I recently had the opportunity to work on a commercial assisting make-up artist Ava Stone (Adoration, Bollywood/Hollywood, Vendetta: No Conscience, No Mercy). Another top Complections graduate, Christina Scott, and I were selected to work on the shoot, which was a three minute dance sequence that was filmed in 3D. And the coolest part? The sequence was then replayed for her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, as they were here in Toronto for a Royal visit. I was quite surprised when I found out that the Queen would be visiting the set, but it made it all more exciting!

To help with the looks during the shoot, I took what I learned about period and film make-up in school, and through Ava's guidance, we did an 1800s inspired make-up consisting of strong brows and red lips, which complimented the accent colour of the dancers’ clothing.

I've had the opportunity to be on quite a few sets since graduating in December, but it was very amazing to be part of such a large production. The mechanics of the 3D camera was really fascinating to watch – it would swoop in and out on a giant dolly, getting so close to the dancers; you could tell that they put a lot of trust in the technicians.

The most satisfying part was seeing the hair, make-up and wardrobe come together so seamlessly; it really made me feel like an important part of an accomplished team. I really had a great experience, and will take what I learned and continue to move forward in my make-up career.

Catherine Veitch has worked in different aspects of the industry from bridal to theatre since graduating from Complections in May 2010. Most recently, she had an amazing and unique opportunity; as one of the top graduates in her class, Cat had the chance to put her make-up artistry skills to good use working for Toronto’s Luminato Festival of Arts and Creativity.

The show was a mix of theatre and opera, called The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer, and was put on at Massey Hall. “At first, I admit I was a little intimidated by the idea. All you have to do is walk up to the stage door of Massey Hall and you feel intimidated!” Cat jokes. The show told the story of Austrian man Jack Unterweger, played by John Malkovich, who shared the stage with two beautiful Sopranos: Bernarda Bobro and Marie Arnet; their songs were accompanied by the Orchester Wiener Akademie. “This has been one of my favourite jobs so far. I was able to use everything I learned at school from fashion and theatre, not to mention hair as well. The Sopranos were so welcoming, and wonderful to work with. I met people from all over the world, including the whole orchestra from Austria, and John Malkovich, who has always been a favourite actor of mine. It was just such a different theatre experience than any I’ve had in the past. I had a lot of freedom with what I could do, and it was fun playing with the Sopranos to find something which made them look and feel their best on stage.”

This experience has given Cat her first professional theatre credit, and she is excited to continue on with hopes of more of the same. She welcomes all aspects of the industry, and is learning something new with each opportunity. “It gives you even more respect for your teachers once you’ve started working in the industry and you’re on your own. These are artists who have been working to make a name for themselves for years in the business, and they bring all of that knowledge to us as their students. Even after graduating, they continue to be there for us and offer a helping hand. That’s what I love about them, and that’s why it’s so important to build those relationships with your teachers and fellow students while at Complections.”

To see more of Cat’s work, check out her website!