Throughout the technical lessons I have learnt so much. I never thought I'd have taken in so much information in such a short amount of time, or be applying my newly learnt skills to every makeup look we design and execute. I have found learning about the Elizabethans and their makeup rituals particularly interesting, which is surprising because I didn't know what the project would entail or if I would even enjoy it. As a whole I have become better at applying makeup, more confident in trying new things, and more inspired than I've ever been! I can't wait to start the next project and apply the skills I've learnt to them, and keep improving as the course progresses.
Evaluating my design:
I really enjoyed the whole creative process of designing something unique and interesting for my final assessment. I was worried about whether or not my design was a good take on the Elizabethan era or not, but I think the qualities that it is made up of really apply to the period.
For one, the pale complexion is the most noticeable aspect of a typical Elizabethan woman when we see portraits and paintings of them. I thought the Illamasqua skin base was perfect for this and created the dewy look I was after - a more modern take on the design, as Elizabethans would typically have very chalky, matte skin.
The eyelashes and brows apply to the era because Elizabethan woman often used to blank these features out as it was deemed beautiful and fashionable at the time. I was inspired by the Elizabethan makeup we practiced in one of our technical lessons for this.
The gold used in the design is my favourite feature. Gold is considered a very royal, wealthy colour and was worn by Elizabeth 1st during her rein as Queen. I wanted to incorporate this not only for that reason, but also because I knew it would work perfectly with my red (Elizabethan) hair colour. I also applied the same gold to the lips as I thought it tied the whole look together.
If I had to re-do this project, I would have loved to add in royal purples, reds and some more exciting features. I really like my design idea and was so pleased with how it turned out, but now I'm in the zone with designing I know I'd like to try something a bit more adventurous next time. I'm really happy with how the design was executed by my partner, and I can't wait for the next project!
Evaluating my interpretation:
I felt the pressure when I was handed Hannah's design! I loved it from the start and thought it would be really easy to interpret someone else's design and idea onto them.. I was surprised at how nerve-wracking it actually was. I was constantly asking for direction in our practice sessions because I wanted to make sure my partner was happy with how I was doing her design. I know that if my design was done by someone else and it wasn't how I wanted it I'd feel disappointed, so I made sure I perfected the design before assessment day.
I have previously written about the changes we both overcame in both of our designs, and I have to say when we altered Hannah's design slightly (on the lips and brows) I felt way more involved with the design! I was glad to have been able to put in some ideas about what would create a more 'Elizabethan' feel, and Hannah told me exactly how she wanted it to look and I did as she asked. I was so pleased with the outcome of this look, it is the best work I've ever done and I was chuffed to bits with whole assessment - especially when I was complimented on my blending skills!!
Next time I really want to study the design I'm creating more. I want to feel 100% confident and practice it until I feel like I could do it with my eyes closed. I am lucky in the way that I am able to work under pressure and to a time limit, but I want my partner to be confident that I can deliver the design she was wishing for. I loved working with my partner on this and got excited about the colours and the creativity of her design.. I will definitely be working with her on some makeup looks after Christmas!
