Bring Your Big Dreams to the Big Apple

Get to know MUD’s New York campus

Bring Your Big Dreams the to Big Apple

Welcome to the Big Apple, where it’s not uncommon to bump into a celebrity or find yourself skirting an active film set. Get inspired by the energy and creativity of New York Fashion Week—and by the colorful trends the locals strut every day in the streets. Enjoy some of the world’s greatest dining and shopping, take in a Broadway show, or picnic in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. New York has always been the epicenter of American art, music, film, dance, architecture, and more. In this dynamic city of 8.5 million people, you’re sure to discover new experiences, cultures, and wonders around every corner.

WHERE YOU’LL LEARN

Make-up Designory’s New York campus stands between skyscrapers and historic buildings in the heart of the Financial District. It’s a place where green gardens mix with modern art sculptures and Wall Street suits mingle with tourists from around the world.

Our home is the 100-year-old American Express Building. Campus is on the 15th fl oor, which provides a quiet and comfortable learning environment away from the vivacious street life below. Our clean, streamlined classrooms refl ect the city’s modern edge. Students have access to in-school resources such as a Student Resource Learning Center, Career Services, free Saturday Workshops, the MUD Store, and a professional photo studio.

Stepping outside, you’ll be instantly immersed in a world of culture and activity, museums, historic landmarks, restaurants, shops, countless double-decker buses, and iconic yellow cabs. MUD graduate Giulia Nazarie recalls, “My travel time drastically changed in New York because of MUD’s location. Since school was on Broadway, I was only a couple of subway stops away from tons of special events.” In New York, public transportation is the most common method of getting around. There is no need for a car, which can be expensive. Subways and buses offer common routes throughout all fi ve boroughs, and yellow cabs can be hailed from just about anywhere. Uber offers a quick fi x for last-minute trips in the area, and car-sharing services like Cars2Go and ZipCar cater to those who want to drive. If you wish to take a trip out of the city, or if you live on Long Island, you can use the Long Island Railroad, affordable long-distance bus and rail options, or a daily car rental service.

There’s a subway station within walking distance of the MUD campus, so you can catch a train to any borough in an instant. The most popular areas for our students to live are lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, given their close proximity to the school.

Most students are content taking public transportation or walking in their neighborhoods. “I felt more independent getting where I needed to go by walking or taking the trains,” says MUD graduate Tamia Haddock. Bike riding in Brooklyn is popular, and many students walk over the historic Brooklyn Bridge to and from school. MUD graduate, Hugo Reinhardt, found navigating the streets and subways of New York provided “good exercise and an improved sense of direction and time management,” which are important for a freelance make-up artist.

MUD graduate Taylor Schulte loved riding the subway: “I’ve had some of the best conversations on those trains, and the peoplewatching! There was never a dull moment.”

“The city has this indescribable energy that drives you to be a go-getter. I loved being in the midst of the hustle and bustle. It gives you this sense that you can do anything. Pure motivation.” Jeanelle Joseph, MUD graduate

WHERE YOU’LL LIVE

Many students and graduates choose to stay in New York, and there are a myriad of neighborhoods to fi t their personal styles. The Bronx offers vibrant Latin and hip-hop culture. Harlem has history stemming from the Harlem Renaissance. Fancy museums and sweeping views of Central Park are highlights of upper Manhattan, while cobblestone streets fi lled with designer shops, hot-spot restaurants, and parks defi ne lower Manhattan. Queens has the up-and-coming neighborhood of Astoria, and Brooklyn offers a lively music and art scene in the heart of Williamsburg. Those seeking a quieter, family-oriented experience often settle near Prospect Park.

No matter where they live, MUD students enjoy NYC’s endless inspiration, dining, and entertainment. Be sure to take advantage of the diverse neighborhoods and activities. “My favorite activity was walking around and exploring,” recalls MUD graduate, Hugo Reinhardt.

FINDING WORK

Most full-time MUD students choose not to work traditional hourly jobs. Some balance part-time jobs on the side, and many actively seek freelance gigs for weekends and evenings. MUD Career Services gladly helps students who wish to work while in school. We operate a private job board you can use to fi nd opportunities as a make-up artist. With so many schools and universities in the city, you might fi nd yourself working on student fi lms, theater productions, or fashion shows while growing your network. It is not uncommon for MUD students to build relationships with established make-up artists who visit the school for professional development lectures.

