Meet Sean: LA Campus Instructor

LA Campus instructor Sean Conklin is a freelance make-up artist and graduate of several of MUD’s educational programs. His commitment to perfecting his art and years of dedication implementing MUD’s brand philosophy earned him the role of MUD’s Lead Artist. He is an active contributor to the development of MUD products, designer for MUD’s seasonal campaigns and an International Brand Ambassador, educating and training MUD partners around the world. His experience extends into film, television and print with professional credits that include American Idol, The BET Awards, numerous WB spots, HGTV’s Selling L.A., MTV’s Next, TV Land’s She’s Got the Look, as well as various feature films and infomercials. From catalogs to magazines, Sean’s work has been featured in Lands’ End catalogs, LA Weekly, and Flaunt and Elle magazines. He has worked with notable entertainment personalities including Chris Brown, Marcia Cross, Nicki Minaj, Jason Alexander, Adam Arkin, Bill Mosely, Camryn Manheim, Jane Kaczmarek, Missy Elliott, Justin Kirk, Jason Priestly, Alanis Morissette and Giovanni Ribisi. In 2014, Sean led a team of MUD make-up artists behind the scenes at the 2014 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions. His work as a featured artist on our official YouTube channel has helped garner millions of views and countless online fans worldwide.

Get to know Sean below!

How long have you been an instructor at MUD? 

10 years

Which Campus do you teach at? 

LA

What are your areas of expertise & what class(es) do you currently teach? 

Beauty 101: Fundamentals of Beauty Make-up, Beauty 301: Beauty Lab, and Special Make-up Effects 201: Character Make-up.

What brought you to MUD as an instructor?

It was the next step. Started in the MUD Cosmetics shop in 2004, managed the store, and then became Lead Artist and Brand Ambassador.

What skills & insight that you’ve developed over the course of your career have you been able to pass on to your students? 

Art education, life drawing, and color theory. Understanding highlights and shadows and how they’re so important in both beauty and special make-up effects.

What is unique about MUD and the experience offered to students and instructors?

I adore my colleagues and I care for the students. It makes it so easy to deliver the outstanding education offered at MUD.

What brought you from the professional industry world of make-up to the classroom?

I hold a lot of respect for my educators that I had in the past. They inspired and molded me into the person I am today. I want to give back.

What do you love most about your job as an instructor?

I love following the success of the students and graduates as they go through their journey.

What is your most memorable experience in the classroom?

Going back to my roots and demonstrating make-up applications for the theater department at a college I attended.

What has been your favorite course to instruct at MUD?

I love teaching SPFX201.

What is your favorite make-up look or technique that you teach?

I really enjoy teaching the Prosthetic Unit in SPFX201. Watching and helping the students develop characters is so much fun!

Do you have any advice for someone just starting out or for new incoming MUD students?

Our industry is very competitive. If this is your passion, don’t give up. Work hard and you will see results.