Discovering AOFM – Academy of Freelance Make-up

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One of the training studios at AOFM

On a sun sunny Thursday morning, I found myself in AOFM (or Academy of Freelance Make-up) Pro’s Soho studios, learning more about the school, it’s second publication, getting make-up tips and being treated to a makeover.

Jana Ririnui and Jason Mallet

Jana Ririnui, founder of AOFM, happened upon make-up and hair artistry via modelling and after training at the London College of Fashion and working many a fashion shoot at London Fashion Week as well as high-end magazines, he opened AOFM Pro with the desire to offer make-up artists of fashion future something different – something more.

AOFM's newest publication MakeUp Is Art

Jana Ririnui and partner Jason Mallet spoke passionately about their goal to create make-up artists with not only the talent to succeed, but with the essential wisdom, knowledge and experience of the realities of being a make-up artist in the world of fashion. As well as guidance, AOFM also offer their students professional experience through the opportunity to work on events like London Fashion Week and Clothes Show Live. Many students that arrive at AOFM, we were told by Jana, have unrealistic expectations of what the courses can give them. Many wanting instant gratification tend to be less successful due to their unwillingness to work hard and realise the realities of the industry.

Just some of the make-up students have access to on the course

We were introduced to one of the school’s successes, Lauren Amps, winner of Make-Up Artist of the Year who talked us through the course and showed us the wealth of make-up and make-up tools the students have access to whilst in training including, their expert-designed 24-piece brush kit. AOFM have an exclusive relationship with many high-end brands including Bobbi Brown and Dermalogica and are supported by many others including MAC, She Uemuera and Glamour magazine.

Amelia having her make-up done by AOFM graduate Lauren

I was lucky to have my make-up applied by the talented Lauren herself later on at the event. You can view my illustrated make-over at Amelia’s Magazine.

AOFM's expert-designed brush kit

Flicking through the gorgeous glossy make-up guide MakeUp Is Art

In just five years Jana and Jason have grown from a studio in Soho to having AOFM make-up schools in Paris and New York and together with make-up artist Lan Ngyuen, Jana has recently published MakeUp is Art; a beautiful hardback make-up manual full of exciting and inspirational make-up ideas, tips and concise step by step application instructions. The gorgeous images make it a visual feast as well as a creative educational tool. I will definitely be trying out all the period looks once I stock up on make-up!

We were invited to enjoy drinks, nibbles and the sunshine with the AOFM team on their balcony over-looking Soho. Pictured is one of the other lucky guests.

The book is just a small testament to what students will learn at the school. Jana’s passion to support and nurture the students throughout and beyond the courses is evident, making the school unique in its approach.

Shanina from Fashion Monitor post make-over.

Guests enjoying AOFM hospitality

Discover more about AOFM and its courses here.

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