PVP
Professional Development Statement
Studying Fine Art and Textiles at GCSE helped me with my choice of study at A level. At A level, combining fine art and textiles gave me opportunities to explore and develop my creativity using new materials and techniques to produce unique project experiments. Artists such as Marilyn Minter and Jenny Saville were related to past projects and will also aid me in my current professional make-up project. These help to reflect different ways in which we look at our bodies and compare this to what is expected by society.
Progressing from fine art to a Makeup course, I think I have benefitted by seeing the finer detail and creating realism within prosthetics and intricate detail involved in both hair and makeup. Studying Textiles has helped with identifying and recreating textures. I have also found that whipping and knotting is quite a simple task once started. Overall, taking on the Make-up for Media and Performance degree, has been an exciting challenge from the beginning. It was only when I came to the Make-up open day that I realised that this is where I wanted to be above all of the other options I kept open minded to.
Key experiences consist of exhibitions, ballet and other performances. UMA and IMATS have given live demonstrations from inspirational artist Kristyan Mallett and guests such as Tate Steinsiek who discussed various makeup jobs and guidance for makeup. Meeting Greg Cannom was an exciting experience, as I had the chance to discuss his preferences when working with Skin Illustrators. As a result the Skin Illustrator Glazes he recommended to me have been very useful to me when working on film. I have since met Cannom again to discuss his new bruise glazes and to share with him how I found the original glaze kit useful.
Level 4 outcomes
From level 4 I feel that I have developed in all areas by working on collaborative films which have helped to build my confidence in different working environments and with the different departments within film, including working with actors, whom I have to make as comfortable as possible.
I am confident in makeup, hair and prosthetics, but would like to specialise in prosthetics as I find the making and applying process enjoyable, challenging and satisfying. Ultimately, I would like to be working within the Film industry, mould making and applying prosthetics, although my favoured area would be colouring and applying prosthetics.
My weaknesses lie within research, as I find it difficult to pinpoint sources, particularly new sources to find specific information. However, I do enjoy making the link between the work I produce and the research to back up my ideas. Looking at previous feedback from both level 4 and 5, I achieve lower marks with certain learning Objective which relate to researching context. I have already began to show improvement in this area, however to proceed to improve this area, a visual tick list for this particular area, is very helpful.
From experiencing Foam Latex for the first time, I did struggle with both painting and blending the edges of the appliance to match the skin. To resolve this I will find more opportunities to practice using this material, as it may be an appropriate option for the prosthetics I plan to make within my Professional Make-up project.
I enjoy experimenting with various materials and have often found that it is difficult to favour specific materials, as they are often versatile and can have many uses.
I would like to expand my knowledge with moulds, moulding materials and methods.
At level 4, I managed to achieve a First, at 72 marks for my History and Reality project. Although this doesn’t go towards my grades, this has since driven me to push for what I am capable of. This also reflects that I can work well with both hair and makeup from historical eras. I have since achieved a first in Dramatic Contexts, which again I am proud of as this was a successful prosthetic application which bodes well for my choice in future aspiration.
I feel comfortable with the way I approach designing, making and applying makeups, as I have often felt pleased and satisfied with the results. Throughout the units so far, I have developed and improved in all areas, however, I will continue to develop my depth and methods of research.
My placements so far, consist of six films and a photo-shoot, meaning I am yet to explore the working environment of a theatre production. In working on films, I am comfortable to work within a tight time schedule which I think is good practice for future experiences and possible placements in industry. Working on a photo-shoot was very different in a sense that there was a less strict time schedule; however there were more changes and restyling the same models for a different purpose.
My work placements so far have helped me to gain knowledge and understanding of the team and what is required to create a film. I have deliberately chosen to work on films as I knew from the beginning of the course, where I wanted to end up working. The whole experience of being on set as part of the team is exciting and rewarding, as the result is available to be watched over and over again, whereas theatre, I feel, moves on quickly to the next production.
Vocational Action Plan
In the future I would like to gain experience within the film industry, making and applying prosthetic makeups. I would like to visit different studios such as Millennium FX, London and KNB, California, to experience different ways of working in the industry and how they are run. This will also enable me to pick up on any alternative methods, materials and skills required to create perfect appliances. I would also like to develop skills in airbrushing and hyper realistic painting.
In order to achieve a successful place in the industry, I would like to develop neat and efficient skills for mould making and applying to fulfil expectations in this industry. Up until I look for a career in this field, I will continue to practice all aspects of prosthetics. I feel that specifying my named award with a prosthetic title would be the best decision for what I want to do in the future. Although, this does not mean that I am incapable or would not enjoy other creative areas such as body painting or elaborate hair work. I feel that giving myself a specialist title will enable me to get placements and experience more efficiently as there is an instant link to where I want to be without any further information given.
Part 2 Negotiated Project Agreement for Professional Make-up Project
For this project I looked into issues in society as this is a broad area to gain research which can then be narrowed down. From this I have targeted ageism, domestic abuse, and weight/eating disorders, such as anorexia. I have tried to reflect these ideas within makeups which combine prosthetics to create an advertisement to raise awareness of these issues. As these makeups are physical, they will have a direct link to the issue, . From choosing an issue within western society, my project will affect and relate those who suffer with anxiety and educate those who are unaware. Creating an advertisement with a shock factor may encourage people to give more support, understanding and to spread education to young people. This may prevent those uneducated, from becoming anorexic, and give them the education to help friends of family who may be affected. Support is very important to those suffering as the psychology is powerful and overrides the body. Support is the most important element t recovery, and perhaps someone who shares the same disorder are the ones to help them change, speaking from experience.
This project will help to reflect my area of interest, being prosthetics, I have chosen these appliances in order to perfect them to a professional level rather than push to an extensive level, and produce weaker prosthetics. As these makeups will be physically interactive with the model, I feel that this is a challenging aspect to include, as these practical effects will only be able to be shot once for film. I think this project clearly reflects the prosthetic make-up effects award, as each element of my makeup is prosthetic related.
For this project, I will be handing in: a digital blog, research and experimentation documentation, fibreglass moulds, flat piece mould, sped up video application, digital photographic evidence and a short clip of an interactive makeup.
My work provides evidence of the following learning outcomes:
LO1 Demonstrate advanced technical, creative and intellectual skills to inform project solutions. – Through mould making, I have developed better methods for running moulds in both silicone and gelatine. Clamps are my preferred method as I have more choice over spacing out pressure where required.
LO2 Demonstrate a level of communication that is developing a professional standard of visual, creative and technical realisation. – These have been communicated through my design and PVP.
LO3 Demonstrate the ability to identify personal strengths and weaknesses to inform career development planning and an informed specialism choice. - Personal strengths will be identified throughout evaluation of each practical piece recorded on my blog.
LO4 Demonstrate the ability to acquire focused knowledge specific to professional specialisms. – Within the professional specialisms I will look into alternative methods and materials used in the industry, as well as methods and more efficient ways of creating moulds.
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