Meet the artist: Connie McGrath

Today we meet brilliant makeup artist Connie McGrath.

Numerous gorgeous brides have had the pleasure of having their make-up done by Connie, and she also won several awards for her talent.

Connie takes care of makeup also for film and theatre productions. A bit more unusual is her makeup FX incredible talent, creating special effects with fake blood and realistic scars for the screen, like the one below. She keeps herself busy also facilitating workshops and tutorials teaching the secrets of her wonderful art.

Very kindly Connie agreed to have a wee chat with me and I’m sharing it with you.

How did you become an artist?

I was interested in art from a very young age. I studied G.C.S.E and A-Level art at school prior to graduating from the University of Ulster with a degree in Fine and Applied Art. I became a makeup artist in 2013 when I was living in Australia and volunteered at a makeup FX studio, creating props and applying zombie makeups for short film. After that experience, I knew which creative path I wanted to take in life.

What inspires you most in your work?

I love applying beauty and FX makeup, but creating realistic injury makeups is the most challenging and enjoyable part of my job. The creative process behind making prosthetics can often be tricky and there is little room for error. I love watching movies and seeing the work of other artists and wondering how they created certain pieces. The work of other makeup artists inspires me greatly. There is always something new to learn.

Can you tell me one highlight of your career?

Chatting with Greg Cannom, the makeup artist famed for his work on the film Mrs Doubtfire and the Michael Jackson ‘Thriller’ video, amongst many others. He gave me some really great advice about the industry. His work is incredible.

How has art helped you cope with lockdown?

When the lockdown was first introduced, my bridal makeup business, all my makeup FX workshops, and my film and theatre work ceased with immediate effect. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before I was approached by several production companies asking if I would put my makeup tutorials online.

Navigating film-editing software for the first time and creating an online learning platform for this particular art form, became my primary focus during quarantine and was a welcome distraction for me from all the negative news relating to the Corona virus. Art can be such a positive distraction during tough times and I definitely feel that having something creative to focus on helped me to cope with the effects of the pandemic.

You can follow Connie’s work and enquire for her services on Instagram, Facebook, IMDB and of course on her website: www.conniemcgrathmakeupfx.com