Evaluation of 1st year

Evaluation of my first year on the HND Specialist Makeup Course at West Thames College

This was my first year of the HND Specialist Makeup Course at West Thames College. At the start of the course I was a bit nervous as I knew the workload was a lot heavier than the previous courses I had done. I feel that I have coped with this well and I have gotten used to having plenty of things to do. I think this has challenged me and pushed me further which I have come to be grateful for. After a few months on the course I felt like I had completely changed, not only am I more confident but I am more motivated in what I do. I have felt my creativity flourish and have learnt to deal with many projects at once which will definitely help me in the future.

I have been taught to work in different ways using new products and techniques which have given me more experience. I loved all my classes and found I took more of a liking to fashion and theatre where the makeup was more extreme and I could play around more with the looks. In studying makeup I have seen an improvement in my artwork and ideas. I am also more likely to take up projects others have asked me to do other than shy away from them. This course has made me think about the overall image, not just makeup but costume, hair and accessories. I also enjoyed working with photographers to achieve what I want from my idea and thinking about elements such as lighting which can have a big effect on the final image.

I have gotten a chance to work on different face shapes and skin types 3 times a week and have learn to adapt products for each person. The kit I bought for this course has also helped me with understanding how different products should be applied and used and I am now able to go and do work outside of college with paying clients. We regularly get sent emails with work experience which I thought was really helpful. We get to attend master classes and demo days where we can go to places like Inglot and MAC and get discounts on products. I had the privilege to go to New York which was such an inspiring experience. I got loads of new products to try out and I got to see sights which I probably would've never gotten to without this opportunity. The makeup demos were amazing and gave me an insight in how to use and apply products from different brands. Me and the girls in my class have become really close and support each other a lot which has also led to us helping each other out on jobs we get outside of uni.

 We got taught so much history not only about makeup but about icons, art and fashion which is refreshing as other courses didn't go this in depth. I liked learning about fashion catwalks and theatre shows as well as icons of the previous eras. I know all these things will benefit me in the future as I have more of an idea of different parts of the industry. I have learnt what my strengths and weaknesses are and what things I prefer doing which helps me figure out which part of the industry I want to enter. I had to travel quite a distance everyday too but I know that travelling is a necessary aspect of a makeup artists life so I wanted to get used to it. Even when the journey is long and early I couldn't help but feel proud that I managed to study what I love in London.

Sometimes especially in the past, I worry if I am on the right path. But I didn't feel that this year, I felt so busy with what I was doing and constantly had ideas not only for uni projects but for the ones I have at home that I actually felt like I belonged in this industry. Despite loving this course, I have had moments where I felt stressed and challenged. Running so many projects at once was very hectic and models and photographers cancelling can be a big inconvenience especially when we have deadlines soon. I think that just prepares us for everyday life though, sometimes people cancel and you have to arrange something quickly and think on your feet.

I particularly struggled with the hair parts of this course because styling hair has never been my forte. I have always naturally been better at makeup but I think this is because where I like practicing this more I tend to focus on this more than hair styling. I know I need to practice hair more at home to ensure my skills get better and I get more confident with it. Period hair was enlightening as the hair styles are all very different and at first I was apprehensive but towards the end I didn't feel as nervous. I had outcomes which reflected the era and I was happy that I managed to achieve this.

 I honestly can't believe how quick this year has gone and how much I have improved in all areas. I have gotten the confidence to start posting my work and getting the praise I deserve other than being too embarrassed. I feel like I could've accepted more work experience from my lecturers but as I still don't feel amazingly confident with hair I tended to shy away from it. Practicing on what I have learnt over the summer should help me improve so that I am able to take up more opportunities.

I will miss my fashion and theatre lessons very much as these tended to be my favourite but I am still so excited to see what next year will bring. Nothing worth it comes easy and this course has definitely proved that. I look forward to expanding my creativity more in the second year and for the new units we study. 

