Professional Practice Portfolio 

                       Welcome to Marcela Skovranova's  Professional Practice Portfolio

                                                                  Week 1

I really enjoyed the first lesson; it was a different way of learning and thinking while working on various tasks in the group and sharing knowledge with each other.

Task 1

1, what is a pilot/ prototype: is an idea for a project you are working on to present to the right audience/ your chosen audience.

2, what are developments: it is what happens in pre-production, different products to try or a different way that the project can be made, and the way we can find out what works and what doesn’t while developing the project.

3, what is a business model canvas: mood board style plan, a business mind

4, what is reflective analysis: a deep-thinking style of writing that allows us to process our personal experiences, discuss problems, think effectively, and create a smart plan to help us with the project.

5, what is design thinking: thinking creatively, defining processes and problems, finding solutions, retesting, and reassessing when engaging with the design.

6, what is a reflective journal: the day-to-day record of the project achievement, success, growth, and questions like WHY.

Task 2

Reflecting writing

I have started this degree course to benefit me in the near and distant future. To push myself and start growing. With every task, I will be closer to thinking as an entrepreneur and business person. Every day I want to have an open mind when I step into the classroom. I want to listen to new ways of learning, share ideas with my classmates and lecturers, and most importantly try new exciting ideas. During this process I want to learn as much as possible, In the end, I will be happy if I am confident to create a product or start earning money from my skills and knowledge.

Questions:

1 Reflection: for me a positive mindset is the right step to this growth, mimic and reflect.

2 Analysis

What is happening here: I am confident that this new journey that I am focused on will have a positive impact on me.

What assumption am I making: if I stay open-minded and listen to new ideas, it will help me to grow with every challenge.

What does this show about my underlying beliefs about myself and my practice: determination to finish the project while learning be create ideas.

What are the alternative ways of looking at this (rg the client's perspective): from the client's perspective, a well-organized and punctual business owner is a good example.

3 Action:

What action can I take? Be on time for all my lessons and be organized.

How can I learn from this? It will give me more opportunities in the future, like until now, getting a job.

How would I respond if this happened again? Everyone can learn from making a mistake that’s how we grow.

Task 4

0                                     my age 39            retirement 60                                    85

In just under 20 years, I have left to be proactive and creative with my upcoming business idea. I will spend around six years sleeping. So, I should get cracking.

I believe I can do things better, even if it only affects one person, which would be a big achievement.

In a bigger picture a whole community, or even better now with a fast internet connection around the world I cannot wait with what idea I can come up with.

My Reflective Journal

1 what is a pilot /prototype

It’s the early days to only pick one subject, but makeup is my passion

2 what are developments/ experiments

Over four years I have experimented with different makeup looks and participated in work experiences related to makeup applications.

3 What is a business model canvas

Is a way to describe and create a new business idea

4 what is a reflective analysis

Is a reflection writing about my ideas and solutions, growth

5 what is design thinking

I am a creative thinker, with an eye for detail and good solution-finder

6 what is a reflective journal

Is to ask myself the right questions, for example, WHY, and reflect on them through writing

                                           Week 2

This week was so interesting, everyone in the class was showing their portfolio. Some amazingly unique stories and pictures were included. We all have received positive feedback and learned about each other. I have become more aware of everyone's work background.

There was no pre-recorded presentation of our portfolio work, we simply showed each other work via various platforms. People are used to sharing their work on social media platforms which is then easier to share with anyone. I have found this quite interesting because it looks like people are already promoting their previous and current work.

What is a professional portfolio?

My professional portfolio should include visual and written aspects of my current and past work experiences. Showcasing my skills, knowledge, and techniques that I am well known for. Sharing my highest and lowest points in my career. My breakthrough and where I find inspiration to grow.

Professional makeup artists should have a website where people can find all the information.  Social media platforms aren’t enough to showcase artists all necessary portfolio experiences and collaborations with others.

