For this task, I must complete my initial research in to fantasy hair and makeup designs, and explore their performance suitability.
The looks we create for our Final Major Project will be professionally photographed on the day of our final assessment. This means that our looks must be suitable for a studio environment, under bright lights. We must also ensure that all minor details are perfected, as a HD camera will pick up any and every imperfection. These looks will then be created again, for our end of year showcase at college. This is an event that enables us to showcase our strongest skills, and the potential we could bring into the industry as an artist. In the showcase, we will walk a runway alongside our models meaning we will have to adjust our looks, as this time they must look good from afar, and our model must be comfortable for long periods of time.
Therefore, in this task I am going to compare different styles and techniques I could use to create my initial ideas, and evaluate how suitable these would be for a photoshoot, and a runway environment.
Below I have created a table comparing the factors to consider, when creating a look for each of these environments.
| Photoshoot | Both (in common) | Runway/Catwalk |
| Close up shots – Pay attention to minor details, don’t over exaggerate features. Costume and props are not a necessity. Poses – Essential to ensure a great final image. Exposure – You must be aware of what camera, and or settings being used in order to ensure the makeup is created effectively. Story – Final image should tell a story. Time – Any heavy or uncomfortable aspects can be added last minute to ensure you create the desired look, as well as making sure your model is comfortable. | Lighting – Natural, Stage lighting, white light, coloured lights. Audience – The look must be catered for the audience, its story must be clear. Confidence – Is KEY ! The model must feel confident enough to pose for photos and walk a runway, without the final image being hugely affected. | Viewed from a distance – Must be dramatic enough to be seen, emphasize details to make them stand out. Costume and props must be used to finalize the look. Body language – Facial expressions and walk must match the character. Story – Look must be obvious, there is not enough time for people to think too much about the backstory. Time – The hair, makeup and costume must be comfortable and unrestrictive for the model, ensuring they are comfortable to wear this while moving, and over longer periods of time. |
My first initial idea is to create a living statue. I am leaning more towards using this idea as my final outcome as it is different from the typical fantasy looks that are commonly created. Furthermore, I love how this overall look would be simple but effective upon first glance, however I can incorporate many techniques to ensure I am showcasing my work to the best of its ability.
Makeup
Option 1 – Hand painting
Below is an image of a living statue look that has been previously created, using only hand painted effects.
When creating this look, my first option is hand painting all the details myself. Although this may be more time consuming, I personally love creating all the small details by hand and therefore think I am more likely to use this method anyway. Regardless of what I prefer, personally I believe this method is more suitable for both the runway and a photoshoot. Hand painting the look ensures the model is fully comfortable throughout the process of the photoshoot, and the day of the runway, where the model will have to wear the look for a long period of time. Furthermore, this method helps to further ensure a smooth overall finish in the photographs – as if prosthetics are not blended seamlessly in to the skin, the camera will highlight this flaw.
Option 2 – prosthetics
Below is an image of a sone creature look, that has been previously created, using prosthetics.
Although this image tells an incredible story, using prosthetics will be much more effective for film and tv work. As I mentioned above, using prosthetics could negatively impact the overall final image, as if the prosthetics were not blended seamlessly into the skin the camera would amplify this, drawing attention away from the overall design. Furthermore, wearing prosthetics like this would be extremely uncomfortable to wear for a whole day. This technique would be perfect for looks created for film and tv, as although they would be on for longer periods they would be constantly in use. However during a runway there is lots of waiting around, and therefore the model is likely to be uncomfortable.
Hair
Option 1 – accessories
One of my options when creating the hair style for this look, is to keep the hair fairly simple, while adding in accessories. I personally believe this will be more effective than just creating a hairstyle on its own, as it further develops the character and supports my overall design. Adding in faux plants such as flower petals, ivy and moss, will help to amplify the overall makeup look, and its story. Furthermore, I think keeping the hair style simple will prevent any distractions from the makeup itself.
Option 2 – Updo
Additionally, creating a messy up do, and adding in accessories is another great option to support this look. However, I personally believe that the additional weight and pressure from the updo would most likely be uncomfortable for a model walking the runway. Therefore, I could consider creating this look for the photoshoot, and adapting my design for the showcase, as I believe that this would tell the story really clearly, making it the perfect addition for the photoshoot.
Option 3 – Bald cap
Bald caps always create a great overall image, however you must master the art to ensure that the finished result looks good on camera. Just like prosthetics, a camera is your worst enemy when using a bald cap, as if it is not blended seamlessly into the skin the camera will amplify the imperfections and draw attention away from the overall look.
Hair color
Option 1 – Wig
My first option when choosing how to color the hair is to use a wig. Wigs are a great way to quickly change up your look without having to commit to a certain style or color, therefore are a popular choice among designers when planning looks for photoshoots and runways. However, when on a lower budget wigs can ruin an overall look, as cheap wigs can look really fake. Therefore this would be a great option if I had the budget to purchase a real hair, high quality wig, but as I can not afford this I will most likely use temporary color products in the hair.
Option 2 – Temporary color
Products such as coloured hair chalks, gels and sprays, as well as face paints, are a great way to temporarily color the hair, with a quick removal. Semi-permanent hair dye could be used if a model is willing to partially commit to that hair color, however that may last up to 2 months ! Therefore, as a makeup artist I am more likely to use products such as chalks and sprays on a client or model, as they give a great effect, but will wash out as soon as you are done.
Megan Hoff 