MA Make-up and Hair Design Futures
Explore the rapidly evolving field of designing for future bodies, beauty cultures and creature design using speculative design strategies and augmented realities on this...
Lucy Murphy-Ackroyd
BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design
Graduated 2019
Tell us a bit about what you’ve been up to since graduating
Since graduating in 2019 I have gone on to pursue my career as a freelance media make-up artist. This means I work for myself and spend my days either working from home or out on jobs. Each day is very different as I do not work a typical nine-to-five. A typical day at home would involve spending a lot of time on the computer: organising portfolios, sending out CVs, sorting through invoices and general admin work.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Days where I go out on jobs are very different every time. For example, if I’m working on a commercial shoot, this is normally a full day of shooting, plus having to travel to and from London. Other days could be shorter if I’m on a photoshoot closer to where I am based. Through February and March 2020 I moved to Aylesbury to specialise in prosthetics and special effects make-up at Gorton Studio within Millennium FX. This was an intense seven-week course during which I specialised in full-face prosthetics, mould making, and art finishing. Now I have finished the course I will be pushing to pursue my career more towards prosthetics and special effects in film and television.
What’s been your career highlight to date?
My career highlight would probably be my seven week course at Gorton Studio. Although this was a learning experience, not working, I was able to make connections and meet industry-leading professionals, which has really set me up for future work as, in this industry, it is a lot about who you know.
I was a completely different person when I left Solent than when I started. My studies at Solent made me confident and the person I am today, ready to go out and chase after what I want to do. It taught me so many practical skills, so I feel confident going into every job.
What are the best bits and biggest challenges of what you do?
The thing I love most about what I do is that every day is different. I’m someone who gets easily bored, and don’t enjoy doing the same thing every day. This career means I can go out and be creative and meet new people every day. However, the biggest challenge would be the lack of security that comes with being self employed – you don’t have a secure nine-to-five salary job. However, that being said, if you are determined enough, keep pushing for work and keep building up your portfolio, it does get easier.
How do you feel your studies at Solent have helped you progress in your career?
I was a completely different person when I left Solent than when I started. My studies at Solent made me confident and the person I am today, ready to go out and chase after what I want to do. It taught me so many practical skills, so I feel confident going into every job.
What advice would you give to future students?
My advice to future students is to lose yourself in your work. Spend these three years loving every project you do, taking on the advice of all the tutors and pushing your work to be the best it can possibly be. Go to every class and lecture, and absorb every piece of information you’re given. Never stop learning – even when you’ve graduated, you will learn every single day.
Related courses
BA (Hons) Prosthetics and Special Effects Design
Unleash your imagination to create characters for stage and screen and develop your portfolio of work using the latest design techniques. And learn from experienced industry experts.
BA (Hons) Fashion Styling and Creative Direction
If you have an eye for style, make-up and content creation - this degree can help you turn your creativity into a fast-paced and exciting career.
