From James Watt College to River City

Summary: A former James Watt College student is getting up-close-and-personal with the stars after bagging herself a job on River City.

A former James Watt College student is getting up-close-and-personal with the stars after bagging herself a job on River City.

Nina Blake couldn’t believe her luck when she was offered the position of trainee make-up artist on the hit BBC TV soap.

For the next few months the 22 year old will be making sure some of the biggest and best names on the show are kept perfectly in character throughout filming.

Nina, who lives in Glasgow, said: “I’m delighted to be working on such a great TV programme. I decided to apply for the job because I’ve always had an interest in working in TV or theatre. I also live nearby and knew that this was regarded as one of the best trainee jobs in Scotland.”

“When I arrived on my first day it was a bit daunting. I suppose, like any other new job, everyone knows each other and it can be quite frightening, but I’ve settled right in and am finding the whole experience really rewarding.”

“A lot of the work is very high pressure. I work in two separate locations and, as well as working with the cast members, I also do a lot of administrative work in areas such as continuity.”

“Getting to see stories far in advance of broadcast can be really interesting. At the moment we’re completing filming on Christmas and New Year scenes. It was certainly challenging getting the cast members to look festive and cold when we were in the height of a short heat-wave!”

Nina, who studied the HND make-up artistry, is one of several students who’ve used the highly regarded qualification to develop exciting careers in the field.

Make-up artistry lecturer Isobel Donald commented: “James Watt College has a rich history in providing courses tailored specifically for the make-up and beauty industries.”

“Nina is a great example of how the courses arm students with the skills required in today’s demanding world of work. The HND make-up artistry focuses heavily on TV and theatre with both practical and theoretical work.”

“We also offer a wide range of other courses at various levels focussing on areas such as hairdressing and beauty therapy.”

Industry feedback

Feedback from
Georgina Pelosi
Senior Beauty Team Artist

From the time I have spent with the Artists and yourself who previously studied at James Watt college, whom I have worked with many times in Frasers in Glasgow over the last 3 years, I can truly say have an exceptionally high level of skill in makeup artistry. This is combined with knowledge of all technical aspects and industry standards.
When I presented the Bobbi Brown Makeup Masterclass in September I found the students to be extremely interactive, interested and passionate about all topics we covered, Some students continued this with a personal interest in my career and asked lots of advice after the session.
Finally, I wish to say it was a pleasure to represent the Bobbi Brown Artistry Team at James Watt, I look forward to coming back again in the future.


Feedback from
Paul Herrington

Head of Artistry

Bobbi Brown

-“I have worked with James Watt college for around 3 years now where I have been able to meet the students and talk to them about my time in the industry.

I have always been impressed with the enthusiasm shown by the students and it is obvious that they are passionate about the work they do and are keen to progress in the makeup artist industry.

I believe the college offers a strong course and sets up the students in the best possible way to be a success when they leave. I know that many have gone on to work for Bobbi Brown and have become some of our strongest artists in our studios.”

Feedback from
Sarah Cairncross

During my years working as a make-up artist in industry there have been many projects in film and theatre where I have required assistants. My first port of call is always James Watt College. The thorough grounding in all areas of make up artistry that is provided at J W C is essential in equipping these students with the skills and knowledge they need to survive in a demanding professional environment.

I feel that the passion and dedication of the team of tutors J.W.C is so lucky to have in this department have really raised the bar on the standards expected from students on the course. I know first hand the lengths tutor Isobel Donald will go to to ensure that her students are up to date with all the latest developments happening in industry and it certainly pays off. In the 6 years I have been recruiting students from J.W.C I have never had cause for concern or complaint. I've only ever been impressed by their confidence and ability to handle the pressures and challenges the job involves in the real world, they've been a credit to the college and their tutors. It also has to be noted that this has been a consistent achievement of which I am very grateful to have benefited from in working with these students on productions I am involved in from all over the world. I have gone on to recommend these students for professional jobs with complete confidence and peace of mind which is the result of such excellent training.

Feedback from
Rhona Ferguson
Advanced Artist
Bobbi Brown Uk

Working with James Watt College over the past few years has been a rewarding experience.
Through the hard work, passion and determination shown from staff to educate their students has been proven year in, year out.  Having witnessed the drive from the lecturers to give the best seminars and workshops from industry professionals shows real dedication.
Knowing up and coming Make-up Artists are receiving the best industry exposure, means that they stand in good stead to be the best they can be.

Feedback from
Sharron Carey - A Team Artist For Bobbi Brown

Having worked with James Watt College on several occasion now, I am always impressed with the professional attitude and the artistic abilities of both students and lectureres.
The students are always interactive and have a thirst for knowledge that I feel reflects the passion of the lecturers. Working in the industry for many years now, I am always approached
about about where to study make-up artistry and due to my positive experiences with the students and lecturers at James Watt College, I don't think twice about recommending this college and course.