katie pettigrew

Katie Pettigrew moved to London in 1996 from the Midlands after completing her college course in Worcester, where she also qualified as a hairdresser.

Starting out in film/tv and theatre, her major break came when she was assigned wig mistress on “The League of Gentlemen” tour.

Katie is in high demand for her make up and hair skills and travels all over the world for fashion, music promos and commercials. Her recent assignments this year alone have taken her to such locations as Cape town, The Maldives, Gambia, The Seychelles and Portugal.

Magazines: Vogue, Grazia, Red, S magazine, Style, Brides, Smash hits, FHM

Advertising: BHS, Debenhams, Jasper Conran, Loreal, Littlewoods, Jeff Banks, G-Shock, Lynx, Virgin Atlantic

Celebs: Duran Duran, Blue, Gwen Stefani, Girls Aloud, Fearne Cottton, Alex Zane, Paul Weller, Snow Patrol, Scissor sisters

Interview with Katie…..

How did you get into make up?

Funny enough I wanted to be a nurse and 15 years ago but didn’t get my GSCEs..so went to hairdressing college with my school friend where they also did make up. I realised I had fallen into something I was good at and enjoyed. I used to go on film sets with my tutor, war zones and all in the Midlands on cannock chase.. I was the only one in make up class who was interested in that kind of thing… Lucky me!

What have been your best moments so far?

Probably at college 12 years ago winning the ‘student of the year’ award, it all added to my confidence. But now making a difference to someone’ s life.. It’s not all about glamour, there are people whose lives you can change just by giving them a make over.

What personality traits make a good artist?

Definitely a good easy going personality and sense of humour… as we can work with some very self obsessed, difficult characters. I think the easier you are,then the easier they are to handle.

Why did you start teaching?

Teaching came to me when I took over a friends class. You are teaching your skills to people who really really want to learn make up. It makes all the difference to you as a teacher.

Give us a typical ‘day in the life of…’ a make up artist

Wake up… If you are lucky in a fab location… Maybe Cape Town or the Maldives where I will be for most of March 2010!

And even if I am working in England, it may be a slog to get to work with a heavy kit but on arrival your creativity begins. Nothing else can match that.

Then reverse the above , go home..sleep.

What are your 3 favourite products?

Estee Lauder double wear zero smudge mascara

Estee Lauder ideal light highlighter

Elizabeth Arden 8 hour.. Always a winner for those dry patches.

What is your top beauty tip?

Chanel eye make remover is the business…. Do not let your lashes snap off with the left over mascara.

Any skin care tips?

Moisturise….ALL OVER…. Head to toe… Lips too…

What is your advice to budding make up artists?

Basically be confident and pester, call , email and pester….and assist working make up artists.