Special Effects
by Rachael Howe
Professional info
I am a Special Effects artist who is passionate about creating specialist make ups and props for films, events and parties. I am currently studying at The University of Bolton. I have previously worked at LARP events such as Victoriana, The Shifting and Rockets and Rayguns and Really Nice Tea, providing props and make up for events as well as being commissioned to provide face paints for parties.
Work experience
December 2011 – November 2012 Shift Manager, Taco Bell, Manchester
During my time at Taco Bell I progressed quickly from being a Team Member to a Team Leader. This meant that I greatly added to my previous experience of working in a kitchen. My duties involved keyholding, cash handling, food preparation and stock checking as well as staff supervision and training. My position as Shift Manager meant that I was responsible for all aspects of food and staff safety whilst I was on the shop floor which relied heavily upon my ability to multi task and stay calm in a busy kitchen environment.
2010 - present
2010 - present
Education
August 09- October 09- Team Leader, Cobra Group, Manchester
Whilst working with the Cobra Group I was a door to door sales person. I worked on behalf of several major charities and became proficient at managing my own time and being very proactive. I gained a lot of confidence whilst there and progressed to position of Team Leader within a few weeks of being with the company. I helped to train new members of staff, which included having new recruits spend a day by my side, teaching them how to be assertive and how to keep a positive attitude whilst working long hours.
March 07- July 09 – Marketing Assistant, NWUPC Ltd, Manchester
I was employed as Marketing Assistant at NWUPC. My duties included administration work as well as marketing mail outs, creating newsletters and Annual Reports, chasing suppliers for information via email and telephone and I took a lot of responsibility for arranging the Annual Conference, including making bookings, informing staff and delegates about the event as well as creating and distributing the necessary paperwork. I was also responsible for keeping the Annual Returns Database up to date, which included the annual spend information for up to 30 member institutions. I was often called to work alongside senior management and was sometimes called to liaise with the Commodity Groups at universities across the North West. I became very good at working autonomously and was an effective team member in a company which consisted of only 11 members of staff.
Special Effects For Film and TV- The University of Bolton
2013- Present
​I am currently studying Special Effects at University with the aim of completing my degree next year. During my time working on my degree I have developed a passion for sculpture and mould making. I am half way through my degrgee and hope to build upon my exisiting skills over the next year and a half.
Foundation Degree in Art and Design
​2012-2013
During my time at The Manchester College I built a foundation of skills which I now use in my degree, including character creation, costume design and attention to detail. I found my Foundation Degree incredibly rewarding and have implemented many of the skills that it taught me since qualifying.