Tuesday, 8 December 2015

Bibliography


  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXXQLa-5n5w
  • http://www.ideastap.com/ideasmag/the-knowledge/alex-box-makeup-artist
  • http://shannonholtart.com/body-painting/fine-art-body-painting/#jp-carousel-69
  • http://shannonholtart.com/body-painting/fine-art-body-painting/#jp-carousel-86
  • http://shannonholtart.com/body-painting/fine-art-body-painting/#jp-carousel-202
  • http://shannonholtart.com/body-painting/fine-art-body-painting/#jp-carousel-818
  • https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=beauty+standards
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tneKwarw1Yk
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o9Dp6D91fI
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrp0zJZu0a4
  • http://www.envieheartwork.com/wp-content/uploads/snake_top_3.png
  • https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO9CnNjgAbX4sQb4GKel5igAuH0v_8c6faYU2G-UcEEf6VI4-_QELRzkoo2zWE7wwhVWGarD9tmE1BtIaXh4s7uTTSI7TQ-Ok2Vt6DGgEroMgyQBZLtOmHBkIbAFSrFd3nMbTHTQelQhX/s1600/Leopar+print.jpg
  • http://static7.depositphotos.com/1153400/737/i/950/depositphotos_7375953-Bark-of-a-old-oak-tree-texture.jpg
  • https://pixabay.com/p-571940/?no_redirect 
  • http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/images/1HT02778/PART1.jpg

PRETTY HURTS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXXQLa-5n5w


Pretty Hurts by Beyonce, is a song that is particularly relevant to my Project. Through this song it explains how women have this unrealistic expectation of reaching perfection. Damaging their happiness and losing their identity along the way. This Video is a slight extreme; portraying women with in the Beauty Pageant industry, but it is still relateable to my project. 

Monday, 7 December 2015

EVALUATION

The intention of this project; 'Makeup is a Mask', was to create a series of designs on a diverse, wide range of Models to show an over- exaggerated portrayal of Skin types, through nature. While Subliminally sending the message of the importance of being comfortable in your own skin.
The reasoning behind this was to embrace the differences, similarities and uniqueness that everyone possesses. The efforts each of us take to try and achieve this unrealistic concept of 'Beauty' and 'Perfection', I feel is futile. This concept of Beauty is planted within us through what Society as a whole has been convinced by the Media and other sources to believe. But, This look is impossible to achieve, there are so many definitions and aspects of what beauty and perfection is for different countries, cultures and people from around the world that it cannot actually be pin pointed. So really, what does Perfection mean? 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder'; these words have never been more accurate in my opinion. Everybody is beautiful, and everybody is perfect. I believe that Makeup is an amazing yet dangerous thing. There is a fine line between enhancing your natural beauty and completely altering your appearance and using it as a mask; to try and achieve 'Beauty'.
Using a variety of models; Black, white, Asian, Eastern European, was to show how diverse people are, yet each are all perfect. That the skinny, Blonde haired, Blue eyed Goddess is no longer the only definition of beauty. Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colours and Genders.
The most regrettable aspect i have towards this project is not creating more looks and designs for other diverse models. I feel that this project is lacking, and has stopped short. Portraying all the Skin Types and using a wider range of models; Mature models, male models, models of a variety of ethncities, to show that the European look is not the only relevant look in this day and age anymore. The world is evolving and becoming more aware of how it is our differences that make us individual and our similarities that make us Human.
Evaluating the production of these series of looks, as a whole; lots could have been improved and altered. The main point of concern being with the lack of attention to detail. This was a recurring problem within each of my creations. I need to improve, by observing my work more thoroughly and critically before going to shoot the look. This will not only help me now, but in the future  for when I am working in a professional environment as a Makeup Artist. Getting into the habit of stepping back, and critically observing on ways of improvements, is an essential factor I need to have.
Another occurrence that happened to be a problem, was my way of dealing with time management, and working with constraints. I feel that during the process of application for the makeup, I spent too much time perfecting and detailing the looks. Again, in the industry working with time constraints is an extremely important skill to ascertain. My time management and application need to be dramatically improved.


