[Jade M]

It is a really good question that you have raised.

I think that there are some amazingly talented artists working in retail (either because they are building skills or actually enjoy the work), but agree that in some cases the staff on some counters seem to just be 'sales assistants'.

For me, I guess I see our profession as being a 'trade' like an electrician etc, and thus you need to be accredited in some form (eg by study, license, apprenticeship or experience) to be able to call yourself a MUA. Just my opinion.