Advice for going to NY make-up school-my parents wont help!

Parents Forum
1

<p>I'm a Sophomore at a 4-year college, and have completely changed my career goals. I have lots of valid reasons, and this isn't just a decision made on a whim. I have done my research, talked to professionals, etc. and I've decided I want to drop out of college before the end of the semester and study make-up artistry at Make-up Designory (aka MUD) in New York City. (For those who are interested, most info on the school can be found at <a href="http://www.mud.edu/School-Site-2010/...talog_2011.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.mud.edu/School-Site-2010/...talog_2011.pdf&lt;/a&gt;)&lt;/p>

<p>Problem is, I haven't told my parents that I want to go to New York, only that I want to go to a beauty school. I'm sure they'll think I'm crazy for suggesting it, but there are no other schools in my area that specialize in make-up artistry and special effects make-up. Only cosmetology schools that focus on hairstyling.</p>

<p>I've looked at schools across the country, and MUD is the one place I feel I can get the experience I want and need to get my foot in the door. They have a really impressive 18 week program that costs $16,944.00 in total. I would learn about techniques and skills applying make-up for different conditions for advertisements, award/fashion shows, television, etc. I would learn about hairstyling for photo shoots and the like. I would learn how to apply special effects make-up for movies and television shows. It's pretty legit, for lack of a better term.</p>

<p>Yes, it's got a big price tag, but it's A) way less than the out of state tuition I'm paying at my current college B) Includes all the make-up, tools, and textbooks I'll need throughout my course of study C) financial aid is available and D) is the only school that can teach me what I need to know. Why would I waste my money earning a degree for a job I no longer want to have? This is what I'm passionate and excited about.</p>

<p>Anyways, I need help convincing my parents to let me do this. I'd like to drop out of my college before the end of the semester so I can get everything in order and move to New York asap. Programs for this that I am interested in are from Mar. 30 - Jun. 23, apr. 21 – Jul. 18, and as a last resort Jun. 3 – aug. 28. And knowing my parents, they won't agree to this until I have a game plan of where to live, how to move, etc. I guess I'm looking for any advice from anyone about how to go about this before I drop the bomb on them. Because I've already decided not to continue with my 4 year college. All I have to do is turn in the forms. </p>

<p>Thanks for those of you who read through all that and can help!</p>

2

<p>I researched this school a bit online & this is what I would say to my daughter if she was interested.</p>

<p>Get a certification as a cosmetologist, not just a makeup artist because then you have a better chance at finding a job.</p>

<p>The women who do makeup in dept stores- often have very minimal training- but that sort of thing is a good way to get experience.</p>

<p>If you are really interested- work with a local theatre company as a volunteer to do their makeup to see if you are good & if you like it.</p>

<p>A school which apparently is extremely expensive yet seems to only use their own products which they then sell to the students, instead of teaching students to analyze & compare other products makes me wary.
( Additionally- 4 months does not seem enough time to go into anatomy- chemistry- indepth color selection- etc- if you are looking for a good background- then get a * good* background)</p>

<p>The financial aid that is available- I daresay means unsubsidized loans- because Stafford & even Pell Grants are not going to cover the bulk of tuition for a 4 month program.</p>

<p>I understand that you are quitting school anyway for the present-I would advise you to finish the year, then look for a job that is more to your interests while you research changing schools a little more.</p>

3

<p>The thing is, to become a make-up artist, you don’t need a cosmetology license, just a certificate. It’s mostly freelance work, or else you might need to have additional tests to qualify for certain theater/union jobs… You only need a cosmetology license to work in a salon and the like…</p>

<p>But I don’t want to go to cosmetology school because they spend a really small amount…like only 25 hours total, on make-up chemistry. Whereas this place does teach about the things you mentioned, and you get way more hours, as in hundreds, and from esteemed professionals who have lots of experience.</p>

