Sophie Davies

How long is the course?
It’s a one year full-time course and I finish in July 2009.

What made you decide to choose this course?
I have always been a creative person and adore any creative subjects and studies. After achieving four a-levels that involve creative skill, I was very interested when I discovered this course. From a young age I have enjoyed all creative arts so it wasn’t a hard decision when I saw the course in my college prospectus. It is also an advantage as the college is close to where I am living.

Did you feel that everything included on the course was useful?
Yes, definitely as I now have skills I didn’t previously have and I think it’s important to continue progressing and improving your skills throughout your life. Even if I do not get the opportunity to use the skills that I’ve acquired in the future (whatever that may bring), everything is still an additional advantage.

What part of the course did you enjoy most?
I enjoyed all areas because I learnt and practised such a variety of skills. The special effects make-up and wig making was helpful because this was something I had never done before - this part of the course will help me when I am looking for a job as it means I have more to offer compared to just make-up. My favourite part of the course, without a doubt, was body painting. I love using the skill of airbrushing and being able to create and prepare a character because my imagination can run wild and this is what I love doing – being creative!

How do you think the course could be improved?
I would really love to see a bit more focus on the film industry; that may include examples of skills, environment and what it is like to work as a make- up artist behind the scenes. I feel that this would benefit my knowledge before becoming freelance or working in a business. Perhaps the course could incorporate the use of CGI and computing for films and it would be good if photography and editing (airbrushing) could be incorporated more.

What would you recommend other students do in order to get the most out of their course?
Be dedicated! Dedication is so important - and if you enjoy being creative then just go for it. Try to complete every unit of the course to your highest ability. Take every opportunity that you can because you may not get a chance to do it again! Be organised as this is good practise if you seriously want to become a make-up artist. Also, maintain your equipment as it is not professional and reflects poorly on you as a person if your kit is not clean - nothing is worse than someone using dirty brushes on your face. This course suits those who are serious about make-up - it is not a class where you put on pretty make-up every day so differs from beauty therapy.

If you could go back and study at college again, is there anything you would do differently?
As I love being creative it can sometimes be difficult to maintain my portfolio; there are times when my mind flies in different directions as I’m coming up with new ideas, I sometimes struggle to stop and note these down. Other than that, I wouldn’t say there is anything I would change at all, although I would love to continue with the course to a higher level.

Can you tell me a bit more about the WorldSkills UK competition you won?
I entered the Media Make-Up category of the WorldSkills UK 2009 competition and after coming first place in the regional heat I got through to the national final.... and won! It was brilliant and I felt amazing, joyful, tearful, relieved, excited; just an entire bundle of emotions. It’s only after the event, when you reflect and it suddenly dawns on you as you think “wow, I actually won!” I personally love experimenting with equipment and painting effects so my techniques are from developing my own skills, and again imagination, however, my teacher always encouraged me and took me along the correct path.

How did you find out about the competition and what made you decide to enter?
I believe that you should always take every opportunity that you can; otherwise you’re not going to improve. Just before I found out about the competition I previously came first in the national UK finals for the catwalk make up competition by AHT (Association of Hairdressers and Therapists) which was also brilliant. When I returned to college our teacher informed the class about this competition and explained about WorldSkills UK and what a prestigious organisation and competition it is. I immediately realised that even just competing in this would be a huge achievement so I didn’t hesitate to submit my entry. From this I was grateful at being chosen to compete!

Do you think that your college training prepared you for the competition?
Yes, as we were judged throughout the competition on appearance and health and safety. My teacher helped me to prepare for my performance, including the set up of my work table and she also advised me on the dramatic impact of my work. A lot of the training supported me greatly but the development and creation of my work was created from my hard work, dedication and ideas. I would certainly say however that the content included on this course was invaluable and helped inspire me.

Do you think the course provided you with skills you need for employment within the industry?
Yes I have learned a lot about skills and information that will benefit me. Obviously some skills and information you can only gain during specific on-the-job training.

What are you doing at present – employed/still studying?
I am currently working part time and still studying this course. I also have hobbies outside of college which incorporate my creative side - I dance for the dark angels hip hop group as part of the angels dance academy, where we also compete in competitions which are very enjoyable. I am hopeful that I can progress into the industry and my successes so far will help me in doing so.

Where do you hope to be in 10 years time?
I have an open mind and will keep my options open. I hope to be successful, but would love to work in the media whether this includes TV/film/theatre. As long as I can always be creative and artistic I will feel fulfilled as this is my passion. I would undoubtedly consider a VTCT course to expand my skills in the future as the content has boosted my skills and helped me to strive for excellence.

What would you say the most positive aspects of vocational training are?
Being practical instead of reading from a book is the best thing in my opinion! With the Theatrical Media Make-Up course you are encouraged to think outside of the box. In one of the units where we had to create a project based on a theme we were able to explore and create extravagant characters specifically and this was great as it was ambiguous and didn’t hold you back. Vocational training in this case is brilliant because it allows you to let your imagination run free!