Spotlight
Artistry Redefined
What started as a passion for creating beautiful aesthetics has evolved into one-man enterprise for Michael Huxley, founder of Huxley School of Makeup.
While Michael has done all the legwork in creating one of Australia’s most recognised makeup academies, he is a firm believer in the art of collaboration.
Michael says the core of his business was built on people that are passionate about what they do and who work together to create something beautiful.
Michael began his career working for beauty giant Yves Saint Laurent before going freelance with his unique skills in makeup artistry.
After successfully working with a number of high-profile brands during his freelance career, Michael opened his own studio on the Gold Coast.
It was then that he started to notice a strong demand for quality education in the industry and at the tender age of 23, went about establishing a school for makeup artistry professionals.
Huxley School of Makeup, which is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, has grown to be Australia’s most recognised school of makeup, becoming a government-preferred provider of education in the industry and partnering with TAFE Queensland.
Michael has won numerous awards including a Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur Award and landed a finalist spot in the National Telstra Business Awards.
Students of Huxley School of Makeup are gifted with real world experience across a diverse cross section of industries including film and TV, social media, fashion and bridal.
Michael notes with pride that one recent graduate has taken up a position working on Baz Luhrmann’s highly anticipated Elvis biopic.
“Our students are exposed to so many different facets during their course and this way, they are armed with a diverse and unique skillset when venturing out into the industry.” says Michael.
“They have the opportunity to create amazing portfolios during their time at Huxley School of Makeup, shooting their concepts 16 times throughout the teaching term and a chance to collaborate with major brands.”
Huxley School of Makeup has a strict application process for potential students, but Michael says the key ingredient for a successful position above all is passion.
“We have a wide demographic of students and high standards for our applicants,” says Michael.
“But the biggest thing we look for is passion, and as a result we have students who have joined Huxley School of Makeup with skills and a career already, and those who come in totally from scratch with no real training or experience.
“We teach our students the best technical skills and inspire creativity in them, but you can’t teach passion.”
Over the past year Huxley School of Makeup has gone from strength to strength, expanding into Northern Queensland by opening up campuses in Cairns and Townsville.
The school is also offering new courses to students, such as a diploma of business for creative industries, photo imaging and offering school-based programs.
“Our goal is to continue to be the best school of makeup Australia has to offer,” says Michael.
“We’re looking to open up more new courses to students, collaborate with new brands and to engage more international students.”
Michael recently purchased a Sprinter van from Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast, which he is getting wrapped with Huxley School of Makeup branding.
Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast and Huxley School of Makeup are also collaborating on a creative editorial fashion shoot with the school’s students around the all new Mercedes-Benz EQC, the first fully electric car in the range.
Michael supports Mercedes-Benz’ commitment towards a more sustainable future.
“I love that, as a brand, Mercedes-Benz has committed to 50 per cent of all vehicles being plug-in hybrid or pure-electric vehicles by 2030”, says Michael.
“As a brand they are focused towards being sustainable for the future, which aligns greatly with our business.
“We are very excited to be collaborating with Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast.”
Michael will also be hosting an upcoming makeup event at Huxley School of Makeup for Mercedes-Benz Gold Coast’s Gold Standard customers.
Stay tuned for more details.