In regards to the Makeup aspects of my looks, overall, I am please with the outcome of all of them. I did do a few last minute changes and improvements for a few of the designs; like the sequins on the 'Fish' and the detail effect on the 'Tree Bark' look. Which I feel like were good decisions, and improved the final outcome of the looks alot. Consistency within the makeup concerning the blending and the continuing of the patterns down the neck, and shoulders was not considered properly. Again, I should have paid more attention to detail and visualised the look behind the camera when finalising it. The fact that with most of these images you can see where the makeup cuts off and ends, i feel, detracts from the overall result. The impact of the looks are not as strong as it could be because of this. Another concern i have towards the Designs, was that for each look, i interpreted the Patterns onto the model by applying them onto the side of the face each time. I feel that this could have been my opportunity to think outside the box and be more inventive with the designs. I could easily have fixed this by applying the designs on different parts of the face and body. These are the only real criticisms I have towards this collection.

 I feel that the practical side of this project is alot stronger than my Editorial writing and Blog side.
I feel that, i alot more of my Time and passion focused more on the practical aspect of this project; ultimately neglecting the Editorial Blog side, and making the overall impact of my work anti-climatic. I personally feel that my confidence with writing is alot weaker than with makeup. I should have done more research into editorial examples; which would have helped me to understand the right style of writing to use, and how to make it appear professional.

I really loved this project; the practical side in particular. The free reign we got given to create anything that was relevant to our theme was the most enjoyable part; having the freedom to use my creativity and imagination. Improvements could have been made, especially with the Blog and editorial writing, but i feel i also produced some of the best work i have ever done.

'FISH'

Final Shot for 'Fish'
The 4th and Final design for 'Fish', is probably my favourite look out of all of my deigns. The outcome of the makeup is close to perfect, and i am very proud of the outcome. I made a few small changes to my Facechart; first of all changing the shape of the scales on the design. Originally I had planned to do diamond shaped scales on the face, but i changed the detail into oval shapes. That's because it was more realistic and gave a softer effect. In all honesty, I would only change a few aspects of the look. The first one being the hair; I should have applied an even coverage of the hairspray and water to the hair, as you can see that it is not slicked back evenly, and is very noticeable on the right side, The other thing i would improve is making the scales darker. Off camera the scale effect looks amazing, but they don't appear too strong on camera, and you cant actually see the detail too well.
I am really happy with the way the eyes, and lips came out, i feel that the pale blue tones i used on my model compliment my models complexion perfectly and look especially effective with the darkness of her brows and hair. 
One of the small additions i made to the design was applying scale- like sequins to design in the scales, i feel that this completes the overall look. It gives the look depth and authenticity, I feel that it is recognisable as fish inspired. I think that the aspects of pink that the sequins provide, give a vibrancy to design. 
I am also really happy with the contouring; the highlighting in particular. It doesn't really show up very well on camera, but the effect looked really nice. It conveyed the oily, wet, glossiness i had intended.


In this image you can see the detail of the scales alot better, but the detail is still really faint from the brightness of the lights. Her hair looks alot better too, you cant see the uneveness on the right side; it looks very sleek. 

I know that the lights in this shot are way too bright, but i really liked the angle; which i couldn't replicate, they just didn't look the same! 

I love this image, the makeup and her expression really gives the look character and feeling to it. The Hair, again is the only problem; which is a recurring theme i seem to possess throughout the entirety of this project. I need to focus more on my attention to detail, 



My Model, Halena Morgan, was also the perfect model for this look. She has a subtle, ethereal beauty to her appearance and i feel that it fits in really well with the direction i was aiming for. Other than a few alterations that were made and improvements that could have been i don't think that it matters. This is by far the best work I have produced, and am very proud of it. I feel that it conveys what i wanted exceedingly well.


