Student's future is looking good (From Swindon Advertiser)

Student's future is looking good

2:01pm Wednesday 24th September 2008 in Fashion

BUDDING make-up artist Kelly Willis is on cloud nine after winning a coveted place at the prestigious London College of Fashion.

The 22-year-old from Old Town dreams of working on films, designing prosthetics and doing the make-up for Hollywood megastars.

Kelly moved from the Isle of Wight to Swindon two years ago to take a place at Swindon College. Now, having completed the course, she is counting down the days until she begins her foundation degree in televi - sion and film make-up.

"The interview was so nervewracking, " she said.

"The two girls who were interviewed before me were practically in tears after theirs so I was very nervous.

"They asked me why I should get a place on the course and what I would bring to a team on a film set - I couldn't believe it when they told me I'd got in."

Kelly had every reason to be surprised after losing out on two other courses at the college.

"I was down to my last course choice and knew if I didn't get this I would be stuck, " she said.

"So when they offered me the chance to do the TV and film make-up and then progress onto prosthetics in two years I snapped it up."

Kelly was featured in the Advertiser last month after her success at an end of year media make-up show.

The talented student painted friend and fellow student Gretlin Aumre for a part in an adaptation of the fairytale Billy Goats Gruff.

"It was so much fun, " she said. "But my favourite project was when I had to paint a model to blend into a background, like camouflage.

"It was fantastic and definitely the highlight of the course."

Kelly also completed her course - a BTEC National Diploma - with a distinction.

Course tutor Elouisa Baskerville said: "The media make-up team are all really proud of Kelly, she moved away from her family and friends on the Isle of Wight to study here with us in Swindon and has consistently worked hard to achieve outstanding results.

"It is not luck that has got her a place at the London College of Fashion - it is determination and focus."