Our Instructors

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Johnny Brajdic
Instructor

Johnny Brajdic began his creative career from his first breath. Born to highly creative parents as well as surrounded by professional artists, Mr. Brajdic’s path had already chosen him. Growing up in the early ’80s, Mr. Brajdic indulged himself in the world of film. His passion and creative nature drove him to learn the art of SFX makeup used in horror and sci-fi films. As a young child, he idolized the sfx legends (K.N.B. – Stan Winston – Dick Smith – Rick Baker – Steve Johnson – ETC.) and worked day and night to figure out techniques used in both film and television industry. Those techniques allowed Mr. Brajdic to create and engineer for industry leaders. Through his 30 years of creative development, Mr. Brajdic developed an extensive skill set specializing in multiple areas of design and fabrication techniques.

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Elaine Sterling
Instructor

Elaine started in the industry as a massage therapist in South Africa, where she honed her European-style spa and salon techniques. Elaine combined her passion for European sophistication and salon styles with American science, technology, and innovation. She continues to stress the importance of education and challenges her students to understand the value of hosting guests and catering to them with polish and elegance. ESI has a breathtaking campus with an elegant appearance and chic style. Elaine states, “I want my students to remember where they started, so when they go off to start their own business or work for other companies, they carry themselves with sophistication and standard. A client never forgets.” Elaine started her school with a credit card and only six students. She taught every class until she was able to add instructors and additional programs. The expansion of ESI makes it one of the largest accredited beauty schools of its kind. The institute certifies students in cosmetology, massage therapy, nail care, and esthetics. Elaine also created an esthetic line, Elaine Sterling Skincare, that embodies her passion for American science and European flare.

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Bethany McLean
Instructor - Demo Stage - "Face Painting"

Bethany has been a professional body artist in the Atlanta area for over 8 years, providing face painting, full body painting, and hand drawn henna temporary tattoos. She has trained with some of the best face and body artists in the country and has won awards in competition at the Face and Body Art International Convention. She is currently on staff at the Georgia Aquarium, paints regularly at restaurants around Atlanta for kids’ nights, and is available for any event…birthday parties, promotions, photo shoots, baby showers, and more!

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Marandan Ferguson

My love affair with hair began at the tender age of nine. I quickly graduated from doll heads to braiding men and women in my neighborhood, full-fledged business lol. Upon graduating high school, I received my cosmetology license which opened many doors I longed to walkthrough! Hair and makeup became one of the vehicles that drove my happiness! After graduation, I went on to train with leading artists in the hair and makeup industry. Ted Gibson (New York), Sharon Blain (Australia), Jon Reyman (Los Angeles), Jodie Rowlands (Sew Jodie) (Atlanta), Gwynnis Mosby (Atlanta), Sam Fine (New York), to name a few. Through training with the greats came amazing opportunities. From makeup for Married to Medicine’s Dr. Jackie’s 50 Shades of Pink Event, to personal hairstylist of Love and Hip Hop New York’s Tahiry Jose, and many other local celebrities! Now I am a cosmetology instructor and beautypreneur coach that has started an extended training program. I named it Marandan Renea Beauty Academy, with future plans of expanding it into a world-renowned beauty institute!

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Syvonne Richardson
Instructor - Demo

Meet Syvonne! She is a GMMA graduate and professional makeup artist hailing from the beautiful United States Virgin Islands. For over a decade, she has been mesmerizing viewers with her incredible talent. From numerous photoshoots to captivating commercials and being a key artist at fashion shows, Syvonne's journey began in her early years while working at MAC Cosmetics, a local makeup store in St. Thomas, USVI. In 2014, Syvonne made a life-changing decision to relocate to Georgia, driven by her passion for film and television. Her exceptional work has graced the screens of popular TV shows including the iconic 'The Wonder Years' reboot and the beloved Netflix favorite, 'Black Lightning.' Additionally, she has made her mark in independent horror films and collaborated with some of Atlanta's top photographers, including the renowned Kevon Richardson, Will Sterling, and Jeffrey Moustache, among others. Beyond her ability to take creative risks and push conceptual boundaries, Syvonne is deeply committed to making women feel beautiful. Her artistry not only aims to shock and captivate but also to empower and uplift. Whether it's creating that ultimate scare or enhancing natural beauty, Syvonne's passion shines through in every project she undertakes. To delve further into Syvonne's captivating work, you can explore her Instagram page, @precious__artistry, and discover more about her career on her online IMBd profile.

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Scott Spencer Miller
Instructor - Demo Stage "On Set Male Grooming"

Beauty Guru, Scott Miller's impeccable eye and unfailing devotion to the perfect balance of intrinsic beauty and the power of makeup, hair, and massage therapy has garnered the attention of the beauty, fashion, and film world alike. His reputation for attention to individual style and innate glamour has consistently made him a popular name in the Atlanta area and throughout the World . Scott has been doing makeup for over 16 years or since he could remember. He also brings a balance and calmness with his license of massage therapy for over 10 years. Additionally, he diversified his repertoire 5 years ago when he was awarded his Master Cosmetologist license from the Paul Mitchell School – Atlanta. His vast knowledge of makeup, hair, and massage therapy make him a one‐of‐a‐kind treasure in today’s dynamic industry. He has worked on both the sets of MTV ,BET ,Hunger Games, The Orginals and many more! He is currently working on Owns new show Love Is_____.

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Stephanie Anderson
2017 Past Honoree - Body Art Maqui / Judge - Body Art

Stephanie Anderson Award Winning Body Painter, Theatrical MUA, Special Effects and Fine Artist based in Atlanta.

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Lay’Na Anderson
Instructor

With a love of color and a creative mind, Lay’Na Anderson started her career in makeup while attending school for her esthetician license. After being sent on an audition for a makeup job by the Director of Education, Lay’Na began doing makeup full time while attending school. (And yes she got the job!) As a makeup artist for over 15 years, Lay’Na’s work can be seen in print, television and major motion picture. Lay’Na was an artist at CNN and traveled for a decade with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics as part of their freelance team. More recently, Lay’Na has designed looks for film and television, including but not limited to: Single Ladies, Teen Wolf, ID Thief, 42, The Watsons Go To Birmingham and Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Lay’Na’s philosophy: “Be Inspired…know what works for you and NEVER be afraid to reinvent yourself!”

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Darla Wigley
Judge - SFX

Darla Wigley is a self taught ball of fire with an ever vibrant zeal for the makeup arts. Her 20 years of experience in the fields of special effects and beauty makeup have span from Seattle to Key West. Darla runs a full service studio for film, TV and indie projects, creating everything from basic makeup looks to prosthetics, masks and props. Constantly honing her skills, Darla has even developed her own retail line of prosthetics. Equally skilled in all types of makeup, Horror is dearest to Darla and has brought her quite renown within the haunt industry. She is a regular speaker at haunt tradeshows and seminars. Taking on the task of Key Makeup Artist for a local haunted house, she has taught the team the skills necessary to take them from just a local haunt to a national acclaimed haunted attraction. Darla sees a makeup artist not as someone that just does makeup adding colors to the skin. She sees an artist as one who lives within their craft creating skilled adventures into fantasy, horror and beauty. She loves teaching her skills and visions to others.