Hair and Makeup Step by Step for Chosen Theme

Hair and Makeup Step by Step for Chosen Theme 

I have 2 hours to complete a hair and makeup look which represents the theme I have chosen: Day of the Dead.

Health and Safety for Hair:

Ensure that there are no trailing wires and any wires that are hazardous are tucked away.

Any spillages must be cleaned up immediately to avoid accidents.

All electrical equipment should be PAT tested by a qualified electrician.

All coats or bags must be tucked away or hung up.

All work stations must be clean before and after the service.

Any loose hair should be swept up and disposed of so it doesn't create a slippery surface.

Heath and Safety for Makeup Application:

All tools and brushes must be clean to avoid cross-infection/contamination.

The chair must be at the correct height in order for out to carry out the makeup application so as to avoid repetitive strain injuries.

Before makeup application ask if the client has any allergies

Also ask the client if they wear contact lenses

The skin and eyes should be checked for any contra indications which could prevent or restrict the treatment

Health and safety advice should be explained for if the client gets any reactions (contra actions) after the makeup application. This is to remove any makeup products from the skin and apply a cold compress if the skin appears heated or swollen. If the reaction doesn't appear to be improving then you should go to your GP for medical advice.

Disposable equipment should be used when possible to eliminate chances of cross infection/ contamination. Disposable equipment are tools such as sponges, cotton pads, cotton buds, and mascara wands.

Good lighting must be provided so you are able to see what you are doing. 

The room temperature should be at least 16 degrees. 

The room should also be well ventilated especially when airbrush makeup is in progress or chemicals are used. 

Products and Tools 

Eyelash glue 

Kryolan UV aqua colour paint

Stargazer neon body paint 

Black eye pencil

Hairspray 

Diamantes 

UV Lipstick

Sleek Acid Palette

Micellar Cleansing Water
Hairband
Hair Brush
Tail Comb

Step by Step 

9:00 - 9:20 Brush the hair through and put it in a french plait

9:20 - 9:25 Cleanse tone and moisturize the face 

9:25- 9:29 Apply UV yellow paint all over the face 

9:29 - 9:34 Use purple paint to make eye sockets around the eyes and outline with black

9:34 - 9:38 Dot around the eyes carefully with pink aqua colour

 9:38 - 9:42 Paint black lines on the cheeks to create cheekbones and blend with a yellow powder

9:42 - 9:44 Paint a nose on the skull 

9:44 - 9:50 Apply UV Lipstick to the lips and put black teeth marks on the lips

9:50 - 9:55 Draw swirling patterns on the cheekbones and apply blue petals

9:55 - 10:00 Draw leaves in black on chin and fill in with green paint 

10:00 - 10:05 Create petals with orange and pink paint and outline with black on chin 

10:05 - 10:07 The eyes are lined with black liner

10:07 - 10:27 The skeleton chest is painted on in yellow

10:27 - 10:30 UV orange is applied to the lashes 

10:30 - 10:45 Diamantes are stuck on the dots around the eyes

10:45 - 11:00 The hair is hair sprayed, roses are put in the hair and the mask is fitted

Evaluation 

What Went Well: 

I was really happy with how the makeup turned out. I managed to finish the makeup and hair in time. I loved the effect of the diamantes on the face and the roses in the hair as these elements seemed to really spice up the final image. I am glad I left time to do this. The costume, hair and makeup all came together and it really did reflect my theme of Day of the Dead so I was pleased. I think using yellow for the base was a good decision as it showed up so much brighter in UV as the white didn't seemed to in the practice which therefore makes me happy that I tried it out before the shoot. I left more time for the makeup than hair as I wanted to do a lot more painting of the face, neck and chest. This worked out nicely as my design was neater than in the practice as I had more time to execute my plan therefore I was was more careful with application. I felt like working with UV was a good idea too as I got to experience working with a new product and lighting which was a challenge in terms of the paint consistency and the lighting but I loved it nevertheless. This was my favorite assessment as I was able to be more creative than before and put my ideas together to make a final image from scratch. I had so much fun and was so excited to see the whole look put together. 