What is my idea ?

Things I like doing:  makeup application, taking pictures, photo editing, makeup video creations, learning and expanding my knowledge, exploring new ways of doing makeup, researching, reading

Things I care about: makeup application has to look good, taking pictures that will showcase the makeup application the way I want it to look, clients' satisfaction, and what client wants on their special day such as wedding makeup application

Things I am good at: client handling and communication, I have an eye for details, I can make my clients feel special, good listener

My big list of possible ideas

Wedding makeup and taking photos after makeup application to capture the special moment

Selling makeup products

Makeup tutorials

Positive: see clients' happiness, which I have learned through good and bad experiences, every day is different

Negative: difficult clients, I am already working in the hair and beauty department and clients could be sometimes strenuous

Other challenges

Yes, my family will understand what I want to do, following my passion.

1, What do I want to do: wedding makeup and photography

2, how are you going to do it: take on clients and start practising

3, four ways it won't work: lack of clients, nobody likes my style, I am in the wrong area, wrong marketing

4, 12 ways it might work:

My skills are excellent, I do great marketing, I have lots of clients, people are seeking me out, clients like my style, nobody else does what I am offering to my clients, I go above and beyond, I am always expanding my clientele, I am always expanding my knowledge, I have high standards that clients are looking for, I make clients feel good about themselves, I like what I do

5, four reasons that would work: I love what I do, nobody offers what I offer to my clients, I am on top of my networking skills, I offer something different.

Symbolic, colourful and happy idea :

What does a good job look like for me?

I can do what I always dreamed of doing, I have come so far and I am proud that I can share my journey with others.

                                           Week 3

1

How will you develop your creative practice? 

Learn, research, practice, and reflect on the process and the feedback

What will your personal complex pilot or prototype be? 

Bridal makeup application and photography

This could include answering these questions:

What is the purpose of this project?

I would like to practise my skills and see what business I can build from it.

What problem is it going to solve?

Passion and further job opportunities

What are the main deliverables?

The process and the end result are very important to me.

What will the timeline be, including deadlines?

Our deadline is at the beginning of April.

What resources may be required to complete this project?

Tools, materials, clients, creative space, social media platform, marketing, feedback.

2

Produce a reflection of areas to investigate

Create a complex creative project that details a theme or topic, a plan of techniques, and materials to explore. Relates to the brief relates to the main project

What is your strength?  

My positivity is my strength; with this project, I am eager to experience and plan something that I have never done before. I am not afraid to learn new skills when it comes to makeup and hairstyle, or photography. I am confident to work on my own.

What is your weakness? 

Experience with bridal clients' makeup application. Making professional photography. I feel that I want to build more confidence while working on this project. 

Produce a loose plan of how you will explore this. Start of research for the project

The research will be the first thing I am going to do. That way I can learn about my competition, clients, and areas I need to work on.

My research should include:

Who are my clients: at the beginning, I would like to stay in my local area, but I am open to travel for the right clients and opportunities. My clients will be the bride, bridesmaids, flower girls, mother of the bride. I will definitely think about the groom's makeup application. This is something that I haven’t seen on offer with the bridal package.

Local makeup artist: I have worked with some of them and I also follow local makeup artists that are presenting their work the way that my ideal style of bridal makeup application should look like.

Salons that offer makeup application: I have mainly looked at Fife salons and if hair and beauty salons offer makeup, usually it is occasional or day makeup. They do offer bridal makeup but they don’t advertise it in any specific way. It looks like if the bride wants to get her makeup done, they are just going to look specifically for a makeup artist that is specialising in bridal makeup.

Style and makeup application: My preferred style of bridal makeup will be soft application, where the natural skin looks fresh and healthy. Natural but highlighted eye makeup, if preferred, smoky eyes are also an option. Heavy contouring isn’t my style and there are plenty of other makeup artists who are known for this style of makeup application.

