Darcy – Media Make-up

Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects and Hair and Media Make-up

What began as a childhood love of Halloween costumes has blossomed into a thriving career for former media make-up student Darcy.

After college, she joined the prestigious London College of Fashion and now works at MAC Cosmetics, managing retail while also being a pro body painter there. Through her creative collective, she champions neurodiversity and creates opportunities for emerging artists.

When did your passion for Media Make-up begin?

“My passion for media make-up began at a very young age – like many artists, it started with Halloween costumes and experimenting with my mum’s makeup. It’s a bit of a cliché, but it was my first introduction to a world I’ve come to love deeply.

I was further inspired by my mum’s favourite TV shows, which quickly became mine too – The Walking Dead, Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds. The special effects in those shows fascinated me. So, when I reached the end of Year 11 and wasn’t sure what path to take, I discovered Media Make-up at North Notts – and everything clicked.”

Did you pursue any further education or training after college?

“Yes, after college I was accepted into the  London College of Fashion – which is the top fashion school in the world, with an acceptance rate of just 12%. I honestly didn’t think I’d get in.

I studied Hair and Make-up for Fashion there. I already felt confident in SFX and body art, but I wanted to strengthen my skills in fashion and editorial work to become a more well-rounded artist. I’ve just submitted my final project and will graduate this July.”

Which skills from college have proven most useful?

“At college – and I’m sure my tutor Cherie would back me up on this – I was always a few steps ahead. Coming out of peak COVID, with so much free time, I took the initiative to research the course in advance. I found the course paperwork and began learning before the term had even started. That period taught me discipline and drive.

While a lot of people my age were doing very little, I was building my work ethic – something that still sets me apart today. North Notts gave me the foundation I needed and introduced me to a career I hadn’t even considered before. I’ll always be grateful for that.”

How did college support you to achieve your goals?

“What North Notts College does – and something that might seem frustrating at the time – is push you constantly out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s competitions, projects, or exams, they challenge you because they know what you’re capable of, even if you don’t yet.

When I started college, I was shy and lacked confidence in my skills. When I left, I was confident, more outspoken, and fully aware of my capabilities. That transformation prepared me so well for university and everything that followed.”

Have you worked on any notable projects during your career?

“Where do I begin! Since moving to London, I’ve had the chance to work on incredible projects and with amazing people. I’ve collaborated with brands, artists, on shoots, music videos, and passion projects.

In my full-time role with MAC Cosmetics, I’m a Retail Manager – but I also work as a Pro Body Painter at events. One highlight was representing MAC at the Pro Beauty Convention at the ExCeL Centre.

I worked alongside top MAC Artists like Sophie Davies (Regional Artist), Rebecca Harrington (Manager), and under the creative direction of Carly Utting (National Artist) and Dominic Skinner (Senior Artist). Being part of a project with such industry icons was a surreal and inspiring experience.”

What do you enjoy most about your current job role?

“I really value my role at MAC because it’s where I’ve learned the most – particularly about working with people of all ages, races, and skin types. You get to understand not just makeup application, but people.

While I may not see myself in a management role long-term, the growth I’ve experienced here has been invaluable. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to flex my creativity alongside the retail side of the job.”

Do you have any advice for someone considering this career?

“Be ready to hustle. A lot of people enter ‘hair and beauty’ thinking it’s an easy career path with decent pay – but the reality is, it’s one of the most competitive industries out there.

You’ll need to work hard, often for free, and be willing to travel – even move to a bigger city – to access real opportunities. Nothing comes easily, but when you do succeed, it’s incredibly rewarding knowing you’ve earned it.”

Where do you hope to be in your career five years from now?

“For my final university project, I focused on neurodiversity in the industry. The project was called Sensoriality as a Creative Working Practice – a topic close to my heart. I was only diagnosed with dyspraxia during university, and I realised I had naturally developed my own creative processes to adapt. Now, I want to expand on this concept – to share my way of working and help others discover theirs.

Cherie has even invited me back to College to run a workshop on this – showing young creatives how to embrace their individuality can be so powerful. Representation for neurodivergent people in creative industries is crucial.

From this, I launched TIHIF: Sensorium – a creative collective and emerging agency that connects makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers, and other creatives with projects that align with their instinctual, emotional, and sensory-led approaches.

We focus on texture, colour, feeling, and storytelling – not just traditional beauty standards. TIHIF champions underrepresented and emerging artists, and my goal is to build a platform that reflects how I work and supports others to find meaningful, paid opportunities that resonate with who they are.

For any students studying creative arts and interested in work experience, feel free to reach out: darceysarah@tihifsensorium.com.”

Find out more about media make-up courses at North Notts College