Sunday, 6 December 2015

'TREE BARK'

Tree Bark Final image
This is the final outcome for my Tree- Bark makeup design. There are aspects that i am incredibly pleased with, but also aspects that I could improve dramatically. Starting with the successful and effective elements of this look; I think that the pattern and actual design of the Bark is really good. I had alot of trouble getting the colours, detail and pattern accurate and realistic. The process was difficult, long and I found it very hard and frustrating but I feel that the outcome portrays Tree Bark well. I am very happy with it and proud of myself. I think that it could be improved by making the colour slightly bolder so that it appears more striking on camera; some of the tones I used were too close in colour to my models natural Skin tone, so i had to improvise. The blending could be better around the edges, but other than that i am really happy with it. The actual makeup had to be altered slightly to accommodate for my change of model. So instead of applying the eyeshadow, i kept the other eye clean; the eyeshadow would not have appeared as effective on a male than it would on a Female. I also altered the colour i originally planned for the Lips, again to accommodate for my model. Instead of using maroon/ Brown shade, I used Black, with gold elements. I did attempt the intended colour shade, but it appeared too red and feminine on my model. Looking back at the look now, i feel that i could have applied more Shadowing contour onto the cheekbones to make the face shape more defined with stronger lines. I do like the amount of highlight i applied to the look though, i feel that it looks really effective. 
Again, improvements to this look could have been working on my time management and attention to detail. Looking back at my look and evaluating my work for ways i need to improve it, before i shoot, needs to be my main priority. 
As i final afterthought, to authenticate my look i applied Leaves onto the edge of the hair. I feel that this works really well for my look and completes the look

Again, its especially noticeable in this shot, but i should have blended the pattern around to the back of the shoulder, the way it just ends ruins the look slightly. 

I really love this image, the way that it shows the clean face, then with the pattern on the shoulder portrays contrast and subliminally my message that i want to exude. More Contouring on the cheekbones would have perfected this look more.

Blending is an issue again, but the detail of the Bark pattern is really effective in this shot. 




My Model; Give Wilson, although was not my intended model, or even Gender, was really successful. I think that using a male, i was definately outside of my comfort zone, makeup wise, as i have never down editorial makeup on a male before, but it definately was not as bad as i imagined. I think that using a male added to my project, and shows diversity within my work. The hardest part honestly, was actually applying the makeup onto a Black model; i have never applied makeup onto a Black model before, so taking into account and accomodating to my models skin tone was necessary to make the look as effective as possible.

A timelapse Video of myself creating the look. 

DESIGN 5- FISH

My 4th and final design will incorporate the Oily Skin type. The best animal/ plant that I feel best represents this is a Fish. So, of course, to do this i will create the scales and pattern of Fish Skin up across the side of the face. I will keep the look quite pale and shimmery. I will make the brows dark however; to add depth and contrast to the pale skin complexion, eyeshadows, and lips. I will create the look by using eyeshadows, this is because they have the right pigmentation and effect im after. The Eyeshadows are also fairly glittery and subtle and not matte and bold like the Supracolors. 
The model I require for this look should be pale, with dark fetures; hair, brows etc. 

Experimenting + inspiration

With my look I wanted to convey an over the top, dramatic, extreme portrayal of Skin types, through the use of Animals and Nature patterns. 'Makeup is a Mask' is the name of my project and to extend this further I wanted to show through my images how we do use makeup to conceal and enhance our appearance and identity. 
Alex Box; One of my inspirations and favourite makeup artists, did one look involving a mirror, which I feel really relates to my look. 
http://www.ideastap.com/ideasmag/the-knowledge/alex-box-makeup-artist
I experimented with Incorporating a mirror into my look, and reflecting the clean side of the face on my design. This is to represent the reflection, and the 'Mask' that we are putting forward for people to see. The side of the face that is not reflected Is to show the 'reality'. 




