BIO

Michelle Michaelson’s hands have worked their magic to create astonishing results that many people can only imagine are possible using Photoshop.

But getting it right in the first place is how it was before Photoshop, and Michelle learnt her craft working with top Photographers, Directors, Models and Performers when it had to be right before the shot was taken.

Michelle trained with ‘The Makeup Man from New York – Franklin Chaloner – Makeup Artist to the Stars’. Franklin was Training Director for Helena Rubinstein, and worked with top movie stars like Joan Crawford amongst all the glamour and style of Hollywood in the Sixties.

Winning the Franklin International College of Beauty’s Top Makeup Artist Award the year after she graduated was a highlight of her emergent career.

Coming into the industry as a recognised professional, Michelle was then hired by Channel 10, where she proved herself to be a skilled, reliable and exacting make-up artist.

She then went on to freelance for most of the TV networks in Brisbane, and explored the more creative side of her craft by doing experimental photography with many of the talented young photographers of that time.

Michelle then joined famous Australian model of the seventies, Lyndall Meredith, adding a modelling component to her already existing casting agency to become Meredith Casting and Model Management.  It was here that Michelle discovered her passion for teaching make-up, grooming and deportment classes within the agency.

The years that followed included many live runway shows in Brisbane, designing the makeup of at least 20 models for each evening extravaganza, and providing the right look to best showcase each designer’s creations.
Michelle then worked backstage in theatre and the fashion industry doing wardrobe, makeup and styling for shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and worked with Miranda Kerr early in her career.

Also at this time, a number of industry professionals recognised that not only did she have a passion for makeup, Michelle also had a talent for styling, and they encouraged her to expand further into the field.

She enjoyed working on or being on set for video clips, photo shoots and tours in Australia and the US with some of Australia’s biggest and most successful rock acts of the time – bands such as the Divinyls with Chrissy Amphlett, The Screaming Jets, and INXS. She also worked on the notorious video clip for The Candy Harlots starring Aiz Lynch that was reviewed as scandalous in a featured article in People Magazine.

Michelle became highly sought after by colleagues in the Rock and Roll industry, and worked with David Anderson, who was the photographer on numerous episodes of Australian Idol.

 Working on various projects including Television Commercials, Photo shoots and a Feature film teaser with Australian Director Peter T Nathan and Cameraman Nick Paton using the new  ARRI ‘Alexia’ HD camera. The teaser was used to launch the camera in Australia and ARRI representatives were so impressed by the production values, including the Makeup and Hair, that selected shots have been used for the parent company’s ARRI showreel in Germany.

Michelle completed the award winning short film” Silver Stiletto” Directed by Luke Mayze. Starring Guy Edmonds, Christopher Sommers and Bille Brown.

Michelle  launched her 2012 Showreel on youtube and posts updates and recent work on her facebook page.

2012 has brought some great advertising, music video and stills shoots and also seen the completion of short films  ‘The Plan’ and ‘The Deal’.

Michelle continues to enjoy creating projects, working and studying in the Entertainment Industry.