Case studies: Hair and make-up artist: Mary Cooke

Mary took the Complete Make-up Artist course at Delamar Academy which is located at Ealing Studios. She currently works a self-employed hair and make-up artist.

I spent approximately a year taking any unpaid or low-paid make-up positions I could get. This amounted to just under 50 different jobs in my first year, and included one feature film that I designed. I also established my own website to showcase my work, and linked up with a local photographer who helped me develop my initial portfolio.

Following this first year, I was able to apply for more jobs that offered paid work, and also quote a reasonable level of fees to any queries. You spend a lot of time networking, which often leads to new work. I now have an agent who helps secure positions for me, as well as using my own contacts and direct enquiries.

When I first left college, I wasn't sure which area of make-up I wanted to go into. A friend who graduated at the same time is now Deputy Wig Mistress in the West End, another is a fashion make-up artist. Having tried out various areas that I was trained to work in, I realised film is my first love. I am not particularly ambitious beyond having regular film work. I am happy being a hair and make-up designer on a lower budget film rather than for a major blockbuster, as the units are smaller and you get to know people.

I enjoy the variety of the work, first and foremost, and the creativity with make-up and hair-styling. I love working with people, and helping to make them look beautiful (or horrific, if that's what the script requires!!) I love travelling, and meeting lots of new people, and the uncertainty of the phone ringing and asking you to start work in two day's time for the next month.

The British film industry is live and kicking - despite all the financial difficulties over recent years - and it is full of enthusiastic film-makers with amazing ideas and wonderful scripts. Being a part of their visions and helping them to realise their vision is what I love the best about the film industry.

It takes a lot of staying-power and determination to make a success of it. You need to be flexible, committed and be able to remain focused on the project as a whole, seeing how your work fits in with the whole film-making process. You must be a team-player, and an excellent (and sympathetic) listener, and not be fazed out when your artiste comes to you in the morning looking like a wreck and needing nothing short of a miracle!

Once you leave college, a make-up artist effectively serves a time of apprenticeship whereby you build upon the skills and experience laid down during the study period. There is a wealth of film-makers who are making their first ever films and need the services of a make-up artist in exchange for photos and a copy of the movie. This enables the trainee make-up artist to develop their confidence, experience and contacts. Alternatively, there are sometimes a few traineeships available in the make-up department on major films, but these places are difficult to come by. They are often secured by knowing the key person.