I have now finished the film "The boat that rocks" and have to say it was hugely enjoyable. The hours were long and we were out at sea for a considerable time, but the most important part did it work, from a make-up perspective?

There were considerable challenges not least being out to see on the boat that rocks. A big concern was that one or all of the actors would at some point end up in the sea. What problems would arise from it with regards to the adhesives we were using. Needless to say the wind played an annoying part and we all had to be on standby to dress the actors in between shots.

The film was very funny and now that it is over, I am generally happy with what we did. When I look back to my mood boards and see the original ideas that we were going to go with, I believe we were faithful to the original.

I am now spending as much time as possible at the school with the new summer course. I have to say my initial instincts tell me there are going to be some high standards on this course. They all seem very focused.

The students from the spring course have all left and all seem to be running into work. So much so that I have had difficulty in filling a film that required trainees! I have an interview for a new film that has come up. To tell you a little about how I prepare for it.

I am given a brief of what the film is about and try and squeeze as much info as possible. I think and begin to write down ideas as fast or as slow as they come to me. I am trying to get a feel of the film, which is difficult as I have not met with the director or anybody connected with the project. At this stage it is not necessary to get too bogged down with detail but just a certain idea as to where the look is going.

I love this part of my job as it is free flowing and imaginative trying to conjure up a look that you hope is similar to the one the director and designer have in mind.

Well fingers crossed and I will keep you posted.

The summer course is its second week and I have to say the standard so far is exceptional!

Our courses are filling very quickly and the urge to make the class sizes larger is very tempting. Needless to say we do not wish to dilute the quality of our teaching. Our class sizes will remain as they are.

Our spring time students have jumped in with both feet with regards to work. A few are working in Elstree studio on a film. Some are working on Horrible Histories and I am told, having a fantastic time. Others still have managed to get a start on a play at the Guildhall. As we have said we are the only school with real contacts in the industry, be it film, television and theatre.

It happens sometimes that times are quiet but we attempt to help all our graduates whenever we can and whenever they want. We do believe in our "After Care" and are striving to get it as fine tuned possible.

"Afternoon Tea" was a complete success even though it was our first. We could not have had a more interesting person to kick it off. Angela Allen is a legend, who has worked with so many stars and had so many experiences to share. It was great that she referred to the relationship between the coordinator and the make-up artist, constantly. Her biog is on our web site and well worth a read.

About two years ago I went to the International make-up trade show, in my quest to change my career. I was interested in make-up but was unsure if I would pursue it as a career. I wanted to be creative and get out of my boring nine to five job in finance.

So with open mind in entered the show and saw CB*MA. It was the time that I was given by all there that made me begin to think that yes I do want to be a make-up artist. My father and I visited the other schools that were there but were not made to feel special. There was, we felt, sincerity and feeling at CB*MA that we did not have anywhere else.

This was a complete change and I have been very nervous to begin a course, so it is important to feel that the people who run the school are genuine.

Even though at the time the school had only begun and did not have a history to speak of, I still felt a good vibe and when I spoke to Christine Blundell I knew then it was going to be the right choice. It was not just the fact that she is who she is, but the fact that she does seem to care and wants people to become successful.

Since beginning the course, I have found it incredibly positive. I did not realise that it would be this intensive! I come from a completely different background and am nervous. Yet I am determined and with hard work I will succeed.

The tutors are great and confidant, lovely and the rest of the class are good too...

My route into the industry 27 years ago was to convince my brother who is a Film Director to use me as his Makeup Artist. Although I had no formal training, it never occurred to me then that I should go to a makeup school. I was earning a lot of money and life was sweet!

I was lucky that I had an aptitude and a brother who was prepared to give me a chance. I also met an amazing makeup artist who I assisted for a long time called Tina Earnshaw. She helped me so much and I learnt lots from her. There are occasions when I realise that I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time, and meeting Tina was one of them.

I started in commercials and as I loved fashion I got into editorial and catwalk shows. I was fortunate to work with a lot of photographers and I began to build up a career going between photographic and film/tv. I got the chance to work on Grange Hill for a couple of years, which then lead onto films. My career has been very varied and has moved from one aspect of makeup to another. The only thing I cannot do is Special Effects, it never interested me and I think it's a specialised part of makeup. I only wanted to make people pretty!

I enjoy telling people I'm a makeup artist - it's something I am very proud of being. I enjoy that no two days are ever the same on any one job. I love making someone up and making a difference, especially when I step back and realise I've done a good job.

The pro's of the job are on the creative side - it's a good job to do. I've had the opportunity to travel, I've made up very famous people. I've worked on some amazing films, been proud of the varied jobs I've done along the way.

I'm proud that for someone who is self taught that I am now am teaching aspiring makeup artists and have been doing that for over 10 years. I think I have a good reputation in the industry for being a creative makeup artist. Confirmation of my ability is when another makeup artist of whom I have the utmost respect tells me I'm a good makeup artist, it lifts my spirits no end. Its the best!