Agata Makuch

Reading through Hannah’s blog I found it very insightful and I found myself wanting to know more about her thoughts and ideas. Her idea of relating to social responsibility and human imperfections was very interesting and personal. It was something pretty much everyone can relate too as everybody has something, they are self-conscious about or doesn’t like something about themselves. Hannah was inspired by a past event which was very touching because it almost made it more possible to create and realise. I also liked that she made something negative turn into such a positive outlook. I think Hannah successfully related to social responsibility, as a lot of things we don’t like about ourselves; are caused because someone or something has made us feel that way. Whether is something somehow has commented on about us, something we saw on the media or in even in magazines or films. Therefore, we should be more aware with our actions and words as they are very powerful. Hannah’s sketches were simple but helpful; this helped us have a clearer image of what we were imagining while reading the description. However, I think there were a few questions left unanswered as she focused mainly on the prosthetic side what she will do. The rest of the makeup and hair had no description. Although I do think if we were able to practice this in person Hannah’s design would be feasible. Hannah could have added some relation to the other two themes of Better Lives to extend her character a bit more and make it slightly more unique. Especially sustainability as she will be working with prosthetics and as it’s known, costume makeup is hard to keep sustainable as a lot of the time it is a one-time use for hygiene reasons. Overall, I really like Hannah’s approach.

These past few weeks I have learnt how to use a variety of materials to create different special effects. Developing a character- transformation and identity is a very broad but interesting subject. This unit was categorised in three different sections that we learnt; evolution adaptation, ecological balance and personal identity. When I first understood which topic, I had been given I felt unsure as I have previously practised a bit of prosthetics before UAL and I didn’t think I had too much talent in it; therefore, I was disheartened.  However, when I attended the first workshop, I was positively surprised as the tutor was extremely experienced in the industry, he was transparent how much he thoroughly enjoyed teaching us all and had an endless amount of knowledge. This automatically engaged everyone in the class and made us look forward to what is to come. Also, he was very open to hear feedback from us about what specifically we would like to learn, which I think was reassuring, helpful and gave us an opportunity to learn something we haven’t before. Throughout the workshops I learnt top tips that I didn’t know before. Practice makes perfect with this type of prosthetic makeup, but it also can’t look too perfect because the perk of it looking more realistic is if it’s not ‘perfect’.  I struggled with some for example, I thought creating bruising was a bit difficult, as to make it look realistic the shape and tones of colour you go for are important. For example, you need to think the colour process and why/what’s happened to get that bruise. A bruise goes through a story of its own and makes it look unique and real. However, my partner I was working with, found this easier than me. It was very interesting to see my classmates’ developments as we were all from different course backgrounds. On the other hand, I particularly enjoyed creating a freckle effect.  I found freckling much simpler as it was more natural and because there isn’t a certain correct one look it makes it easier to re-create. Overall, I have learnt things that have changed how I will work in the future for example; to always give something a go even if I’m not feeling one hundred percent about succeeding. To have an open mind and be up for anything as there is always room to learn more, as well as practice makes perfect but perfect doesn’t mean the best and don’t feel as de-motivated as quickly as I normally do. This gave me motivation to experiment in my future projects. Finally, in my final design I created a character relating to the fact that we have less than ten years to make a change to the climate emergency were living in. Per person in the UK it is estimated we create forty kilograms of waste every year therefore my character has been harmed by the waste that we have caused in the polluted oceans. I would also use the glazed effect on my character to make the water realisation more realistic to come to life. With special effect makeup it is difficult to be sustainable as a lot of the products can only be used once for hygiene reasons. This means I will take extra care to be as sustainable as I can.

The past few weeks has impacted the world in a massive way. We are experiencing something our generation has never before. Experiencing what it’s like to live through a global pandemic has been an eye opener for everyone. Its human condition to adopt a comfortable routine that fits your daily life.  You adapt to your surroundings whether that be work, family or relationships. However, the current global crisis has forced us to adapt yet again to the environment. As a result, the task I’ve been set, my Better Lives project “Developing a character”, has become more complex to achieve. This means sustainability will be developing in ways it hasn’t before. There will be a lot more trial and errors with the public trying to create their own makeup and skincare as they’re usual products could be out of stock or their budget could have changed. Although this will widen the knowledge and could interest people to be more informed on the ingredients, what it takes to create something and what it does. Also, we will appreciate and find new skills for the makeup we already have as it will be harder to buy new products. A lot of people prefer to see and feel makeup in real life so we will be limited to what we already have. It is so easy to have a collection of something and forget about some pieces, therefore this will widen our interests and use up as much as we have. For example, we could have twenty different types of moisturisers; but do we really need all those twenty or are we adding to the waste in the world and being thoughtless. Secondly there will be a massive shift of products being available online when they haven’t been before and possibly some virtual online filters to try the colours available on before you buy. Advertising will increase as there would have been a loss in sales therefore, they would want to engage their viewers. New collections won’t be as frequent as it won’t be as easy and possible to come together and plan new collections. I will feel more prepared for the future if anything else similar happens. Products will increase in prices therefore I will be making the most of my makeup kit instead of buying new products constantly similar to fast fashion. I will focus on more digital work such as being up to date with my own freelance platforms and increasing engagement. I will make sure I am being eco-friendly. Overall, we naturally will have developed new characteristics and thoughts from experience with this and will be more aware of everything around us and open to new findings.

There were two Better Lives lectures that stood out to me; Culture by Anna Fitzpatrick and Power by Julia Crew. Fashion touches us every day, but it’s the way we use and create it that makes an impact. In Anna’s lecture it was very eye opening to me as there were several facts that stood out enormously. The climate is an emergency right this second, it is known that we have less than 10 years to make a change. Everything we do is connected as there is a holistic effect on everything. If you think deeply to the right core then you realise fashion is dependant from land, water, air and animals. Without this, modern day now; fashion wouldn’t exist. However, humans seek some happiness through the consumption through things and fashion. I think a lot of fashion now is made fast in a quick and easy way, but we are not valuing what is involved in making the clothes and the process and detail just the final result. Unfortunately, a lot of fashion is made in poor circumstances and workers are being paid very poorly and unfairly. Also, personally I think using animals to create clothes is unfair and wrong and if it was stopped it could create better lives. I think fashion is an interesting concept, as when the world was created mammals (humans) weren’t seen wearing clothes but through the years it has been created and seen as ‘normal’ and the thing to do is wear items of clothing. However, I think it has spiralled out of control and needs to be thought through how to be able to still create fashion but in a safe and planet friendly way. “Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window.” Peter Druker . This quote reflects on it being easily said that change needs to be done and a lot of people try but then are unsuccessful because they give up. Although I think the quote is very interesting because it creates a realistic image in the readers head which they then can relate too. Fashion can be very customisable to each person’s needs and by 2050 it is estimated it will be which I think will positively create change to better lives. Better lives has made me reflect on my own personal purchases and It has influenced me to be more aware and purchase my clothes from vintage and second hand stores such as charity shops or Depop. I already sell my own clothes so that they are re-used, and I think that Is one step closer to re-using fashion in a better way.

References:

Anna. F (2020) ‘Culture’ [Lecture]. Better Lives, London College of Fashion, 10 February.

Julia. C. (2020) ‘Power’ [Lecture]. Better Lives, London College of Fashion, 10 February.

Nick, A (2020) ‘Emerging Technologies in Fashion’ [Lecture]. Better Lives, London College of Fashion, 12 February.