Tell us a bit about yourself...
My name’s Chloe, I’m 20 years old and I’m a full-time student, part-time Nandoca and self-taught special effects makeup artist and social media creator. When I’m not studying Forensic Linguistics at university or plating up PERi-PERi chips, I spend my free time creating artistic makeup looks and posting them on social media. I also upcycle and customise clothing, painting on anything from denim jackets to Converse shoes.
How did you get into what you do?
From around the age of 13 I was always infatuated with makeup - Halloween has always been my favourite time of year. I stumbled across YouTube pages with makeup tutorials and began following them. At 16, I incorporated my special effects makeup talent into my Art and Performing Arts GCSEs and eventually began posting them on social media. During the first lockdown, I downloaded Tiktok and began posting tutorials, where near enough overnight I gained a following. I now get to work with makeup brands and collaborate on makeup looks. When I want to give my skin a breather, I turn my focus to old clothes I want to upcycle, usually denim, and I freehand paint things like linework and Disney characters.
Who or what inspires you?
My little sister Faith. She’s only 16 but she’s struggled with dyslexia and autism all her life. Despite this, she’s pushed the boundaries of her disorders, gaining a love of reading and a passion for singing and dancing. She inspires me because she’s never let anything stop her from chasing what she wants.
What does being a creative mean to you?
Creativity means expression and escapism. It gives you time to focus on tiny details in big pictures or escape big pictures by creating alterative tiny details. Being a creative, my life is pretty busy, so when I have the time, I use painting as a means of meditation. I can sit for hours drawing pictures on my face. And I’m able to use my artform as a means of expressing how I’ve felt in situations as well as something people can relate to and use it to escape worrying thoughts or endless to-do lists - and just enjoy the moment of peace really.
What biases have you faced in your career?
Social media, although great for sharing creativity, is very follower-driven. Even with the number of followers and engagement I have, I’m considered a micro influencer. As a female LGBTQ+ creative, when I explain I’m doing a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Linguistics, people are often surprised. They see me as someone who simply paints on their face and takes selfies. What they don’t see is the thought process behind posts, art theory, understanding social media and community management, basic photography, as well as having a job and degree. Working with customers has also meant I’ve been spoken down to due to my age and femininity at times. I’m thoroughly grateful for my accomplishments and noticeably understanding that I’m a white creator, who may even be subject to ‘pretty privilege’ as I fit the Eurocentric standard of beauty.
What biases have you faced in life?
I’m a femme queer, so when I’ve been out with my girlfriend for a meal, people may not typically look at us and think we’re a couple. As an example, we were out at a restaurant during COVID restrictions and either side of the table had screens. A group of men came in and began antagonizing us. Even after I explained we weren’t interested, they started shaking the screens and making rude comments and we unfortunately had to leave.
What's your proudest moment to date?
My social media is my portfolio, it shows all my talents and achievements and makes it near impossible to pick just one. It’s opened doors for me, some I didn’t even know were possible and helped me collaborate with multiple brands, even being reposted by large companies like Anastasia Beverly Hills as well as the opportunity to meet and go to an award-winning makeup artist’s masterclass.
