Beauty and The Brand

EVALUATION

When first receiving the project brief I was really excited and intrigued with the possible final outcomes as we have never done a full 'beauty' project before and it is the style of make-up I most enjoy. We were all given different brands to write about and I was at first apprehensive being given NARS as I did not know much about it, but after researching it I really loved their make-up products, style and the story behind it.
As a couple of weeks passed, the brief began to change a lot, confusing myself and others. The amount of final images and style they were meant to be kept changing, resulting in a final decision of them having to be inspired by our brand and a total of 5, which I was fine with but was confusing and annoying that it took so long to have a final decision. The Illamasqua section of the project was also altered a number of times with the amount of final images, first there was two looks, then one, then the dates were completely mixed up.
As our practical seminars started there was no knowing that there could ever be a problem but after a short couple of weeks our make-up tutorials were repetitive, always doing foundation and bases, then they all of a sudden stopped, resulting in us not having any knowledge, education or practise for this project. Having Yvonne call in sick for the majority of our project was disappointing as she was a great make-up artist with amazing skills to share, but I found her ability to teach non existent and her manor with people quite abrupt and rude. For a couple of weeks Lottie was willing to cover lessons which was very kind of her as she is very busy as it is. When the course organised to have Marijana come in for 2 sessions it really helped lift my spirits, confidence and taught me a lot as she has experienced so much and she is an amazing make-up artist.
The hair practicals were faultless, Lottie ensured every seminar was on, in which she was organised, on time, and incredibly helpful as always. I really enjoy hair as it it but the skills she had to offer really helped me expand my knowledge with hair. I also think she was great with any help of any make-up and the camera when shooting looks, she would always offer to check images, help with lighting and shooting.
As Yvonne was off for the majority of this project we therefore also did not receive any theory lessons to go with the project and resulting in us receiving a couple of emails attached with work to do to post on our blog. I do not feel this was enough help and guidance to fill out our blog with substantial research and theory.
The Illamasqua section of the project I found a little out of place, I felt it did not really correlate with the 'Beauty and the Brand' aspect and maybe should have been completely separate. I also didn't feel that it was a major part in the project as it was introduced but then dismissed until it came to the actual timed assessments. The whole thing was rather messy and confusing, but it was great having a visit from Spob and Charlotte and they are great to listen to as they have amazing experiences and knowledge.
Apart from having trouble knowing where to begin with the practical and theoretical side of the project, I can see how much potential it could have had if it had more structure as the skills we will walk away with are priceless, I loved the unit despite the issues. I enjoyed having to create looks linked with my brand as it was a starting point for designing and you had to think like a make-up artist with a task. The looks I have created I am really proud of, but I do wish I had done more practising leading up to the final shoots. I feel my time management is still not perfected as I shot all my final images after Easter leaving me a little rushed. I also feel, because I left it so last minute to do my final looks I did not necessarily use model that would have been my first choice, therefore jeopardising my looks, but considering I am happy with my looks, except I believe I could have done better in a smokey eye and eyebrows/eyelashes/eye liner images.
Overall the idea of this project was amazing, I loved the themes, final images, practical sessions with Lottie and Marijana, as I now have great portfolio images for freelancing in the future plus a huge set of skills and knowledge on beauty make-up. I feel it's a real shame that having Yvonne was a let down and disappointment as she is very talented and has lots to share but I feel she was not cut out to teach.

Monday, 21 April 2014