CLARE HEDGES

Professional Development Statement

I initially began the course with a strong interest in prosthetics, which has only strengthened in my progression from level 4 to level  5. In my first year,  I worked on a short film Final Reflection (2014) which was important in my development as a make-up artist as it was the first film I had worked on and was on filmed on location in Kent with a large crew, which was good experience. It also required me to create a budget for the make-up which was a learning curve as I did not budget enough which resulted in me personally losing money. I have learnt that it is important to fully research the products and processes I will require for a job,  to ensure that I have an appropriate budget. I feel in level 5, one of my biggest progressions may be in my own self confidence and taking myself out of my comfort zone by agreeing to work on as much work experience as I can.

 

My specialist skills relate largely to prosthetics as this is the area that I am passionate about. Painting and sculpting are both strengths of mine; both are skills I would like to build upon. I have received feedback from staff that I have a good eye for detail, which is why I feel I particularly enjoy the painting and sculpting side of prosthetics. My negotiated project has highlighted to me the importance of good mould making and is therefore a skill that I would like to work on and improve. In the future, I plan to take more time and care over my moulds. I also plan to do some primary research into good mould making by hopefully arranging to visit some workshops over the summer. As a general positive, I feel I have good communication skills which I am finding useful for networking and creating contacts. Areas which I feel are weaknesses include hair, wigwork and more complex beauty make up. Hair is something I have struggled to with since first year, although I feel I have a better understanding of how to style it, it is still something I am not altogether comfortable with. In level 5, I have struggled with the wig construction/deconstruction sessions and have found it a frustrating skill to try and learn. I have however enjoyed learning how to punch hair and I am looking forward to practicing this skill further. Finally, beauty make up is another area which I would like to improve. Although I am comfortable with basic make up, I do not feel confident with more complex make ups. I am working to improve this by working on theatre productions, which requires many make ups at a fast pace, as well as working on some fashion shoots. As a more general weakness, I am aware from my own experience as well as feedback from tutors that I need to widen my breadth of research as this will help inform my designs as well as widen my personal knowledge and help me to achieve a better final outcome. 

Vocational Action Plan

Prior to level 6, I intend to start writing to workshops and individuals involved in prosthetics with regards to placement and work experience as I feel I would hugely benefit from this experience in industry. Over the summer, I am keen to expand my research and knowledge on particular areas of prosthetics, specifically processes and materials.

 

Negotiated Project Agreement for Professional Make-up Project
 

For this project, I was initially inspired by looking at the various imperfections that can be seen in peoples skin tones such as broken capillaries. I was particuarly inspired by the broken capillaries and skin tone created by Neill Gorton in his make up on Timothy Spall for the Fattest Man in Britain (2014)

 

I have a strong passion for prosthetics which I feel is reflected by my chosen project for this unit. This project has strengthened my enthusiasm for prosthetics and reinforced that I enjoy all aspects of the process including; sculpting, mould making, painting and applying. In the future I would like to begin by working as a technician in a workshop with the aspiration of applying on set and eventually become a make-up designer. This project has given me the opportunity to practice designing, sculpting, mould making and applying; all of which are skills which I will require and need to improve to work towards my goals. I am aiming towards the named prosthetic award and feel that this project does reflect this. For this project, I will be handing in a digital blog, a film, a sketchbook, a sped up make-up application video.

 

This unit of work has demonstrated advanced technical, creative and intellectual skills. I feel my technical skills have particularly improved during this project, which I feel is evidenced through my digital blog in my processes. During this project I have completed a full head cast, created a fiberglass core and created a two part mould. I have also used techniques such as hair punching and silicone painting during the detailing of my make-up. I feel I have pushed myself creatively by collaborating with film and costume. This required good organisation and communication, as well as providing an added pressure to make sure my pieces were finished and ready for filming. I have found that during this project, I have been thinking more professionally and attempting to anticipate potential issues that may arise.