MEDIA MAKE-UP STUDENT SECURES INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITY

An ambitious Design in Media Makeup student at Bury College University Centre has assisted on a shoot with well-known photographer Terry Donnelly, developing her make-up skills and gaining valuable industry experience.

Ilham Boudrez is in her first year, and was offered the opportunity by Hair and Make-up Artist Jenna Hacking, one of the industry specialists who delivers the course. Jenna was so impressed with the skills and dedication Ilham demonstrated in her studies that she invited Ilham to be her assistant on the shoot.

Jenna said, “I chose Ilham to come and assist me on the photo shoot because I loved her drive and work ethic. Not only that, Ilham didn't come from a make-up background so in a way, everything was new to her. Ilham is a painter, and is used to working on a flat canvas, so she worked extra hard in class experimenting and always had lots of questions for me. I am very excited to see her grow, she is a true creative and a credit to Bury College.”

Jenna was also inspired by Ilham’s life story – she moved to England from Morocco to make a new life for herself, and whilst studying, is selling her artwork all over the world. Ilham aims to work in make-up full time once she has completed her studies. She hopes to continue her art as a hobby, but ultimately would like to work in special effects or hair design for TV and film. Ilham said, “the shoot was an opportunity to learn new skills. I really enjoyed it and learnt a lot. I loved taking part and working with Jenna.”

Ilham has had some experience working in industry, having worked with Gok Wan on a fashion show in Clifton, but this was the first time she has been able to assist with the entirety of the model’s look. Ilham helped with the model’s hair, make-up and clothing. The shoot was an opportunity for Ilham to apply the knowledge she has learnt on her course, including the work she has done on adapting make-up to different camera and lighting requirements.

Ilham was inspired by the work she could see from students already on the Media Make-up course at Bury College, and moved onto the course after finishing her Level 3 Hairdressing. Ilham said, “I love the creativity in this course. My favourite part is creating different characters with special effects – you can sketch out the characters, and with prosthetics and make-up, they come to life. I am surprised at myself, and how much I have been able to achieve. I have a young daughter, so the flexibility of this course has meant I can juggle my responsibilities at home and still get out there and learn new skills.”

There are still places available on the brand-new Performing Arts (Make-up Artistry in the Creative Industries) HNC at Bury College University Centre. This course can give you the skills, knowledge and experience needed to build a career in Make-up Artistry within the creative industries, such as film, television and theatre.