MY FIRST WEEK AT UNIVERSITY

HEAD IN A BAG

We started of the week with a practical activity. We were set a task to decorate a bag which reflected our personalities. Some created a face on a bag, others created patterns. I wanted to create something different so I created a collage on the bag with lots of different fashions and products that I cut out from a magazine. I really liked this activity because we were able to express ourselves in a way we never had before. 

We were given the freedom to use different materials, colours and techniques when decorating the bag to make it our own. I decided to decorate mine to reflect my fashion sense. I used black and white and dark colours on my bag as I wear a lot of black and white. Even though it was a very fun activity and we all enjoyed getting to know each other, I didn't enjoy taking photo's of myself with the bag on my head.

I did question the title of the activity for a while but when I got into the studio and explained the task I was completely up for it. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it, as did I. I look forward to doing more practical activities like this one throughout the course.

ILLAMASQUA WORKSHOP

Sharon (Spob) O'Brien and Helen Roche from Illamasqua came into our university early last week to talk to us about their careers in the makeup industry, their experiences and to answer any questions we had.

Spob told us how important research was and how looking on the internet can inspire looks in multiple ways. She also mentioned that its important not to just rely on the internet for inspiration but to look elsewhere. For example; in books, exhibitions, films and places other than where you live. Visit different places and always take notes on events that happen which could inspire looks in the future. 

Following the talk they gave us, they took us into the studio to give us a demonstration of a look Spob, Helen and their team did for the designer Sorapol at London Fashion Week. They talked us through all the different products they used in the demonstration and the reasons behind why they used these products. Spob explained her inspiration for these looks and how she got her inspiration from from the colour run, where there were explosions of powder paint. Sorapol told Spob that he wanted a lot of colour in the final look. This is what inspired Spob when researching and designing her different looks. 

Spob and Helen pointed out that inspiration can come from anything, anywhere and anyone. Their knowledge of makeup and adventurous looks inspired me, its obvious they knew what they were talking about and have clearly done a lot of research throughout their careers.

CHARLES FOX / KRYOLAN WORKSHOP

I really enjoyed the Kryolan Workshop and talk that we had. Essex based makeup artist Gemma Horner came to speak to us and gave us a demonstration of a 'smokey eyed look'. Gemma works for the Kryolan international team. She worked her way up through the industry, starting out as a volunteer at college doing media makeup and hair to then going to the Covent Garden Kryolan store to do further work experience. After the work experience she got offered a position at the store and has now worked their for over 10 years. 

She made it clear that trying to find a work experience was and still is very hard. The Kryolan waiting list is one year and getting your name known to different makeup artists is very difficult. 

She also mentioned how its very hard to get a job in the industry and you have to work very long hours to get to where you want to be. Gemma showed a lot of determination and dedication in her work and has inspired me to keep my head down and work very hard.

The look Gemma demonstrated was a smokey eye beauty look. She carefully explained all of the products she used in the tutorial and why she used them in this look. She taught us all a lot about how to apply and use different products. I really liked the look Gemma demonstrated. Although it was very heavy makeup, it was really well done and the final look was really nice.