The experimentation with the mirror, I feel, could have been successful, but it didn't really go to plan. The Mirror actually broke before I could even have a chance to shoot with it properly. So, obviously from the bad luck, the shots weren't very good. 
 I tried it again with my 'Leopard' look, but finding a mirror that suited the shoot was difficult. I couldn't find one that i was happy with; I ended up using the broken shard of the mirror i had, thinking that it 
could look quite effective and add depth and subliminal messages to my look. 





For this experimentation on 'Leopard', I feel that this confirms that the idea was unsuccessful. I tried shooting with the mirror on the other side of the face this time, and wanted to reflect the 'reality', and have the 'Mask' on the outside. I don't think that it adds anything extra to the look as a whole, and if id hav spent more time, and thought into perfecting the idea then i could have created something really effective.

'FLOWER'

Flower final image
This is the finalised image for my 'Flower' interpretation. I feel that there could be alot of room for improvement and things to have been done differently. I feel that the Hair, again, is probably the strongest feature within this look. I applied Rollers all over her hair and then brushed the out to achieve soft gentle 'Hollywood Waves'. I am happy with the decision to style the hair like this as it compliments the makeup nicely and is appropriate for the gentleness i intended for the makeup.
I feel that the makeup itself is lacking. I followed the face chart fairly closely; changing some aspects, Like the Petal effect on the side of the face for instance. I originally was going to create the effect using Eyeshadows and AquaColors. This I feel, would have been a better decision and I should have stuck with it. The faux petals that I attached to the face doesn't seem to give the look any depth or originality. I Also feel that i was limited to a Colour scheme with these petals; they were mostly Pink and White. Whereas if i had kept with my original idea, I could have expanded the colours and given it a more interesting appearance. I am happy with the rest of the makeup; the outcome is exactly what i intended for it to be. I particularly like the White eyeshadow, i feel that it compliments my models complexion really well. The Lips are subtle and gentle to fit in with my design.
Overall, I think alot of things could have been improved with this look, I feel that in order to have done better, I should have taken more time to experiment the different ways of creating the flower effect, so that the outcome would show my best work; and i don't think this does. However, it does portray the gentle, soft, almost ethereal mood I was aiming For.

 
I feel that the Flower design reiterates what I meant when i say that it doesn't show the authenticity of a real Flower. It shows lack of effort and thought; I'm very dissapointed with myself with this look.

I really love this image; Tina looks absolutely stunning in this image. The only downside to this image is that she is covering the details of the makeup with her hand. The hair is also out of the way so the look doesn't give of the vibe i want it to. 

Again, Tina looks so beautiful in this image, you just cant see the flower petals, The shot is from the wrong angle.



My model Tina Pun, was the most perfect model I could have asked for. She has a gentle, softness to her look, which was exactly what i wanted for my model to have. I feel that the makeup compliments her skin tone extremely well, and she pulls off the look incredibly as well. 'Sensitive Skin', which is appropriate for my look, was also relevant to Tina; completing my requirements. If i had better control over my time management and been able to improve on the makeup, then this look would be perfect.

Saturday, 5 December 2015

'LEOPARD'

