A MAKEUP artist from Helensburgh has thanked the public for helping her secure a place in the final of the Academy of Makeup Scotland’s Hallowe’en competition.

Louise Sharkey, 33, started her makeup career three years ago when a thoughtful person in her life applied for an HNC makeup artistry course at West College Scotland Clydebank campus for her.

After three years at college, her final graded unit not only got her an A but has secured her a place in the competition final.

Louise said: “I was always interested in makeup as my mum Imelda worked in make-up and used to face paint at the Faslane Fair. So I grew up around it.

“I loved my three years at West College Scotland and found a real passion for prosthetics and special effects makeup.

“I was trained in all aspects of makeup but my confidence and interest lies more in that field.

“At the end of my final year HND we had to do a graded unit and show off all the skills we had been taught.

“I knew straight away I wanted to go very dark and also I wanted to show off my life casting and prosthetics skills.

“I took my inspiration from a short CreepyPasta.com story called ‘The Russian Sleep Experiment’.

“It went great. My model Stuart and photographer Martin were just amazing and I got an A for my work.”

Louise is currently looking for work in the industry following her graduation from West College Scotland today, and she hopes that by entering the competition more people will see her work.

Competitors in the Academy’s online contest submitted a picture of their work and try to get as many likes as possible on their photograph on social media site Instagram.

The five artists with the most likes on their entry by Hallowe’en were entered into the final, where industry judges will cast the deciding vote.

The judges include director and makeup artist Sara Hill, Molly Bee, Elina Liljeholm, Erika Marie MUA and Vanity Venom.

Louise said: “There was a lot of amazing artists who entered their work so I wasn’t very confident but thought it’s worth a shot anyway.

“I can’t believe I have made the final.

“My picture and work will now be sent to big makeup artists across the world and they make a decision on who will win.

“I just can’t believe I got this far.

“When I entered I didn’t dream I would be in the top five.

“I was actually just happy to see the Academy of Makeup logo beside my picture. A massive thank you to everyone.”

Louise’s photograph finished up with around 1,200 likes. The picture in first finished up with approximately 1,500.