I’m a freelance makeup artist, largely self-taught, but am currently studying my level 3 VTCT in Theatrical and Special Effects Makeup at NCN Clarendon. I am also a qualified semi-permanent lash technician.
I specialise in vintage and alternative styling, mostly because these are the styles I am personally most passionate about. I offer services from bridal and tutorial makeup lessons, to more complex theatre work, commercial and editorial shoots. Being fairly new to the business, I’m still finding my feet and discovering what I really love most about the makeup industry. I recently worked as a makeup artist for the Nottingham Operatic Society’s production of Hairspray at the Theatre Royal, and loved the buzz of being backstage and working to a specific sixties look.
I first found a passion for makeup years ago, when I was working in fashion. I’ve always loved the elegance of eccentric makeup – even for everyday wear and, after the birth of my daughter in 2013, it finally clicked to make the much-longed-for career transition into makeup artistry. Since starting my course, I have rediscovered my love for theatrical and editorial work – the kind of shoots and designs that let your artistic side go wild. I love artists such as Pat McGrath and Alex Box, who really bring art into the core of their work.
Fitting work around studying, my other business – I’m also a fiction writer and have just released my first eBook, Poppy and the Devil – and my daughter is never easy. I take each job I do seriously, whether I’m making up groups for a hen do, a bride on her wedding day, or a large theatrical or special effects project.
I love working freelance as it gives me scope to get involved in so many different projects. My ethos surrounding beauty is that people should feel their kind of beautiful, so I get a lot out of trying something simple with a client, as much as I do designing and creating more outlandish looks.
I am constantly driven by the need to be creative. To finally be following my two passions and running businesses doing what I love is proving to be a dream come true. I’m really excited to say that I’ll be one of the makeup artists on the upcoming production of Jekyll and Hyde at Nottingham Arts Theatre this March.
Emma will doing her thing at A Wonderful Wedding Fair at The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club, Sunday 28 February. Pop down and say hello if you’re planning on tying the knot.
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