The Grinch Project

This semester, I am in a class that allows me to have one on one time with a professional teacher. This experience has helped me to develop my skills immensely. I have learned so much with this class already, especially this week.

This class helps us to develop our skills. I wanted to become better at everything, so I decided to recreate the Grinch look from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. I had to start out by researching the character and finding pictures that would help me recreate him. 

This picture has been the biggest help to me. I have used and referred back to this picture multiple times. Well in order to create this, I had to create a schedule of everything I needed to do to complete this process. Well, I learned that this whole process takes several days and multiple hours. I am still nowhere near finished, but this is what I have learned so far. 

I had to take a life mask. A life mask is a mask of the person's face. There are multiple steps to get to the end result. First, is to mix alginate and apply to the face. Once the alginate has set, then plaster bandages can be applied to help keep the mold of the face. 

 Then plaster is used to create this look...the look of a life cast.

 After I had the cast of the head, I decided to make a positive mold. I choose to do this for a couple different reasons. First, I would not have to mold on his life cast that he gets to keep, and I would have a back up piece in case something were to go wrong. Then we sculpted on the face to create the look we want. I sculpted The Grinch features the best I could, but in my own way so I would not be plagiarizing other's work. Plus, it is always hard to follow someone exactly. Once you have the face sculpted then a negative is created. The negative and positive go hand in hand so that a latex, gel, or foam piece can be created.

 During this process of creating the negative, I learned that I had not Vaselined the keys enough. This caused the positive and negative to stick together. I learned Vaselining the keys are essential, and must be done well, in order to avoid mistakes or breaking. Well, as a result of my lack of not coating the keys in Vaseline, my positive side broke as we pulled the negative and positive apart. Part of the reason was that the positive side was much thinner than the negative. So in reality the thinner the piece is the weaker it is, when it stands up to something else. I learned that thickness is helpful to withstand breakage.

Instead of crying over a broken piece, we quickly sprung into action and saved the positive as best we could, in order to make a new positive. We had to use alginate and plaster bandages again. Needless to say, I was in the makeup room for a good eight hours that day. I love my major, so I did not mind the eight hours.

With the eight hours we managed to make a negative piece work as well as a positive piece (bottom is the negative piece).

Through this learning experience I learned several things. First,  I will always remember to Vaseline everything, so plaster will not stick to plaster. Second always build up. It is okay to have a thick layer. Better to be thick, than thin. Thin can break, whereas more thick layers can withstand the breaking. Third, this process of building and making takes a while. Last, I learned how grateful I am to work one on one with a teacher. She helps me to learn and grow. She never criticizes me or my work. She helps me and always encourages me to reach my full potential. She knows that I can do this assignment. I can! By the end of the semester I hope to have something similar to the Grinch. I will have a Grinch of my own. Plus, multiple skills and knowledge I have gained through this process. 

Growing Up is Hard!

Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of the day of being older. I loved being young, but I wanted to be older. I wanted to do what grown-ups did. I wanted to stay up late. I wanted to eat what I want. There was so much I felt like I could not do.

Now, sometimes I wish I could go back to that moment and tell the little girl, being a grown-up is not all that it seems to be. I love being a grown-up, don't get me wrong. But there is so much responsibility that comes with being a grown up.

This past week, I have only started to realize how much responsibility there is. I have the wonderful opportunity to be at home with my family. We have such a great time together. We learn, love, and laugh together. My family is always there. I have always had the support of my family that I can lean on when my responsibilities get overwhelming. They are always there. I can talk my stresses over with them.

As I near graduation I have been talking with my dad about what I should do (in life and in general, everything). He has always told me to follow my dreams. My dream is to one day work for Disney in their hair and wig shop at Walt Disney World. I am in the process of working on an application and hoping that I can get in. As I have thought about this, I also thought about all the needs and necessities I will have when I get there. I had no transportation vehicle. I have no apartment reserved. I have nothing, except a suitcase full of my belongings. So, over the past few months I have been trying to focus on one need at a time. The first need was transportation. I talked with my dad about getting a car. We researched and looked up what would be the best car.

