The creative world is being dramatically reshaped yet again. Technology, social media, and evolving client needs are changing how visual work is made and who gets hired to make it.

Fifteen years ago, I began my own freelance journey in the middle of another transformation when analog photography gave way to digital. After studying Commercial Photography in Australia and moving to Los Angeles, I built my business working with beauty and wellness brands while teaching photographers and retouchers around the world. During that time, Retouching Academy was born.

Today, my retouching team and I continue to work with top beauty & wellness brands – from Pat McGrath Labs, Morphe, Urban Decay, and Hourglass Cosmetics to Lululemon and Sunday Riley – while helping over 50,000 creatives worldwide master the skills needed to thrive.

Our mission is simple: We help creative professionals like you stay ahead, work smarter, and build a life around what you love doing.

Today, when everything is changing, don’t rush to chase trends or start over. Consider refining your existing skillset as a visual creative professional, learn to understand what your ideal clients value, and position your talent by strategically adding new skills where they make the most impact.

We’re here to help you do exactly that.

 JULIA KUZMENKO MCKIM,  juliakuzmenko.com
RA Founder, Commercial Beauty Photographer & Retoucher
Los Angeles + Dallas