Emily Walsh, a TAFE NSW graduate, has won the 2024 Emmy Award for Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) for her work on Shōgun. To celebrate this extraordinary achievement, we caught up with Emily to discuss her journey from student to internationally acclaimed artist.

Emily’s career began in the regional town of Cootamundra, which has a population of around 11,000. There, she first enrolled in a combined hair, beauty, and makeup course during high school. Little did she know that those early lessons would lay the foundation for an illustrious career in makeup artistry. “TAFE NSW gave me an introduction to the world of makeup. I’m incredibly grateful for the education and encouragement I received there,” she reflects.

After completing her studies in Australia, Emily refined her skills at the Vancouver Film School in Canada. Working abroad opened up new opportunities, notably Shōgun, an American historical drama set in 17th-century Japan. Due to pandemic-related restrictions, much of the filming took place in British Columbia, which served as the perfect stand-in for Japan.

Bringing Shōgun to life was a monumental task, with a 350-person crew outfitting actors and background performers in period-specific wigs, makeup, and costumes. “It was a massive undertaking, but seeing it all come together was incredible,” Emily shares. “I was brought on to look after Cosmo Jarvis, who played John Blackthorne.” To limit interactions, each cast member had a dedicated team with strict safety protocols, including masks and eyewear. “It was tricky navigating the terrain and conditions we were working in, especially with all the gear,” she explained.

Despite these obstacles, Emily was inspired by the creativity that Shōgun’s script encouraged, particularly in crafting the various stages of bruising, scarring, and wounds for Jarvis’ character. “Maintaining continuity was the toughest part, especially when we had to reshoot different episodes,” she noted. This level of attention to detail and dedication was crucial to her Emmy win for the episode ‘The Abyss of Life’. Reflecting on the moment, she added, “Hearing our show get called was surreal. I jumped out of my seat in excitement!”

Since Emily’s days in the classroom, TAFE NSW now offers specialised programmes like the Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-Up Services), which teaches students how to design and apply special effects makeup.

For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Emily highlights the importance of continuous learning. “Education is important, but what truly sets successful makeup artists apart is their willingness to always be learning,” she advises. Her emphasis on the importance of networking, seeking mentors, and embracing every opportunity for growth speaks to the ever-evolving nature of the makeup industry.

Emily’s next project takes her to a new police production set in Canada. Her journey stands as a testament to the opportunities that dedication and talent can unlock, proving that even from small-town beginnings, it’s possible to achieve global success.

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