What I Could Improve on: 

I thought I could've had a neater plait in the hair, I got it pretty neat with the use of hairspray but I think towards the bottom it could have been pulled a bit tighter to the head. I am conscious not to hurt my model or pull on her hair too much but sometimes with plaits and braids the hair needs to be pulled tighter than normal to ensure it is close to the head. The UV paint isn't something that looks amazing on camera as the photographer warned me but I still took some photos with the lights on and in person it looks so bright so I am still happy. I feel like I should have done something more challenging with the hair but plaiting is still hard for me as I feel a bit cack handed with stuff like that and I wanted the focus to be more on the face as the veil of my headdress covers the hair anyway. I had to practice the hair and makeup beforehand to make sure it was right and change products and ideas around so i'm happy I did this as it minimized complications on the shoot day. Despite the challenge, I couldn't be happier with this assessment as I feel I have learnt a lot from it especially since this was the most hands on I have been for an assessment. 

Step by Step of making Headdress/Mask

Step by Step of Making Headdress/Mask

Once I got my finalized idea I began making my headdress. 

Health and Safety

Be careful when using superglue (wear gloves)

Pins and needles must be used with caution

Make sure everything is dry before using veil on model unless it's for a fitting

(can use tissue to protect the model) 

Caution should be taken when using scissors

The room should be ventilated as fumes from glue and paint can be given off

The weight of the headdress has to be safe for the model to have on their head. 

I fusing a nail it must be flushed so it doesn't go into the model head

Materials 

Buckram 

Pins

Polystyrene Head

PVA Glue

Water

Tissue paper

Black Lace Veil 

Black Acrylic Paint 

Sandpaper

Plain Headband

Nail

Superglue 

Skull

Cotton and Thread

Masking Tape

Roses in different colours

Diamantes

Step One - 

I used Buckram to make a base for the headdress. Buckram is a fabric which has glue on it so when wet it can be molded into shape and set one it dries. I wet the piece of material and then proceeded to pin it onto a polystyrene head so it dries in the shape fit for pinning onto a head. 

Step 1 - Buckram pinned on a polystyrene head

Step Two - 

Whilst waiting for that to dry I used a mask as a base for my papier mache. I sketched out the triangular shape I wanted on the forehead of the mask and then covered it in Vaseline so the papier mache won't stick to the mask underneath when it comes to removal. I then began building up layers of papier mache careful to stay within the lines I had drawn to make the edges neat. 

Step 2 - Papier Mache layers on a mask base

Step Three - 

Once the papier mache is dry I then sanded it and painted it with black acrylic paint. The black mask piece was then super glued to the buckram underneath so it was secure. 

Outline of how the papier mache piece would sit on the head. 

Step Four - 

It was now time for the lace to be sewn on. I used a piece of masking tape over the seam of the buckram and mask piece to join the lace veil onto both the buckram and the mask. I cut the fabric and used it length ways over the head and sewed it in pleats along the buckram and tape. This proved difficult as I pinned it all in place and had to remove all the pins as I couldn't get the needle back through the buckram. I ended up taking the head dress off the polystyrene head and holding it with my hands. As this was so fiddly it made the paper mache piece come away from the buckram at the edges so I had to super glue this on again. The veil was also shorter on one side so I added another layer (with which I was going to anyway) and evened it out on the other side. This worked quite nicely. 

Step 4 - Veil sewn onto head piece

Step Five - 

I then took a plain fabric head band, often used for bridal head bands and painted it black with acrylic paint as this is fast drying. I put a hole in this when dry and used a nail to create something I could secure the skull to. As the skull was originally a gear stick decoration it had hole at the bottom. I filled this with superglue and put this on to of the nail. The end of the nail should be facing the opposite direction than the head so it doesn't ham the model and also dries into the super glued gap in the skull for extra security. Once it's dry I had a skull on a headband. 