Hair Stylist: I would need more experience in this field of work. What I would do is engage with a hairstylist who could help me with this task. I can apply makeup and she can create a bridal hairstyle.

I know plenty of hairstylists that could possibly be interested working with me.

Does anyone offer what I want to offer? After my internet research, I have found that there are plenty of professional makeup artists that I can get inspiration from. I have not found many that would also offer photography with their makeup application.

Prices: I was surprised that some makeup artists only ask between 40£ to 60£ for bridal makeup. Occasional makeup is 30£

Mostly everyone is asking for a deposit which is around 50£

Competition: while browsing the internet there is some competition in Fife. But most of them don’t even offer to travel too far, so they are limited. And I couldn't find any makeup artist that also offers a few pictures before and after the makeup is done.

Market research: this research helped me to have a better understanding of the wedding makeup market and its possibilities. What I am aiming for is to offer a bespoke makeup application, and take photography if, for example, I am part of a bridal party, meaning there are bridesmaids in the same room with the bride. These moments are precious and I would like to capture them. The wedding photographer is usually hired just for the wedding ceremony and the party, so I see the opportunity for extra business while applying the makeup just after.

 3

Individuals complete the following tasks from Shayler.M. Do/Disrupt/Change the Status Quo or

become it. 

1 -SWOT analysis page 113

Strengths: professionalism and dedication, caring and putting other people's needs before mine, taking any opportunities to learn new skills, a positive attitude, fast learner, responsible and flexible.

Weaknesses: not having enough experience in the makeup industry, patience, and courage.

Opportunities: makeup, film, theatre, fashion industry.

Threats: competition in my area, locations for job opportunities, not enough practice because I only finished my course not that long ago, and I need to expand my makeup application skills.

2

Action point page 115

Opportunities: makeup application for my friends and family, upcoming gigs in film and theatre, learning new skills such as eyebrow lamination or eyelash lift.

Weaknesses: product knowledge, makeup trials, new skills

Threats: research, new job opportunities, practising my skills

3

Perceived barriers page 117

Product knowledge, I need to reorganise my makeup kit and buy what is necessary, finding time to fit this project between Uni and my day job.

4 Motivation page 8 B.Bassot the Reflective journal.

Long-term goals: to be fully prepared for more responsible tasks. Having the courage and positive attitude toward new work opportunities. Dedication and patience that I could benefit from in the future by simply pushing myself to learn something new every day through this experience while developing this project.

What made you choose what you are doing at the moment? Learning more about business was something that I always wanted to do. Having a better understanding of the market, learning about financial responsibilities, and how to think as an entrepreneur.

Where does your sense of achievement lie? It will motivate and encourage me to do even bigger things/ work on different projects.

What are you looking forward to most? practising skills and techniques I have already learned and completing given tasks within a defined timeline. Showing my superior that I am capable of undertaking any requests in a responsible way.

What are the key areas where you feel the need to develop? skills, productivity, and targets, which I can achieve to bring me closer to my process of reaching my goals.

What could hinder your development? At this stage it could be anything but I am a positive person so I will work hard to enjoy the journey.

How could you overcome the barriers to your development?  Positivity and hard-working ethic.

                                                           Week 4 

My reflection on my work for week 1 that I have submitted:

Experience: It is never easy to meet and work with new classmates, but because everyone has a creative background, I found the class refreshing and interesting. Sharing opinions and learning together through experiences is a new way of pushing ourselves to think effectively.

Reflection: with my first class experience I have become interested in new ways of learning and deeper thinking. I am excited to work on my own business idea, but what I am most interested in is to be taught new ways of learning how I can direct myself through different exercises and reflection writing. This has already helped me to decide on an idea for this project.

Action: keeping up with all lessons, making sure I am present in class and timekeeping is a must, communicating with lecturers and classmates, being available and open for group discussion, working on my own or as a part of a group, gaining knowledge while reading new materials and reading list.

