We’re thrilled to celebrate the incredible journey of CMS alumna and Emmy-winning Hair & Makeup Artist, Sim Camps. Recently, we caught up with Sim to hear about her career, her time at CMS, and her work as the wig and hair artist for Cynthia Erivo on Wicked. The film’s stunning makeup, designed by the acclaimed Frances Hannon, has already garnered nominations for its outstanding artistry.
Here’s what Sim had to share:
Can you share a bit about your journey into the film and TV industry? How did you first get started?
Sim:"I trained as a hairdresser when I was 17 years old and later expanded my skills in 2010 by studying makeup for beauty and fashion. It was during a project that I met a designer who introduced me to the world of film, and it immediately felt like home. I knew right away that this was where I wanted to be."
What role did your time at CMS play in preparing you for your career, and are there any specific skills or lessons you learned that you’ve carried with you?
Sim:"My time at CMS was invaluable in preparing me for my career. I took several courses, including period hair and barbering with Lou Sheppard (Oscar nominated Hairstylist known for her work on Victoria & Abdul, The Marvels & The Phantom of The Opera). I also had the opportunity to work on a short film with fellow students. CMS gave me the chance to refine my skills and learn new ones, which helped build my confidence as I stepped into the industry."
The Period Hair & Barbering courses are key modules found in our UAL Level 4 Makeup, Hair, Costume and Special Effects Makeup course.
What was it like working on Wicked, and how did it feel to be part of such a high-profile production?
Sim:"Working on Wicked was an incredible experience. From the beautifully designed sets to the passionate crew, it felt like more than just a job—it was a lifestyle. The dedication and enthusiasm from everyone involved made it a truly special production to be part of."
Could you share any insights into the creative process for Cynthia Erivo’s wigs and hair in the film? Were there any challenges or memorable moments?
Sim:"Transforming Cynthia Erivo into Elphaba was a magical experience, though it came with a few challenges in the beginning. Samuel James (Wig Maker) worked tirelessly to knot our wig in just three days, with the support of Charlie Watson and Justin Lee Jones to meet the deadline.
The first Elphaba wig was braided into microbraids by the talented team at Josee Braiding Studio in just two and a half days. I used Celtic knots and symbols as references for the design, giving the style a deeper meaning.
Elphaba’s hair tells a story throughout the film—reflecting her personal journey. As she becomes more at ease in her environment, her hairstyles soften, and she begins to let her hair out more freely. With Cynthia’s petite frame, it was crucial to create hairstyles that complemented her without overwhelming her features, especially with the iconic hat.
The scalp was crucial to me, as it’s what makes the look more natural. Cynthia’s bald look allowed Alice Jones (Make-up Artist to Cynthia Erivo) and Olivia Jerrard (Prosthetic Makeup Artist to Cynthia Erivo) to take the green makeup right back onto her head, giving me a green base for the scalp. I was often on edge when Cynthia was performing stunts with her hat on, especially since her mics were inside the hat, and I had no anchors to secure the wig. I relied on green Walker tape and wig glue to keep everything in place."
What advice would you give to current students or aspiring wig and hair artists looking to break into the industry?
Sim:"Follow your passion and never stop learning. Get creative and embrace your individuality. The TV and film industry can be intimidating, but it’s important to step into your power, trust your instincts, and create art that’s true to you."
Are there any upcoming projects or highlights in your career that you’re particularly excited about?
Sim:"I’m excited about a few upcoming projects that I can’t share too much about yet, but I’m always eager to continue exploring new opportunities and pushing creative boundaries in the industry."
Follow Sim Camps
Sim’s incredible work can be found on her Instagram: @simcamps_pro.
Ready to start your own journey? Explore our courses at CMS and take your first step toward a career in the TV and film industry.
Comments