Step 5 - Glued and Screwed Skull on Headband

Step Six - 

I decided to use diamantes to make a pattern on the mask bit of the headdress so I began doing that as it takes quite a bit of time to place them all on individually. I sketched out a pattern and used superglue and tweezers to put the diamantes in place. I found that as the glue was clear as soon as it touched the pencil marks of my design it erased them so I just went along carefully to ensure the diamantes where in the right pattern and place. I got a superglue with a brush so I could see exactly where I had put the glue, I found this very helpful. 

I used mainly silver and black gems on the head but added red and one blue one for decoration. Blue isn't really in my colour theme for the headdress but it had the shape I wanted and the only colours I had in that shape was blue or light lilac and I felt blue fits better with white and red. I left a gap where the headband should be glued on. 

Step 6 - Gems glued onto the headpiece

Step Seven - 

I then fitted the headband onto the head with super glue. I used other glues but they didn't seem to secure it enough. I actually fitted the the head piece onto my model and glued the head band onto it whilst on my models head. I wanted to get the placement right as the polystyrene head doesn't have ears and that's something I had to consider when gluing this in place. I also used the head band to cover the masking tape and seam of the lace veil. I then took the roses and super glued those to the headband next to the skull as I wanted to make sure the placement was even. I clipped away the veil and put tissues under the band to ensure the glue didn't stick to anything other than what it need to. Diamantes had to be added just under the roses and skull to ensure there wasn't any gaps on the mask part of the headdress.

My headdress/mask was now complete:

Completed Headdress

Evaluation 

What Went Well:

I am so happy with my final outcome. I feel like all the planning and research has paid off in the end and I got exactly what I wanted. Although I faced challenges I found this headdress/mask wasn't ridiculously hard to make, If anything its more time consuming because of the sewing, diamantes and waiting for everything to dry.  

I think the final headdress fits the theme well and really reflects the traditional elements of the Day of the Dead likes skulls and roses etc. As I originally just designed a headdress I'm glad I managed to adapt it into a mask without completely changing the look I wanted. I'm also proud that I managed to make most of this at home without needed a massive amount of support as this makes me more confident that I can do projects independently.

What I Could Improve On:

One thing I struggled with was ordering the materials. I ordered them in advance which helped me out a great deal as when some arrived they were not useful to me. The skull I originally bought was huge and I got the measurements wrong for what I needed so I had to search and order again. The same thing happened with the crosses so I didn't end up using them for this project as they were far too big. This taught me that I had to size up what I wanted for my headpiece and then order everything in that size. The roses I bought don't all mach too as the black ones seem lower quality and less rose-like than the others. They still work with my design but are not a good as I had hoped. Ordering online can be a bit of a problem.

I felt like I should have done more in terms of the papier mache part of the mask as it is more of a headdress than a mask. I designed the headdress and forgot it was a mask that I had to make. After coming up with my design for the headdress I didn't wanna change my idea completely. I would've done a mask separately but I was ill for a month with glandular fever and when I returned I realized how close the deadline was, I didn't feel I would be able to create everything in time. I really wanted to paint the face too and have the makeup visible so I think my final design allowed this. I found this project really fun as I could get more creative with all aspects as they were my ideas. I also liked researching stuff for my idea as I was able to try and source something relevant to my chosen theme. I think this is one of my favorite (if not my favorite) unit of the year and I'm glad it was one of my final ones as it really helped me reflect on what I have learnt previously in terms of how to research properly and log down ideas.

Day of the Dead Headdress and Mask Ideas

Ideas for my chosen theme: Day of the Dead

The theme I picked for my final project is Day of the Dead as I love the idea of creating something with a Halloween feel which is almost bittersweet, which the dark Gothic vibes bit bright colours on the face. 

I originally designed a headdress and forgot it had to be a mask. As I liked my design for the headdress I didn't want to change it too drastically with a mask so I added a paper mache bit at the front. I had a pattern on the forehead which I was going to paint but what would now be covered by the mask so I decided to put the design on the mask piece and paint it on. 