Book Club review:

Do Disrupt/ Change the status quo or become it Mark Shayler

“If you are starting up a new business, it's not enough to shake things gently. It's about thinking big. Being innovative. Making a difference.”

The first of the author's points was made by describing happiness and unhappiness. This is a good point to start thinking about what exactly is happiness. If you are unhappy, change it by thinking of a new way of what could make you happy. How can we get it? “Just do it”.

“Money is important. We all need to live and we all need to earn. But earning in the right way is important.”

Another of the author's points was to think about why we are working. People are really sick and tired of working just to be retire. “We need to do something we love.”

Exercise: make the change: ask yourself why?

Again, this is a simple task that we can think about to move on to a better understanding of our purpose and why we want to change and be happy with our lives.

James Victore says: “The things that made you weird as a kid make you great today.”

“Find that weirdness and simplify it.”

“If you have nothing you have nothing to lose.”

“Having the idea is the easiest thing. An idea is nothing without delivery.”

Exercise: things we like doing: this exercise helped me to decide what I am good at and what I like to focus on for my individual project. Which is scary but at the same time I am excited about it. Bring it on! I am saying this to myself.

I am thinking about the author's advice: “Avoid all business bollocks. Words like: Robust, sustainable, paradigm shift.”

 Use really simple English. Use as few words as possible, for example, if you are designing your branding logo.

“Work hard and be nice to people.”

“Employ someone smarter than you are.”

“You aren’t going to outspend your competition so you’ll have to out-think them.”

Exercise: listing my competition. “It's ok to like them.” Personally, I often take inspiration from my competition.

When working on my idea I need to think about: “how their product makes people feel. How else can they buy that feeling?”

Making my clients feel appreciated and unique.

“Considered the only ones who do what you do.”

Exercise: “Who is your customer? Age? Education? Hobbies?”

How can I offer something different? Who do I compete with?

The secret: “Learning how to predict what your customer wants before they know.”

Final reflection: After reading this book I have a better understanding of why it is important to think differently. From this book, I have learned that through different exercises I can come up with an idea. What to think about and what isn’t important at all. I have bought my own book that I can keep and read as many times as I want to. It helped me now and it will help me in the future if I want to work on other projects. I will also recommend this book to many.

Feck Perfection by James Victore

“When people see their own struggle reflected in you, create the potential for shared humanity.”

When I read this, I said wow. Many people may not understand it at first, because they were lucky to not be harmed or never in their lives went through horrible experiences. What I have learned from this sentence is that this is one way of thinking about a business idea. Help someone who is struggling because they have already experienced bad things. Find a way and make them feel welcome, understand, and relate to their life story. Create a safe space and teach them how to move on and start a new journey in life.

“Stand out from everyone else”

“Your voice is the most powerful tool.”

“If you are proud of your work put a stamp over it” Sing it proudly

“Don’t be attached to the outcome to remove the pressure.”

“How are you? Knowing your own language.”

“Having an opinion.” It’s a fear that someone may not like your opinion.

“Weird is about the courage to be who you were born to be.”

“Trust your voice, your opinion, and put it in your work. Let it shine.”

“Finding your creative potential. Don’t try to fit in.”

“Consistently leaning into your fears, you create a new way of addressing them. This practice becomes a habit, this habit becomes your life.”

Creative jobs are divided into 1, the objective is the sell. 2, subjective is how you sell.

“Accept change and grow with it.”

“Fear of expressing who you are. Face your dragons. Accept it and learn. Failure is a test, don’t choose the easy way.”

I gave myself my freedom.

“Make your own rules, make your destiny.”

“Done is better than perfect.”

Dancing: I like how the author compared dancing to a test. EGO

“Admitting you don’t know is the path to knowledge and even wisdom.”

I am never afraid to say I don’t know something. I often say I don’t know what I want to do in my life but reading this book teaches me that I am creative and I belong to this inspirational crowd of people that think the same way as I do.