<p>I have no interest in doing hair, and would find it boring/wasteful to spend my whole time learning how to dye, cut, and permanent wave hair when I’m interested in stage/special effects make-up…</p>

<p>And I can’t find any other schools that offer that…</p>

4

<p>I would want to speak to alumni of MUD and see what job prospects are and how well MUD prepared them for those jobs. How effective is the MUD network in helping you secure that first employment?</p>

<p>I would hate to see you borrow $20K and then not to be able to find a job…</p>

5

<p>[Vicki</a> Morgenstern’s Guide to Schools for Makeup Training](<a href=“http://www.makeupartistschools.net/article.html]Vicki”>http://www.makeupartistschools.net/article.html)</p>

<p>I would research and compare schools as well as interviewing former students to have more info to show your parents.</p>

6

<p>There is a career service department like any other college. I actually did talk to an alumni of the MUD campus in LA, but both the LA campus and the NY campus have an online job board for students, in which people regularly contact MUD for students and alumni to do freelance projects, weddings, etc. I was told there are plenty of postings to gain some experience both while in school and after. You actually get access to it the first day of class, and that gives students a chance to find one-time jobs right from the get-go to build up their resumes and portfolios (which the school also assists with).</p>

<p>I’m aware that like many jobs, I might (read: most likely will) have to take up another job to give me a stable income, and I’m fine with that. To me that’s better than being stuck in another full time job, unhappy and unable to do what I love.</p>

<p>The problem is convincing my parents who want me to continue doing what I currently have no interest in. I’m a smart girl, I was salutatorian of my high school and a hard worker, but they think it’s shocking I’d want to do special effects make-up or theater make-up for a living. And that’s why I need help. :(</p>

<p>And thanks for the link emeraldkity4! I never really considered going to schools in Canada etc, and even if I still don’t, at least it will show my parents it is a serious career path with lots of opportunities. I’ll be checking those schools out, since they DO solely focus on make-up!</p>

7

<p>Just a note about your remark: “A school which apparently is extremely expensive yet seems to only use their own products which they then sell to the students, instead of teaching students to analyze & compare other products makes me wary.”</p>

<p>According to MUD: “MUD does not obligate our students to any single brand of cosmetics – even our own brand. Instructors, will, however, recommend “effective” products for specific applications. Also, MUD does not teach beauty make-up with one brand, but rather lets the student stock their kits with their own choices. This gives students the chance to see several different products doing the same techniques.”</p>

8

<p>If I were your parent, I would definitely NOT want you to slam the door by at least completing the term that has already been paid for and is currently in progress. I would NOT fund anything unless you completed that and nothing you have written so far would convince me otherwise.</p>

<p>It is very irresponsible to want to drop out of school after the term begins to run off & start a new venture. What marketable skills will you be using to support yourself while you attend this school and after you get your certificate? What is an “average” income for folks who have a certificate, such as the one you purpose to pursue? What will you live on to supplement your income? The weddings I’ve participated in, while we do pay a significant amount to the makeup folks who are hired (when we bother to hire any) have full-time other jobs (mostly working in beauty salons) to earn a living.</p>

<p>What steps have you taken to determine that a certificate from MUD will open doors you feel will be helpful to you, to the exclusion of other schools/training programs? Why the sudden urgency? Are you failing your current courses? If so, why should more money and resources be expended on a wholly new venture for you? If not, why not complete the current term, so you can at least not waste the tuition that has already been paid on your behalf? Any decent school/program should still exist and be able to take you at a time AFTER you have completed your current term at your current school, which you must have had some say in choosing.</p>

9

<p>Dropping out of school this semester so that your parents’ money is flushed down the drain is NOT the way to engender good feelings in them toward your new venture.</p>

<p>Maybe you’d be better off to work for a year and save your money to pay for your living expenses while you are going to MUD. The way to save the most money would be to live at home. </p>

<p>In the alternative, go down to NY and find a place to live and a job. Again, work for a year to get some money together.</p>