I was going to use crosses, roses, a skull and a black veil as key elements to decorate my piece. I picked a colour theme of black, red and white for the head pieces and mask. 

Original Headdress and Makeup Design

Finalizing my mask design - 

I kept the head dress idea and still came across a few complications. I had trouble getting a skull of the size I needed so I have actually got a skull which is used for a gear stick. It quite heavy but once on the head feels fine as it is in the middle so doesn't fall to one side. I also removed the idea of crosses as I ordered some which came up too big and they didn't fit on the head dress nicely. 

Makeup - 

I really wanted to paint the face and the body for this look but as I don't have loads of time I will only be painting the chest (what is visible from the costume). A sugar skull would be on the face in UV paint and a skeleton chest and neck will also be painted on in the same paint. I will be testing this out before my final design. 

Practice - 

I practiced the makeup on myself before I did it on my model. I bought Kryolan's White UV Cream which I wasn't particularly fond of. It seems to streak a lot which is understandable as many UV products can. It also doesn't show up very well once the UV Lights are on the makeup, some areas seemed to and others not so much. I really wanted a white base for this look and one that glowed ideally. I had to change my design to a UV Yellow in order to get the glow I wanted. I don't particularly love this makeup before the lights are on it as I don't think yellow looks as good as white but once it is glowing everything seems to come to life. 

Makeup practice on myself

Makeup practice on myself in UV lighting

I then adapted the makeup when practicing on my model to see if I swapped some of the colours around would it still work. Here is my outcome of my second attempt - 

Second attempt of makeup on my model with completed headdress/mask

I think the yellow looks better than the white so I was quite happy with this makeup. 

Hair - 

I want to french plait the hair as I feel I need more practice at this skill and it will keep the hair from getting in the face when I am painting or getting frizzy if the veil roughs it up. I can also stick roses in the tail of the braid to decorate it. 

Practice - 

I practiced the plait on my model beforehand and found that it was easy to do but hard to get neat. I will spend more time on the day to try and perfect it as much as I can. I also need to remember to use hairspray on flyaways. The roses were quite big and my models hair is quite thin on the tail of the plait so I wasn't too sure about the idea to put roses in the hair unless I bought smaller ones but I don't have time. The roses came with wires in so I will cut them down and play around with them on the day. 

Costume Idea - 

I already had a costume in mind when I was creating this theme but I kept an open mind about changing it if I found one better. I have a multi-purpose Halloween costume which could be a witch or vampire. It is dark and spooky which is the vibe I was going for and exposed enough of the chest so that I could body paint it. 

Mask Making Theme: Day of the Dead

Mask Making Theme: Day of the Dead

My final theme to research was Day of the Dead. I also chose this theme for my final mask and headdress. I really enjoy Halloween and face painting so this theme seems to be one where I can combine those two things and create an image I will have a lot of fun in executing. 

Lady Gaga 'Born This Way' Music Video - 

Lady Gaga and Rick Genest In the 'Born This Way' Music Video

When thinking of Day of the Dead which heavily features skeletons, This music video comes to mind. Over the Halloween period many request the look from this video which is why I instantly looked it up again for research and this is a Halloween theme. Lady Gaga has a painted skull to match Rick Genest's skull which is actually tattooed on his skin.

American Horror Story, Tate Skull Makeup - 

American Horror Story's character 'Tate' in skull makeup

This look is another one which sticks in my mind as it is also highly requested for a skull look on Halloween and is very similar to Lady Gaga's makeup in 'Born This Way'. As a fan of American Horror Story I have seen this episode and even wish to create the look myself so it was easy to pick this for inspiration of my final makeup. 

