Reflection.

Looking back on the past year, there are many things that I have learnt, and many things I need to work on. As a beginner in makeup, it was important for me to learn the fundamentals, which we did in the first unit. It brought me up to speed with the basics, and I gained confidence, finding I could do a lot more than I thought, but even still, my skills are not what they could be. By starting off with the basics, I didn't feel inferior to the rest of the class as we were all going over the basics together, which boosted my confidence. The first project focused on the New Elizabethan, (a modern take on the classic Elizabethan look). My knowledge of art helped me during the designs, I wanted to create an original look, so I experimented with different textures, colours and materials during this process. Initially, I found the design process difficult finding a starting place, as I panicked that my design would be unoriginal and unexciting. Once I finished the first design, I began to see what I could alter and change to make the design more interesting and original. There are many designs that I am not happy with, but this pushed me to delve deeper to create a design that I was happy with. From this experience, I know now that it is better to start off with one design, and study it to see where you can move on and develop it further. This helped me during the second unit, where we designed looks for Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations'. Following a brief, I created my initial design, which I found uninteresting. I manipulated this and darkened the tones, deepening the hollows of the eyes and cheeks, which in the end worked well for me. This process made me look at what I had designed, and made me focus on fulfilling the brief. I can see through looking back on my work that I am swaying towards more of the exaggerated looks, so to even this out I will try to look at more natural looks, even if it is a personal project. 

In terms of my technical skills, I feel I have made a vast improvement, but this still needs to be worked on. Even looking at the work I completed between the Elizabethan and the Gothic, I can see that my technical skills, and application is much neater and refined. Looking back on the Elizabethan look, I can see that the eyebrows aren't quite symmetrical, and the application of blue eyeshadow is blotchy over the real eyebrow hair. In the same way, my continuity shots for Miss Havisham aren't the same, I haven't exaggerated the wrinkles in the same way. I am pleased with both works, but there are tweaks and changes that I would make if I were to do them again. Looking back on my work in a critical perspective makes me realise what I need to change in individual looks, as well as the way I work. 

New Elizabethan Project

Miss Havisham.

The Gothic Unit was by far my favourite, especially the second half, where we met Claudia and Quentin, two characters to be introduced into our choice of television show. As an avid fan of all things horror, I was wholly excited to start designing. I chose American Horror Story, which is one of my favourite TV shows, and Claudia was to be a patient at the asylum, and Quentin was an alien. I was really please with my Claudia shoot, but looking back, not so much with my Quentin shoot. I practised with latex and wax to create raised cheekbones, but on the day the wax would not set, no matter what I did. I really struggled, so changed my design to just use really exaggerated contouring. In the photographs I am happy with the outcome, but not overly proud, I know I could have done better, but I let the stress get to me. This year, I am going to practice a lot more, as I know now how important practice is to get the right look. 

Claudia

Quentin