Specialist practise is a unit designed to
consolidate and develop my design and application of make-up through risk
taking and experimentation, to then aid and develop new and exciting outcomes
and a higher standard of working. This was done through a series of lectures
and workshops, which aim to inspire ideas for new and exciting transformations,
and applications of make-up and hair based work.
Regarding the proposal written at the beginning
of the Specialist Practise unit, the personal aims set out by myself, were to
create a collection of hair pieces and wigs, in a way that was justifiable and
exercised intellectual meaning. Working collaboratively on the project was also
a new experience, which it was suggested would help to develop skills in team
working, and also give a more professional outcome, combining the skill base of
a level 6 photographer with my own. Some of the key aims for this project were
to design and create intellectually informed make-ups and also wigs, as well as
developing practical experimentation through a series of product trials. Using
time planning techniques such as a tailored work plan were also important,
especially within a collaborative project where other people are relying
heavily on direction given by myself.
The body of work produced within the project is
one of a high standard, which includes key texts and images, which contribute
to the intellectual and fundamental understanding of the project, as well as
the academic learning of concepts and theories. Basing the project on a classic
Shakespeare tale was something that would require a lot of research and
justification. Using the original text as a starting point was the best way to
approach this and then sourcing appropriate academic books, images and
interpretation of the text was the most successful way of conducting a full
body of research. Throughout the project I found myself developing my own
original narrative, and this specified to the viewer that the unit outcome was simply
derived from the original tale of ‘A
Midsummer Nights Dream’ and not in any way direct impersonation, that could be
linked through the images without seeing the accompanying body of work. This is
something that helped to meet the requirement of justifying decisions and ideas
throughout, whilst being original and is something I am pleased to present to
the project audience. The design process of the project was one that also
needed to be of a much higher standard than in previous projects and also
contain a high level of intellectual and informed meaning. Through creating a
selection of make-up designs for each wig, and analysing and justifying the
colour theory and meaning, it was possible to get the best outcome to
compliment the body of work, and the final outcome. I was pleased with the
standard of designs, using photocopying to replicate the finalised hair designs
each time and carry continuity through the design process before reaching the
final complete outcomes. This will be something that will be contribute to my
graduate skill base, as intellectual thinking, problem solving and also
attention to detail and a high standard of design analysis and justification is
an easily identifiable and sought after skills in many professions.
Regarding the construction aspect of the
project, it has developed more professional and practical skills, as well as
the portfolio of wig and hair outcomes, and therefore will hopefully increase
my chance of employability in a specialised field once graduated. Using new
materials such as metal for spot welding was something that was surprisingly
easy to gain an understanding on after an induction to ensure professional and
safe practise when using the machines. Trialling was key at this stage, as was taking
and applying technical measurements and accurate application skills. This was
echoed in the stage of covering the cages, which required patience and accuracy
again to attach the materials together in a neat and effective way. Some
advanced problem solving was required here, when the shape of the second floral
covered cage became very difficult to cover, and therefore using alternate
techniques to effectively solve this made the process slightly longer yet the
outcome of the desired high standard. Also the wefted wig contained too much
hair once the wefts were attached to the wig base, therefore wefts had to be
removed to give a more realistic and appropriate weight and appearance of the
wig. This is one of the things that worked very well, using wefts that can be
added and removed and is something that I will use within the industry and
potentially transfer onto future projects within my remaining time on the
course.
The outcome of the project was completely
professional thanks to the collaborative nature of it. Although working independently
to problem solve the hair and make-up theories, designs and outcomes was
something I had to undergo, working as a team regarding theme, styling, location,
technical aspects and also to share key information was something that worked
very well and also made the project very enjoyable and easy to operate around.
Having the pressure of completing someone else’s project to a high standard as
well as my own was a pressure, which developed collaborative skills and also
communication skills. Selecting a photographer to collaborate with was a well
thought out decision in realising a fashion editorial based outcome, which was
specified within the project proposal. The photographer and I would communicate
with one another on a daily basis either through social media, text messaging
or through phone calls, on a daily basis, informing one another on the progress
of ideas, styles and in my own case the process of making the final outcomes.
Often the photographer would contact myself first, and this is something that
that would need development in the future, being organised and prompting myself
to contact the project peers, being more proactive, however this is something
that has fortunately not hindered this particular project. Engaging with other
collaboratives also developed my interpersonal skills, working with my actress
to achieve accurate fittings that were essential to realising a tailored
outcome. Conducting patch testing on the skin was also an essential process,
which covered health and safety awareness within the cosmetic industry. The
model had no reactions fortunately and was able to continue with us throughout
the project. Hair and make-up trials were conducted towards the latter half of
the project, and in the future is something that should be developed further to
take place more frequently. Working with the actress/model around her very busy
timetable was sometimes quite hard, but fortunately being able to access the
studio after 5pm became something very valuable to the trialling of the project.
The final shoot day of the project was also
moved forwards due to the models busy schedule and took place on a weekend. The
make-up application began at 8:15am as I had suggested to the photographer I was
able to complete this quickly, however it took longer than originally thought
as an unfamiliar primer was applied, and unfortunately as it created cracks and
dry spots under the foundation, it had to be removed and reapplied, therefore
meaning a late arrival at the location of almost an hour. This is something
that would not be acceptable in industry and comprehensive trials as well as
better overall time management would ensure this does not happen again. The
primer has since been removed from my kit, however more testing prior to this
would have prevented the problem. This now meant the allocated time for make-up
and wig changed was now extremely pushed, and fortunately I had chosen on that
morning to take an assistant with me, which proved a very good decision and is
something that will now also be included within future projects.
Overall the final outcome is very pleasing, and
works well with the make-up and photography narratives designed within the
collaboration. Some of the lighting and exposure has made the lace front wigs
synthetic hair look very fluffy, almost like cotton wool which completely gives
away that it is a wig, and synthetic hair is now something I would like to move
away from in future wig based projects. The make-up application is also a shade
darker on the long lace front wig images, as a full make-up change was
undergone prior to these images being taken. One of the favourite images from
the collection where the model leaning against the wall with the tall cage wig
on almost gives the illusion she is leaning, therefore making the tall wig look
unstable. Therefore this image impacts on my application skills, however
fortunately another image was taken of the wig, where it stands s stable and
freestanding as it was on the day. The
images are of a good standard to raise the quality of my portfolio and also to
help adapt the social media awareness of my professional identity.
Overall the project is one that has proved
successful in developing and improving my existing creative ability,
collaborative skills, interpersonal skills, technical aspects of make-up
application, advanced problem solving, as well as helping to identify the
commercial context that as an artist is appropriate for my work. This project
has also made me more aware of weaker areas in my practise which should be considered
more in future projects, such as time management, product knowledge, as well as
budgeting. Also the project has enhanced my awareness of creating a
comprehensive body of work and widened the length and breadth of research I
consider. These aspects have all collectively made me more confident, and
prepared for employment. Also as a candidate for employment I feel that as a
graduate I will be confident to discuss my work, and the critical understanding
regarding this. I feel specialist practise has brought a culmination of skills
and ideas adapted over my years of study into a very successful project
outcome.
