Introducing

Bethan Alex Life in Leeds

Introducing exclusively in-terviews Bethan Alex, a Leeds based freelance Makeup Artist and student. Studying Contemporary Art Practices in her second year at Leeds Metropol-itan University Bethan finds living in Leeds inspiring and imaginative. We catch up with her hear to talk about life in Leeds as a student and Makeup Artist.

What made you want to come to university in Leeds? I originally come from a village not too far from Sheffield. I applied to Leeds Metropolitan because I wouldn’t be too far away from my family. There is also a large art scene in Leeds because of the number of art schools.

What are you favourite shops in Leeds? My favourite shop in Leeds has to be the Illamasqua store! I was so excited when that opened.

As a student in Leeds do you find the city inspires your work? Last year my work was influenced by the city a lot. I’d never lived in a city before so it was quite a novelty. This year however I’ve focused more on processes and development of works.

-Bethan Alex-Who is your biggest inspiration in the Makeup

world? I like looking at weird makeup often seen

on high end fashion shows like Dior. Also Alex

Box, the MUA for Illamasqua, has an amazing

style!

What is your favourite Makeup product that

you use? Mac foundations and powders are an es-

sential for me every day. They even out my skin

tone and can hide anything!

What has been the most exciting photo shoot

you’ve been to? I’ve worked on shoots rang-

ing from first time models to page three models.

Working on any kind of shoot is never dull. But

I think the best had to be working with The Big

Snakes Mystery Orchestra. That was one eventful

shoot. Not only was it on location which always

makes things difficult, we had the police turn up

and then some inquisitive children came to watch.

It all worked out in the end and we got some great

shots! (continued)

When did you first become interested in being a

Makeup Artist? I’ve always been into makeup in

a big way. I’d never wanted up be a Makeup Artist

until I was asked by a neighbour to do their

makeup for prom. I enjoyed it so much and she

was so happy with it that I started doing it for

others.

Has your work on your degree course inspired

your work as a Makeup Artist? My degree work

really has influenced my work as a makeup artist.

At the moment I’m working on a project called

‘living canvas’ which perfectly combines art and

makeup. It’s involving a lot of body painting,

glitter and rhinestones.

What motivates you in your work? I’m

motivated an influenced by a lot of different

things. I’m inspired by everything from the surreal

works of Man Ray to drag queens. I think theatre

and dark cabaret have played a huge role in the

development of my style.

Do you think that as an artist it is

important to support other local

designers and brands? I love working

with local artists, models and designers.

Do you find that there are lots of

opportunities to collaborate with

other artists and designers in the

Leeds art scene? I think there are a lot

of opportunities for artists to

collaborate in Leeds. There are so many

students and independent artists around

here it’s hard to get away from them

sometimes!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years

time? Do you think you will still be

living and working in Leeds? 5 years

from now... Hmm I’ve not thought

about that too much. Doing makeup

makes me happy and that’s the most

important thing. As long as I was happy

I wouldn’t mind.

Model: Lisa Revitt

MUA: Bethan Alex

Stylist: Rhiannon Nicholl

Dress: Acne £460

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