Since last year, I have had some professional photography taken that I can use for my website,  I have developed my skills in ageing specifically with latex and I have seen a big improvement. In addition to that I have begun practicing with theatrical ageing. SFX cuts, bruises and scars is my strongest skill in SFX, it is something I would like to keep working on when I have time because I would like to use better quality fake blood. I need to focus on working on my hair skills, I have noticed from some real life job descriptions and advice from other make-up artists that it is good to also be able to hair as well as make-up more so for bridal make-up. I would like to learn hairstyles for different hair textures to be as inclusive as I can as an artist. To keep my kit hygienic I sanitise the kit itself before and after use as well as all the brushes and make-up, this ensures I'm following the highest health and hygiene protocols. I have been working more closely with other departments this year including, costume, director's and actor's. I make sure I have a plan for the day that works around rehearsals and I do this by creating a list of times and what I plan to do at those times. I make sure I am in final rehearsals to fully understand when and where and what I need to be doing. Three goals I can work towards this year:

• Purchasing a ring light to have high quality photos and content, that I can post on my social media sites and website. 

• Create a kit with high quality cruelty free products. 

• Work on hair, brow and lash techniques. 

I have researched commonly asked questions for make-up artists and pulled some together for a mock interview. I have prepared myself by making sure I know all my skills and checking over all projects I have worked on. I will make a file with photos of past projects to show my skill and myself at work. The interview....

Here I am looking at: 

• Brush sanitisation

I always make sure my hands are washed and sanitised before cleaning any brushes and use micellar water to take of any make-up then an antibacterial quick drying spray on the make-up brushes. Cream and liquid products need to be sanitised regularly using an alcohol based spray and for powders wipes. For pencils they must be sharpened every time. Avoid any double dipping, use a palette (liquid) or tissues (powder). Use disposable mascara wands. Know when products are expired so they can be disposed (Avoids infections). Store make-up in a cool dry place so bacteria cannot grow. Clean kit and mirrors. Be aware of any skin conditions that are contagious to avoid spread to other clients, this could lead to shutting down of business and possibly being sued.

• Allergy patch tests must be taken at least 48 hours before to ensure the client is not allergic to any of the ingredients/ products such as latex. Clients must sign the form.

• Bloodborne hazards 

• Safe handling of adhesives, solvents and alcohol based palettes

From videos I have seen from professional make-up artists the main suggestions are to make sure you eat, drink and use the bathroom before appointments. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking water and trying to avoid drinks such as caffeine. Caffeine can speed up my heartbeat, cause me pain and can sometimes cause me to have a anxiety/panic attack so I avoid caffeine so that it is a much lower risk to my physical and mental health so I can give my best service to clients. To keep energised and prepared, I will aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep a night as well as having a well balanced diet. 

It is important to communicate well within your hair and make-up team as well as directors. Attending rehearsals is a must and creating a plan/schedule to follow for dress rehearsals and show nights. In some cases make-up artists are not always wanted on show nights and are told to show the actor how to apply their make-up and hair, so intructions must clear and easy to understand. It is important for me to be organised and I will do this by creating checklists of products and tools needed (which I do currently for any project), make sure I know what is in the current kit and that it is all in date, make sure any products needed will arrive in time and to make sure the actor knows what is happening and when. 

• Strengths -  Basic stage make-up, creating risk assessments, following plans, health, safety and hygiene. SFX cuts, fashion editorial make-up and bridal make-up.

• Weaknesses - SFX bruising, large SFX cuts, hair and false lashes. 

• Opportunities - Student projects, local theatres and studios, seasonal projects, Bridal ads, fashion events, brand rep. 

• Threats -  One day work, seasonal work (christmas pantomimes), Long work hours and days. 

• Social media accounts such as Instagram and Tiktok

• This year I have made a make-up account on Instagram and TikTok. I have made some sample designs of logo's for freelancing as well as speaking to people I know who are good at creating who could help me with creating a logo. I plan to try and upload more regularly on the platforms, I would like to keep it professional by getting any models I work with to sign a model consent form before posting any photos. I would also like to upload some short reels and Tiktoks. 

• I am currently working on a new website where is it more make-up based with descriptions of what I can do and what skills I have. I would like to create these subpages: 

1. Theatre

2. TV and film

3. Bridal

4. Sfx 

5. Gallery 

6. Get in touch

Once I get more work I will create seperate pages for each project (minus bridal).  Each subpage will have short descriptions of the work I have done. 

On my current website I make sure to include photos and videos from every project and update my homepage with the most recent photo's.