Devang Shah

From bridal look or the white masks of the Japanese Geisha and Kabuki, or the Avant Garde look of Alexander McQueen or The Viktor & Rolf fashion show, make-up has always played an important role in society and used to build characters and to bring out emotional response. With the international strength in theatre, movies, fashion, media, music and culture, the make-up industry has a strong impact in our current affairs. The creative and opportunities this project would offer are both appealing and exciting to me.

I have supported my artistic skills through a variety of temping jobs from wedding make-up to catering. I have acquired organisational, time and people management skills that will be essential in this opportunity and future career. I have greatly enjoyed the diversity of my different jobs and the opportunities it has presented me with interact with people and build many personal skills.

In 2009 I came from Kenya to UK to study a degree in Psychology. I did a year of the course and came out of it because I did not think the course was right for me. I made a decision thereafter to try different jobs, which is how I brought out my artistic talent; I knew I had a passion for art, colour and texture. I created Indian and abstract art for sale to the public. Uploaded various images onto consumer websites to promote and gain online sales of paintings and commissions, generating ideas and developing them, working within a studio environment and delivering to stringent deadlines. This has given me excellent first hand experiences creatively working under pressure and inspired me to now pursue a professional career within the make-up industry.

Since 2001 I have been travelling different countries like Egypt, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Singapore and Austria, which has been an incredible experience. It has been a challenge and very rewarding to see different countries and their culture, lifestyle and food. This gave me an opportunity to learn a lot about other people and myself, seeing the diversity of the world we live in. It has also inspired me to see more of the world in the years to come.

The unique mix of skill development and production experience you offer will enable me to develop my passion into a career. I have always had a keen interest in fashion, photography and media; this will give me an opportunity to play an active role in these industries. I believe this opportunity you offer, combined with my determination and natural creativity will allow me realise my career and ambition. It is only limitations will be my own personal drive and creativity which I intend to push to their limits.