The online learning bandwagon

During lockdown the nation went crazy for "online learning". Some people were furloughed and twiddling their thumbs, some were trying to fill in time previously spent on hobbies no longer possible, some were just making the most of lockdown. Whatever the reason, people were using the time stuck at home to learn new skills online. I was one of those people (obviously, or I wouldn't be writing about it). 

Being on maternity leave with a new baby and a toddler I can't exactly say I was twiddling my thumbs but I was stuck at home and once Tobias and Bessie were asleep I wanted to use my brain. Plus, when you wait until you're in a global pandemic to decide you want to explore a different career online training is really the only option! 

Frustratingly I learnt the hard way about the need to seriously research companies before giving them your money...🙈 The first course I started was with Shaw Academy. Remember that name and stay away! They offered 4 weeks for free, the courses sounded great and I vaguely read a few positive reviews, so I thought I'd give it a go, especially as I could get myself a diploma at the end. I actually honestly got so much out of the first four weeks so we decided to go ahead and pay for the rest of the course. It was promised that this one off payment would cover the full cost of the diploma, so long as I completed the course within a certain time frame. Sadly that was a big fat lie. Boooo. I finished module one but there was no way to complete the assessment and move on to module two without paying - I found this out when they took my money for trying to proceed. After a loooooong process of emails/complaints back and forth that payment was refunded but the initial course fee was not. GRRRR. 

We found out afterwards that Shaw Academy pay for fake reviews and that flippin' loads of people were scammed by them. It's super annoying but you live and learn - and actually I learnt loads from the one module I was able to complete so at least there's that!

Unsurprisingly, I did a lot more research before enrolling on any other courses and my experience of online learning since then has been much better; thank goodness! I've attended several live webinars, completed a few courses since and am pleased to say I now have a Makeup Artist Diploma and a certificate in Bridal Makeup. Both of these are from New Skills Academy who are bloody brilliant. The courses are CPD certified, well put together and the content was fantastic - it will definitely hugely benefit me going forward. The courses both included detailed training videos led by celebrity MUA Olivia Daley who has worked on Strictly and Dancing On Ice among other things (as an aside, she's lush, I love her, and you should follow her on instagram @livdaleymakeup). 

In an ideal world, yes, I'd be enrolling on a physical course but I can do that in the future (plenty of research happening there, believe me). I think maybe for an absolute beginner online courses in this area may not be quite so useful. I've been developing my skills and techniques over the last couple of years so I found the courses really valuable for the stage I'm at. Makeup artistry is obviously very practical so if you don't already have some level of confidence in application/techniques etc you'd probably feel you were missing out without the hands on practice and guidance. 

I'm really glad I jumped on the online learning bandwagon but seriously, if you're gonna do it research your training provider thoroughly!! It's nice to have a diploma behind me and I'm really excited to continue training (hopefully including some practical bits and bobs soon) and developing my skills. 

Now hurry up April 12th and let me get my hands on some faces other than my husband's!

Lots of love, 

Clare x