For this task, I have been asked to document and evaluate activities, sessions or interviews I have undertaken throughout the duration of this unit, to support my willingness to progress in my field. In this document I have noted all events relevant to the sessions I have undertaken over the course of time this brief has been issued.
28/11/2022 – Today, my Unit 10 brief was issued. Sarah and Ingrid presented our brief to us, breaking down each section ensuring we clearly understand what is expended of us. Then, we had a question and answer session to ensure we were all on the same page and knew what we were doing. I found today’s lesson very helpful and am excited to research a range of progression options throughout this unit.
30/11/2022 – Today, I analyzed my brief and began to create a plan of action for the next month. I broke each task down into sections and set targets for myself (dates I wanted to achieve each section/task by etc).
1/12/2022 – Today, I created all of the posts and tabs I would need on my blog, ensuring everything was put in place ready for when the work was done – making the process much easier. As I type up all of my work on a google doc beforehand (as a safety net) this step makes the uploading process much less time consuming.
4/12/2022 – Today, Ingrid delivered a session on portfolio building. We discussed what should and should not be included in a portfolio, as well as how to lay out images in a portfolio, what universities will be expecting of you, and how to edit images to ensure they are of great quality.
5/12/2022 – Today, Sarah and I went through my personal statement together. She gave me valuable feedback and helped me improve my work to ensure it showcased me to the best of my abilities.
6/12/2022 – Today, I began my detailed research into universities and other progression options, for those in the hair and make-up industry to potentially take, after college. I took notes on paper, before typing up my findings. I find taking notes on paper really helpful, as it ensures I type everything up in my own worlds rather than accidentally copying someone else’s work.
11/12/2022 – Today, we had a session on what makes a good presentation. We discussed the do’s and don’ts of presenting, and how to keep an audience engaged, as well as discussing what makes a good audience. This helped us prepare for our presentations., and provided us with valuable tips and tricks to follow, ensuring or presentations are effective.
12/12/2022 – Today, I completed my research into what should, or should not, be included in a professional hair and make-up artist CV, before creating my own. After researching, I chose to include all relevant qualifications and work experience on my CV, as well as a short introduction to myself, contact information, and a photograph of me to help put a face to the name. I used a template from Canva to create my own CV, an image is attached below. I have crossed out my personal information for the purpose of this post.
27/12/2022 – Today, I researched what a professional hair and make-up artist portfolio should include before starting to create my own. I had previously made a Pinterest board of inspiration, so I ensured to refer back to this during the process of making my portfolio.
28/12/2022 – Today, I officially finished and sent off my UCAS application. I am so excited and nervous for the next few months, but can’t wait to begin the next chapter of my progression journey.
2/1/2023 – Today, I began to create my presentation, ready for the deadline (16/01/21). Taking inspiration from a template I found on canva, I have began to collect all of my research information together in to a power point presentation format, which I will use to inform my classmates of potential university and other progression options after college, as well as how to apply to uni through UCAS, and key information on student funding. I am so pleased with how this is looking so far.
3/1/2023 – In today’s lesson we began a new hair styling unit, looking at complex period hair styling, and also helping us build images for our portfolio. We were introduced to hairstyles from the 1800’s, and were required to set the hair following a specific style.
5/1/2023 – Today I heard back from four of my university choices. They have sent me emails confirming they have received my application, and information on how and when they may contact me for interviews. The universities I have heard from today are Solent, AUB and Bucks New.
10/1/2023 – Continuing on from our previous hair lesson (on the 3rd), today we dressed out our 1800’s style setting. We learned how to create a Mary Antoinette style look. I found this extremely fun, and loved learning how to create these looks. I can not wait to perfect this skill, and am so happy with my first ever attempt.
