Amber Sibley.com
From Ambers visit, I gained a more hopeful insight of working in the industry in the future. My feelings towards working on set have also changed as she inspired me with her experience.
Amber doesn't specialise in a certain field. Her portfolio displays a range of skills, making her more open to opportunity.
A tip for getting into the industry is to go out and explore the field before committing yourself to a certain area if at all.
Amber started out working on grad films as soon as left education at London College of Fashion.
There are two ways to go once education is over, you can either go for a build up approach by starting in a workshop cleaning brushes and build up to be taken on as assistant etc OR find your own work, do free lance work, make contacts and do favours for people who will then owe you favours in return, giving you opportunity to dive into all opportunities. Also volunteer to work with other MUA's to get your name known.
An interesting situation occurred when she worked on Hellboy. Luke Goss's makeup required a simple blended eye makeup on top of his prosthetics, but his makeup artist was uncomfortable doing this, so Amber stepped in and applied eyeshadow where appropriate.
Tips:
-1st AD is important for you to get to know as they call you on for checks
-Always be aware of direction of camera, you never want to be in front of the camera if you're not doing your job at that time
-When appropriate you need to be brave and correct the makeup other wise you and the film will suffer
-Foam latex is better because you can take away the edges, once you've interrupted cap plastic layer that's it.
-It's good to know how to look after people as you can improve their mood in preparation for going on set
-London Olympics makeup:Used latex over crepe paper which was q quick and easy texture to cover large areas
-On mistique makeup blue base and flicked different shades on top to give depth, felt it was better than previous ones because of this. Close up looked like space. Also Inserted a panty liner into bottom prosthetic for comfort. Used non encapsulated pieces
-Important to specify what part of the makeup is yours and whether you sculpted it
Foam
To paint foam - prep and deal with prosaide then base of neutral flesh tone with acrylic paint. Build up with washes of acrylic on top tin layers to avoid cracking. Powder and then put KY jelly on top to make it come alive.
With foam you can apply the piece with prosaide without completely drying it - gives chance to alter position - cabosil to patch up any lifting issues
After explaining the Exercise:
from my date of birth and colours i selected, a reading
My character is yellow
Took is yellow both are positive
Amber Sibley
Sibley, S. (n.d)
19/01
Todays session consisted of Writing an email for industry work, Anxiety control, and Bodypainting as a reflection of ourselves.
Tips:
-In a job application, prefers to read someone confident and with personality showing through.
-Too formal sounds the same, too cold - not memorable.
-Show enthusiasm and interest in the role, big yourself up.
-Don't guilt trip them by saying 'I hope you remember me'
If it's to a specific person, way as much as you kno about that area
-Show your motivation behind it
-Attach CV to emails
-Link show reel
-Small pic of self in corner
-authenticity comes through, can't go wrong with it
-Little bit of flattery, you know their work, you know what they've worked on
-Put my face on my contact page on website
-Take photos yourself of makeup/hair if they're on a shoot with no close ups
Letter/email practice
Dear ...
I am a current student in my third year at Arts university Bournemouth, studying BA makeup for media and performance, however I am comfortable working with all aspects of makeup, including beauty, body painting and wigs etc, although I am specialising in prosthetics as I have found that I am most passionate about this and the process behind making them.
I would love the opportunity to have work experience with you, to learn different skills and techniques and also what it is like working in a Workshop environment. As I am eager to learn, I have already approached makeup artists from the industry at trade shows, and have taken on board any advice given and applied this to my own work. This has also helped me to gain confidence and become recognisable for events such as IMATS where I have been remembered and am now more able to approach people I look up to.
I am excited to learn new techniques and skills to better myself as a makeup artist. I am confident that I collaborate comfortably with models, actors and other departments as it is important for me to understand everyone's role when producing a shoot or film together. I am easy to work with as I keep myself and my work organised to maintain a professional work ethic. I try to keep a positive environment in my work space, making those I work with, comfortable and happy to work with me again and to put my name forward as recommendation to others looking for a MUA.
I hope to be in touch soon!
All the best
Bethany Lane
Major Project Discussion
After having a discussion about my Major Project with Amber, she was able to make me understand that my idea will work. I asked whethermy idea of sculpting corn rowed hair as a flat piece, which would then be applied on top of a partial bald cap which will allow me to keep my models hair for styling down the centre.