Anna Lingis Make up Artist - 

Anna Lingis's body paint for IMATS in 2015

Anna Lingis is one of the Makeup Artists which inspires me most. She does a lot of body and face paint and really does focus on skulls which seems to be her forte. I love looking at her different variations of skulls and I saw one a few months ago which sparked off an idea once I have finally chose my theme. She did a UV Skeleton Body Paint at IMATS in London 2015 and I instantly thought of doing my makeup in UV to give it that something extra. I plan on doing a sugar skull as that's whats more traditional in Day of the Dead rather than a normal skeleton. Sugar Skulls are not as challenging though so I thought I could work with different products and lighting to give me more experience. I've always found UV fascinating and definitely wanted to give it a try. 

Iris Van Herpen Capriole Haute Couture Collection - 

Iris Van Herpen Capriole Haute Couture Collection

When researching this theme on catwalks I discovered the Iris Van Herpen Capriole Haute Couture Collection. She develops 3D dresses with the help of an Architect and used this collection to create pieces which are drawn from the idea of life forces, the construction of them and the energy that runs through them. One piece particularly caught my eye as it is Skeleton-like. I have never seen a dress like this before and it gave me an insight in to how someone could make what should be inside the body, be wrapped around it as if showing off the bones inside. I also love how some almost have a dark and Gothic theme which is something I am more likely to have in my own costume to complete the look. 

Marko Mitanovski, Fashion Designer - 

Marko Mitanovski is a fashion designer who creates pieces which are heavily structured and pretty avant garde. I love his work as I first came across it as I researched some of Lady Gaga's outfits and found out he was the man behind it all. I like how unique and wacky his pieces are as they make the body almost look as if it is built in a different shape, with the tiny tiny waists and pointed hips. Some pieces are dark and heavily sequined or beaded which reflects the Gothic feel to my theme. some of his looks from the Autumn/Winter 15 Collection feature masks and head dress too which really helped when designing my own pieces. 

Pieces from Marko Mitanovski's Autumn /Winter 15 Collection

Pieces from Marko Mitanovski's Autumn/Winter 15 Collection

The image above gave me an insight into how I could use different textures and materials on my mask to mix up my ideas and give them something unique. I decided to use diamantes in black, silver and red to decorate my papier mache which is similar to the picture above. I like the use of black body paint too and considered this for my final piece but as my makeup is UV I think it will stand out clearly without it. 

Lena Hoschek SS13 Catwalk - 

Lena Hoschek Spring/Summer 13 Catwalk is so fun and vibrant and just what I wanted to look for when conducting my research. The models wear sugar skull makeup which perfectly fits my theme and the clothing is bright with patterns which compliment this. This particular catwalk gave me so much inspiration for both clothing ideas and makeup designs for sugar skulls. Swirling patterns and different shaped necklines as well as the use of bold colours really give off the Mexican vibe. The head dresses also feature flowers which is reflected in my design too. 

Lena Hoschek SS13 Collection

Lena Hoschek SS13 Catwalk

Lena Hoschek SS13 Catwalk

References 

Media4.popsugar-assets.com. (2016). [online] Available at: http://media4.popsugar-assets.com/files/2011/02/09/1/192/1922153/aa5587288ccc922d_manicures-and-makeup-from-lady-gaga-born-this-way-9/i/Why-Lady-Tat.jpg [Accessed 16 May 2016].

Polyvore.com. (2016). [online] Available at: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=108612124 [Accessed 16 May 2016].

1yrln31s4mjs32ay1a3kt691.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com. (2016). [online] Available at: http://1yrln31s4mjs32ay1a3kt691.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/LDN15_Anna_Lingist_Zoe_Newlove_BNW0495.jpg [Accessed 16 May 2016].

Google.co.uk. (2016). iris van herpen capriole haute couture - Google Search. [online] Available at: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=iris+van+herpen+capriole+haute+couture&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=667&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiR89SHxt7MAhWKI8AKHZeUA5MQ_AUIBygB#imgrc=19aVH9M9vwEv9M%3A [Accessed 16 May 2016].

Dashmagazine.net. (2016). [online] Available at: http://dashmagazine.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/DASH-Magazine-Marko-Mitanovski-AW15-5.jpg [Accessed 16 May 2016].

