Progression onto next year, after completing my course and work placement and industry

Next year I will be progressing onto the Level 3 Year 2 extended diploma in art and design. I will be focusing primarily on fine art, as this will help me progress further onto becoming a special effects makeup and prosthetic artist. Within the second year I will also incorporate textiles into my work to expand my knowledge of different materials and texture which could be used in special effects makeup.

Another career path I have considered, is to become an apprentice. Currently a company called Real SFX, who are based in Cardiff, are looking for a special effects makeup apprentice to train. This educational choice would allow me to go straight into special effects makeup and work alongside makeup artists in a well known company.

After completing my 2 year course there are many routes I can take into furthering my career. These being; Level 3 foundation, apprenticeships, employment, higher education or further education in a different area. The path I currently would like to take is higher education at Grimsby Institute. This is because Grimsby Institute offer the courses available for the career path I am wanting to choose. When applying for university to do the Special Effects Makeup and Prosthetics course I need to consider the qualifications needed to be accepted. These include 80 UCAS points and a minimum grade of a 'C' in both Maths and English. To achieve 80 UCAS points I will need to reach a minimum grade of a Merit in the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design course I am currently studying. In year one I would be doing; Casualty Simulation, Mask Making Techniques, Media, Arts and Society, Life Casting and Moulding, Character Transformation, Anatomy and Lifelike Sculpture. In year two I would be doing; Prosthetic Techniques 1 & 2, Creative Practitioner, Critical Approaches, Creature Design and Sculpture and Researching the Arts. For the final year I would be doing; a Dissertation, Preliminary Practical Project, Professional Identity and Employability and Final Major Project.

While researching the Special Effects Makeup and Prosthetics course at Grimsby Institute, I looked into a variety of different courses and universities. Another course I am interested in is the BA(Hons) in Fine art in Hull. This course requires 96 UCAS points however also uses the interview process and portfolio as a guide into their decision. Although it isn't a special effects makeup course, it is another career opportunity that I could pursue in the future. During this course I would be working independently on developing my existing skills in fine art. There will be opportunities to work alongside artists in the area or 'getting involved in exhibitions, festivals, residencies and performances'. 'Experimentation, risk, enthusiasm and discipline are encouraged, as you incrementally work towards a robust, sustainable, independent art practice. You will work across a variety of disciplines and have access to well-equipped workshops and digital suites.'

I have chosen these specific courses to research as they interest me the most. I am looking to do something creative as a career whether that be working with a company or being self employed. Special Effects is creative and inventive allowing me to explore a range of different media and art types. I can explore with fashion/textiles while creating characters but also use fine art when sculpting and painting prosthetics and people. With SFX makeup you can work with a company or be self employed. A company may be the best option to start with but eventually being able to own my own business would be fantastic and very rewarding. I like the idea of being a fine artist also, as this career type would allow my own identity and personality to grow through pieces of artwork. I feel this job type would have to be self employed, and could be difficult to keep a steady income. This is due to the fact that I would need to become well known and create pieces that would be eye catching to an audience. Much like a career in SFX makeup, being a fine artist allows you to create artwork in a range of media. This appeals to me as I enjoy working with textile and 3D materials alongside painting and other forms of fine art.

These two courses have many pros and cons as to why I would or wouldn't choose them. For the special effects makeup and prosthetics degree, one of the biggest pros is that it is local. I would be progressing onto the university course at Grimsby Institute making it easily accessible as I currently live in the local area. Another positive aspect of the SFX degree is that it is easier to advance into a career from the degree course as I could apply for jobs around the UK. The main con of this degree for me would be that I enjoy fine art and feel that it is my strongest aspect in the arts. I enjoy using a range of media however hope I can use textile and fine art aspects in my SFX work. The main con for the degree in fine art is that it is in Hull and, with a small child, I would find it difficult to attend as childcare may clash with University times. Another con would be the cost for travel to and from hull multiple days of the week, this wouldn't necessarily be feasible every week and I wouldn't want to miss any time of the course. A positive aspect for this course is that I would be able to be even more inventive and creative, developing new and old skills further to create artwork. I feel the freedom of choice in media, overall presentation and ideas behind the piece would allow for a unique way of working. Although creating artwork is a passion and can be a great source of income when well established, the overall likelihood of a sustainable career would be in Special Effects Makeup.

If I was to pursue a career as a fine artist, there are a few requirements which help to make it successful. Having a high level of skill in your chosen art form, from a degree in art and design, fine art, art history with fine art or visual arts, will show talent and dedication in the artistic field. Being able to promote yourself is key when becoming a fine artist. This can be done online through social media, blogs or a personal website, joining with other artists, organising your own shows in galleries or venues and volunteering with community arts projects. Getting an agent, entering competitions and open exhibitions and illustrating products such as books or greetings cards will also help show of your work and become a successful fine artist.

To pursue a career as a Special Effects Makeup and Prosthetics artist, you need to have specific qualifications. You will need at least a Level 2 NVQ qualification in media makeup or a related subject.

• Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hair, Photographic and Media Makeup.

• Level 2 or 3 NVQ Diploma in Hair and Media Makeup.

• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair and Media Makeup.

• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Fashion, Theatre and Media Makeup

Studying towards a degree in special effects makeup often requires 5 GCSE's with a minimum of a grade C along with 3 A levels however each universities requirements are different. To be successful it's important to have excellent communication and people skills, stamina, patience and concentration, good teamwork skills, an interest in a range of current and previous fashions, great attention to detail and to be creative and imaginative. For special effects makeup artists there are many different industry choices such as TV Broadcasters, TV and Film production companies, Theatre companies, Magazines and avant-garde fashion show producers.