Astute Artistry

A positive force for change in the makeup industry

Category:	Makeup Artists
Address:	33033 Seven Mile Rd.
City:	Livonia
Map:	Click to map location
Phone:	248-477-5548
Website:	www.astuteartistry.com

Lisa Glickoff believes that when you have a passion for what you do, it can't be contained.

As founder and creator of Astute Artistry, the first makeup and special-effects training studio in Michigan, Glickoff teaches beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes in makeup artistry. In the four years since she set up shop in Livonia, she's taught more than 500 students to be makeup artists.

"That's what I am most proud of," says Glickoff, whose class sizes range from one to six students. "I am happy to say that most of the makeup artists I've trained are working in the business."

While her typical student is young, like 22-year-old Alyson Wilson, she's trained adults of all ages, men and women, and those seeking a more rewarding career. "It's amazing that when a person has a passion for something, they just have to follow it full circle," she says.

That happened for one of Glickoff's students whose job as a nurse was professionally and financially rewarding, but she had a real desire to become a makeup artist. Wilson's interest in makeup artistry led her to Astute Artistry, and only a month out of training, she's already gotten callbacks for jobs. Many people who have completed the program find careers in film, fashion, and consumer industries.

"I knew when I walked into class that I had my own ideas," Wilson says. "What Lisa does is to listen to you, and then she helps you along the way. She teaches you how to make your idea happen."

Whether it's air-brushing a fantasy face for fun, applying body paint, creating makeup for special effects, or making a bride look her absolute best for her big day, Glickoff teaches her students the skill that is, in fact, astute artistry.

A professional, licensed esthetician, Glickoff helps students meet their fullest potential by providing an environment that is creative, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. She's also become an advocate for her field by encouraging support of House Bill No. 4574, which was introduced to amend the current laws about Cosmetologists vs. Makeup Artists.

"House Bill No. 4574 demonstrates why it is important to separate both fields," Glickoff says. "This bill would open doors to help makeup artists reach their full potential."

The bill would recognize makeup artistry as a trade, which would give students an opportunity to receive financial aid and become certified. Glickoff says those who share her interest in the subject can go to www.change.org and type in Astute Artistry to learn more about the proposed legislation.

"I want there to be more opportunities for those who want to do makeup artistry who do not necessarily want to learn about hair and skin care," says Glickoff, whose extensive background in makeup ranges from account executive to national trainer to, most notably, working on many celebrity clientele at the 2006 Academy Awards.

Despite her work with stars, Glickoff doesn't revel in celebrity. To her, every client is important, and she sees her primary role as that of a professional guide, teaching students to direct their own learning through natural curiosity.

"At Astute Artistry, students have real-world opportunities to practice their skills in situations such as fashion shows, movie productions, and other creative outlets, while allowing adequate time and space to use materials that reinforce the lesson being studied," she says. "I hope to be able to instill a love of creativity and excite students to work in a fast-paced, creative industry."