<p>When your parents see you seriously saving for your future, they may want to contribute.</p>

10

<p>CoffeeAddict 9716, I would talk to hirers (not just MUD graduates) in the specific area of the field that you are currently interested in. For example, if you want to work in Hollywood movies, try to figure out who hires, which firm might be contracted with by studios, or are artists hired directly by studios? - and see what qualifications they require, ask about MUD’s reputation, etc. </p>

<p>Next (and I don’t think you will like this), I recommend you finish your degree!
Suppose you cannot pay your bills in the industry, but would be pretty darn happy as an art teacher, for example? It’s creative, and can be fun and exciting, and there are great benefits! But you will need a degree for a decent “side job.” It is just prudent in this unpredictable world.</p>

<p>But the good news is, you can major in something that will help you refine your sensibilities for makeup artistry. Perhaps visual arts of some kind, or even literature, to fuel the imagination and creative spirit! Or, something completely practical for that back-up job, such as accounting. (If you will eventually be in your own business, you will need such skills too.)</p>

<p>Take theatre tech classes where you can practice those skills, and do whatever you have time for to work towards your goal.</p>

<p>Then, when you are done, if the MUD program is well-respected and provides a foot in the door, go ahead. Yes, it is a large extra cost, and I have no easy answer for that - but when your parents see your dedication and passion, and also how you have covered your bases for the future, I hope they would be able to help you with this financially.</p>

<p>This just sounds like the most careful plan to me, but whatever you do, best of luck!</p>

11

<p>Unless you can get a refund on your tuition and fees for the rest of this semester, do not drop out. Finish this semester. Keep your grades up. That way you will have a nice, clean transcript if you ever do want to finish a college degree.</p>

<p>While you are finishing this semester, do your research on where to live and how to pay for the program you want. Also, think long and hard about whether you want a short program in makeup, or whether your goals are better served by a degree in theater tech/design, with a concentration in makeup. If you have a better plan, and another semester of good grades under your belt, your parents may have a more positive attitude about this career change.</p>

12

<p>I’m not going to lie, if this was my daughter I would cut the cord. No way would I support paying for that career. I mean, I’m not to educated on the subject, but are there even jobs for this degree apart from department stores, etc?</p>

13

<p>UVAorBust - Yes there is money to be made in this particular industry, however much of it will be free-lance, and will ultimately depend on the professional’s ability to create a solid network that will refer future clients to him/her. If I were the mom, I’d want to know how much of the training program is devoted to business management and marketing skills.</p>

14

<p>How about transferring to a college that excels in technical theater? If you want to do special effects makeup, etc., that’s how to train for it. You’ll have a degree, not just a “certification.”</p>

<p>MUD sounds to me like the colleges I see advertised on TV to “get a career as a medical assistant” in a year - maybe you’ll get a job, but it’s not going to be what you think it is.</p>

15

<p>

I think you need to come to terms with the fact that you might not be able to convince them this is a good idea. You also might not be able to convince them to fund it. The best way to try to convince them is with solid objective data much like other posters are suggesting you get including from sources not trying to sell you something (i.e. sources other than MUD). </p>

<p>For example, what percentage of grads are employed in this field within 6 months of graduation? What do they earn on average? Where are they working (dept store, movie industry, stage industry, etc.)? Why do you consider the faculty “esteemed”? Are they a ‘for profit’ or ‘not for profit’ organization? How long has MUD been around? What’s their profit nmargin? What’s their dropout rate? Who owns MUD? What are the alternatives to MUD? Does one really even need a ‘certificate’ to enter and succeed in this business (I know they don’t at dept stores)? How did the more successful people in the positions you’re interested in get there - by attending MUD, somewhere else, or just entering the industry some other way? etc. etc. </p>

<p>However, as an adult, you don’t need to convince them this is a good idea. You can make your own decision and just proceed with it whether they support it or not. Of course, this assumes you have a way to pay for it without your parents’ help.</p>

