The BA14 Performance Exhibition is open until Sunday 29th June. As part of our Class of 2014 series we are showcasing students whose work features in the exhibition. Here we talk to BA (Hons) Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics for Performance student Gillian Jarvis

LCF: What have you enjoyed most about studying at LCF?
Gillian Jarvis: Being in London is amazing; there are always new things to find and so many opportunities. Being part of LCF has enabled me to meet so many interesting people all with different strengths and motivations which is always a great environment to be in when you are doing a creative course.

LCF: Have you undertaken work experience?
GJ: During my time at LCF there have always been so many opportunities for work experience. We had a whole term in second year specifically aimed at this; I spent six weeks at Millennium FX which gave me invaluable insight into the industry and really helped me to narrow down what I want to achieve in the future. It was also great spending time in a work environment whilst having the support of the university at the same time. Our course was also approached by the Olympic Committee which meant that a few of us spent the summer of 2012 preparing for and working on the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony. There were so many things to be involved with such as prop making, measuring performers and doing period hair styling, makeup and wig blocking. Being part of something world renowned was unforgettable and the experience of working behind the scenes of a live show of that scale was incredible. As LCF is part of UAL there is such a huge network of creative people. There are always opportunities to work on student films and projects throughout which is great experience.

LCF: What inspires you?
GJ: Inspiration can come from anything/anywhere which is why it is great living in such an exciting city with so much to offer. I have huge ambition to get a job doing what I love and in many ways that is what inspires me to work hard and keep learning as much as I can to help me achieve my goals.

LCF: How would you sum up your final project?
GJ: For me, my final major project was all about creating something that I was really passionate about but that could also push me and enable me to learn as much as possible. There are so many stages behind making prosthetics, having the freedom to create a project on anything was a fantastic challenge.

LCF: What are your plans for the future? And how do you feel your course will help you?
GJ: Ultimately, I want to work on films. Throughout the duration of my course I feel that I have gained a good understanding of the processes of making prosthetics, when I leave uni I am keen to find somewhere that I can continue learning and building on these skills further.

What advice would you give someone wanting to study for a BA at LCF?
Make the most of the facilities at university. Always keep updated on people and work that inspire you. Take the time to learn the names of products and processes. Always be ambitious with your designs – It is better to push yourself out of your comfort zone and learn more than to stick with something that you are already comfortable doing.