PROJECT EVALUATION

This project involved researching a chosen make-up brand and then basing our work on it. I could think of many ideas as soon as I read the brief, and it made me feel very excited to just be able to focus on creating my own images.

The part that I enjoyed the most was actually taking the photos. This is because the first thing you need to do is actually apply the make-up, which made me motivated to actually practise beforehand. This resulted in my skills getting better with every shoot that I did for this unit. It also made me feel productive and inspired me to use my time wisely and effectively.

All of the master classes and lessons have been extremely helpful, and I have learnt a lot of great make-up techniques, which I did use while shooting as well. For instance, the application of matte and dewy skin. I have also learnt a lot of new hairstyles, however I do believe I should have experimented more with hair. I did find it hard because the brand that I was doing (Max Factor) does not experiment with the hair very much, and mainly uses very simple hairstyles, so that is exactly what I did with my work.

When it comes to techniques that I would like to develop further it is going to have to be plaits. I feel like it is something that will never become unfashionable and suits every occasion. The technique that I have enjoyed the most is learning how to blow-dry hair. I believe it is something that is very popular, so it is good to know that I am now able to do it.

A big reason as to why I have enjoyed this project is because I got the chance to research my favourite make-up brand and make-up artist- Pat McGrath. Her work has always inspired me, and I feel like now that my images are based on her style, my portfolio is exactly what I’ve always wanted it to be.

I have also learnt a lot about photographing make-up including all the do’s and dont’s . First two shoots were not easy, because I did have to guess a few things when it came to camera settings, however it was experimenting with all the equipment and making mistakes, that made me learn the most and therefore increased the quality of my work.

The most successful part of my project is going to have to be the editing of the photographs. I have spent a long time trying to adjust the lighting and cropping images, but I am very happy with every image that I have submitted because I know it’s the best I can do.

Unfortunately, not everything ran smoothly all the time. Two of my models cancelled twice, which left me in a very difficult position. However, it taught me how to overcome such problems, and made me feel a lot more confident when it comes to situations like this. Now I understand that there is no need to panic, and action is the best thing you can do. Which is exactly, what I did, and I did manage to find two more models last minute.

If I was going to do this project again, I would collaborate with other people in order for my work to be of even better quality. I feel like I have done well enough to say I am happy with every single image, however, it would have been easier to think of concepts and ideas for shoots with other people who would also be willing to work with me. It would also give me more time to spend on my designs and searching for the right models.

Overall, I am very happy with the outcome and have learnt a lot of new techniques and information not only about make-up but also hair, which will definitely benefit me in the future. This unit has made me grow as an artist and made me a lot more confident when it comes to creating and experimenting with my own style and work.