Izzy brushes up for a bold career in make-up

Now studying the Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-Up Services) (CUA51020- MAKE-UP) at Huxley School of Make-up, Izzy is turning that passion into practical skills across special effects, glam, drag, bridal and screen make-up.

“I’ve always been drawn to alternative and emo culture, and make-up became a way for me to experiment, express myself and bring different creative ideas to life,” Izzy said.

Inspired by bold creatives such as Lady Gaga and the transformative work of Huxley trainer Bel, Izzy is discovering how far imagination and technical skill can take her.

“Bel is a shapeshifter. She can transform herself into characters like Johnny Depp or Yoda and seeing that level of creativity has shown me how powerful make-up can be,” Izzy said.

Huxley’s industry reputation and hands-on training drew Izzy to the course, which prepares emerging artists to step confidently into professional work.

“What stood out to me was how Huxley prepares you for the real world. The training is practical, industry-focused and designed to help you graduate ready to start building your career,” she said.

Through its training partnership with TAFE Queensland, Huxley School of Make-up delivers nationally recognised screen and media qualifications.

The intensive, hands-on diploma takes students from core make-up disciplines to advanced fashion, cinema and special effects techniques, helping them graduate ready for industry.

Based at TAFE Queensland’s Mount Gravatt campus, students train in a dedicated make-up studio at the heart of a vibrant creative precinct.

The precinct allows students to study alongside fashion and film students, giving them experience on real projects, with Izzy putting her skills to work on a student film set.

“It’s a very collaborative environment. Working with fashion and film students gave me the chance to contribute my skills to real creative projects and understand what it’s like to work as part of a production team,” she said.

From bald caps and character transformations to drag, bridal and glam looks, every day brings a new creative challenge.

Guest artists also bring current industry expertise into the classroom, helping students sharpen their techniques and build creative confidence.

“We had a drag artist come in and teach us the techniques behind a complete drag look. Everyone left with a full face of make-up, new skills and a much better understanding of how to create bold, highly detailed transformations,” Izzy said.

The broad training is opening doors for Izzy across the creative industries.

“Being able to work across special effects, glam, bridal and screen make-up gives me the versatility to explore different career parts of the industry and take advantage of more opportunities,” she said.

Izzy has already taken an exciting first step into the workforce, securing a role at her dream employer, Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, where she helps guests create lasting memories.

While she currently works as an attractions attendant, she hopes her diploma will open the door to future opportunities with Dreamworld’s costume department, creating make-up looks for actors across the park’s year-round events.

Even before stepping into that creative role, Izzy is already drawing on the professional techniques she has developed through her diploma.

Working outdoors in the Gold Coast humidity while representing the Dreamworld brand, she uses those skills to help herself and her colleagues look polished and confident throughout even the longest shifts.

Looking further ahead, Izzy would like to one day launch her own business, perhaps even offering fairy godmother makeovers at Renaissance fairs.

“I want to hit the ground running, build a strong reputation and make a name for myself. I’d love to work on film sets, create character looks and eventually build a creative business of my own,” she said.

Learning to build her personal brand, grow her social media presence, manage the business side and market herself as a creative professional, Huxley is preparing her for that future with more than technical training.

Work experience and teacher-vetted opportunities are also helping her to build industry contacts, confidence and professional experience before graduation.

“My teachers are helping me build the skills around the artistry as well - from building my brand and marketing myself to making industry contacts and gaining professional experience. I leave every class feeling prepared to turn my creativity into a career,” Izzy said.

With hands-on experience, industry connections and a clear vision for the future, Izzy is ready to take her creativity beyond the classroom - one unforgettable look at a time.