Smitha Nandan, a Graduate from the Batch of 2016 – Makeup Artistry

Back in 2016, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in the Makeup Artistry course at JD Institute, and that decision turned out to be the foundation of my creative career.

Before JD, makeup was just something I loved watching on YouTube, something I’d try on friends for fun. But here, it transformed into something much bigger — a skill, a craft, and eventually, a profession. I still remember my first day — brushes, palettes, and a room full of creativity buzzing with energy. It felt like I had finally found my tribe.

The course was compact, yet incredibly detailed. From learning the basics of skin prep to mastering bridal, editorial, and high-fashion looks, every module added a layer to my understanding. What I appreciated most was the hands-on approach. We didn’t just watch; we practiced. A lot. And with every practical session, I grew more confident.

The mentors made all the difference. They didn’t just correct our techniques — they helped shape our artistic identities. They taught us to respect the face as a canvas, to observe, to enhance, and to always adapt — because no two faces, no two clients, are ever the same.

By the time I graduated, I had already worked on real shoots and had a portfolio ready to go. Since then, I’ve freelanced, collaborated with photographers, and even worked on fashion shows — all thanks to the strong foundation JD gave me.

Looking back, it wasn’t just a makeup course. It was a confidence course. It taught me to believe in my hands, my eyes, and my vision.