Billy B. talks about how The Powder Group helps makeup artists stay on top of their game.	April 1, 2004 American Salon
	I first met Michael DeVellis about 10 years ago, when we were both working with MAC Cosmetics. He was the head of artist relations back then, overseeing MAC's master classes, where professional makeup artists instruct fellow makeup artists on the trade. Because of him, I was able to teach some of those classes. Michael eventually left MAC and started The Powder Group in October 2003, offering makeup artists a wide array of classes taught by top professionals. I get so many e-mails asking me to recommend makeup schools. Unfortunately, I've come to realize that most beauty school curricula focus primarily on people working toward a hairstylist license; they only lightly touch on the art of makeup. A license is not required to work as a freelance makeup artist. It's only necessary if you do facials and therefore require extensive knowledge of skin. So I always refer people looking to expand their makeup skills to The Powder Group. Michael has created a network for people to help each other by sharing their mutual knowledge and experience. Having worked with top artists in the industry, and with schools and educators, Michael is very plugged in to the needs of makeup artists. "I noticed a void in the area of continuing education for makeup artists as well as limited options for those looking to get into the craft," he says. "I wanted to give people the opportunity to experiment with different classes without making a major commitment of time or resources." The Powder Group is based in New York and classes are also offered in Miami, Los Angeles (where I recently did a Q & A), and Boston. The great thing about his program is its diversity, covering such topics as getting into the biz, marketing your work, finding an agent, creating special-effect makeup, and application techniques for fashion, music videos, films, TV, and weddings. Michael also helps salons and spas develop in-house makeup events and implement makeup services into their businesses. I know many of the artists he has scheduled to teach personally, and I highly recommend his programs. An instructor named JJ has become one of the most popular makeup artists for music videos with clients like Eve and Lil' Kim. For makeup artists wanting to get into video work, access to people like JJ is priceless. We could all use the inspiration of learning from another beauty professional. I admire Michael for his dedication and look forward to watching The Powder Group grow. Don't miss him at IBS New York. He'll be teaching a class called "Building Your Business with Makeup Services" on Monday, April 26. For more information on The Powder Group, visit www.thepowdergroup.com, or call (866) 876-9337. Two of The Powder Group's classes in motion: Creative Workshop-Find Inspiration in Everything (left); and Body Art Workshop (right).