Wollongbar local Chelsea Coughran is creating spooky Halloween looks to build the specialist skills she’ll need for a career as professional make-up artist.

With COVID-19 restrictions easing, more Australian's than ever are expected to embrace Halloween this year. The tradition is steadily growing in popularity in Australia, with consumers spending around $159 million on trick or treating in 2019. 

The 21-year-old is on track to complete a Certificate III in Makeup at TAFE NSW Wollongbar next month and was inspired to design a Halloween look for her creative make-up assessment.

Halloween was an annual tradition in Chelsea's community growing up. She started experimenting with Halloween make-up in her early teens, which she says fuelled her passion for make-up. 

"I didn't know what to do after school, but I loved make-up. So last year, Dad suggested I study beauty at TAFE NSW to get an overview, and I fell in love with the industry," said Chelsea. 

"I then enrolled in the Certificate III in Make-up so I could focus on developing specialist skills. The course teaches you different techniques and equipment and the teachers share their industry tips and tricks to create the perfect finish.

"It's a great feeling when you can bring a vision to life. My Halloween piece shows how far my skills have grown since starting the course, and I have the confidence to step further out of my comfort zone."  

Chelsea is set to start work in November in a beauty salon and is keen to continue her studies in Screen and Media to explore her passion for special effects make-up.

TAFE NSW Beauty teacher Megan Black said the course teaches students the practical skills they’ll need to launch a career as a professional make-up artist. 

"The make-up industry has a huge range of career opportunities, from glam and bridal make-up to special effects in the film and television industry," said Ms Black. 

"The course is hands-on with a range of practical tasks that support students to build a solid foundation in make-up application, as well as push their creative limits to take their skills to the next level."

Explore hundreds of courses and pursue your passion with life-changing training at TAFE NSW. For more information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Kelly Lawler, Communications Specialist. Phone: 0408 481 864. Email: Kelly-anne.lawler1@tafensw.edu.au