Critical Evaluation

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.