A North-East make-up artist is making a name for herself among the world’s A-listers. Rachel Meek takes a look at her brush with success

DRAMATIC and dazzling, the model is a vision of style and elegance.

She looks as though she has just stepped out of a film set or the pages of one of the nation’s favourite glossy magazines.

Looking this good isn’t a given; it takes skill, creativity and the expertise of an artist.

Creating a look for the stars of stage and screen is an art that local make-up artist Kate Pymm has mastered on her journey towards the red carpet.

The 39-year-old, of Coulby Newham, has just been spotted by national make-up artist Claire Hanson, who works with the nation’s celebrities and is also the personal assistant to global musician sensation Lionel Richie.

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the call to say that Claire wanted to meet me and go to a workshop to showcase my work,” says Kate. “I had to demonstrate my skills in make-up and hair-styling in just an hour. It was a fantastic experience and quite a challenge. I was over the moon when she said my work was red carpet standard and she wouldn’t hesitate to have me on her team.”

Delivering the wow factor is an art that Kate has been perfecting over the years, driven by her love of all things colourful and creative.

“I was always the one who did make-up and hair and often had a queue of friends waiting for me to work my magic on them before going out,” says Kate. “I would always spend my pocket money on make-up when I was young and even my dolls would get a frequent makeover.”

Throughout her school years, Kate involved herself in anything arty both in and out of the classroom. “It has never left me. I have always been interested in it. Even when I worked for years as a document control manager for Rolls- Royce, outside of work I was still very creative,” she says.

“The turning point came when I got the chance to work for Chanel cosmetics and I was amazed just how many women didn’t know how to create the look they so longed for. Delivering the wow factor and seeing their reactions made me realise working with make-up was exactly what I wanted to do.”

Kate went on to gain a string of qualifications in beauty therapy, theatrical and media make-up and hair styling. One of the most memorable assignments she has done since was with the Disney XD channel.

“When I got the call to say Disney wanted me to work on a film shoot with them I couldn’t believe it. It was a fabulous experience working with such professionals and in different locations too. It gave me a real taste of the work I wanted to develop,” she says.

Kate has also worked with local film makers creating dramatic looks for key roles. “I worked on a sci-fi movie which was filmed in blue light, with lots of moody effects like the Twilight films,” she says.

“I was working on a vampire character and it was crucial to use lots of shading and lighting in the make-up so it could be picked up well in the scenes.”

Film maker Gurnam Singh, of GK Films, is a big fan. “Kate’s creative and professional skills provided the stylistic touch that the characters needed to give the film a cinematic look; she was a key member of the team,” she says.

Kate has also taken her work to the stage where she assisted in the well-known musical production of The King and I.

“I really enjoy theatre work. It’s very busy, but exciting and it is essential to be on time for the curtain going up. You only have one chance and the actors just have to be ready.”

Mixing with actors and other celebrities is something Kate is starting to get used to and annually she gets involved in Ant and Dec’s charity event at Slaley Hall, Northumberland.

“Working with them is great and they always invite a number of celebrities along to join in the fun and raise as much as possible,”

she says. “I was really happy to be taking part in such an important event and helping guests to enjoy their day.”

An established bridal make-up artist, Kate has just secured national recognition for her work. She has been highly commended in the Wedding Industry Awards 2012, held in Cafe de Paris, Leicester Square. “That really was a taste of the red carpet,” she says. “I could not believe it when they called out my name. To be recognised nationally was incredible.

“I am just so pleased that all my hard work and determination has paid off. It is also great for my customers knowing they are in safe hands on what is probably one of the most important days of their lives.

Kate is now building on a firm foundation and has recently joined forces with the Darlington Wedding Collective, in Blackwellgate Arcade.

She is determined to use her skills to the full and is also currently busy teaching body confidence and special-effects in schools throughout the region.

“I find this work very rewarding and I often get feedback saying how I have inspired the young people to be their best,” she says. “Even the boys are inspired to be special-effects artists.”

Kate also teaches Provide Make-up Services, which is a stand-alone qualification as part of NVQ in beauty therapy, at the Tanning and Beauty Academy in Stockton.

“I really enjoy the variety of what I do and I would travel almost anywhere to do it,” she says.

• For further information on Kate log on to katepymmmakeup.co.uk or facebook.com/katepymmmakeup or you can follow Kate on twitter at katepymm72.