Hustle Make-up Artist Talks to Students

Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair and Media Make-Up students recently welcomed renowned Make Up Artist and Hair Designer Alyn Waterman into University College Birmingham.

Alyn (pictured centre with UCB students) who has over 20 years of experience in the industry, most recently on the top BBC show Hustle, shared his knowledge of the industry to the students. Despite now mainly working in TV, Alyn has experience of all areas of the industry and was happy to give the students tips on how to get on in the highly competitive industry and what life as a top Make-Up artist is really like.

Starting his career in his teens in theatres and at fashion shows, Alyn wasn’t scared to knock on the doors of anyone who was able to offer him a chance to try his skills for free to build up his portfolio. Stressing the importance of practical work experience Alyn also told the students that completing their courses, as well as building up excellent skills and knowledge, showed potential employers that they have discipline and the ability to complete something.

Alyn who has worked on Hollyoaks, Footballers Wives and on film sets across the UK and Europe gave the students some valuable advice on how to present themselves in the industry; be on time and be cheerful and when working with well known faces, be subtle and appropriate – don’t ask for autographs!  

Students went away from the session with a sense of what life as a Make up artist would really be like and motivated by Alyn’s enthusiasm and love of the profession.

For more information about careers in Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair and Media Make-Up visit the course information