I narrowed the options down to a Camaro or a Chevy Cruze. My dad loves all his girls, so we have date nights with him on occasion. My date with dad happened to be this past Thursday. He knew that I was looking into cars, so he took me down to the dealership. I was able to test drive a Camaro and a Cruze. He asked me which one I preferred. I came to the conclusion that the most practical car for me and the best fit for me would be the Cruze. We then went in to negotiate a price. My dad happens to be one of the best negotiators I know. He got me a steal of a deal. Now, please note: my dad did not buy the car for me. Although, he did help me get a good deal.

I am now the proud owner of a Chevy Cruze. Now I have the responsibility to pay monthly payments for my car. This is huge. This was the a big step to growing up. I am not sure I like growing up. I think that growing up is hard.

However, there are benefits to growing up too. I see the benefits. I see how much knowledge I have gained. I see all that I have become. I see how much my family loves me. I see all the experiences that have taken place, that have made me into the person I am. I love being me! I love who I am. I am glad I have grown up a little. There is still so much more growing up to do. Here's to growing up!

How I See Me

After learning about God's love, last week, I have found nothing but His love this week. His love has helped me to see me for me. If you asked me last week how I viewed myself, I would have told you that I am invisible. I am a girl that no one notices. I am only noticed for my size. This week, there have been a couple experiences that have changed my view and outlook on how I see me. 

 First, I had a class period that focused on how I view my body, others, and the space I move in. The teacher asked us how we feel about our body, what disadvantages we felt we had concerning our body, and the advantages we had. We learned that it is important to recognize who we are and learn to react. For instance, when we know that we are sons and daughters of God, we should learn to react like them. We should be willing to spread the light of Christ. We should be loving, caring, and kind. We should treat others how Christ would treat them, not how we want to treat them. I learned to let my light so shine. I learned that I need to know that my body was created by God. He made me perfect just the way I am. I should be proud of who I am and let others know that I know God loves me, because he created me. In the beginning of the class I was so negative about my body, but towards the end I was really positive. I love who I am. I am perfect just the way I am. 

Second, I learned that there are always tender mercies. I am always super busy. I am sure you are too. I am always finding ways to keep busy. One way is through my major. I am constantly working on shows. I am always doing some type of hair or makeup. Sometimes I feel like I have to do everything myself. However, that is not always the case. I learned this week that I can rely on others. I can ask for help. It is okay to ask for help. God had given us people who love and care, to help us through the hard times. He is always watching out for us, because he cares about us.

Third, I learned that makeup is not everything. My little sister turned sixteen this past week. To spend some time with her and make her feel special (because everyone needs to feel special at some point in their lives), I took her to see The DUFF. If you have not seen this movie I highly recommend the film. Here is the trailer, just watch. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tbRlEXrysU) You will not regret. Normally when I go see films I analyze the makeup, and do not get anything out of the film, except for deciding whether or not the makeup artist did a good job. Well, this time was different. The film drew me in from the beginning, because you do not see their faces at first. You only see the bottom half of people. I could not focus on their faces. Instead, I decided to focus on the message. The message was interesting. It was all about a DUFF (the designated ugly fat friend). Everyone will be a DUFF at some point or another. There will always be someone who is richer and prettier than you are. The point is to recognize who you are and own it. Recognize who you are and be proud of who you are. You are only amazing as you think you are. Be amazing and proud of who you are. Do not worry about how others see you, worry about how you see yourself. 

So, this week I have learned to see me in a new light. I have learned to see my strengths instead of my weaknesses. No one owns me. I am my own person. I  have learned that it does not matter my shape or size. It only matters how I view me and what I am going to do to let others see who I really am. Be me!! Be proud of who I am! I am perfect.  I hope you will take my advice and learning. Be you!! Be proud of who you are!! You are perfect just the way you are. 

Love Beyond Comprehension

This week, especially today has always been the hardest week each year for me. I personally hate Valentine's Day. I hate this holiday for many reasons. I will explain, but please note this is very personal to me. Not many people know this, because I do not like to share my dating life with others. 

As a young girl growing up, I was always the last one to be picked on a team. I was not very athletic. I have always been a little heavy for my size. I do not have the pretty face. I am the girl that was always made fun of because of what she looked like, how she spoke, and how she read. Needless to say...I had troubles growing up. I had low self-esteem. I still struggle with this today. 

