Yuichi Ikeda Blanche Macdonald Make-up Artistry Graduate Make-up Artist, Tokyo, Japan
BMC: What have you been doing after graduating from Blanche Macdonald? YI: After I graduated from Blanche Macdonald, I had done some film work and fashion shows (Vancouver Fashion Week, etc.) in Vancouver. Starboard Cruise Service hired me as a Beauty Specialist. I worked on the cruise ship Mariner of the Seas – which is the second largest ship in the world – for 6 months and just kept doing makeovers - more than 800 people. I enjoyed traveling for free in the Caribbean Ocean. That was one of the most exciting experiences of my life! BMC: What are some of the fun things you are doing at Laura Mercier? What are some of the challenges? YI: I always meet new people every day, and love it when I make them happier. Laura Mercier is a well known makeup brand here, so there is lots of room and opportunities for creativity. So I am having lots of fun! Some of my challenges as a makeup artist is that I always need to catch the trend and need to know what is new in the fashion industry and learn what is the current trend for makeup. BMC: What were some of the challenges working as a Beauty Specialist on Marina of the Seas? YI: I was fighting with seasickness during first 2 weeks. I had to work with tight schedules for makeover appointments. I was not only a makeup artist but I was also required to do cosmetic retailing as well. Improving selling skills was a tough challenge for me. I had a sale target number that I had to hit in order to get the incentive. BMC: Which part of the course is your favorite? YI: That is difficult as everything was essential for me. If I had to pick I would say Hair Design and Fashion. BMC: Tell me, what is it like working in Tokyo? YI: Everything around here moves so fast, and it not just the people or the pace in everyday life but even the trends in Fashion. I have been feeling the different energy from all types of people everyday. If you love fashion, Tokyo is the best city in the world, believe me! 22