After graduation, there are plenty of open doors for graduates to gain experience in fashion, fi lm and television, theater, cosmetic retail, or personal make-up artistry.

“Being a full-time student and working might sound like a lot, but MUD gave me access to their job board that posts new make-up-related jobs daily. Even as a MUD graduate I’ll always have access to the job board. And that’s only one of many tools MUD provides.” – Giulia Nazarie, MUD graduate

There’s no getting around it, New York is expensive! It is important for any incoming student to prepare fi nancially to study and live in this city. Do some research so you have a good understanding of the cost breakdown for school, housing, transportation, and living. If you plan on relocating to New York, you’ll need to set a realistic goal for savings and a plan of action to be fi nancially stable. Most of our students recommend saving in advance to decrease the amount of debt incurred. It’s also a good idea to create a budget for yourself. MUD graduate Amanda Hess suggests, “Make a monthly budget including paying for a dorm or apartment rent. Add food, travel, and activities so you'll always have money for the necessities.”

Insider tip: Though the cost of living is high, there are plenty of free and affordable activities to keep yourself entertained. Keep an eye on sites like Thrillist and Time Out New York for awesome opportunities that fi t a student’s budget.

“MUD’s career counselors and housing advisors helped me plan my living situation by breaking it down fi nancially. They really helped me understand and provided me with answers to all of my questions.” – Giulia Nazarie, MUD graduate

“I’m a huge foodie, and aside from being one of the fashion capitals of the world, New York is also a food capital. I also loved going to museum exhibits and pop-up works, like The David Zwirner Gallery’s exhibit of the famous Yayoi Kasumi and Louis Vuitton’s Volez, Voguez, Voyagez exhibit.”– Monica Pham, MUD graduate

GET INSPIRED BY NYC

Few places on the planet offer as much vibrancy, activity, culture, and opportunity for up-and-coming make-up artists as New York City. MUD graduate Tamia Haddock says it best, “This place truly cultivates the artist, the creative, the individual. There is inspiration everywhere and so many communities and hubs to support the arts—from MUD to the Film Academy.” Ready to be a part of it? Bring your big dreams to the Big Apple, and get inspired by all the city has to offer.

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO NYC: 12 TIPS FOR EXPLORING THE BEST OF THE BIG APPLE

01 To feed your inner fashion mogul go window shopping on Madison Avenue, explore the cobblestone side streets in SoHo, or fi nd the perfect jacket at a vintage shop.

02 Get away from the hustle and bustle by visiting Governor’s Island in the summer to ride bikes, play on the giant playground, visit the free art galleries, and enjoy some of the best food truck cuisine in New York.

03 Eat brunch at any of the Instagram-famous hot spots in SoHo. Afterwards, grab a cupcake at Sprinkles or a frozen s’more at Dominique Ansel Bakery.

04 Set a goal to fi nd the city’s best ice cream at shops like Wowfuls, New Territory, and Soft Swerve.

05 Listen to musicians play at Washington Square Park. Then catch a show at the Comedy Cellar.

06 At the Chelsea Market, you can grab a bite to eat plus a small gift for someone back home.

07 Head up to the High Line for views of the Hudson River, local artists’ goods, and a beautifully renovated garden along the old subway line.

08 Hunt for the perfect vintage outfi t or score a rare comic book at a fl ea market.

09 Become part of the fashion scene by joining a team of make-up artists at a runway show.

10 Take in the Manhattan skyline by walking over the Brooklyn Bridge, and catch up with friends on a picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

11 Mix nature and city life as you kayak the East River and enjoy stunning views.

12 Get in the holiday spirit with the Christmas Village and ice skating at Bryant Park.

It’s possible to spend a lifetime exploring all the colorful shops, cafés, restaurants, markets, museums, pop-up stores, and events the Big Apple offers. Whether you want to join the pulsating crowds at an electrifying concert or cozy up in a café and people-watch, New York has it all.