Faculty

Nini is multi-skilled and has been in the makeup industry as an artist and an educator. A working makeup artist, Nini works in all facets of the industry and is a proud member of 

IATSE Local 476. 

Her greatest passion of all is helping people and building a community of support. As an makeup educator and a seasoned makeup artist, she started to realize the level of education and support artists needed in Chicago. Thus, Chicago Makeup School was born. 

Lauren is an experienced  makeup artist that started her career in the theatre department in college and continued to gain education and knowledge in multiple fields of the industry. As one of the partners for the esteemed bridal company in Chicago, We Only Do Pretty, she learned first hand the business side of artistry and how to develop and grow an establishment that is focused on client relationships. 

As the Director of Education and an instructor, Lauren is able to apply her knowledge and experience to Chicago Makeup School.

Jackie is a passionate and inspiring educator and makeup artist who travels across the country teaching makeup classes. For Jackie, the true joy lies in the transformative power of makeup, as she takes great pleasure in helping individuals discover their best selves. Jackie eagerly anticipates the opportunity to share her extensive knowledge in color theory and tattoo coverage with the students of Chicago Makeup School.

Christine Sciortino is a makeup artist, educator, and a member of IATSE Local 476. Christine also created curriculum for Columbia College Chicago, where she taught as well. She is the author of the incredible book "Makeup Artistry for Film and TV." Christine is excited to teach TV and Film at Chicago Makeup School.

David Ian Grant is a highly skilled and classically trained visual artist and makeup artist based in Chicago. David is a member of IATSE LOCAL 476 and works in TV and Film industry.

David is often called upon to create drag, editorial looks, and extreme transformations. His work has been featured in The Trial of the Chicago 7, Empire, Chicago PD, Disney's Saturdays, The Chi, and many other shows. He has had the privilege of working with personalities such as Jane Lynch, Da Brat, Richard Grant, and multiple RuPaul's Drag Race queens. 

David is looking forward to teach Fashion/Editorial to Chicago Makeup School students.

Becky Curl is a freelance wig and make-up artist  in Chicago. She has worked with many theatres including Cirque du Soleil, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Lookingglass Theatre. Becky worked for Kryolan Professional Make-Up for almost 5 years at their former Chicago location, where she was an educator, make-up artist, and eventually, the manager of the store. Becky has previously taught both undergraduate and graduate stage make-up classes at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts.

Currently, she is an adjunct professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University where she teaches Wig and Make-Up Design and Technology. Chicago Makeup School is thrilled to have Becky teach Basic SFX Makeup.

Melanie Marie is based in Chicago but is a traveling artist. She has a cosmetology license as well as a background in business and fine arts. Melanie excels in men’s grooming, barbering, media and time period hair and makeup. Melanie is looking forward teaching Male grooming class at Chicago Makeup School.

Bridget Canela is a Chicago freelance makeup artist who specializes in high fashion, avant-garde, and clean beauty looks. Bridget has a passion for working in the LGBTQ+ community, offering sliding scale lessons to help trans people. Bridget is thrilled to teach a gender-affirming makeup class at Chicago Makeup School.

Nicole is a makeup artist and marketing expert based in Chicago. She has experience in sales, marketing, and social media. Nicole assists companies in implementing proper social media strategies and digital marketing techniques to increase brand awareness. She would be an excellent addition to Chicago Makeup.

Pia is a talented makeup artist with a passion for character design. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working with esteemed individuals such as Michael Shannon and Matt Walker from the Smashing Pumpkins. She has also worked on TV series for Disney and Chicago PD. Pia's expertise extends beyond conventional beauty makeup, as she excels in crafting special effects looks. Chicago Makeup School is excited to welcome Pia as an instructor for the Basic Special Effects Class.

Christopher Carmichael, an expert in Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution; Appeals; and Counseling & Advising on Contracts, will bring the vital legal tools to Chicago Makeup School needed for students to have a successful career as a freelancer. 

His guidance in contracts and the legal elements of small business, will prove invaluable to students.  

He is a Partner at Henderson Parks Legal Firm in Chicago, IL.