Now, that does not mean I did not have a great childhood. I did! I loved everything I did and learned that made me who I am today. I love being me! But having a low self-esteem does not help. 

Today at age 25 (26 in less than two months), I still struggle with low self-esteem. Perhaps that is why only one guy has ever asked me out. I can count on my hands the number of dates I have been on in my entire life. I have never been on a second date. I have never held hands. Never kissed. I have never had a boyfriend. Do you get the sense of why I hate Valentine's Day? I have never been able to share my love with anyone special. Special meaning, Someone that I can tell all my secrets to, someone I can rely on and love forever, or who will love me. Since I have not had any of this I hate this crazy holiday. 

Is this all because of low self-esteem? Well, no but I know that my self-esteem does not help the fact. But I try not to focus on the low self-esteem. I always try to rise above it and be happy. Things I do to help my self-esteem grow: I have to continually read the scriptures, rely on my Savior, and hope for the best. 

As Valentine's Day approached I started to feel sad. I felt depressed. No guy has ever liked me. It got to the point this week that I was so vulnerable I did not think I would ever be able to be loved or feel loved. I realized I needed to go back to the basics and study my scriptures. As I studied, I came across a great passage. This passage pricked my heart...I feel like everyone needs to learn this message and know. I guess I never realized how true this statement is. 

              "Never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend. That love NEVER changes.... It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God's love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve it. it is SIMPLY ALWAYS THERE." 

                                           -Elder Holland, Like a Broken Vessel (October 2013)

No matter what I look like, no matter if  I ever get a second date, hold hands or kiss a guy, God's love is always there for me. He loves me. He knows me. He will always be there for me in my ups and downs. He will always be ready to listen to my secrets. He shows me that he cares. He is someone I can always rely on and love forever. 

I will never lose sight of this love again. Please know that your Father in Heaven loves you! He will always love you no matter what you do, how you think, or how you feel. He will always love you. I hope to always remember that God is always there, even through the hard times. I hope to remember even on Valentine's Day, that I will never be alone. I will always have God's love. That is all that really matters to me. I know I am loved. I know I am special. I will always be able to share my Valentine's Day with my Father in Heaven. I guess I could learn to love Valentine's Day if I keep that in mind. 

Learning New Skills

Well, I may not know everything about makeup yet, but I was sure tested in one area this week. I was given the assignment to create a design for Airbrush Makeup. We had to come up with a design, and then apply airbrush makeup using certain techniques. Airbrush makeup is a makeup that looks flawless, and is used mainly for films. There are many things you can use airbrush for.
                             Stylized                                    or                                  Glamour
                                               
There are other things you can do, but for our class we focused on stylized and glamour. Glamour is used mainly for the red carpet shows for the Emmy's, Tony's, Music Awards, etc. Stylized we can  use for anything, from horror films to making clowns, and fantasy to real.

To apply airbrush makeup you use an airbrush machine. This type of makeup goes on without the artist ever touching the face of the model. The machine sprays the makeup on to the face with the tool of a pencil. We pour the liquid makeup into the pencil. Then the pencil, with the help of air and special techniques, blows the makeup onto the face.

I learned that airbrush makeup is very beneficial. For instance, the makeup is quick, efficient, and the best way to make a profit. I can charge about twice as much as I want with this kind of makeup, than with any other makeup. The new industry calls for all types of makeup, and so learning this new skill has helped me become prepared for the future and as an artist.

I did learn, though as I did this skill that it is very hard to make the makeup look flawless. You have to be a perfectionist, to work with this makeup. There was a moment where my makeup did not look flawless. It is easy to make a mistake. If you do not move in a certain pattern you can make the model look like they are dirty, have blemishes, or have a rare skin condition. This technique of makeup is precise. If you are not precise then the makeup looks awful. I am trying to become an expert, but learning new skills takes time. I need more practice. I have a machine of my own, and I hope to be able to practice and become the expert I want to be and to become very successful in the makeup industry.

I definitely learned new skills and am able to challenge myself. Learning new skills is a great asset to any industry, but especially to the makeup industry. As I learn new techniques they help me to move with the industry. The makeup industry is always changing and evolving. There are always new ideas, new designs, and new technology to improve what can be done to make a person look beautiful or stylized. I hope to always learn new skills and improve myself so I can change with the industry, and stay with the hottest trends and techniques.

