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Rachel Hill-Cherry

Profession

BA Hair and Makeup for Fashion Alum

College

London College of Fashion

Person Type

Alumni

Hair and Makeup: Rachel Hill-Cherry. Photographer: Georgie Fenny. Model: Oliver Dawson.

Biography

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do?

Hi, I’m Rachel! I am a make-up artist originally from the North West of England, but currently living and working in London.

During my time on the course, I was able to collaborate and assist so many incredibly talented people and create a huge body of work which I am so proud of.

I worked for Charlotte Tilbury throughout my time at LCF and was very fortunate after graduating to get promoted to a new, really exciting and full-time position.

What have you been working on since graduating?

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I haven’t been freelancing as much as I would have loved/hoped to, but I have been busy networking with other creatives and organising collaborations for when the restrictions are lifted.

What attracted you to LCF and why did you decide to study BA (Hons) Hair and Makeup for Fashion?

I have always been very creative, and after studying the UAL Art Foundation at college, LCF was my ultimate dream and goal – especially after hearing/knowing about all the amazing alumni that have come from there. It was at college that I specialised in Fashion Photography and eventually realised that I loved pre-production more than post, and decided to attend multiple open-days for different courses at LCF.

I am in complete awe of make-up for fashion. The entire image making team and creative process is something that I find really inspiring, motivating and fascinating – and I just knew that I needed to be in one of the best cities in the world to experience it. Therefore BA (Hons) Hair and Makeup for Fashion was the perfect choice for me.

Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in fashion?

I come from a very small, working-class town in the North West of England and to be completely honest, I didn’t have a clue about fashion or that it could even be a possible future career choice for me. I am the first person in my family to go to university, and all I knew was that I had a huge love for make-up artistry, and I’m very hardworking, so it all fell into place.

How have you maintained your creative practice during the pandemic?

Being freshly graduated it would have always been hard to find my place in the industry, but I feel like it has been really tough doing it in the current climate. Anyone in the creative industry will tell you how hard it has been, but I do see a light at the end of the tunnel, and this has only added to my skillset and made me much more determined to succeed.

I have been super fortunate to not only still have a job, but get a promotion at Charlotte Tilbury during the pandemic which involves me being an online brand ambassador. This has kept me super busy and inspired as I combine working within make-up, virtually, to posting more on my social media channels.

Living in London as anyone will tell you, is very expensive. So, having my personal creative practice temporarily on hold isn’t a negative as it just means once the world is back to some normality, I will be more prepared and eager to take on this crazy industry.

What are your plans for the next few years? Where would you like to see yourself professionally?

My plans are to keep collaborating regularly with other creatives, and build up a strong, extensive body of work.

I would also love to progress further within Charlotte Tilbury, as I have already achieved great things since being there and gained so much important experience as a make-up artist which I am very grateful for.

Professionally I would love to have my work featured in the magazines that inspired me throughout college and university. I have a ridiculous collection of fashion magazines ranging from British VOGUE, Wonderland, i-D etc. that it would be such a full circle moment to have my work on the cover.

What did you enjoy the most about the course?

I personally loved the course, and proudly say that accepting my offer for LCF was one of the best decisions I have ever made. LCF allowed me to feel inspired, empowered and well-educated and as mentioned earlier, I am from a very small, working-class town in the North West and the education (specifically in the Cultural and Historical Studies classes) that I gained has been completely invaluable for me.

Living and studying in London is honestly one of the best things you can possibly do, not only as a creative, but also as a person.

Can you tell us a bit about your favourite project completed on the course?

I would have to say one of my favourite projects completed on the course was the final project in first year all about collaboration.

I got randomly put into a group with a fashion photographer and two fashion stylists and I feel it was in that moment that I had learned the true power of collaboration. It was an instrumental networking opportunity because after three years of that happening, I still have an incredible working relationship with the fashion photographer from that group, and we still use each other for personal and professional projects to this day.

Best advice you received from a lecturer, tutor or technician during your time at LCF?

The best advice I was given was to never stop creating. At the time I was doing several collaborations weekly with fashion photographers and stylists, and now I can look back on this huge portfolio that is so varied and inclusive. It also really helps you to find out what your personal style is and it’s great to look back on and see how far you have evolved in your works.

The tutors at UAL are truly some of the best in the world. Don’t be afraid to ask for help as they always give such honest and constructive feedback. They have such a huge breadth of knowledge that they’re willing to share. And finally, always keep your kit clean – so important!

What advice would you give to potential students who would like to enrol on this course?

It’s such a cliché, but just be yourself and make the most of your time there as it truly does go by so quickly. I was constantly working, learning and pushing myself as it’s so important to keep testing out new ideas. Something you might think isn’t that successful could just land you a job that kickstarts your career!

Try to get a part-time job working on a make-up counter as it’s a great way to use their discounts and freebies to build on your make-up kit, save yourself some money and keep practicing your craft.

Finally, remember to always be kind, professional and treat everyone with respect.