<p>For the record, it’d be very tough to convince me this is a good idea although I’d listen and could possibly be swayed (by solid objective data).</p>

16

<p>You may also need to repay your folks for this semester’s tuition and perhaps more, if you don’t stick around & finish the term with good grades. I’d seriously think of charging either of my kids if they dropped out after I had already plunked down the money for them to attend the semester. Have NOT read any good reason yet as to why you do not plan to complete your semester and leaving with all Ws or worse would make it much tougher for you if you decide you may someday wish to return to college or any formal education program.</p>

<p>You may have difficulty getting your folks to continue to fund you at all (including living expenses, medical insurance, etc.) if you don’t at least complete this semester and have a SOLID plan with SOLID objective evidence going forward.</p>

17

<p>Coffee- here’s what would work for me (YMMV)</p>

<p>Kid: Hey mom, I just volunteered to do make up for the local community theater production of “Phantom of the Opera”.
Mom: Wow, sounds like fun.</p>

<p>A month later-
Kid: Hey Mom, you won’t believe it, the director of phantom has a friend in NY who runs an awesome program for theatrical make up and he volunteered to introduce me.
Mom: Gee, sounds interesting.</p>

<p>A day later
Kid: Hey mom, I spoke to my director’s friend in NY that I told you about. The program in theatrical makeup sounds really interesting. I think I’m going to get an internship this summer doing stage makeup to see if I like it. I know with the money I’ve got saved from my job last summer that I can pay my own living expenses for a month-- if I need a loan for transportation to and from the city where the internship is, can I talk to you about that once I know for sure if I have the internship?
Me: sure, we can always talk.</p>

<p>A week later
Kid- Hey mom, I’ve applied to 12 different internships for the summer. I know it’s really competitive, so I’ve also put in my application at Sephora, Macy’s and Penny’s for their cosmetics departments… I figure if I can’t work on a movie set doing makeup, at least I’ll be learning about color and technique, plus earning some money.
Me- That shows a lot of foresight, great plan.</p>

<p>A year later- Mom, I’m one year away from finishing my BA. Based on my awesome summer, plus all the volunteer hours I’ve clocked working on 6 different theater productions, plus all the people I’ve met in the business, I think when I graduate I’m going to try and get some certification in stage makeup. I know those programs are very expensive-- so I may need to work for a year first to save up money. Do you think I can move home after I graduate so I can find a job here, save the money that would have gone to rent, and then eventually apply to one of these certification programs?</p>

<p>Mom- hey, you’ve shown such an interest and passion in the field- you’ve got internship experience, so many shows you’ve worked, you’ve really given it your best shot… and so why don’t you apply to a couple of programs and then we can sit down and figure out if we can help you with the financials?</p>

<p>My kids have changed career plans about a dozen times each along the way. What makes me sit up and listen- a plan. Demonstrated interest and experience in the field. Skin in the game (i.e. the kid is ready to move home or show a way to finance the venture that does not involve the parents). Conversations with lots of grownups (i.e. not just the person who wants their money, but real working adults who have been in the field during good years and bad. And shadowing, internships, on the ground experience doing not just the glamor stuff, but also the boring stuff. </p>

<p>We’ve helped our kids shift gears many times. But only with a plan per the above. Every time someone called to bellyache that they hated their major, wanted to drop out, needed a change, or had found some fabulous program in Key West or Aspen or Marbella and tuition was “only” X dollars and could we lend them the airfare, they got a polite, “Call me back when the Kool Aid has worn off”. And inevitably the Kool Aid wears off, and the kid comes up with an actual plan (or decides to back off under the glare of daylight).</p>

<p>I really understand how much you want to do this program. What I don’t understand is why you think you have enough facts to persuade your parents that you know anything about working in this field, let alone enough facts to warrant dropping out of a degree program.</p>