Former Hartlepool students make waves in arts industry

Sherilyn Oliphant, 24, from Greatham, is a freelance make-up artist, having graduated from Cleveland College of Art and Design (CCAD) in 2013 with a degree in production design for stage and screen.

After gaining experience in her field, Sherilyn - who has also set up business SAO Makeup Artist – is now head of makeup design, costume and props for a number of sitcom pilots including ‘Hot Gulp’ and another sitcom with northern actor Gary Kitching.

She said: “During and since leaving university, I have been able to work on lots of short films, feature films, theatre productions and photoshoots.

“One of my most proud achievements has been working on feature film ‘Orthodox’ in 2013 as an art department assistant, a job given to me by CCAD.”

Sherilyn has worked on a wide range of feature length and short films such as ‘Dark Net’ with comedian and actor Jonny Vegas, and the regionally filmed horror story, ‘Ripper.’

She has also been a creative assistant at London Design Week and assisted with set embellishment for the production of ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ at the Vaults Theatre in Waterloo.

She added: “It’s so exciting to be a part of a big team – everybody with such different job roles, working towards one goal.”

Also enjoying successful careers are designers Emma Tweddle, 27, and business partner Vik Watson, 29, who both graduated with degrees in graphic design from CCAD in 2011.

They are now creating up a storm after setting up design agency Brainbox Studios six years ago and are now working with clients such as Nike and local businesses such as Chilli Cake Deli.