Slapp Chat with Portia Ferrari, Co-Creative Director at Noctis Magazine
She’s the super-talented Co-Creative Director of Noctis Magazine, and the Hair & Makeup talent, behind some of the year’s freshest editorials. Portia Williams, aka Portia Ferrari, has created effortlessly cool looks for Reebok, V Magazine, Pause and Notion; and rising stars Anais Gallagher and Molly Moorish. Portia Ferrari is a name to know- and her bun game is strong. We caught up with the multi-talented London-based creative, to talk make-up, having freedom to create and the trick to staying on top of it all.
When did your love affair with makeup start and how did you get into being a makeup artist?
I've always been more of a natural makeup wearer myself but I began to do my sister's makeup before I moved to London when I was in Art college. My sister did YouTube videos so I always would jump in and do looks on her for practice. During that time I was applying to get into Uni so that was when I decided to go to London College of Fashion and get into Fashion Makeup. From there, I did a mixture of assisting and developed my own style on the side.
As a multi-talented creative, what would you say are the perks of getting to experience so many different areas of the fashion/arts industries?
I really enjoy seeing things from different perspectives, I think it's vital to keep an open mind and a high level of understanding, so you work well with other people and create to the best of your ability. Experience of different areas in the industry helps you to see the bigger picture when collaborating and also helps you keep your options open until the time is right.
What’s your day-to-day usually like?
It really changes quite dramatically each week! I have a couple of different routines I slip into depending on what job role is dominating my inbox the most. Daily things for me consist of mostly; some sort of workout, admin(emails etc), coffee, research and planning. Week to week I can have anywhere from 1-3 shoots, meetings, events and projects to be on set for, as well as my acting commitments that week! You have to keep yourself as healthy as possible, to keep up energy to cope and enjoy to the max!
What has been your greatest achievement in your career so far?
I think getting this far along, juggling all the things that I do feels like a pretty big achievement for me. It's really hard, you have to really know what you want and what you don't. The greatest challenge is being able to cope with the pressure of needing to achieve your dreams on a day to day. We have to remain thankful for it all in order to achieve more.
What are your thoughts on London’s creative scene?
I think it's very inspiring, there's always a new (or very old) world subject to explore and in London you have the freedom to create and talk about pretty much anything.
What inspires you?
All of life -I'm inspired by many things but children and animals are the best to watch, they know about living and enjoying life more than most adults
Do you have a beauty muse?
Angelina Jolie. For me, beauty starts within and she undoubtedly has a radiant beauty aside from what we can see on screen.
What are your experiences of diversity in the fashion/beauty industry?
I believe that with every day, the subject of diversity is being pushed, questioned and highlighted. The more we talk about it and question what is truly right and wrong, the more we raise awareness on the subject. People have fought and will still fight for years, for equality in all areas and it's this perseverance that results in change. The world has a huge spectrum of beauty and the fashion and beauty industry MUST reflect that. I as a 'woman of colour' take great pleasure in being a part of this industry and pushing for this - It's almost 2017, let's get with the programme.
Would you share an early beauty memory or a biggest beauty mistake with us?
Bit gross but when I was 13 or 14, I was shaving my legs with a brand new razor and pressed too hard up along my shin and took my pigmented layer of skin off! So painful I had to walk around with tissue stuck to it to stop the bleeding! The scar was there for years! Gone now though, never again was I so carefree shaving!
ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE.
What’s your go-to makeup routine?
CLEANSE -TONE- MOISTURISE, Fill in brows, Mascara, Tinted moisturiser & Lip Balm!! Boom haha
If you could only Slapp on one beauty product, what would it be?
Moisturiser!!! Forever and ALWAYS.
What exciting projects do you have coming up?
At the minute i'm waiting on some exciting projects to get released that i've been working on. Super super excited about that -lots of video work, so watch this space! There are a few fun editorials happening and also hopefully will be working more with some amazing music artists!
What advice would you give to aspiring creatives?
Face the fear and stick to your gut.
Follow Portia: @Portiaferrari https://www.instagram.com/portiaferrari/