Creative Careers in California: Floral Design, Cake Decorating, and Makeup Application

If you are the friend who crafts the bouquet, decorates the cake, or perfects your friends' glam before big events, California is a fantastic place to turn that talent into a real career. Weddings, quinceañeras, photo and video shoots, and year-round events keep demand high across Los Angeles, Orange County, and beyond. 

International College offers these courses offered in English and Spanish. You can build job-ready skills without pausing your life, and you can move from “I’m creative” to “I get paid for this” in a structured, supportive way.

A Creative Trade Right for You If:

• You love hands-on, visual work.
• You want flexible hours or freelance options.
• You like the idea of building a portfolio and growing by word-of-mouth.
  
  

If that sounds like you, explore one (or all) of these paths:

Floral Design, Turn Stems into Stories

What you’ll learn

You will learn how to choose fresh flowers, pair colors that look great together, and build unique arrangements that hold their shape. We will practice bouquets, table centerpieces, and small statement pieces, so you can show real range in your portfolio.

Where you can work

Many grads start with small events for friends and family, then grow to create designs for larger events.

Format and timeline

The Floral Design program is live online and beginner-friendly, with English and Spanish options. Sessions are interactive, so you can ask questions in real time, and get instant feedback on your floral designs. You will finish with a diploma and the confidence to produce professional-looking designs.

Cake Decorating, Make Art People Can Eat

What you’ll learn

You will master smooth cake finishes, vaned piping and fondant accents, and designs that can be applied for real life events. Projects include a clean single-tier cake, themed cupcakes, and a small tiered cake you can photograph for your portfolio.

Where you can work

Students have worked in boutique bakeries, or start from home and become go-to vendors for planners and venues.

Format and timeline

Cake Decorating classes are live online with valuable instructor feedback, and the curriculum is designed for absolute beginners as well as hobbyists who want to level up their skills. You will leave with a diploma and a core set of repeatable skills you can price and package.

Professional Makeup Artistry, Looks That Book

What you’ll learn

You will get the basics that matter on camera and in person, clean prep and hygiene, shade matching across skin tones, and day-to-night looks. We will help you build the foundational skills and technical details to help your portfolio stand out.

Where you can work 

Start with bridal and special events, then add photoshoots, content studios, film or TV, or retail and freelance as your network grows.

Format and timeline

The Professional Makeup Artistry program runs live online with morning and evening Spanish options. 

Why Train with International College?

Live-online structure that fits real life: Classes are scheduled to work alongside jobs and family obligations, and lecture recordings let you review demonstrations whenever you need a refresher. This format keeps your momentum steady without long commutes or downtime between lessons.

Beginner-friendly with hands-on outcomes: Each course breaks down complex techniques into easy to follow steps, then builds repetition so good habits stick. You will get supply lists and practical practice assignments that translate directly into portfolio pieces.

A long-standing, compliant institution:  Approved by the BPPE* for over 30 Years, International College has supported California students for decades with programs that focus on practical skills and real-world readiness.

*Approval to operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in Chapter 8 of Cal. Educ. Code 94800 - 94950

Ready to Explore Your Creative Career?

Talk with our Admissions Department about upcoming start dates, payment options, and which track fits your goals. Call (888) 977-7107 or request information, our team is happy to help in English or Spanish.

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