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This year, several MUD grads were honored with awards and nominations from the Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists (MUAHS) Guild (IATSE Local 706) for their outstanding achievements in make-up and hair styling. WINNERS ​ Michelle Radow & Erin Rosenmann Michelle and Erin received a MUAHS Guild award for Television & New Media Series — Best Contemporary Make-Up for their work on Season Two of Big Little Lies (HBO). Michelle graduated from MUD in 2005, and leads a close-knit team as Department Head of Make-Up. Erin graduated from MUD in 2006 and worked as Key Make-Up Artist on this show with Michelle. ​ Jackie Risotto Jackie received a MUAHS Guild award for Television & New Media Series — Best Period and/or Character Make-up for her work on Fosse/Verdon (FX). Jackie graduated from the MUD New York Fashion program in 2011. She has an extensive resume of film, television, short film and commercial work, including credits for Homeland (SHOWTIME), The Good Wife (CBS), and The Girl on the Train, among others.

Make-up artist Jessica Reyes-Pacetti is no stranger to breaking news. She is a regular feature backstage at KTLA 5 News Los Angeles (a CW affiliate), where she has worked since 2009. After graduating from MUD’s Los Angeles Campus in 2005, Jessica has established a thriving business that includes freelance work on weddings, as well as film and television credits on some of today’s hottest shows. When Jessica first discovered her passion for make-up, she had no idea that she would one day become a regular backstage at the nightly news. Why? She was only eight years old. “My aunt was staying with us and I would ask to do her make-up every night,” she says. “After three months, she [said], ‘You can’t do it anymore. You’ve used up all of my make-up.’” Nevertheless, the spark was kindled for Jessica. After high school, it inspired her to work at MAC and study at MUD, where she graduated in 2005. ​ Jessica says: “My start at Make-Up Designory helped me with my basics. When [I left], I had such confidence because I knew people would look at the MUD name and know that I came from great training. I felt I was taken more seriously.” Jessica quickly parlayed that confidence into a bustling career working as a freelance make-up artist for television shows like Dancing with the Stars (ABC) and Dr. Pimple Popper (TLC), in addition to working with celebrities like Nick Lachey. Her break at KTLA came about after her father, a cameraman, introduced her to the main make-up artist at the station. She says, “Working one day a week on the evening news was a great start to my career. I joined the union and have gotten to meet a lot of fun and amazing people.” She adds: “TV make-up is very different than print or red carpet make-up. When you are in the studio and have the bright lights on, all the make-up disappears. My motto is, the more the better. I love a glamorous make-up where it stands out. Blended eyeshadow is a must and always lashes.” In addition to her work on KTLA, Jessica runs a freelance business doing make-up for weddings. She particularly enjoys giving stressed-out brides a moment of calm confidence when they sit in her chair and realize everything is going to be OK.

In 2023, Ogle School is celebrating its 50th year as a premier Beauty School in Texas. Over those 50 years, Ogle School has graduated tens of thousands of beauty industry professionals and established itself as one of the leading cosmetology and esthetics schools in the country. Ogle School is one of the top MUD Academies and MUD was honored to attend their 11th annual Face Off Event on October 22, 2022. It is an industry recognized show for all nine of the Ogle Schools showcasing the students’ talent within the beauty industry. In past years, they have had nearly 3000 attendees come out for this event. ​ MUD’s Director of Education, Paul Thompson, assisted by Maddie Webb, MUD Pro Artist, judged the top three finalists for make-up and handed over the $500 check on stage to winner Maria Zorrilla (Stafford Campus). MUD also awarded Maria a complete Professional Salon Make-up kit, as well as a collection of MUD cosmetics for the other two contestants, Jayson Kolbicz (Willowbrook Campus) and Crystal Briones (Fort Worth Campus). MUD can’t wait to return for the 2023 event!

