Thornton Cleveleys Make Up Artists, Nicola Miller of Nicola Jane MUA has been voted Freelance Make Up Artist of the Year, North England in the Official Make Up Awards 2018.
The glamorous black-tie event, held at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel on 27 May 2018, played host to over 200 attendees. Freelance Make Up Artist of the Year is one of 14 awards presented at the prestigious event and one of the categories awarded regionally to allow for the wide diversity in those categories. Candidates are encouraged to support their nominations with photographs and testimonials, together with information about any charitable work they do. Nominees are voted for by members of the public with votes based on fabulous customer service, talent and creativity.
To support her nomination, Nicola provided examples of work showcased in fashion and wedding magazines, and many testimonials from clients. Additionally, Nicola showed how she supports the Charity Ellie’s Friends by donating a make-up session a month to someone suffering from cancer, as well as acting as administrator for the charity’s Facebook page.
Nicola’s first instinct when she was nominated was to check out her competition. Nicola was up against nine other finalists from northern cities such as Newcastle, Manchester and Preston. There were many talented and creative MUAs in the impressive line-up of candidates. When she found out she was shortlisted she didn’t think she would win. The thought of her competitors made her belly sink; competition was strong.
On the night of the awards, Nicola started filming the announcement of the winner for her category. Her view was that she was proud to be there as a finalist and the video would be a reminder of that. She was so shocked to see her name come up as the winner that she dropped her phone without actually catching her name up on the screen! It took a few moments for it to sink in and to believe that she had won.
Having won the award, Nicola said “It was such a proud moment for me to be up against such tough competition and to be awarded Freelance Makeup Artist of the Year in the North England category. To win this prestigious and glamorous award is the ultimate recognition by my clients and peers of the work that I do. It has added flames to the passion I have for my work; making women feel and see their beauty as well as making my company stand out in the crowd.”
Nicola trained at the famous Glauca Rossi School of Make Up in London, which has produced artists such as Jemma Kidd and Charlotte Tilbury. She goes on to say, “When I trained in London, I wasn’t taken seriously as a make-up artist because I didn’t live in London. I was told I was wasting my time as all opportunities for fashion and photographic work were in London. Well, I have proved them wrong. With hard work and determination, everything is possible, and this proves it. Thank you to everyone who nominated and voted for me.”
Nicola’s style of make up is quite natural; more Red Carpet, rather than full-on glam. Her favourite clients are the ones who never normally wear make up. She said, “It is a lovely feeling making up someone’s face and seeing the delight on their face when they look in the mirror and see what a difference a little make up can make.”
Nicola’s explains that her work is very varied. One day she might be working on a wedding or a photoshoot, the next day could be giving private make up lessons. A good deal of her work is for ladies wanting special occasion make up and girls attending proms. Nicola has worked on a number of styled photoshoots; some organised and styled by herself, and some with other creatives in the industry. Nicola loves styled photoshoots as they can be a great way to get those creative juices flowing and join forces with other creatives for great, fun-filled days. Nicola added, “I feel honoured that my work has featured in national magazines. These features showcase my work and the creative beauty that can be achieved by my profession.”
When it comes to improving her knowledge and skills Nicola never stops learning and taking courses to further her skills. Last year she trained in HD Airbrush make-up application which is a spray on foundation which gives a flawless finish. Many of Nicola’s bridal clients are now choosing this flawless finish for their special day bridal clients.
Nicola is also a great advocate for the national cancer charity Ellie’s Friends, a charity set up in memory of journalist Ellie Jeffery who passed away through secondary breast cancer at the age of 29. As a breast cancer survivor Nicola fully understands how harrowing a diagnosis and treatment can be. She wanted to give back something to help other women who are going through cancer and the obvious way was to offer her services in some way. Ellie’s Friends offers treats and gifts for adults going through cancer, so it was a natural choice for her to became involved with the charity. She now offers an adult with cancer a free makeover every month, she encourages other businesses to donate freebies and additionally gives her time to the charity to help administer and promote the charity.
