MUD Grad Profile: Nalo Jones
Posted by Make-Up Designory | 04/01/2010 | 13 Comments
Labels: School, Grad Profile
“There are no rules to make-up.”
When Nalo Jones began attending Make-Up Designory (MUD), she had already gained considerable experience working with some of the biggest names in retail cosmetics, including M.A.C., NARS, Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown and Lancôme. While at MUD, Nalo completed the Film and Television Make-Up Artistry Program, and received valuable training in the areas of print, bridal, character and airbrush techniques. This insight into new genres enabled her to broaden her horizons into different fields of make-up.
Since graduation, Nalo has added film and television credits to her resumé, with assignments for Current TV, the Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency show and the World Poker Tour. She created make-up for the film Equal Opportunity, which received a Shortcuts award from NBC. She also enjoyed assisting Ashunta Sheriff, Alicia Keys’s make-up artist, during Fashion Week in New York. Nalo says: “The energy of the city is inspiring. Working on the show was fast-paced, and I learned a lot about the modeling industry.”
Nalo has also created a significant body of work in print. She has done make-up for various publications including Fitness Magazine, and is an online and print editorial beauty contributor for Jones Magazine, Mahogany Butterfly, Fashion Q and A and Essence Magazine. Nalo enjoys sharing her knowledge of industry trends and techniques in print and online, and says: “Writing has opened a lot of doors for me.”
In terms of her working philosophy, she relies on her own individual inspiration and creativity. “I listen to my spirit to come up with new ideas…when you see people living their dreams, you know that anything is possible.” She cites Francesca Tolot as a favorite artist, and hopes one day to be able to work with her. She also believes in the power of networking, and continues to leverage her ties to MUD to forge relationships and land new work assignments. Her advice to aspiring artists: “See it, believe it and it will show up. Never give up – and network.”
Comments
Nalo Jones April 6, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Thank you, it has been a long and winding road and still working towards my dreams, but I know it will happen. It is a great school and she will learn a lot. Yes, if she wants to work on television and film it is good to take a character course, especially to get into the union. Yes, it good to work on as many things as you can. I do a lot of stuff for free. Try and find a mentor. Study the fashion magazines, do a lot of testing. If you have any questions, you can always email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nalo Jones April 6, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Yes, she should take a character class, and do all she can, I do a lot of stuff for free. Feel free to email me.
Wendy Hagen April 6, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Way to go Nalo!
Cheryl April 7, 2010 at 8:07 am
What a truly inspiring example—Nalo strives and her hard work shows. I love her openness and talent for sharing what she knows.
Qianna Smith April 18, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Nalo is wonderful person and an informative beauty expert. She has produced wonderful work for me at Essence.com, FashionQandA.com and Jonesmag.com. I’m very proud of her and her growth as an artist. Cheers to YOU =)!!!
Mabeline April 21, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Wow - your story is so inspiring and a bit intimidating. I am 38 years old and after doing graphic design, I have decided that I want to be a makeup artist. I don’t have any beauty school training or license. Do you recommend getting a cosmotologist’s license first before attending MUD? Would I be in over my head if I went to MUD first before attaining makeup experience? I am so overwhelmed and I don’t know where to start. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! 
Nalo Jones April 27, 2010 at 11:00 am
Well I am 38 now. I went to MUD when I was 34 after working at counters for years. So I believe as long as you believe anything is possible, whatever age. Sometimes I wish that I did get a cosmotology license because I get asked to do hair all the time. I have just learned from trial and error but do plan to take a class. You only need a license if you want to work in a salon. I think to go to MUD and beauty school can be quite expensive. I know in beauty school they teach makeup, but it is just beauty makeup. If you want to learn character and airbrush, I would attend MUD and take the hairstyling class.
Paige Crisp June 26, 2010 at 9:17 am
Hi Nalo…your story is truely uplifting. I’m 42 years old & have an amazing 7 year old daughter. I’ve always told her since the day she was born that nothing was impossible & to always follow her dreams. For the past 5 years I’ve wanted to attend MUD in LA but never made the move. I’ve been a licensed Esthetician & Esthetics Instructor for 7 years. About a month ago my daughter asked ” Mom, how can you tell me to follow my dreams if you aren’t following yours?” What do you say to that? Needless to say, she’s right. Thanks to her I’m in the enrollment process now & plan to move from NC to LA by the end of the year. I know I’m going to be the “grandma” in the class but it’s time I followed my dreams! Any advice?
Nalo Jones June 29, 2010 at 11:32 am
Paige,
Keep it moving, never get frustrated, especially as you get older you want to be on a fast track, because your not 21, just exhaust all opportunties even if you have to do things for free. Writing has opened a lot of doors for me, so market yourself, and never give it, because it is a battle, I am still working on getting to the next level. Enjoy school, and congratulations
samantha brown October 13, 2010 at 5:12 pm
wow Nalo, this is really great! Inspirng and I soon hope to be doing this well!
Karyn hardaway October 14, 2010 at 11:38 am
Very Nice Nalo…
MissDimples January 4, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@Mabeline Very intersting…I do Graphic Design as well, and after having watched so many tutorial videos, of vast make-up artist on youtube, I know now that make-up is what I want to do. Certainly a new found passion on mines! Personally, I do not wish to attend a cosmetology school…I figured going straight to MUD would be a better choice, not to mention easier on my pockets.
Welcome to the official blog for Make-Up Designory (MUD), a line of professional-quality make-up products and precision tools supported by expert tips and tested in challenging, real-life situations. On this blog, we'll take you behind the scenes at MUD. Get the inside scoop on the latest pro tips, new products and pop culture trends. Meet the MUD personalities and featured make-up artists who are transforming the industry. Or just stay tuned for updates about workshops, industry events, and anything else that inspires us!
- Amanda Brass
- Angelique Velez
- Barbra Pakler
- Carmen Hendrickson
- Christie Lee
- Desiree Wilde
- Gilbert Romero
- Jackie Rosner
- Jacqueline Mgido
- Jennifer Heslop
- John Bailey
- Katie Williams
- Liz Tignini
- Make-Up Designory
- Mary Anne Toccalino
- Matt Berenty
- Melissa Stephan
- Pamela Hackeman
- Paul Thompson
- Reiva Cruze
- Rita Botelho
- Sean Conklin
- Stephen McCallum
- Yvonne Hawker
Laura April 4, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Wow!! Wow!! Wow!! You did good for yourself. My daughter is graduating in June and is planning to attend MUDD in Fall. She is so excited!! Any advice?? I work at Sephora and one of the make up artist that works for Stila went to MUDD. She does TV also. She mention that my daughter should do character make up if she wants to do TV. She wants to do the Fashion Shows mostly. I said the more you do the more jobs you get. Am I right??