“Focusing on the reward means not focusing on the work.”

“Have a plan.”

“The first rule of business is FUN.”

Confidence is freedom, it is a habit.

“Fear paralyses you. The antidote for fear is action.”

“Do one thing and do it well.” Read-study-practice.

“Asking for help is how you progress. Ask for more. Never settle and never give in, but accept less.”

Sign your work, to express confidence in your work. “Take responsibility for your work.”

“A purpose is a reason to get up in the morning.”

“Trust yourself, listen to yourself, don’t judge your work.”

“Be the change.”

Final book reflection: again, there were so many good points in this book that I have listed above to just have them in my reflection blog and take inspiration. I have really enjoyed reading this book. It was eye-opening for me. First, I have read the reviews and there were some negative ones. I have learned from this experience that it is important to read a book and have your own opinion about it. Back to the book: it is hard to explain this but after reading this book I have a better understanding of creative people and about myself. What a book!

Referencing:

Victore, J. (2019). FECK PERFUCTION : dangerous ideas on the business of creativity. Chronicle Books.

‌Shayler, M. (2018). Do disrupt : change the status quo or become it. San Francisco, California: Chronicle Books.

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Task

Overview of both books that I have just read: Mark Shayler's book was written with businesses and individual people in mind. Describing and challenging readers to think in a positive way when working towards new creative ideas.

James Victore's book: imperfection is OK because creative people and their individualities are unique when it comes to a different way of thinking about personal growth. Taking risks and challenging ourselves will take us a step closer to success.

Both books specialize in different techniques and focus on exercises that would determine our chosen directions. On the other hand, we can look at this as an eye-opener when it comes to imperfection. What to learn and focus on first is the main positive point for myself as a newcomer at this point, I am absorbing as much of the new information and learning new skills as I can.

Discussion topics What is disruption of the market: it can come in many forms, depending on what the business is offering. A well-used strategy is to “disrupt the business model by introducing a lower-cost version or free, premium model”

Amazon: competitive prices, Prime and Audiobook subscription, fast delivery, a vast selection of products that no one can compete with, and great product pricing. Simple and easy navigation on their website makes customers return to it at any convenient time. Most important is that Amazon has built its reviews and recommendations successfully over the years and simplified the shopping experience for many.

Netflix: has changed how we view shows, films, documentaries, and educational topics with its on-demand streaming. Users can play with different options on how to save their favourite watch list and more. The most unique way that Netflix has is a personalize references for their users by using recommendation algorithms. “Netflix disrupted the television industry and forced cable companies to change the way they do business.”

Apple: iTunes music stores have made a big disruption in the music industry by digitalizing it. Music bands have lost tons of profit because their music was simply available to listen to by Apple. That way bands couldn’t make any money by selling their newest albums to their funds.  

Referencing:

Jongen, R. (2020). How to disrupt a traditional industry in 5 steps - RevelX | Blog. [online] RevelX | Realizing growth. Available at: https://www.revelx.co/blog/5-essential-steps-to-disrupt-a-traditional-industry/#:~:text=Identify%20a%20disruption%20strategy [Accessed 5 Nov. 2023].

Institutional Real Estate, Inc. (n.d.). A dozen industries Amazon is poised to disrupt, including in financial services. [online] Available at: https://irei.com/publications/article/dozen-industries-amazon-poised-disrupt-including-financial-services/#:~:text=To%20wit%3A%20Amazon%20has%20already.

Mansa, J. (2022). How Netflix Is Changing the TV Industry. [online] Investopedia. Available at: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/060815/how-netflix-changing-tv-industry.asp#:~:text=1%20By%20creating%20compelling%20original.

Mansa, J. (2022). How Netflix Is Changing the TV Industry. [online] Investopedia. Available at: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/060815/how-netflix-changing-tv-industry.asp#:~:text=1%20By%20creating%20compelling%20original.