Dashmagazine.net. (2016). [online] Available at: http://dashmagazine.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/DASH-Magazine-Marko-Mitanovski-AW15-4.jpg [Accessed 16 May 2016].

S-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com. (2016). [online] Available at: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/54/09/f9/5409f9cf70affece54c00959bfa99389.jpg [Accessed 16 May 2016].

S-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com. (2016). [online] Available at: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/f1/01/ac/f101ac715bd0d8ef67f9511a2aaed43b.jpg [Accessed 16 May 2016].

Mask Making Theme: Masquerade Balls of Louis XIV

Mask Making Theme: Masquerade Balls of Louis XIV

I also had to research the masquerade balls of Louis the XIV. I loved researching this theme as I adore the detail and rich colours used in pieces of work which share the same theme. I went a bit more in to research with this theme as it was heavily considered as the theme for my final project. I ended up choosing another theme but still thoroughly enjoyed looking into this one.

The Man in the Iron Mask Film - 

The Man in the Iron Mask starring Leonardo Di Caprio

There is a film called 'The Man in the Iron Mask' which follows the story of King Louis the XIV.  The costumes, hairstyles and accessories are beautiful and elaborate. Gold, red and royal blue are colours which feature heavily in this film and they are colours which I would put on a mask design to make it appear like it belongs in this time. Swirling patterns in the embroidery and wood work give me an idea as to the pattern I could incorporate on a mask or head dress design. 

Lan Nguyen Grealis, Art and Makeup Book - 

Image from Lan Nyguyen Grealis's Book, Art and Makeup

I have recently bought Lan's Book, Art and Makeup. Whenever I feel I am lacking in creativity or need ideas I like to flick through this book to give me a reminder of different textures, colours and products I can use. In the book there is a period section which is where I thought of looking when researching what makeup I could do for this theme. There wasn't makeup around in the time Louis reigned but I would've liked to pale the face down with a white Face and Body Foundation by MAC as this isn't too heavy and the skin would be able to be seen underneath. Blush would be on the apples and a nude would be one the lips with a baby pink n the center. Natural lashes would be applied to the lash line. 

Christian Dior Fall 2006 Haute Couture - 

Christian Dior Fall 2006 Haute Couture Design 

 In researching different catwalks and fashion by designers regarding the Louis the XIV theme I found that Christian Dior seemed to have exactly what I was looking for. The fall collection of 2006 featured this beautiful outfit and head dress which practically dripped in gold. The embroidery was just as intricate as the clothing in the films about the Sun King. I love the idea of using pearls or gold beads on the head for the headdress/ mask. 

Christian Diors 2009 Collection

 Christian Dior also released this in the 2009 collection which has all the colours within this theme; red, gold and black. I love the shapes created as the corset-like top and bold skirt gives me direction when thinking about costume design. 

References 

I.dailymail.co.uk. (2016). [online] Available at: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/10/04/1412446986485_Image_galleryImage_LEONARDO_DiCAPRIO_AS_THE_.JPG [Accessed 16 May 2016].

Lan-makeup.com. (2016). [online] Available at: http://www.lan-makeup.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1440-940x1148.jpg [Accessed 16 May 2016].

S-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com. (2016). [online] Available at: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/39/88/01/398801f13fd8b549950196bec9282ee4.jpg [Accessed 16 May 2016].

S-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com. (2016). [online] Available at: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/4e/a6/a1/4ea6a190da54888ea54b4be79f66cc44.jpg [Accessed 16 May 2016].

Mask Making Theme: Pagan

Mask Making Theme: Pagan

My next theme to explore was Pagan. I like how you can toy with different ideas surrounding nature with this theme. Natural materials can also be used to create different effects. I looked at things such as films, avant garde makeup, hair and costume and catwalks in order to formulate fresh ideas for this particular theme. 

The Hunger Games - Effie Trinket Makeup

Effie Trinket's butterfly costume with makeup and hair to compliment it

When designing a mask for pagan I took major inspiration from the butterfly look of the character effie from The Hunger Games. I love how original this look is and the avant garde feel it gives off. Nature meets fashion with this theme of butterflies running through the character design.

