EarthJam
Student Competition | By Nurtur Aveda Institutes
Behind the Scenes Aveda Institute Columbus
EarthJam is Aveda Institute’s annual creative photoshoot competition that celebrates artistry, sustainability, and student innovation. Each year, cosmetology and esthetic students conceptualize editorial looks based on a theme—bringing together hair, makeup, fashion, and storytelling in a high-impact visual showcase. It’s not only a celebration of Earth Month and Aveda’s mission of environmental leadership, but also a launchpad for students to begin building their professional portfolios and gaining real-world, editorial experience.
Behind the scenes, I’ve had the opportunity to support EarthJam both on set and in the creative development of each year’s theme. We work with each student to help enhance their creative direction. In 2023, my team supported behind the scenes of the “Icons of the Beauty Industry” photoshoots, honoring legendary trailblazers in hair, makeup, and fashion. For 2024, I developed “Mixtape,” which challenged students to design looks inspired by a specific song—fusing music with visual storytelling.
“Mixtape” Theme Trailer
And looking ahead to 2025, I created “Full Spectrum,” encouraging students to explore the emotion and energy behind color palettes. Supporting these students in expressing their creativity and capturing it through high-quality photoshoots has been an incredibly rewarding way to help shape the next generation of beauty professionals.
