Amazing Alumni: Meet Wez!
Wez is a talented makeup artist and esteemed alumnus of Weston College. Graduating from his studies in Hair, Makeup & SFX for TV and Film in 2020, Wez has since achieved an outstanding career in the industry, making waves with his creativity and skills. Most notably, he recently appeared on season 5 of the hit TV show "Glow Up," where makeup professionals compete for the prestigious title of ‘Britain's Next Make-Up Star’. We recently caught up with Wez to discuss his journey, experiences, and advice for aspiring makeup artists.
Reflecting on his experience on "Glow Up," Wez describes it as one of the most amazing experiences of his life. Competing with incredibly talented individuals from all over the UK pushed his creativity to new heights. While many people expected glam makeup from him, Wez seized the opportunity to showcase his versatility and explore different creative aspects. “Working under pressure was a constant challenge” Wez told us, “both in terms of the competition itself and the need to remain professional and positively represent myself to industry experts.”
Wez went on to tell us "my time at Weston College definitely helped prepare me for what it’s like to work in this very competitive industry. My course and teachers taught me how to be professional when working on a client or a model. This knowledge allowed me to understand what I needed to have in my kit as a freelance MUA and how to keep it sanitised, organised and clean. It taught me about the anatomy of the face, colour theory, skin types, tones and textures, as well as how to apply prosthetics to a professional level. Not forgetting the most important thing of them all, time management. All of these skills translated heavily into the competition as these are the simple expectations of what it is to be a good makeup artist.”
Throughout his "Glow Up" journey, Wez experienced many memorable moments, including winning the P.Louise Live Stream Industry Challenge. This allowed him to showcase his skills through a mini masterclass, and as a prize, he had the opportunity to assist celebrity makeup artist Daniela Alves for Sam Smith's Gloria tour at the O2. Wez says “getting real tricks and tips from a celebrity makeup artist is something I will use and cherish forever.”
Since graduating from Weston College, Wez has been enjoying a successful career in the makeup industry. He has worked on numerous notable projects, including teaching masterclasses for theatres and brands across the UK, collaborating with event managers for festivals and club nights, and creating stunning glam looks for photoshoots.
Wez's personal style and approach to makeup artistry has evolved over time. While he excels in glam makeup, characterised by a bronzy chiselled airbrushed base, foxy eyes, and a nude glossy lip, he also enjoys experimenting with an editorial approach. He embraces light coverage glossy skin, bleached brows, graphic liner, and buffed-out lip colours. Wez's style is constantly evolving, but he highlights that, for him, these signature elements remain timeless.
Wez shares that his passion for makeup was sparked by observing his mother's daily routine, stating “I was always drawing something. Growing up, I used to always sit and watch my mum do her makeup in her vanity mirror, I think this is where my love for makeup came from. As I got older, I was able to identify who I was as an individual, recognising my queerness, makeup became a form of self-expression.” Wez's first big job in London, working on a model with a massive social media platform, remains a favourite memory of his career thus far, representing a breakthrough moment and opening doors to many more opportunities.
When asked about advice for current students aspiring to pursue a career in the makeup industry, Wez emphasizes the importance of actively listening during college. Learning a wide range of skills and techniques early on will benefit future makeup artists in this competitive industry. Wez says “sometimes there’s going to be areas of this industry that you’re not so keen on, and that is fine, but eventually, as a makeup artist, you’re going to cover pretty much all bases. Learning these skills now instead of along the way is going to set you up perfectly for the future. Being a makeup artist is not as easy as it may sound. There are so many things you need to be able to do to achieve greatness in this competitive profession. “
He advises students to practice as much as possible, working on themselves, family, friends, or even reaching out to people who would appreciate a makeup session. By doing so, aspiring artists can discover their niche and develop a recognisable style.
Wez also encourages students not to fear making mistakes. Growth and improvement are continuous processes, and embracing the journey is essential. “When I look back at my work from 5 years ago…. I cringe” says Wez “but now I couldn’t be more pleased with the work I’m producing. I used to fear having to do eyeliner on clients but now I genuinely believe I could do it with my eyes closed. You’re never going to be amazing at everything, it’s always a work in progress, enjoy the journey.”
Wez has embarked on a remarkable journey since graduating in 2020. From his unforgettable experience on "Glow Up," to his thriving career in the makeup industry, Wez has continuously pushed the boundaries of his creativity and skills. His story is a true testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a willingness to evolve, inspiring future makeup artists to embark on their own transformative journeys in the industry.
Thank you Wez!
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