Aveda's Nature Unleashed Catwalk

Makeup from the catwalk by Kylie Smith
Model: Lydia Johnson

I looked for catwalks which held a nature theme and in doing so I came across Aveda's Nature Unleased Catwalk. I found this makeup look which caught my attention as the makeup artist (Kylie Smith) used coloured pieces of paper cut into leaf shapes to decorate the face and neck which not only adds colour but it reflects the nature theme and gives a different texture to the skin. 

References

Vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net. (2016). [online] Available at: http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/thehungergames/images/f/fb/EffieTrinket.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140112050802 [Accessed 16 May 2016].

Image.mlive.com. (2016). [online] Available at: http://image.mlive.com/home/mlive-media/pgmain/img/grandrapidspress/photo/2016/03/07/-1d7514bdda69305c.JPG [Accessed 16 May 2016].

Mask Making Theme: Tribal

Mask Making Theme: Tribal

For our new unit we have to create our own mask with a completed makeup and hair design and ideas for costume for the complete image. I started off by exploring the different themes and one was Tribal. For inspiration for a mask and costume design I looked at runways, music videos and productions. 

Lion King - 

Lion King is a well known theatre production which is recognized for its tribal makeup and costume designs. It was created in 1994 after the Disney film 'The Lion King' and is set in Africa. Before the film was created animators were sent to east Africa to get inspiration from the natural colours, sights, sounds and mood of this region. The production has also got inspiration from Africa, particularly Tribal makeup and they have adapted it for Stage. As you can see from the image below, Primary colours are widely used in the show and In doing a mind map of research I also found this to be a popular trait in tribes in many countries as they don't have access to loads of colours. Dots and sharp lines also add to the effect and they make the makeup bold and noticeable. The lion King also features masks and headdresses which often have the shape of animals in order for the actors and actresses to be recognized as the characters we know from the film. 

Lion King Makeup Design

Lion King Makeup, Costume and Head Dress Design

Katy Perry's 'ET' Music Video - 

Katy Perry's ET Music video is known to have wild futuristic looks as the song is initially about aliens. I found one of the looks seemed to incorporate a sort of tribal touch to it as it featured colours such as brown, white and black in dots and fierce wings and lines. As soon as I heard that tribal was one of the themes I had to research I instantly thought of this particular makeup look as I always thought it had a tribal feel to it. Tribes which apply patterns to their faces often use basic shapes such as dots or lines hence why this look seems to reflect the tribal theme. 

Katy Perry in her 'ET' Music Video

Valentino's SS16 Catwalk - 

Tribal printed clothing at Valentino's SS16 Collection

I researched some catwalks in order to get an idea of costume and printed patterns for tribal and I found Valentino's collection which gave me ideas to not only shapes and designs but also the kinda of colour scheme I should go for when creating an outfit, mask or body paint design. 

References

S-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com. (2016). [online] Available at: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/d1/3d/36/d13d360e3b280e7e645f9c0bbf31b8ba.jpg [Accessed 13 May 2016]. 

S-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com. (2016). [online] Available at: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/2d/11/87/2d1187d8bfda8953bba5e9982c6f01f8.jpg [Accessed 13 May 2016].

1.bp.blogspot.com. (2016). [online] Available at: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8U_S_8e5YsaHYEWm12ZYO3pGX8dZT8pVs0tVjkEDqosrOVS0rhjiGpJrfIj2QiIbt4qKNoRw-jy3cZeh1hZ10f42FyhyphenhyphenIyGJdDhnqh-BWUQ0Pp_GOC9BOkwy_uvMpi3-B6y5asw06U19/s1600/082112lionking.jpg [Accessed 13 May 2016].

Assets.vogue.com. (2016). [online] Available at: http://assets.vogue.com/photos/5613cad89587583049c737d2/master/pass/_VAL0851.jpg [Accessed 16 May 2016].