How as a small business can we deal with large corporations such as Amazon:

Small businesses can lose money very fast when they try to compete with companies such as Amazon. Only big profitable companies can offer a vast selection of products with a low price, and price tag. Small companies should instead pay more attention to keep existing clients by engaging with them on daily bases. Networking and innovating should help to stay on track with moving markets and trends.

Do you create a new market: what I need to do is to have a better understanding of the market in the area where I live and where I want to expand my business into. It is never easy to start and one must have a motivation and driving force behind them. I need to learn how to adapt to this new environment to please my new clientele.

Who is your market and my clients: my most obvious segments are brides to be, wedding planners how may recommend make-up artist to do the make-up, same can happened with event end wedding venous, wedding parties as bride always have bridesmaids, family members, but also her friends that are part of the wedding, collaboration with a make-up manufacturers who wants make-up artist to test the new products, beauty and training centres/schools that are looking for aspiring individuals such as myself, online platforms and social media it would be beneficial to have an online presence to let brides see my work, photographers, and videographers may require make-up artist assistance when they are involved in weddings, beauty salons may look for a make-up artist that could rent a chair in their salon, collaboration with a bridal magazine or a bridal blog could be very interesting to explore as an extra experience to add to my portfolio.

Are you selling a lifestyle, in your portfolio or just a number of products that you have made: every bride wants to look her best on her special wedding day. I need to showcase in my portfolio that I am skilled and can follow the indications when it comes to transforming the bride’s appearance. The most important thing is to learn that every bride needs to be confident on her wedding day and that is an artwork that make-up artists should be capable of completing. I may not sell products at the start of my business but good knowledge of long-lasting make-up products are crucial to have as I need to build clientele right from the start.

TED video from Simon Sinek was inspiring to watch, this will bring me closer to my individual project for this class. We all need to think about who and why people select to buy products from us. Having a good story that would attract and grab people's attention is important, even much more than what we are offering.

What is a pilot/prototype and how does this look in my special area: a pilot is a trial of a make-up application. A bride usually wants to try, see, and experience her bridal make-up prior to the wedding day. That way there are no surprises and in a more relaxing environment, weeks before the wedding, she can decide what exactly she likes and dislikes about the makeup application. This is also where make-up artists can experience colours and take her time to develop the whole look. This is also a demonstration of the final product.

Rod Judkins: The Art of Creative Thinking

“Play is a catalyst. It boosts productivity and is vital for problem solving. Play creates useful and practical solutions”

When we play, this is not just free time, it is a catalyst, time for creativity. We can boost our performance if we take breaks, that way we can increase our focus. Playful mindset helps us with challenges that we have to face and we could be rewarded with a great solution. When we face challenges, effective problem-solving comes with hard work that we are willing to do.

Referencing: 

Judkins, R. (2016). The Art of Creative Thinking. Penguin.

Task

Reflection on today's lesson, again it was great to look back on lesson 1 and reflect on it. Things may have changed since then and I can say that I have learned by absorbing each lesson, reading books, and having a group discussion with my classmates. Expanding on more research about big company's disruption and looking into more detail how each marketing decision affected our day-to-day life and changed technology is quite knowledgeable to have. The big plus about this lesson was that I could again expand my personal questions about different companies, big and small, and that I could think about my segments. This project is taking me in the right direction and it is scary but at the same time very exciting to work on it. I know that at this point I am only taking small steps, but I am definitely closer to my long-term goal.

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                                            Week 5 

Some years ago, I came across Courtney Carver book (Carver, 2020) which echoed a concept similar to Dr. Edward de Bono’s talk at Creative Innovation 2010 - "Re-thinking the Future" (CInnovationGlobal, 2011) Carver in her book, highlighted the abundance of possible clothing combinations within a wardrobe. She conducted an experiment where she exclusively wore a curated collection of only 33 pieces for an extended period. She aimed to test whether anyone in her office would notice this wardrobe limitation. Surprisingly, when no one commented on her clothing choices after three months, she continued with the experiment. Today she is encouraging her flowers and readers with the concept of being more with less.

