” Young, creative and Talented with awards to show for it ” , an apt way to define David Onyedike if you ask me. He is currently the Head of Programs at Mud cosmetics. His clients span from the pretty girl next door to the famous Genevieve. David tells us about his personal style , growing up , what inspires him and who he considers a good client…
SJ: Hello David, how are you? Tell us a bit about yourself. Where did you grow up?
My name is David Tobenna Onyedike. I’m from Umudim village in Nnewi North local Gov. Area in Anambra state. I went to school in Enugu state.
SJ: We are curious, since you are into make-up now, what did you study?
I studied Theater and film studies at the University Of Nigeria Nsukka.
SJ: How early in your life did you start noticing your creative traits?
I noticed my creative side as early as when I was in nursery school. I was a good dancer, actor and painter. I did a lot of cute things that my peers couldn’t really do well. So my parents supported and encouraged me so much especially my mum and I wanna use this medium to tell my mum that I love her so much.
SJ: Do you do this as a full time job?
I work full time with MUD cosmetics as the head of programs
SJ: Talking about jobs, we are aware you are also involved in make-up training classes. Do tell us a bit about that
Being the programs head at MUD cosmetics, I am the principal of the makeup academy. So I see to the training of our students, making sure that they get the best out of MUD makeup academy. I ensure that the quality of education they get is top notch; I drill them so that they come out strong and confident makeup artists.
SJ: I am sure it must be fulfilling passing on knowledge to others. Please tell us, were you nervous about your first professional make up job?
It is very fulfilling passing down knowledge to others. Trust me, the more I teach people, the more I sharpen my skills and the better I get. So I can never get tired of teaching makeup. I did my first professional job in 2006. I was nervous because she was my first bride, but i got comfortable along the line and the makeup came out looking fantastic. Everyone was like “who was that small boy that did this fantastic makeup”?
SJ: I know you get this a lot, I’ll ask it all the same though, what was it like in the beginning , especially since you are a guy in a female dominated career.
I discovered my creative side when I was really young. So i started being creative at an early age. So my job has never been strange to me. Honestly it is a male dominated industry in the western world, and whenever a man decides to venture into d female world, they do it so well. So it’s not strange to me neither have i gotten any negative feedback from anyone. I see it as getting paid for having fun.
SJ: So where did you train to become a make-up artist?
I am basically a self-taught makeup artist. I read a lot about makeup, watched people work, I also practiced whatever I saw on TV, that’s how I became a good makeup artist .I joined MUD cosmetics Nigeria and had a few weeks professional training from MUD Los Angeles.
SJ: What inspires your work?
I get my inspiration from things around me. It could be colors on a persons’ dress, it could be the eye shape, it could be the interior of the room I am in, and sometimes the music I listen to gives me inspiration. So i gather inspiration from any and everything around me.
SJ: What qualities constitute a good client?
A good client is that person that knows exactly what he or she wants, and yet is still open to ideas and professional advice
SJ: What are some of the challenges you have faced so far on the job?
One thing I dread is clueless clients who think they know it all yet they are empty.
SJ: Do you consider this profession a lucrative one?
It is very lucrative once you know your onions
SJ: Here on Styljunki, we are very particular about personal style, how would you describe yours?
My personal style is simple, unique and playful.
SJ: Who (Nigeria or abroad) would you like to work with?
I would love to work with lady gady because I love her daring and Avant-garde looks. Kelly Rowland is just my dream muse because she has the perfect face which I call the face of a goddess.
SJ: And finally, where do you go to relax?
I relax in my sitting room with my mug of hot horlicks watching TV. My couch is my best spot when it comes to relaxation.
click here to view David’s portfolio on Styljunki