Leopard Final Image
This is my Final look for the Leopard design, Overall i am extremely happy with the outcome. I feel that the Hair is the strongest feature within the look. The neatness an evenness of the lines and and plaits is strong. I feel that i made the right decision choosing this hairstyle for this look. It compliments it extremely well. I could have tidied up the stray hairs, however, but I'm not too disappointed with this aspect. They almost give the look a bit more authenticity, wildness and kind of look like they belong.
The Makeup, I find, could be alot better. I followed the face chart perfectly, but I feel that it could do with alot of improvement an i should have invested more thought and time to perfect the details. The Leopard design could be better. The first improvement that comes to mind would be to have carried the pattern further down the neck past the shoulders instead of ending it at the neck. I didn't take into account that the frame of the shot would be of the shoulder up. So i feel that this aspect ruins the visual effectiveness of the design. Also, i feel that the actual pattern itself could be improved by focusing more on the detail of the spots. Taking time to give the design more depth and realism. Although, that is not immediately noticeable. The rest of the makeup in general is Effective, i am happy with the colours and outcome of it. I think that that dark eyes and lips add to the look and project a fierceness to the look; which was my intention. I love the Eyes, however they aren't quite what i had intended for them. I wanted the eyes to be more copper, bronzey orientated, with undertones of Orange. But the outcome for this is more Yellowy Brown. I think i could have also spread the makeup down under that eye more to make the shape of the eyeshadow slightly better, and to make it look more blended. 
Although, lots could be changed, I feel that I did produce what I envisioned to a good standard, and am happy with the outcome. 

The smudged neck from the SupraColors

I used Kryolan Supracolors to create the leopard pattern, and i feel that they worked really well. However, they do tend to get greasy and harder to work with under lights and in a warm environment. As i didn't powder them, and also applied them to the neck, they did smudge quite badly on the neck before I had a chance to shoot my look. So, I had to remove the smudge, and tidy up the pattern, which was very inconvenient because it inhibited the neatness of the pattern on the neck slightly. 


As you can see on the neck, the area where the leopard pattern was compromised, the skin is slightly dark where the darkness of the supracolour stained the skin. I have, however, learnt from my mistake, and am confident that if this was to happen again in the future, I would be able to fix it properly. 


Spreading the pattern down the neck onto the Shoulder would have made the design close to perfect in my eyes, and I regret not noticing that. 


I absolutely love the Hair, and I feel that the eyes look really effective in this image a well. 

My Model, Mihaela Solomei, was the perfect choice for this look. Her was the perfect colour for this look. I was two colours; a dark brown almost black shade  on the lower portion, and light blonde on top. Mihaela is from Italy with Moldovan roots, so is naturally very tanned and has  beautiful striking appearance; which could not have made a better fit for this look. 


A timelapse Video of the makeup application process. 





DESIGN 2 - FLOWER

For my 2nd look I will symbolise the delicate nature of Flowers. I will incorporate petals across the side of the face on the cheek; I'm still undecided as to whether I will use actual petals or try to create the effect myself using eyeshadows. Leaves and Vines will spread up the neck to the jawline to give the illusion of a Flower. White, shimmery eye shadow will be applied onto the eyes to give a gentleness to the look. The contouring will be natural, and soft, along with the brow. The lips will be a light, natural glossy pale pink tone. 
Facechart for 'Flower'
The look represents sensitive, easily irritated skin. The model that I require has to have a soft, gentle, natural appearance. Again, if their skin is also sensitive then that would also be ieal.

DESIGN 1 - LEOPARD


                                                                                                                                              My first design will be incorporating Leopard print patterns onto the side of the face and down the neck. I intend for this look to be fierce, striking and vibrant. Bronze, and Orange tones will b use to create a smokey eye effect, and outline with black eyeliner to sharpen the eyes. I will fill in the brows and lips black, an strong sharp contouring ill be applied onto the cheekbones. For the hair I will make 5 french plaits/ Cornrows all over the head. I feel that this will compliment my look nicely, as the Makeup is very extravagant, pulling the hair back an close to the head seems appropriate. It could be overpowering if I did the Hair as extravagant as the makeup.

Face Chart for 'Leopard'

This Look will symbolise Combination, Spot- prone skin. The model that I visualise to be best for this design, should be tanned, with striking features. If she did have spot- prone skin, that would be ideal, as it would give my design substance and appropriaition.