Dr. Edward de Bono was a Maltese author, psychologist, physician, innovator, and consultant in the field of creative and lateral thinking. After watching the recommended video, I now have a better understanding of creativity and challenging conventional thinking patterns. What techniques and strategies are the best to use while building a business.

Lateral thinking=problem solving (www.youtube.com, n.d.)

This was the first time I heard the concept of lateral thinking, which involved approaching problems from unconventional angles. I have also learned how to challenge traditional and future thinking, by exploring forward-thinking approaches that would allow me to adapt to new ways of learning and building a start-up business.

I enjoyed this video, I found it fascinating how this individual talked and blended practical with theoretical examples, which made it easier for me to understand it way better and faster. I am new to business thinking, but in this video, I have also explored how to rethink certain approaches to problem-solving new or existing innovations. With my community group project, I am now excited to strategically think about our decision-making problems and solutions.

“Our existing thinking is excellent but not enough. Meaning there is no magic about creativity.” (CInnovationGlobal, 2011)

Reference:

CInnovationGlobal (2011). Dr Edward de Bono at Creative Innovation 2010 - ‘Re-thinking the future’. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e20lpMyXFj4.

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Carver, C. (2020). Project 333 : the minimalist fashion challenge that proves less really is so much more. New York: Tarcherperigee.

‌ www.youtube.com. (n.d.). Shane Snow: Smartcuts - Lateral Thinking. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMeHzn35EvU [Accessed 2 Dec. 2023].

Individual Project

Details of the project: I am at the development stage of my project plan. Every week I work on a task to bring me closer to starting a project in an organised and timely fashion.

This is the overview that I can provide at the moment:  

·         Main objectives are beauty and make-up

·         Services offered are beauty treatments and make-up applications

·         The target audience is my local client at the start of the development

·         Market segment to expand experiences in my industry field

Initial ideas

Treatments such as:

·         Basic manicure

·         Japanese manicure

·         Gel nail application on natural nails

·         Eye enhancements

·         Skin analyses

·         Manual facial

·         Basic make-up application

·         Day make-up application

·         Evening make-up application

·         Bridal make-up application

Research:

The first week of research included my participation in laser hair removal. I was curious to experience and at the same time help a friend who at the moment is a Level 4 beauty student. Laser hair removal was something that I wanted to explore for myself for a long time. As a beauty therapist qualified in Level 3, in the past that would be the next step if I would continue with my studies in the beauty department.

Now I have a deeper understanding of the treatment process and the operation of the machine, consultation with my therapist, and contra indication including contra actions.

This exercise was for my benefit. In the future, I could partake in laser hair removal training and offer this treatment to my clients if I want to expand on my existing knowledge and skills.

Thought for further developments:

·         Studio preparation

·         Videographer and Photographer

·         Product research

·         Industry research

·         Finding suitable clients

·         Marketing

·         Pricing

·         Insurance

·         Risk assessment

·         Management

·         Consultation with clients

·         Keeping record card

·         Data protection

·         Feedback

Week 6

this week I am working on final task from week 6 and then I am finally moving onto final research development

Week 6 

I am trained in basic manicures, pedicures, hand massages, and acrylic nail extensions.

What I am also learning through this project is an application for gel nails. This is something I have never done before and as a qualified therapist, I have a deep understanding of contraindications and contradictions when it comes to nail health and care.

I have done my research about the brand in the pictures above and with the help of a trained nail technician I will perform the first gel nail varnish application with her supervision. After that, I am confident enough to take on clients and start practising in full.

What I need to consider is:

·         Who is my clientele

·         Pricing

·         Advertising

·         Feedback from clients

Fundraising Application and Scholarship Award 

SwaveArt Project 

During this project, we have learned and grown by facing various challenges.

