Northern Irish born Clare Ramsey has worked as a professional make-up artist for the past 15 years in the film industry, her work has taken her all over the world where she has contributed to productions in the UK and further afield in New Zealand, Namibia, Iceland, Panama, Chile, Prague and Bulgaria as well as several other locations in Europe.
Clare discovered her artistic ability at an early age exploring her talent through various medium, she studied art at the University of Ulster in Belfast, and then completed a Bachelor of Education in Technology and Design through Queens University Belfast. This degree paved the way for an initial career as a high school teacher.
Clare has always had a keen interest in film, particularly for the creatures and characters portrayed. It wasn't until she started watching behind the scenes footage of how these characters were brought to life she realized it might be possible to have a career as a makeup & creature FX artist. A career choice as a make-up artist might have seemed unusual in Northern Ireland as there wasn't a school at that time that could provide the relevant training or support she required. So by researching the names of some of the makeup artists working in the industry Clare learned of a makeup artist trade show to be held in London where some of these artists would be guest speakers.
After attending this show it was clear to Clare that she had to pursue a career as a make-up artist, and so for the next few years she set about teaching herself make-up application and basic prosthetics from books and DVDs. She got involved in the Northern Irish film scene, offering her skills to short movies, commercials and music videos. After a few years of gaining experience and working on a portfolio she decided to take a career break from her teaching job to move to London were she hoped to achieve her dream of working in major motion pictures. Her hard work and perseverance paid off as she was offered her first job with Millennium FX creature shop in the UK, she went on to work on a variety of other shows after that and the rest she says "is history!"
In more recent years Clare has been responsible for designing several tv shows and movies, successfully coordinating hard working, talented teams of make-up artists and hairdressers.
Her knowledge of prosthetic materials and techniques coupled with time spent as a workshop technician and art finisher has enabled her to manufacture small character prosthetics, casualty wounds and scars etc, she has provided this service to several productions.
The knowledge and experience Clare has gained throughout her extensive career illustrates her ability to adapt to all areas of make-up. She is competent in prosthetic application, regular make-up ranging from period make-up to beauty and high fashion. She has worked with a number of well know actors in both of these techniques. Her professional manner and genuine love for her craft are evident in the care she takes over her work. Clare has bases in both the UK and the USA and holds a USA Green Card.
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I am extremely thankful to the people who have helped form my career. The support of my family and friends and the amazingly talented designers, make-up, hair and creature FX artists that I've been fortunate enough to work with have graciously shared their time and knowledge ultimately making me a better artist" says Clare
"I love my job, I never thought it would take me to some of the amazing places I've been lucky enough to visit, the experiences I've gained whilst working overseas have been instrumental to my career. Working in various climates has taught me how to maintain looks ranging from beauty make-up to full face and body prosthetics often in extreme conditions and during long shooting hours.
"I enjoy the challenge of creating characters and managing a make-up department, I also enjoy working for other designers as part of their teams. I am constantly learning and growing as an artist, each job provides new artistic challenges.
"I have a love for film and story telling, I get to be part of that process and I've been fortunate to visit some of the fantastical lands that most people only read about in books!
I look forward to seeing where my job will take me next....!"
Clare
Clare discovered her artistic ability at an early age exploring her talent through various medium, she studied art at the University of Ulster in Belfast, and then completed a Bachelor of Education in Technology and Design through Queens University Belfast. This degree paved the way for an initial career as a high school teacher.
Clare has always had a keen interest in film, particularly for the creatures and characters portrayed. It wasn't until she started watching behind the scenes footage of how these characters were brought to life she realized it might be possible to have a career as a makeup & creature FX artist. A career choice as a make-up artist might have seemed unusual in Northern Ireland as there wasn't a school at that time that could provide the relevant training or support she required. So by researching the names of some of the makeup artists working in the industry Clare learned of a makeup artist trade show to be held in London where some of these artists would be guest speakers.
After attending this show it was clear to Clare that she had to pursue a career as a make-up artist, and so for the next few years she set about teaching herself make-up application and basic prosthetics from books and DVDs. She got involved in the Northern Irish film scene, offering her skills to short movies, commercials and music videos. After a few years of gaining experience and working on a portfolio she decided to take a career break from her teaching job to move to London were she hoped to achieve her dream of working in major motion pictures. Her hard work and perseverance paid off as she was offered her first job with Millennium FX creature shop in the UK, she went on to work on a variety of other shows after that and the rest she says "is history!"
In more recent years Clare has been responsible for designing several tv shows and movies, successfully coordinating hard working, talented teams of make-up artists and hairdressers.
Her knowledge of prosthetic materials and techniques coupled with time spent as a workshop technician and art finisher has enabled her to manufacture small character prosthetics, casualty wounds and scars etc, she has provided this service to several productions.
The knowledge and experience Clare has gained throughout her extensive career illustrates her ability to adapt to all areas of make-up. She is competent in prosthetic application, regular make-up ranging from period make-up to beauty and high fashion. She has worked with a number of well know actors in both of these techniques. Her professional manner and genuine love for her craft are evident in the care she takes over her work. Clare has bases in both the UK and the USA and holds a USA Green Card.
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I am extremely thankful to the people who have helped form my career. The support of my family and friends and the amazingly talented designers, make-up, hair and creature FX artists that I've been fortunate enough to work with have graciously shared their time and knowledge ultimately making me a better artist" says Clare
"I love my job, I never thought it would take me to some of the amazing places I've been lucky enough to visit, the experiences I've gained whilst working overseas have been instrumental to my career. Working in various climates has taught me how to maintain looks ranging from beauty make-up to full face and body prosthetics often in extreme conditions and during long shooting hours.
"I enjoy the challenge of creating characters and managing a make-up department, I also enjoy working for other designers as part of their teams. I am constantly learning and growing as an artist, each job provides new artistic challenges.
"I have a love for film and story telling, I get to be part of that process and I've been fortunate to visit some of the fantastical lands that most people only read about in books!
I look forward to seeing where my job will take me next....!"
Clare
