Beyond the Brush: Careers in Makeup & Creative Arts
Led by Rachael Armstrong, Freelance Makeup artist, Designer Maker & Teacher
During this workshop, I’ll share and demonstrate the creation of a project that’s especially meaningful to me—one that marks the beginning of my creative business, as well as the partnerships and friendships that have shaped my journey.
I’ll be joined by my model/character as we take a deep dive into how this piece was brought to life. I will showcase costume, props and makeup prosthetics for the audience to view. I’ll talk openly about my creative journey, including the exciting and inspiring highs to the lows, and the challenges I continue to navigate.
I’ll also share how my background in teaching influences my work today, shaping both my process and the way I connect with others through creativity.
Tell us something interesting about your career to date:
"A particularly meaningful part of my creative journey is the fact that I now co-direct a second creative business alongside two incredibly talented women. What makes this even more special is that one of them actually taught me A-Level Fine Art at the Cleveland College of Art and Design in Hartlepool. At the time, neither of us could have imagined that our paths would cross again in such a significant way.
Years passed after I left college, and we lost touch as life naturally moved on. Then, through a collaborative project, we unexpectedly reconnected. What began as a simple professional interaction quickly rekindled a shared creative energy that had been there years earlier in the classroom. From that moment, a genuine friendship and a strong creative partnership took shape— under the name of ‘Jack of Hearts CIC’ this partnership continues to inspire me and influence the work I do today.
Being able to evolve from student to collaborator has been a powerful reminder of how unpredictable and rewarding the creative world can be, and how connections made early in life can circle back in the most meaningful ways."
What is the best piece of careers advice you have ever received?
"The best piece of advice is a tough one as I’ve been fortunate to have been given many, but one that sticks with me is…
Build a strong creative network around yourself. I’ve learned that it doesn’t always matter what I don’t know—because when you surround yourself with supportive, like-minded creatives, there will always be someone willing to teach, guide, or inspire you. These connections can help scaffold your creative career, offering encouragement, knowledge, and opportunities that make it possible to grow and achieve your goals."
Your pathway into your career:
"My creative pathway began early at the Cleveland College of Art and Design, where I immersed myself in fine art, contemporary textiles, and surface design. Wanting to develop my practice further, I went on to the University of East London. However, the financial pressure of studying in London quickly became overwhelming, and I eventually made the difficult decision to return home to Hartlepool.
Back home, I found myself pursuing a career in a special needs school—rewarding and meaningful work—but throughout those years, I never stopped creating. I painted, crafted, experimented, and held tightly to my passion, even when I felt I’d reached a point where my creative growth had stalled. I was eager to learn more but unsure how to move forward.
Then the global pandemic arrived, and with it came an unexpected gift: time. I realised this was my moment to break free from the rut I’d been stuck in. I turned to YouTube tutorials, books, films, and documentaries, teaching myself special effects makeup and blending these new skills with my fine art background. Slowly, a new artistic identity began to form.
I started sharing my work on social media, using it as a platform to network and build excitement around my creations. My hope was simple—when the world reopened, I wanted to take these solo experiments and turn them into collaborations.
And that’s exactly what happened. As soon as those collaborations began, doors started opening—one opportunity after another. From that point on, everything changed… and the rest, truly, is history."