Life at Guildford College

Anna Lumsden completed her Hair and Media Make-up Level 3 Extended Diploma at Guildford College in 2017. She now works as a freelance hair and make-up artist. 

“I loved my time at Guildford College. I made friends for life, learnt so much, and took part in many opportunities, such as national make-up competitions and lots of work experiences,” said Anna. 

“My time at Guildford College helped me build a solid foundation for my career, gain more confidence, and discover what I’m capable of. 

“I will always be grateful for my time there, especially the support of my course tutor Jaceyann Smith. She believed in me and always supported and pushed me to be the best I could be.” 

Favourite memory from college

“One of my favourite memories from my time at Guildford College was winning gold at the national final of the World Skills competition.” Anna shared. 

“I had worked so hard and put everything into my preparation. It was an amazing experience, and I learnt many valuable skills, including working under pressure and with a time limit. 

“These are skills I still use every day in my professional career. It meant so much to me to win, as it made me realise what I was capable of and pushed me to follow my passion and believe in myself.” 

Life after college

After college, Anna went on to study at London College of Fashion: UAL, and now works as a freelance hair and makeup artist across the UK and internationally.  

She said: “I’ve worked in a range of different areas of the industry, including: fashion, editorial, TV, music, beauty and commercial. I’ve worked for some major brands and companies, and had my work published on the cover of multiple magazines. 

“I love my job and still have the same passion and excitement for the industry that I did when I first started at Guildford College. I’m very lucky to do what I love for work, as it never really feels like work.” 

Proudest achievement

“One of the things I’m proudest of is achieving a first-class degree at university.” Anna said. 

“This was a huge achievement for me. I worked so hard, and it really paid off. I believe if you’re doing something you love and you put in the work, you will succeed. 

“In my career so far, I am very lucky to have had lots of highlights, as I do such a variety of different things. Some of my stand-out moments have to be seeing my work published on the covers of well-known magazines, as this is something I always aspired to do.” 

See Anna’s work and magazine features here! 

Advice to leavers

Anna had some words of wisdom to share with college leavers: “One of the most valuable things I’ve learnt in my career so far is to believe in yourself and that anything is possible. 

“It’s easy to be self-critical, but you are your own worst enemy. Trust your gut and remember, someone has to do it and that person could be you. 

“It takes dedication and consistency, but passion shows, and if you are doing something you genuinely enjoy, it never feels like work.”