Fake It Till You Make It

      A professional in any type of industry knows that knowledge comes from learning. Learning comes in many different ways, such as, hands on, text books, surveys, experience and so forth. I know that a lot of my learning come through my attitude. I have always been happy. If I have not been happy, I fake like I am happy until I am happy. Happy and cheerful attitudes will invite people to come back to you again and again. I know that I have failed when my attitude gets the best of me. This week I struggled with being happy. Fake it till you make it was the hardest task I had this week. The one and only reason was because I was sick. However, I made it through this week.

       As a professional makeup artist, you make others happy, when you are happy and giving them all the attention. I am working on The Count of Monte Cristo. This show has been a really big success. Everyone who has seen the show is really impressed with the production. As the head makeup supervisor, I am in charge of the whole cast I am there to be happy and solve problems. I am there to ensure that everything will be taken care off and that the cast is ready to go by call time. I have learned, this week that solving problems and getting people ready on time is really difficult when you feel sick. However, even though I was sick, I faked happiness till I believed I was happy. I had to make others believe I was happy and excited for the show, rather than let them know I was sick. The entire cast believed my fake it till you make it scene. Even when my voice started to struggle, they believed my attitude. With the happy attitudes of the crew, we were able to get everyone prepared and ready to go for curtain call. There were a few nights this week that we struggled with time, but with our attitudes and happy fingers we were able to get everyone ready to go.

       Also, with a happy attitude, the happiness spreads around. As the happiness spreads around then the show goes well. If there is ill, or intense feelings then the show can be off balance. Something always goes wrong. As a makeup artist, I influence how well these actors perform. I always interact with them. If they are having a bad day, I am there to make it better. I want them to do their very best. Even though I may not feel like I am at my very best, I fake my best to ensure that they will do their best. As a professional sometimes attitudes are the best things to learn. Learn to be happy, or at least fake it till you make it.

Many Hands Make Light Work

       The Count of Monte Cristo started this week. I have had a wonderful and interesting experience working on the Count of Monte Cristo. I am the Supervisor over nine other students who help with the hair and makeup for the show. Now, some might think that 18 hands would be enough to help do all that is required. However, I am here to tell you even though we have 18 hands we are still a little tight with time. We have a cast of 37 people and only one hour to apply everything. 

                                                                    Some of the responsibilites we complete are:

       Getting all the cast into their wigs for the show. There are 18 wigs for the females and 5 switches (a small wig that is applied to a certain area of the head) for the men. The wigs and switches take about 15-20 minutes each to apply, depending on hairstyle, length of hair, pin curls, french braids and ability (talent of crew).  

       While the wigs are being applied the actors and actresses are putting on their makeup. They learn to put their own makeup on, so that when they graduate they can add that to their resume. As a crew, we make sure they apply the makeup correctly and with the right intensity. For a show held in the Dejong, the makeup has to be applied very heavily inorder for everyone to see. If the actors and actresses are not intense enough we tell them to apply more makeup. Once the makeup is complete, we spray them off with a final seal (a product that sets the makeup). 

       We have some pirates with tattoos. We apply a makeup that is alcohol base that creates the tattoo effect. The reason behind the alcohol base is because the product does not sweat as easyly as a cream or powder makeup. We hand draw the tattoos on. We do not use a stencil or a tattoo sticker. We do everything professionally. This application for one person can take up to 15 minutes. We have three pirates. 

       We have several facial pieces to apply as well. We use spirit gum (adhesive) for some of the facial pieces to stick to the face. On other facial pieces we use facial tape (adhesive). Depending on how quick they change facial pieces throughout the show will depend on which adhesive they use. The facial pieces take a few minutes to apply, because some of the adhesive has to get tacky before the actual application. 

        As a team we divide and conquer. We make sure that everything happens and is done within an hour. However, this past week we have been short a couple people. They have been gone for different reasons, but the work has been much heavier. At least, the work seems to be heavy, because there are less hands to prepare everything. I have learned, this week, that when we have everyone together the work seems lighter. Plus, everything gets done quickly and efficiently. Teamwork makes all the difference.

        I will never take for granted the hands of people. Working together is much faster than working alone. I feel liberated in learning this week that many hands make light work.