Since arriving back in Australia almost two years ago, international make-up artist Heidi Scarlett King has fast become a familiar face on the beauty scene. From presenting at brand events to delivering the beauty looks for some of the country’s favourite TV shows, King is undoubtedly a hot commodity.
Following news she’s just been signed as the hair and make-up supervisor for the next season of Australia’s Next Top Model (ANTM), BD sat down with King to find out everything about her flourishing career, how she got her ‘big break’ into the industry, and what effect social media influencers have on the careers of make-up artists.
Can you tell me a bit about your career history?
I've been in the biz for 15 years now with the first seven years working in Sydney, then six years overseas, now back for the last almost two years. I started in 2001 after college, assisting on TV productions. Being 19, I was bored so I moved quickly into fashion and (fashion) shows. I started assisting make-up maestro Dotti in 2003 and that started a lot of amazing things like Vogue covers and trips away. I got an agent and started doing my own editorials and advertising, but in 2008 I felt I was ready for a new challenge so I moved to London.
After a year of hard times trying to get work, I got offered a few freelance TV roles and loved it. I started working on some great shows with BSkyb, ITV, BBC music and Channel 5. It was then I was asked to audition for a 'beauty expert' role on TV for ITV UK. Even though I wasn't sure, I just went for it and got it with two other make-up artists! In 2011 we became the beauty expert squad on ITV’s This Morning show. We had our own segments and took each week in turn to create how-to videos and make-overs for the show.
This opened up so many doors I didn't even think were possible and really challenged me in a lot of other ways than just doing make-up. Being on live TV in front of two to four million people was nothing short of frightening – but such a great learning curve! That's what started me onto the presenting path. I went on to do a presenting diploma at the London College of Media and got a TV agent for beauty presenting roles.
How did you get your 'big break' into the industry?
I honestly don't think there's ever one big break, but a succession of many [mini breaks] throughout your work life. The biggest moment (so far) was landing the beauty expert role on ITV’s This Morning show. It's one of [the] most popular shows on TV there, so it was an incredible thing to be a part of.
What made you return to Australia?
I came back for personal reasons. [It was] not an easy decision but the beautiful sunny beach days, good friends and family make it seem right!
Is it easier to get make-up artistry and presentation work in Australia compared to England?
No, there's a lot less work here in Australia as it’s so much smaller. Plus, I think the culture here is very safe – the industry tends to stick to who they know and just use the same people for everything!
You've recently accepted a new role with ANTM. What will your role be?
I'm the hair and make-up supervisor for the production. I’ll oversee the team of hair and make-up artists and create the looks for the show or the talent (or aspiring models in this case).
Are you excited about the role?
Absolutely! It's super long hours and a lot of pressurised moments making decisions quick-fast, looking after your team, and also making sure continuity and the highest level of work gets filmed all at the same time. Not easy, but I LOVE IT!
How did you come to be recruited for the position?
After supervising for most of The Voice this series, the same production company then approached me for ANTM.
What appeals to you about doing the hair and make-up for television roles?
These roles are more like fashion shows than TV. Sure there are slower days of filming, but these types of TV shows are very creative and exciting to work on. I loved seeing the transformations we did on The Voice contestants. It's really rewarding work.
Is it a full-time role being a supervising hair and make-up artist?
Yes and then some!
Would you like to get into TV yourself?
[It’s] just more of what I've already done – beauty presenting.
You also do a lot of presenting for different brands. How did you get involved in this?
I love hosting events for beauty brands I feel passionate about. I like getting people excited about products. I do this with anyone who will listen, so it's great to do it as a job too! I’d say the presenting background has led [me] into this work.
Do you prefer presenting to being behind the scenes?
I like both. You get a tremendous buzz from the in front of [the] camera/audience stuff, but behind-the-scenes is where you get creative fulfilment and that is so rewarding.
You are also involved in lots of make-up for fashion shows, editorial, and with celebrities. What has been the most exciting gig you've ever done?
I'm a huge Duran Duran fan, so working with them in the UK for a show was pretty special.
Have there been any lowlights?
Absolutely! There's been plenty of nos, knock backs and days where I couldn't pay the rent (especially in London!) You just have to keep going and hope better days come (and they do).
Do you feel that it's harder now for make-up artists in the current influencer-trending market?
Yes! In some ways we certainly are forced into being 'more social' with our work lives. This can be great, but it opens up the market for far less experienced artists as well for the same jobs. It seems strange to me that make-up artists are judged on their Instagram or Twitter follower numbers instead of their CV and portfolio these days.
What would be your dream job?
A production taking me around the world with a great fun team!
Where are we likely to see Heidi Scarlett King in five years?
I'm not sure where I'll be next week let alone in five years! But as Frank Sinatra once said: "The best is yet to come"... Watch this space!
