We caught up with Make-up student Madeleine Jones on her transition from high school to NIDA, and her love of all things hair and make-up.
How did you come to study at NIDA?
I have always loved the art of performance. All through high school I did dance and drama subjects and at the same time, was interested in the hair and make-up side of things too so taught myself some very basic skills by constantly using my two (very obliging) younger sisters as models.
I think it was the Lord of the Rings trilogy that really inspired my interest in the wonderful world of hair and make-up – I just love the transformational effects of good hair and make-up, and the part it plays in the overall creation of any production.
During my final year of high school last year, I spoke with my career adviser about my interests in performance and hair and make-up, and together we found NIDA’s newly launched Vocational Diploma of Specialist Make-up Services. The course suited me perfectly combining all my interests in one. I also knew about the rigorous, prestigious nature of NIDA courses, so I decided to take a chance and apply.
I did and was accepted!
How have you enjoyed the course so far?
The course has been fantastic so far and very comprehensive in the range of practical skills we have learnt. My teachers are very knowledgeable and helpful, and I feel like I have learnt a lot already. We have already met many industry professionals too who teach us specific skills, such as our wig tutor, who has worked with Opera Australia and taught us wig knotting and styling, or another tutor with a background in fashion, who taught us make-up skills that were more suited to high fashion editorial spreads and catwalk shows.
Do you have a favourite subject within the course?
I am particularly interested in prosthetics and special effects make-up – this is usually used on fantasy productions such as Games of Thrones or the Alice in Wonderland films, among others. I’ve never had any experience or access to these types of skills and equipment before so it has been very interesting and rewarding indeed. I’m also enjoying learning more about the upkeep and styling of wigs and hairpieces.
What has been your favourite project to date?
The recent collaboration with the Diploma of Musical Theatre students and the Master of Fine Arts (Directing) students for our combined cabaret show assessment was fantastic. It was greatworking with students from other disciplines in a team environment. It’s been an extremely useful exercise to learn how to successfully navigate creative collaborations – an essential skill for anyone looking for employment in the creative and entertainment industries!
What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate, I hope to use the skills that I have learnt within the course to gain employment in the entertainment industry – ideally assisting in the hair and make-up department for film or theatre productions, with the aim of expanding my skill set and working my way up to a hair and make-up artist for film and theatre.
Photography by Maja Baska.
