Carman’s Chinese-inspired creation features in French fashion magazine
A Make-up Artistry student has finished off her Foundation Degree in style after featuring in a French fashion and beauty magazine.
Inspired by Make-up Artistry alumni, Carman IP was researching opportunities to get published when she came across MALVIE Magazine. After working with her tutor Carl Pinnington and model Calianna, the magazine accepted Carman’s submission and invited her for an interview.
Her Chinese New Year-inspired ‘Essence of the Dragon’ look featured on the front cover of the MALVIE Fashion Across Cultures April 2024 issue.
“I was delighted to see my work featured in the magazine on the front and back covers and several pages inside,” Carman said.
Not only was it an opportunity to showcase my work, but it also allowed me to share some of my culture and history with the world. This also helped me in promoting and gaining recognition.
“The initial concept of the ‘Essence of The Dragon’ design was to make a statement about the Chinese New Year of the Dragon and incorporate ancient Chinese art & history, combining contemporary fashion with the unique look of ancient China.
“My makeup inspiration included Chinese symbolism, Chinese Opera, the first and only female King of China - Wu Zetian (624-705) and the ‘Dragon’ Character of Oracle Bone Script, the oldest attested form of written Chinese, which stood out as an original concept that had not been translated into a makeup concept.”
Carman moved back to the UK five years ago from Hong Kong and despite having 15 years’ experience in the industry, found the make-up market in the UK was completely different from what she expected.
So, she decided to return to education, completing her Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing at The Manchester College. It was there Carman discovered UCEN Manchester’s FdA Make-up Artistry course and found that it would be a perfect way to start her career in the UK market.
Reflecting on the course, she said: “I have been able to do a lot of creative work throughout this course, which I didn’t have many chances to do previously as the makeup market is different in Hong Kong.
“I learnt to use and control an airbrush for makeup application, historical styling, and applied postiche where I also developed my new interests that I would now like to pursue my career in. I also had the opportunity to undertake valuable work experience such as the Hamilton musical at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
“The most enjoyable part was that I got to do a lot of creative work and incorporate the new skills I learnt from the course. I always felt welcome and never felt hesitant when I wanted to ask any questions. Taking this course made me feel like I could be my authentic self and express myself freely. I also love the fact that we have the Manchester Film school, Arden School of Theatre, fashion students and photography students, and we can collaborate with these different departments.”
Carman continued:
I have the most amazing tutors and the whole team of staff is excellent! Not only do they have professional knowledge, passion, and experience in their fields, but they also show a lot of understanding and care for me and gave me a lot of academic support and self-care support.
“My peer group are fantastic and supportive. We worked extremely closely this year, creating our first Make-up Artistry focused magazine titled ‘POSE’. There is a lot of talent at this university in terms of my peers, which is very inspiring to me and motivates me to improve in the areas that need improvement.”
Carman has enjoyed her Foundation Degree so much that she’s progressing to the BA (Hons) (Top-up) Make-up Artistry Degree course at UCEN Manchester this September.
If you’d like to follow in Carman’s footsteps and launch a career in the exciting make-up artistry profession, check out courses at our School of Art, Media and Make-up and find out how to apply.