Today, we are excited to introduce the SwaveArt Project, which kickstarted our journey and inspired both of us to establish DaVinci Enterprise Ltd.

As this is our primary focus and we are juggling numerous tasks, I took some time with Jakub to craft a one-of-a-kind piece for our upcoming client. 

Our next client for SwaveArt project

As this project is one-of-a-kind, with items uniquely designed by us, I was on the lookout for expecting parents willing to share a scan recording of their baby's heartbeat while still pregnant. Despite receiving a few rejections, I remained persistent in my search. Finally, I found someone who was not only happy but also excited about our project. With confidence, she shared the original recording with us, trusting that we would keep it confidential, which we assured her we would. 

Design planning is indeed crucial for achieving a successful outcome, especially when taking on unique challenges like creating something for a client with specific cultural preferences. In this case, being Greek, I embraced the opportunity to craft something truly distinctive. By setting this challenge for myself, I aimed to create a design that not only meets the client's needs but also resonates deeply with her cultural background. Through careful research, creative exploration, and attention to detail, I'm committed to delivering a design that exceeds expectations and celebrates the richness of Greek heritage. 

Step by step:

Gaining new skills via Software’s drawings

My journey into designing wooden items began with exploration through phone apps and software programs. Initially, I discovered the realm of design possibilities via user-friendly drawing apps on my phone. These apps introduced me to the basics of digital design, allowing me to sketch out ideas and experiment with various shapes and forms.

As my interest grew, I sought more advanced tools to refine my designs and bring them to life. That's when I stumbled upon LightBurn, a powerful design software tailored for laser engraving and cutting.

Through both the simplicity of phone apps and the versatility of LightBurn, I honed my skills in crafting wooden shapes, ranging from the simplicity of circles to the elegance of hearts and beyond. These tools not only unlocked my creativity but also empowered me to transform my visions into tangible works of art.

Project  with Jen 

Expanding my collaboration horizons, I'm eager to work with more artists. I'm keen to explore partnerships with other talented individuals. Collaborating with a diverse range of artists could bring fresh perspectives and exciting ideas to my business. I'm open to discovering new creative connections and fostering meaningful collaborations in the future.

Jen, a talented art student at Fife College, lent her skills to design earrings by drawing them freehand. Her creative contribution brought a personal and unique element to the project, making the earrings stand out with artistic flair. For attention to detailsI have successfully incorporated our logo onto earring card holders, further enhancing our brand presence and professionalism. This simple addition adds a touch of authenticity and cohesion to our product packaging, ensuring that our brand identity is prominent and memorable for customers.

Final designs 

Bracelets and waste wood used in new ways 

Final Products 

Tags with embedded NFC chips for animals 

The Inspiration and Final product

Designs in frames

I have shown my creative journey with these items, by deconstructing our layered designs and extracting individual layers to craft brand-new products. By utilising just one layer, I have transformed picture frames, which can be repurposed or sourced from charity shops, into captivating pieces of art. To highlight the versatility of these creations, I have incorporated different backgrounds into each design, showcasing a diverse range of styles and aesthetics. This innovative approach breathes new life into existing designs while offering customers a fresh perspective on their decorative options.

Old skill used for new purpose 

Although I learned sewing skills long ago, I am now putting it to use. For this project, I have repurposed old, unwanted items and various types of fabrics to create over 150 charming little bags. We would never use plastic bags, but these bags will fit perfectly onto our community markets, offering customers a more personal and environmentally friendly alternative. I wanted to provide them with something nicer and more unique, showcasing my commitment to our business and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Unique stamps with our logo design 

I have designed wooden and rubber stamps featuring our logo for application on paper bags and light-coloured fabric bags crafted for our community market engagements. These stamps will add a personalised touch to our packaging, enhancing brand recognition and leaving a lasting impression on our customers.

Fabric laser engraving 

Learning new skill in photography 

Project reflection

Gaining new skills by facing challenges