Entertainment

January 1990 - Present

Hair & Makeup Artist

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.

Retail

1983 - 1989

Retail Assistant and Store Manager

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1982

Matriculation, Year 12

English, Art, Biology, Geography, Australian History

Wilderness School, South Australia

1985 - 1987

Management Training

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

Rabbit Photo in House Training, South Australia.

1989 - 1991

Certificate in Makeup Artistry

Theatre, Film, TV and Special Effects Makeup

Jay and Jay Makeup Academy, South Australia.

1990 - 1994

Associate Diploma of Art

Major in Ceramic Sculpture

North Adelaide School of Art

1996 - 1999

Certificate IV in Hairdressing

Haircutting, Styling and Colouring

JAMM Hair Academy, South Australia.

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.

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.