ways you can find continuing education - even being mentored. To find someone to mentor you, you first need to find the experienced and skilled professional that feels you are worth their time and effort, and who is willing to share their time and expertise with you. Following that, you must approach them and show them you are worth it, that you have a genuine desire to learn and are willing to commit, to follow their direction and embrace what they are offering you.

I know that in the fields of Cosmetology and Aesthetics the “Art of Makeup” is primarily relegated to the Art of Sales. Since most women wear lipstick, mascara, eye shadow and some form of blusher, very little serious education other than checking out what is the current fad or trend is looked upon as makeup education. Yet “Makeup” is a serious service and sales career force for the dedicated and career-oriented makeup artist, aesthetician and cosmetologist. Whole successful businesses are built around the ART of MAKEUP - Weddings, Eyebrow Specialist's, Photography and Print, Fashion Houses, Makeup Artist/ Consultant for personalized and individualized makeup education and services in upscale full-service salons, day spas and medi-spas as well as resort and cruise ship spas. All of these areas and more are available for long-term rewarding careers if you are willing to go the extra mile and shoot for the stars with CONTINUING EDUCATION.