The Become a Host Bootcamp was ESSENTIAL to my growth as a host and artist in all forms despite my years of experience as a stand up comedian, on air Santa Barbara Television host, band manager, social media manager, YouTuber, and most importantly and all encompassing, performance artist.
I heard about Marki Costello's program via a New York Bootcamp attendee, Nacho Mom, whose brand name alone made it clear that Marki knew exactly what she was doing. She nailed it! When I flew back to California, I searched via the internet and signed up for the next bootcamp less than a week prior to the course. The staff was very knowledgeable via phone and email and I knew exactly what to bring and wear to be prepared for the two day crash course. I admit I was a tiny bit skeptical at first, skeptical about the detailed level of knowledge, information, and training that would commence upon a class of random people, some who probably had no experience before. A few minutes into Marki's lecture in the funky, creative, and equip (from video and lighting equipment to setup and staff) Become A Host Center, I knew that regardless of the level experience I thought I had, there was so much more to learn, apply, and become. The two day Bootcamp was exhilarating for me from the start for I had felt myself in the right place for the first time in quite some time---not being a stereotypical 'actress' or 'singer,' I had never known there was a category for the YouTube and Vimeo nonsense I was unsensationally creating nor someone other than a 14-year-old YouTube sensation qualified to instruct prior to my introduction to Marki and The Become A Host center. The 2 day Bootcamp was filled to the brim with knowledge, exercises, and interactive lessons, all of which applied to me and everyone in the room, regardless of professional background. Marki's wealth of knowledge was delivered in a way I could completely understand and inspired me to actively apply the elements to my work. Marki made time for my questions, and her magnetic positivity and encouragement was transferred to and through the attendees, creating a supportive atmosphere where no one was in competition but rather lifting each other up, strengthening the true brand of each individual to shine through. Regardless if any of the attendees came in with a brand, each student left with one or a better one than he or she already had. Marki took the time to learn about each student through written and in class exercises, and when the time came, she nailed each persons brand on the head---nothing was off limits. She wholeheartedly boosted each person to believe in his or herself, reach deep down, and be the true authentic you you were, just as you are. Marki was the first person in quite some time that encouraged my yet to be officially named brand, no matter how bizarrely fowl it might be perceived by the masses. When sharing some things people would not know by looking at me to the class, she coined my brand 'The Anal Artist,' in both the figurative and literal sense in that I do actually create art using my rear end. Marki incited me to be as real as possible, freeing the insanity that exists within. She advocated me to continue to create art and video content free of filters via my mouth and my you know what ;] Currently I have an active lifestyle Network at TheAnalArtist.life where I write blogs about nonsense, rant and rave, create art, and encourage the creative crazies across the globe. Nothing is off limits and naked is normal. Despite my seemingly open mind, I am very opinionated, and Marki encouraged me to stick to my guns, never to please. The Become a Host Bootcamp is about as anal about art as you can get! I continue to enroll in Marki's weekly Become a Host classes as I could not get enough of practicing the imperative elements and consider the wealth of knowledge and supportive positivity from Marki and my classmates invaluable to my career as ANYTHING. There is always more room to learn and grow, and having that amongst fellow hosts that lift you up rather than compete with you is as good as it gets. None of these things would be possible without the radiating energy of Marki Costello and The Become a Host Bootcamp. read more
