Acclaimed make-up artist meets Bradford College students

The BA (Hons) in Media Make-up with Special Effects (SFX) students spent two days with Yasmin, hearing about her career and watching her demonstrate fashion-show looks for spring/summer 2023.

Previously based in New York and Paris, Yasmin now works in London at the cutting edge of runway shows, music videos and global advertising campaigns. She has worked with designers Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivien Westwood, Chanel and Dior and models including Carla Bruni and Eva Herzigová. Her work has been photographed by international giants such as Annie Leibovitz and Rankin and reproduced in Vogue, Elle, Harpers Bazaar and Vanity Fair.

The renowned make-up artist stressed to students the importance of portfolios and networking, social media, work experience and essential kit and products. Yasmin used examples from her book Elements: The Art of Make-Up which sold out on Amazon in two days.

Lisa Dawkins, Bradford College Media Make-up lecturer and Emmerdale make-up artist, said: “This is something we’ve been trying to collaborate on for the last few years. Yasmin recently brought a book out about her work and she wanted to share her knowledge of the industry. These are areas our students are interested in but some of the hardest in which to work. Yasmin talked them through how she started, what she did to get to where she is today, and about the challenges and trends that impact make-up artists in general.”

Yasmin Heinz guides a photo-shoot at the college (Image: Submitted)

Inspired by Yasmin’s tuition, the students took part in make-up workshops, creating their own designs on student models for a portfolio fashion shoot in the college studio. Added Lisa: “Students can do research and watch YouTube videos, but when you have professionals coming in, it gives them chance to think about the hard work that’s required. It can act as a reality check and spark thoughts about what they need to do to be successful. I tell our students they have to get out there and look for opportunities. The industry is massive and can open up exciting opportunities in TV, film, theatre, prosthetics, special FX and so on. Some of our former students are employed by international theatre companies and Netflix.”

Media make-up degree students tried out their own designs (Image: Submitted)

In 2021 research by the BFI (ScreenSkills Assessment) revealed skills issues affecting UK screen industries. Hair and make-up artists were mentioned among shortages for film and high-end and TV. Yasmin said: “I think students need to learn a lot and it’s essential that people from the industry come in to teach them their knowledge. Some Instagram stars create an illusion that one heavy, make-up face painting is done in three minutes, when it’s generally three to four hours. This is a big challenge for young people because they don’t see the reality, they just see the result.”

Inspired by Yasmin's tuition, the students enjoyed a two-day workshop (Image: Submitted)

Media Make-Up student Caitlin Waddle said: “Hearing from someone who’s worked in the industry for 30-plus years is an opportunity to learn what the industry actually wants. It’s valuable connections you can make through work experience.”

Yasmin Heinz with Bradford College students (Image: Submitted)

The two-day workshop was sponsored by industry leaders Paintopia body art, MYKITCO make-up kit, and Pixi Beauty products.