12/1/2023 – Over the last few days I have received interview slots from the previously mentioned universities. I have also been invited to an applicant day at my final choice, Film and Screen School. I am very excited and also very nervous for these upcoming dates. However, I am extremely proud of how far I have come. When I was in school I was unsure if I ever even wanted to come to college, and now look at me – applying for University, as the first person in my direct family to do so !
14/1/2023 – Today I completely finished my presentation. I am so happy with the result and hope that the lay out I chose will keep my viewers very engaged, and keen to learn more. I am slightly nervous about presenting, as we are all friends and therefore it is strange to see each other acting so proper – as we are used to seeing each other in a much more relaxed environment. However, I am sure I will be fine when it comes to it, I usually am just nervous in the build up of things. My presentation can be viewed via this link;
16/1/2023 – Today is presentation day. I thoroughly enjoyed watching everyone’s presentations, and although nervous prior to presenting, I felt fine when it was actually my turn. I believe it felt like a breeze as I was talking about something I am deeply passionate about, therefore I was able to really engage my audience. Overall I am extremely happy with the result of this and believe it was a very valuable experience, especially as I will soon have university interviews to attend – where I will be required to present my work.
Furthermore, today we also had a hair styling practical lesson. In this lesson we re-created the 1800’s, Mary Antoinette, style set and dress out. I can see a huge improvement in my work form last week, and felt very confident creating this look today. We then also practiced some braiding techniques, where I produced my first fishtail braid. Although this is slightly loose and off balance I am very pleased with it as my first attempt.
17/1/2023 – Today we continued our 1800’s hair styling. First, we had an introduction to working with wigs, and the difference between setting a wig compared to a living client. Then we discussed the importance of treating a wig extremely delicately, before repeating the set we have been practicing over the last few weeks. Today I felt much more confident completing this set, and finished it far quicker than previous attempts. We then finished the lesson with some braiding practice, where I created another fishtail braid.
19/1/2023 – Today Ingrid gave me feedback on my portfolio, and helped me learn new editing skills to ensure the images in my portfolio were of the best possible standard. She gave me invaluable advice and helped me feel much more confident about the work I had produced.
20/1/2023 – Today I logged all of my work experience hours from this year so far. This helps to ensure I am up to date with the requirements, and helps me visualize how much I have left to complete.
21/1/2023 – Today I completed a fashion editorial shoot at home. I have not covered much fashion work at college and really wanted to have some examples in my portfolio to show my broad skill set. Therefore, I created my own photo shoot set up, and created final images that I am obsessed with.
22/1/2023 -Today I have officially finished my portfolio., after adding the images from yesterday’s shoot. Therefore, I have sent my portfolio off to my University choices, ready for viewing before my interviews. I am so proud of myself for the work I have created, and am excited for the next few weeks of interviews. My portfolio can be viewed via this link;
23/1/2023 – In today’s hair lesson we continued our braiding practice. Here I produced two fishtail braids. Although I still need some more practice to perfect this technique I now feel much more confident. Additionally, I created my first cornrow braid. I created this braid on a much larger scale than usual as it was my first try – so I could get used to my hand placement. Now I feel much more comfortable creating the effect I must practice at its usual scale.
25/1/2023 – Today, I have my first two University Interviews, at Solent University in Southampton. I am very nervous as this is my first choice university and I would really like to secure a place here. After attending my interview I feel confident I did the best I could. However, I do regret booking my first choice uni interview first – as I went in really nervous because I didn’t know what to expect, and I do believe this showed through my body language and therefore It did not necessarily go as well as I had hoped, and I feel I could have done so much better.
27/1/2023 – Today, I received an email from Solent university informing me I have secured a conditional offer for my chosen courses. This offer is conditional to me achieving over 88 UCAS points at the end of this year, which I am fairly confident I will surpass – due to my predicted grades. I am so happy I received this email, as I previously mentioned this university was my first choice and I was scared that my nerves had gotten the better of me in my interview. Overall I am so happy with this result, and have taken their feedback onboard ready for my next three interviews.
Megan Hoff 