Makeup Artist & Hairdresser

Marion Lee

With over 30 years of industry experience, my passion for the craft has only grown. Most recently, I have worked in television drama in various full-time positions and served as an additional hair and makeup artist between those more extended contracts.

I enjoy mixing things up to keep my work fresh. I began my career at Channel 9 in Adelaide and occasionally continue to work in this area, recently contributing to football and cricket telecasts for Foxtel and NEP. Additionally, I have experience in the corporate, commercial, and still photography sectors. My skill set also includes wig application, styling, and basic special effects (SPFX).

Makeup Artist & Hairdresser

Marion Lee

Personal Information

Elwood, Vic. 3184
+61 408 748 128
contact@marionlee.com.au
Australian
She / Her

Work Experience

Type of Business

Entertainment

Dates

January 1990 - Present

Position

Hair & Makeup Artist

Responsibilities

I began my career as a hair and makeup artist at Channel 9 in Adelaide. Since then, I have worked as a freelancer on numerous productions in various roles within the makeup and hair departments in Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne.

I am confident in leading small teams and fulfilling supporting roles as needed based on job requirements. With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, I have learned how to work effectively with diverse personalities, remain flexible, and adapt quickly to new situations.

Over the years, I have developed practical skills in makeup and hairdressing, including wig work and special effects. Additionally, a significant portion of my work has involved managing people, inventory, scheduling, and continuity supervision. I also enjoy this aspect of my role, as if these operations run smoothly, the creative side will flow much more easily.

Type of Business

Retail

Dates

1983 - 1989

Position

Retail Assistant and Store Manager

Overview

After graduating from school and unsure about my career path, I found myself working as a retail assistant in a one-hour photo processing store. The retail chain, initially Fotomart, later rebranded as Rabbit Photo in Adelaide. Training was a fundamental part of the company culture, and I was fortunate to have regular weekly sessions on customer service, staff management, stock inventory, merchandising, and the technical side of photo development.

After a couple of years, I was promoted to Store Manager. I started in a small store and eventually led a team of 12, a mix of permanent and casual staff. The skills I gained during my time in retail, such as leadership, customer service, and staff management, were invaluable and greatly assisted me in my second career as a makeup artist and hairdresser.

Career highlights

1990 - 1998

Hair & Makeup Artist. Nine Network, South Australia

During my years at Nine, I worked on many of their programs, including News Service, Children’s shows such as Here’s Humphrey, and National Shows when they came to S.A., such as Hey Hey It’s Saturday, The Australian Grand Prix, Cricket Telecasts, The Today Show, and A Current Affair. During this time, I also finished my Diploma in Art and Certificate in Hairdressing.

1999 - 2000

Freelance Hair & Makeup Artist

During these years, I had the opportunity to explore new avenues while still having the security of taking occasional shifts at Channel 9. I've been fortunate to maintain that relationship while living in Adelaide.

I worked with several other commercial networks on a variety of programs, including news, current affairs, and children's television shows like "Chuck Finn." My first feature for U.S. television was "Disappearance." Throughout this time, I also worked on TV commercials, theatre productions, still shoots, weddings, and even a bit of teaching, which I still engage in whenever the opportunity arises. I also consolidated my hairdressing skills by working part-time in a salon.

2001 - 2008

McLeod’s Daughters, Series 1-8. Nine Network.

After eight years and seven seasons, I learned much about the stamina required to work on a drama series filmed entirely on location. I discovered the deep and meaningful bonds that can form professionally and personally through this experience. I also enjoyed a different style of makeup and hairstyling compared to my time in TV studios. Additionally, I utilised my special effects skills and gained experience with wig work.

2009 - PRESENT

After my years at McLeod's Daughters, I began working in Victoria and South Australia in many roles within makeup and hair departments, from assistant to key makeup/hair supervisor and occasionally as a designer on films and TV series.

I have continued working on additional days between extended contracts for various series and films, AFL, AFLW, cricket sporting telecasts, reality shows, commercials, corporate events, and weddings. I relocated to Melbourne in early 2019, intending to work fewer hours on more extended contracts while supplementing my income with this type of work.

A selection of the programs I have worked on at Channel Nine S.A
A selection of the variety of programs I have worked on in a short term / additional capacity

Credit List

Selected Credit List for Full Time Contracts.

2001 - 2009
Makeup / Hair Artist
2009
Makeup / Hair Artist
2009
Key Makeup / Hair Artist
2009
Makeup / Hair Artist
2010
Makeup / Hair Artist
2010
Makeup / Hair Assistant
2011
Makeup / Hair Assistant
2011
Makeup / Hair Assistant
2011
Makeup / Hair Artist
2012
Makeup / Hair Artist
2012
Makeup / Hair Assistant
2013
Makeup / Hair Assistant
2014
Makeup / Hair Artist
2014
Makeup / Hair Artist
2015
Makeup / Hair Artist
2015 - 2016
Makeup / Hair Artist and Designer
2016
Makeup / Hair Artist
2016 - 2017
Makeup / Hair Artist
2017
Makeup / Hair Artist
2018
Makeup / Hair Artist
2018
Makeup / Hair Artist
2018
Makeup / Hair Artist
2019
Makeup / Hair Artist
2020
Makeup / Hair Artist
2020
Key Makeup / Hair Artist
2020
Assistant Makeup / Hair Artist
2020
Makeup / Hair Artist
2021
Makeup / Hair Artist
2021
Makeup / Hair Artist
2022
Makeup / Hair Artist
2022
Makeup / Hair Artist
2023
Makeup / Hair Artist Key
2024
Makeup / Hair Supervisor
2024
Makeup / Hair Artist
2024
Makeup / Hair Supervisor
Coming in 2025
Makeup / Hair Artist

Education and Training

I have consistently enhanced my education in various speciality areas through numerous short courses, primarily focusing on hair, makeup, and special effects (FX). Most recently, I attended the Media Mentors Leadership and Management training workshop in December 2023. Below is a list of my more formal education.

Dates

1982

Qualification Awarded

Matriculation, Year 12

Principal Studies

English, Art, Biology, Geography, Australian History

Institution

Wilderness School, South Australia

Dates

1985 - 1987

Qualification Awarded

Management Training

Principal Studies

Customer Service, Staff Management, Stock Control, Photo Processing.

Institution

Rabbit Photo in House Training, South Australia.

Dates

1989 - 1991

Qualification Awarded

Certificate in Makeup Artistry

Principal Studies

Theatre, Film, TV and Special Effects Makeup

Institution

Jay and Jay Makeup Academy, South Australia.

Dates

1990 - 1994

Qualification Awarded

Associate Diploma of Art

Principal Studies

Major in Ceramic Sculpture

Institution

North Adelaide School of Art

Dates

1996 - 1999

Qualification Awarded

Certificate IV in Hairdressing

Principal Studies

Haircutting, Styling and Colouring

Institution

JAMM Hair Academy, South Australia.

Additional Information

I can supply a recent Working with Children Check and supporting References and Certificates.

I am passionate about learning and broadening my horizons. I am dedicated to providing professionalism, confidentiality, flexibility, and creativity in all my work, no matter where it takes me.

Personal Interests

I love travelling and enjoying home life. I am a passionate dog lover, especially of greyhounds. I have owned four rescue hounds. I was the South Australian Freestyle Roller Skating champion for five years in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and I still enjoy skating occasionally. However, yoga is my primary form of exercise now. Additionally, I have interests in tiny homes, architecture, politics, and psychology.

Let’s get in touch



    I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where I work and live. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. I celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

    Copyright Marion Lee 2024

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