Personal Statement

 

Personal Statement

My interest in special effects began when I started watching horror films and I was instantly mesmerized by how they could create realistic wounds without actually harming anyone, I then started to research this style of makeup and started to practice on myself. My main interest is prosthetics and the idea of being able to make someone look completely different, for example changing the shape of the nose using a small prosthetic or creating the appearance of deformities due to trauma using bigger prosthetics. I also have an interest in mixing makeup with CGI and working with other departments in the university paired with work experience could help me develop these skills. Evaluating my work will give me the opportunity to reflect on my own work and help me improve. I would then like to use the skills I have developed to progress into the film industry as a special effects artist.

Throughout my time at college I have specialised in special effects where possible and I really enjoy researching the history of this type of makeup and how it has developed through time; including how the products and techniques have changed. During my first year at college and partially at home due to lockdown I have created different makeup looks at home, I used different products to create different textures and critically evaluated them, and these include gelatin, latex, synwax and 3rd degree (silicone). I am currently in the process of setting up a blog to keep a log of all my work.

During my first year at college, I worked on the budget and scheduling and also in the role makeup artist for a live pantomime of Cinderella. This allowed me to make friends across different areas of the college as I also helped backstage which demonstrated my flexibility and resourcefulness. Only a few months into the first year of the course I worked on the Halloween walk and I was responsible for doing the makeup for the crazy scientists and younger children which demonstrated my ability to work with different age groups which also shows my dedication as I put myself forward when things were still very new. This experience also demonstrated my ability to do out of the kit work and my ability to work without any prior preparations as the theme was changed on the day of the event. Recently, I have worked as Head of Department on a horror film which has been produced by the college film students, the makeup for this included using a new technique to create a neck that could be cut on screen which meant making a blood pouch inside silicone then blending the edges and stippling alcohol paints to camouflage it into the skin.

Outside of college I enjoy going to the gym which means that I can look after myself and overall, I have good physical health. I also have a strong interest in photography which means that I am aware of lighting and how different things look in different lights including natural lighting, intense lighting and how makeup reacts in-front of coloured filters. Music is also a huge part of my life as it helps me concentrate which allows me to complete my work to a high standard while meeting my deadlines. Previous experiences including supporting my mam with her mental health and taking care of my grandad by cleaning the house and cooking for him when he was ill shows maturity and empathy which means I can show empathy towards performers. My resourcefulness and flexibility were also demonstrated when I received a last-minute booking for Halloween.

Finally, I am looking forward to being taught the techniques to create characters and developing the skills to make it work on screen by mixing it with CGI. After completing the course at university I hope to slowly move into the film & TV industry as a special effects makeup artist and my future goal is to work for a big British film studio such as Warner Bros. Studios or Elstree Studios.

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