Rachel Dal Santo, the author of the Professional Makeup Artistry course, is a makeup artist with over 30 years’ experience in many sectors of the makeup industry.
In 1984, after Rachel completed her training at the Art and Technology of Makeup College under the tutelage of Dawn Swane, she began her career at the television network, Channel 7. During this period, Rachel was provided the opportunity to become Head of the Makeup Department. This position saw her manage over twenty staff and oversee many productions including popular television series, various sports broadcasts, and game shows.
The highlight of Rachel's career as Department Supervisor was coordinating the makeup requirements for the network’s coverage of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
After 17 years in television, Rachel began her freelance career in Makeup Artistry. This gave her the opportunity to work on popular films like The Matrix and Mao’s Last Dancer, where she enjoyed being a member of a large team of makeup artists. Further television credits followed with work on countless television commercials and large-scale productions like Crime Scene Investigations.
Being a makeup “all-rounder”, Rachel has also worked on many large-scale theatre productions in many theatres.
Rachel's most recent experience is teaching Makeup Artistry at various makeup colleges. She is also a guest lecturer at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and the Conservatorium of Music.
Rachel's main focus now is sharing her knowledge of makeup artistry, and she is passionate about passing that knowledge on to you!
Makeup has been my passion since childhood. As a teenager, I performed in amateur theatre and was introduced to the career path of makeup artistry by a wonderful school teacher. I met my makeup teacher and mentor, Dawn Swane at age 16 and worked towards my career from that time.
In 1981-82, I completed my training at the 3 Arts Makeup Centre, and in 1984, I started working at the Channel 7 Makeup Department. I worked there for 17 years in total, and for the last 10 of those years, I was the Head of the Makeup Department, managing a team of twenty makeup artists and hairdressers. I then pursued a freelance career working in film, theatre, and teaching makeup artistry.
My makeup career has given me so much. Wonderful experiences, working with talented and interesting people. I wanted to share my passion for my craft with the next generation of Makeup Artists and provide them the same opportunities.
Essential skills and qualities include a passion for Makeup Artistry, reliability, punctuality, a kind and caring nature, and dedication to providing the best service possible.
Most recently, I worked on an opera called GILGAMESH, for the Sydney Chamber Opera Company. I mentored one of my former students and supported him in supervising the makeup department for the first time. He made me very proud and provided a very high standard of service in the design and application of makeup and hairstyling for this avant-garde production.
In the past I supervised the makeup for the Channel 7 television presenters working on the Sydney 2000 Olympic games. In the film industry I have worked as one of a team of makeup artists on THE MATRIX and MAO'S LAST DANCER. I also train young actors and opera singers in performance makeup and hairstyling.
My philosophy is to personally maintain currency in my skills and knowledge, and then pass on this information in my teaching. I believe that encouragement is very important, as skills are developed over time, after considerable practice. I also believe that suggestions for improvement are vital to guide students and help them achieve an understanding of what is required of the makeup artist.
Skills and knowledge are gradually built from basic makeup application to advanced special effects techniques. The course covers requirements for working in various sections of the industry. These areas include bridal, photography, fashion, television, film, theatre, special makeup effects and prosthetics, hairstyling, and wig application. The course also includes a module dedicated to conducting a freelance business and building a client base.
My inspiration comes from costume design, art works, fashion trends, product innovation and people with beautiful or unusual faces. The faces of my clients, often inspire me to create looks especially for them. The work of other makeup artists is always fascinating and provides me with inspiration.
Early in my career I was impressed by Kevin Aucoin, who demonstrated what can be achieved with makeup to change the natural look of a face, either a little or to make it look completely different.
Creating a makeup application that could be considered a work of art was best demonstrated by the famous Makeup Artist and photographer Serge Lutent. In recent times, Pat McGrath took fashion makeup to a whole new level, and those who followed her, like Sarah Tanno and Gucci Westman continue exploring new possibilities.
In the film world, we have many pioneering makeup artists to thank, such as Dick Smith, Rick Baker, and the Westmore Family.
I love being able to share my passion, skills and knowledge for makeup artistry with the next generation of Makeup Artists. I love mentoring young talented people to achieve their best, and enjoy working in a job they love.
My best advice would be to take your time reading the modules more than once. Don't be in a rush to finish an assignment. Watching the video tutorials more than once, will increase your learning. Extensive practice on many different faces will improve your skills.
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