#96: Siobhán Harper-Ryan, Hair & Make-Up Designer

Siobhán Harper-Ryan is a Hair & Make-Up Designer who started out as an apprentice in fashion design & millinery in London’s Camden Lock, before exploring the world of theatre in the 90s where she found a place within London’s Off West-End and the Fringe. In 1999 Siobhán changed course and trained in make-up artistry and has since enjoyed a varied & colourful career, working on a range of TV and film projects. Recently she worked on Sky Atlantic’s series I Hate Suzie, as well as Joanna Hogg’s films The Souvenir and The Souvenir Part II. The latter for which she just earned a BIFA nomination. She also worked on Joanna’s next film The Eternal Daughter, and Peter Strickland’s upcoming film Flux Gourmet. 

This is my first time chatting to a make-up designer on Best Girl Grip, so as well as chatting about Siobhán’s route into make-up artistry, we also go back to basics, discussing how she decides what make-up to use, what goes into creating onscreen looks, particularly for subtle period dramas like The Souvenir and how she establishes a rapport with the actors. We also talk about neurodivergence in the film industry, building confidence and taking time for yourself on the hubbub of a film set. 

I hope you enjoy listening to our chat. Make sure to catch The Souvenir Part II when it’s released in cinemas on 21st January next year.

This is episode 96 of Best Girl Grip.