DESIGN 3- TREE BARK

For my 3rd makeup look I will demonstrate the dry, textured nature of Tree Bark. This will represent Dry and Mature skin types. To create this look, i will apply Bark texture and patterns across the side of the face. Learning from the mistakes of my previous looks, i will make sure that carry the pattern down the neck and shoulder; making sure that it is thoroughly blended, and attention to detail is paramount. In order to create a Tree Bark effect, i am undecided as to whether attach actual Bark to the face or create the design myself with SupraColor. The main requirements for this look will be a dark skinned model, as I feel the look will be best represented that way. The model should preferrably have dry skin; so that the meaning behind the look is authentic. I will keep the 'Clean' side of the face, dark and contoured. Lots of highlighting and shimmer on the complexion and dark, maroon toned lips.  

SHANNON HOLT

Shannon Holt is a fine art Body Painter and classically trained visual artist from Florida. She started her career firstly by painting Female Figurative subjects, but then progressed to actually using the female Body as a canvas and painting on her models instead. She first began in 2008 and in 2009 she became a professional body painter.
One piece of work that she has done that particularly interest me is her 'Florida Wildlife series'.

http://shannonholtart.com/body-painting/fine-art-body-painting/#jp-carousel-69


http://shannonholtart.com/body-painting/fine-art-body-painting/#jp-carousel-86


http://shannonholtart.com/body-painting/fine-art-body-painting/#jp-carousel-202


http://shannonholtart.com/body-painting/fine-art-body-painting/#jp-carousel-818

These portraits are so mesmerizing to me. I love the way she contorts the body of the model to create different shapes and way of looking at the boy as a whole. This series of Art is almost an illusion to me, the way she's manipulated the body, an used the body to her advantage. The Model beneath the art is almost invisible and is secondary to me. 
I want to attempt something similar, interpreting nature and animals onto the body. My basis is more fashion orientated however, only giving the essence of the animal, an interpreting their key features into my design.  

BEAUTY STANDARDS


https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=beauty+standards


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tneKwarw1Yk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o9Dp6D91fI


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrp0zJZu0a4

I'm looking into the different Beauty standards that society holds, not only for women, but for men too. Each country and culture pose vastly different standards, as shown in the videos. Whether they may have only a slight difference, or a very noticeable one. I find it interesting that each culture has their own idea of beauty and what they find the ideal look; and they are all different from each other.

Thursday, 3 December 2015

ANIMAL SKIN & TEXTURES

The correlation between animal and plant life having similar skin and surface textures we have, made me think about embracing our natural flaws. Interpreting each skin type through an animal or being that is required to have that aspect for survival.



http://www.envieheartwork.com/wp-content/uploads/snake_top_3.png


Fish are a naturally oily animal, this is to help keep themselves hydrated in the water. So, to symbolise the oily skin type, i will incorporate fish scales in the design for one of my looks.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO9CnNjgAbX4sQb4GKel5igAuH0v_8c6faYU2G-UcEEf6VI4-_QELRzkoo2zWE7wwhVWGarD9tmE1BtIaXh4s7uTTSI7TQ-Ok2Vt6DGgEroMgyQBZLtOmHBkIbAFSrFd3nMbTHTQelQhX/s1600/Leopar+print.jpg
A leopards spots helps it to camouflage into its environment. Its patterns are for protection and also stealth, they are used for their own advantage. I will incorporate the leopard print onto spot- prone/ combination skin types.

http://static7.depositphotos.com/1153400/737/i/950/depositphotos_7375953-Bark-of-a-old-oak-tree-texture.jpg


Trees are the embodiment of maturity, each one able to live for hundreds of years. They are also dry and cracked, I could interpret Tree bark for either mature skin or for dry skin. 

https://pixabay.com/p-571940/?no_redirect


Flowers are symbolic for sensitivity, whether that be physically, literally and figuratively. They are given as presents; each flower holds a different range emotion and intentions behind them; red roses symbolise love/ lust, Yellow Roses shower sympathy etc. So choosing Flowers to portray sensitive Skin was an easy and obvious decision.