CMU alumna Franceline Nkingu has used art throughout her life as a means of self-expression and therapy, and her experience at the school helped her to hone her skills, allowing her to pursue her passion for making faces. Franceline has worked on television projects including Unboxed with Nikki Chu, fashion editorials and more, and her love of learning has also introduced her to photography. Curious about her experience at CMU? Read on!
When did you become interested in makeup artistry?
I became interested in makeup artistry when I attended the University of Windsor for the Communication, Media and Film program. The interest began while working on different student film sets in various positions as an editor, director or gaffer. I was asked to do make up for a film, which eventually piqued my interest in the craft.
Were you artistic otherwise?
I had a rough childhood; when placed in foster care, I was taught how to draw, and it helped me cope through my pain. The arts were something I pursued all throughout high school, and even took a couple of classes in university. It was always an interest for me to draw or paint, and to be able to release my anxieties through art.
Why did you decide to pursue an education in makeup artistry?
I am a firm believer in knowing that when you truly love something and you’re truly invested in it, that any lessons or schooling will help bring you to a level of greater knowledge and understanding. I wanted to get better at my craft, so I searched for the best school to give me that.
Why did you choose CMU? What program did you enroll in and why?
CMU had an amazing success rate, great reviews, and the work that its students and alumni produced was extraordinary. I enrolled in the Complete Makeup Artist program.
What was your favourite class and why?
My favourite class at CMU was makeup for film and TV; being able to create small cuts and bruises was a different world than what I was used to when doing beauty makeup.
What’s the most important piece of advice or thing you learned at CMU?
No one will make you become what you want to be. You can go to the best schools, you can get the best education but it all depends on you if you get hired. The hard work starts with you and ends with you!
What have you been working on since graduation?
A lot of freelance jobs, ranging from film and tv to editorial and magazine work. I’ve had the great opportunity to work with The Players’ Tribune, Unboxed with Nikki Chu, and have been published in Pump, Ali and Elements magazine. My biggest project this year has been learning photography and shooting my own editorial and beauty images.
What has been your favourite job so far and why?
My favourite job thus far has been working on season two of Unboxed with Nikki Chu, doing makeup for co-host Monique Johnson! It’s an amazing and rewarding feeling being able to see your makeup live on TV – it’s very different than print.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of enrolling at CMU?
The school will give you the tools, so make the best out of it. Each class, each day and each moment is an opportunity to learn – so ask questions, be vulnerable and don’t be afraid to be humble and drop your ego. The best way of learning is being completely open to it.
What would be your dream makeup gig?
My dream makeup gig would be working on a professional campaign for brands like Make Up For Ever, NARS, Fenty Beauty, or the amazing Becca Cosmetics!
“I wanted to get better at my craft, so I searched for the best school to give me that. CMU had an amazing success rate, great reviews, and the work that its students and alumni produced was extraordinary. I enrolled in the Complete Makeup Artist program.”
