Ambassador Feature: Alba Carpio

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Alba R. Carpio, and my life has been a roller coaster for the past few years. But right now, I can say I’m happily married and a proud mom. My love for characterization, sci-fi, and horror films started when I was a kid. When I went to University, I got my Bachelor Degree in Architecture.

However, when my father passed away, everything changed. I went through a very hard time; dealing with depression and anxiety. During this time, my passion for makeup revived. At first, I used it as a therapy. But it ending up becoming my safe place.

What made you decide to change career paths and switch from architecture to makeup artistry?

When I graduated, we had plans to move to Europe. But when my father passed away, we had to stay in Mexico and take care of the family business. Then I became pregnant. At that time, my husband and I decided it would be best for me to stay at home.

If I’m being honest, I revived my love for makeup through social media and watching influencers. Over time, though, that wasn’t enough. I wanted to learn everything in a professional way – especially Special FX makeup. So, I investigated all of my options and that’s how I found QC Makeup Academy. This school gave me the possibility of doing this as a career!

Prior to getting any training, you mentioned that you learned makeup primary through social media. When was it you realized that social media makeup is completely different from real-world makeup?

I actually found this out the hard way. One day, I got a phone call from my husband, asking me out on a romantic date. I wanted to surprise him with the makeup techniques I’d just learned from YouTube. When we arrived at the restaurant, he said in a very gentle way, “Babe, I think you have dirt on your face… take this tissue so you can clean up.”

It was embarrassing! But when I looked in the mirror, it was obvious that my contour was completely overdone. As QC Makeup Academy makes clear in their training, social media and real-life makeup are designed for completely different environments. Social media makeup is definitely not meant for everyday life.

Why did you decide to enroll in an online makeup school, rather than an in-person one?

Between being a new mom and dealing with all the tasks of running the family business, I had no time or energy to go to a physical school. But QC Makeup Academy did give me time and space to do my courses at my own pace. Plus, their amazing programs have been designed by industry professionals, and are led by the best of the best, in terms of tutors. This all gave me confidence that I was making a good investment.

So, how did you find out about QC Makeup Academy?

Online research! I knew that with my schedule, the only way I was going to be able to study was with an online school. I investigated very carefully into all my options. Once I found QC Makeup Academy, I quickly say that they offered everything I wanted!

Some of the reasons I chose to enroll are:

You’ve since graduated from QC’s Master Makeup Artistry Course and Special FX Makeup Course. How was your experience with these programs, and how would you say they’ve helped you grow as a makeup artist?

QC changed my life in the best possible way. It’s not just the experience of learning professional makeup techniques; it’s also the personalized feedback you get from your tutors. They take the time to analyze your work and give you constructive criticism. Their goal is to help you grow by offering you advice, tips, tricks, and encouragement to be the best version of yourself as an artist.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an advanced student. Your previous experience, social medial followers, or job position doesn’t matter either. QC Makeup Academy always make you feel respected and welcome. Personally, my makeup skills are now at a completely different level when compared to where they were at 3 years ago!

You’re also currently enrolled in QC Makeup Academy’s Skincare Course, Pro Makeup Workshop, and Airbrush Makeup Workshop. Why do you feel that these additional skills and qualifications will make your makeup career all the more successful?

I firmly believe that all of QC’s programs properly complement one another. For example, skincare is very important because it helps you understand how to take care of your canvas. With this basic knowledge, it’s easier to personalize the makeup routine for each client, since everyone has different skin types and needs.

The Pro Makeup Workshop goes into more detail about advanced makeup techniques, concepts, and applications. This next-level program is meant to help you perfect your skills and build upon what you learned in the MMA Course. Finally, the Airbrush Workshop adds yet another level of professionalism to your craft, both in beauty makeup and SFX makeup.

I can’t stop learning – this career path is just so fascinating to me!

How useful have the various course materials, assignments, and tutor feedback been? In what ways have they helped you grow stronger as an MUA?

At this moment of my life, I am mainly a social media makeup artist. But I also book the occasional freelance job for film, bridal, or special event makeup on the weekends. The knowledge I’ve gotten from QC Makeup Academy has helped me understand when to use certain makeup techniques, according to the occasion.

Like I said before, social media makeup is designed for a self-controlled, 2D environment. Real-life makeup, on the other hand, is designed for a high-definition, 3d environment. You can’t control the angles in which your artistry will be showcased. So, you need to understand the proper techniques… because there’ll be no place to hide imperfections!

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned so far from QC Makeup Academy’s professional training?

With QC Makeup Academy, you learn:

But to me, the MOST important lessons I’ve learned have been about proper hygiene and etiquette as an MUA. This knowledge alone elevates you to another level! Most aspiring makeup artists nowadays educate themselves strictly with YouTube videos.

However, beyond the popular trends and/or makeup tutorials available on social media, it’s very uncommon to find educational videos discussing topics such as taking care of your makeup kit, sanitizing your tools, etc. Being a makeup artist is so much more than simply applying makeup to another person’s face. This type of education is essential for success.

You’ve recently joined QC’s team of Student Ambassadors. As an Ambassador, what’s the #1 thing you want aspiring makeup artists to know about QC Makeup Academy?

QC Makeup Academy will give you the basic tools you need to pursue a successful career as a makeup artist. It doesn’t matter which area you want to grow in professionally – they cover it all!

Once you have these tools, it’ll then be up to YOU to become the artist you want to be. For that, you will need to dedicate time and practice. My personal experience has been amazing. I couldn’t be more grateful for what QC has done for me. As a Student Ambassador, I want to help others follow their own dreams.

You have over 266k followers on TikTok and over 17k on YouTube. What advice would you give to new MUAs for growing their online presence and increasing their following?

My social media channels were never about having a big following or becoming popular. They started as a personal space where I could express myself and what I love. They’ve helped me heal and make it through a very difficult time in my life.

What I can tell makeup artists who want to grow their social media is to NEVER let the numbers control you. Don’t let the views discourage you, or the likes make you feel as if you are not talented enough. Just do what you love and the numbers will come eventually.

What are your top career goals as a makeup artist?

I believe there is no small job. Everything can give you experience and knowledge to grow as an artist!

To start, I want to retire from our job at the family business and dedicate myself full-time to makeup artistry. I’m currently working towards this now. I also want to travel to congresses, take makeup master classes around the world, and eventually, teach them myself. Additionally, I’d like to dedicate more time to my social media and explore different makeup techniques I haven’t tried yet. I’d also love to learn even more about Special FX makeup.

I guess, when I think about it, I just want to try it ALL!

What is the #1 piece of advice that you’d like to give to aspiring makeup artists who are thinking of pursuing a professional career in 2021?

I want to inspire others to never give up on themselves. It’s is never too late to pursue your dream career! There’s honestly no better feeling than dedicating your life to something that makes you happy and that you have passion for. You’ll never get tired of it.

If this is what you want to do for the rest of your life, just go with it! QC Makeup Academy will give you all the tools you need, but it’ll be up to you to figure out how you want to use them.

Inspired by Alba’s story? Write your own today by enrolling with QC Makeup Academy!