SEAN CONKLIN is a freelance make-up artist, graduate of Make-up Designory, Instructor at MUD’s Los Angeles Campus, and most recently an Emmy winner for his work on the HBO Max Original TV Show, “Legendary” for Outstanding Contemporary Make-up fora Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program. Follow fabulously talented voguing houses on “Legendary” as they ignite the runway at extravagant balls showcasing their skill, style, and stamina for a shot at a $100,000 grand prize. Beyond his recent Emmy WIN, his experience extends into film, television and print with professional credits that include American Idol, BET Award Show, VH1 Honors Award Show, IPSY YouTube Videos, and numerous WB spots (Where L.A. Lives), HGTV spots (Selling L.A.) MTV's Next, TV Land's She's Got the Look. and various infomercials and feature films. ​ From catalogs to magazines, Sean’s work has been featured in Lands’ End Catalogs, LA Weekly, Flaunt and Elle magazines. He’s worked with notable entertainment personalities including Nicki Minaj, Missy Elliott, Rhianna, Fergi, Brittany Spears, Brie Larson, Chris Brown, Marcia Cross, Jason Alexander, Adam Arkin, Bill Mosely, Camryn Manheim, Jane Kaczmarek, Justin Kirk, Jason Priestly, Alanis Morissette and Giovanni Ribisi. Sean led a team of MUD make-up artists behind the scenes at the 2014 & 2015 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions. ​ His commitment to perfecting his art and years of dedication implementing MUD’s brand philosophy earned him the role of MUD’s Lead Artist. He is an active contributor to the development of MUD products, designer for MUD’s seasonal campaigns and has been an International Brand Ambassador educating and training MUD partners around the world. His work as a featured artist on MUD’s official YouTube channel has helped garner millions of views and countless online fans worldwide. When Sean’s not on-set you can find him at Make-up Designory teaching his craft to future make-up artists. What inspired you to become a make-up artist, and how did you get started in the industry? ​ Sean: My sister, Nancy, was my greatest inspiration in my make-up career. As a young adult I struggled to find direction for my future. Nancy reminded me that I had a love for art and perhaps I should find something in that field. She suggested that I add theater make-up courses to my college schedule. About mid semester, my makeup instructor Larry Jorgensen invited an educator from Make-up Designory to demonstrate make-up applications for our class. Larry was a huge advocate of MUD and encouraged me to enroll to further my education in film and television make-up. I applied for The Master Make-up Artistry Program and that's where it all began. ​ Can you walk us through the process of creating the makeup looks for this particular show? How do you collaborate with the director and actors to achieve the desired result? ​ Sean: On this particular show each episode had a category or theme. The houses (houses are made up of 5 contestants) were given the category and they had to communicate their ideas to costumes, hair and make-up. So, we listened very carefully to their inspirations and ideas. At that point, we met with the various departments to begin the process of finalizing the look. Our goal was to turn their visions into reality. It was a ton of hard work. The kind of looks we did took hours of preparation and patience. I have to give a shout out to the Department Head, Tonia Green and the Key Make-up Artist, Tyson Fountaine. Not only are they both creative and talented, but they built an amazing team to ease the process. What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a make-up artist, and how do you overcome them? ​ Sean: Time is a big challenge I face as a make-up artist. You need to work fast. You have to know when to walk away from an application. Let it go! I also keep a small digital clock on my station to log my time. You'll find that production is always trying to take it away from you. ​ Can you share any tips or tricks for aspiring make-up artists who are just starting out in the industry? ​ Sean: I've always encouraged my students to take additional art courses to train their eye in highlights, shadows and color theory. It helps tremendously in their make-up applications. Another tip, be clean and organized. But I have to say, the most critical component for success is to be a be a great person. Kindness, punctuality, and always take criticism in stride. ​ What has been your most memorable project or experience as a make-up artist, and why? ​ Sean: I have to choose Legendary as my most memorable project, because it challenged so many aspects of my artistry. Corrective beauty, drag and special make-up effects were all a part of the looks that we created. It was a super fun show that in the end allowed us to receive multiple nominations, and awards.