Unit Evaluation

Final Major Project – Critical Evaluation

The aim of the Final Major Project unit was to demonstrate and consolidate my knowledge, technical skills and intellectual ability developed through the three years of learning. The unit required me to create a piece of work to the standard of level 6 study challenging and surpassing previous standards of work, taking my skills to a higher level. This needed to be backed up with in-depth evidence and professional development challenging the complexity of project research and development. The unit also allowed me to focus on my chosen area, and further develop my professional outcome. A small yet concise lecture programme, alongside tutorials allowed my project to run on my own initiative, developing my independent working as an artist.

Throughout my studies at higher education, my development of proposals, as well as the outlining and organisation elements of running projects has become an invaluable learning process. The proposal for the Major project outlined my desire to create a collection of wigs, in the style of the 18^th century duchess Georgiana. Continuing to work as a collaborative artist from the Specialist Practise unit was important for me to showcase my work to the highest standard. The project brief also outlined the importance of designing and creating intellectually informed make-ups and also wigs, consulting the three aspects of my characters life. Utilising time planning techniques such as creating a tailored and informative work plan were also important aspects of the project, developing myself as an organised artist. Outlining the quantities of practical pieces as well as other material I will hand in is important to also establish what criteria I am aiming to meet and complete. This is something which has, through justified project research and development changed through the project from three wigs to two. The number of models outlined has also decreased through documented tutorials with both Sara and Carolyne. Although the brief has changed dramatically, I believe this has enabled the project to meet a higher standard of work, keeping the character of my project consistent and combining more complex technical skills. This also allowed me to further develop the body of research, particularly into male characters as well as female. Choosing to include a male character, and compromising the wig to fit a different head was a further challenge, yet allowed to build on my skill base, utilising the materials I had to meet the desired outcome.

My creative ability has also improved further throughout the unit, where I have been able to combine high quality materials such as human hair to create visibly realistic and complex hairstyles. Re dressing the cage was something, which I found to be challenging, yet effective, allowing me to demonstrate my advanced hair styling ability. The informative design process combined with a sourcing the correct equipment allowed me to complete this to a high standard. This is visible within the final images, which showcase this standard of work, and the complex transformation of the wig. The images also meet my brief, through styling and editing, achieving a justified, high quality outcome.  The outcome could be improved further through allowing more time to change and develop my wigs. I had allowed 24hrs between each transformation of the cage wig. This was due to a tight schedule with my photographer and model. I feel I utilised this time well however if I had allowed more time between shoots the process would have enabled me to step back and consider and develop the outcome further. Working with other parties during my studies such stylists as well as photographers was successful as they offered their personal expertise, which combined with my leadership skills and vision, realised the outcome and the quality of images required to fit my brief.

Throughout the project I found myself developing a narrative, and creating my own visions of my character Georgiana. This is evident through my continued research and development in my log. This has been critical in making decisions and consolidating my ideas throughout, continuing to meet the learning outcomes and standard of work required in level 6. The design process of the project was one that continually developed and visibly worked alongside the research aspect of the project. Through carefully considered colour theory, creating a selection of make-up designs for each aspect of my character, it was appropriate for me to reflect on this research, allowing me to justify elements of the designs. This was then developed further through trialling of makeup, realising the design visions. I was pleased with the standard of designs, again using the same template photocopying technique developed in specialist practise. These element’s will contribute to my graduate skill base as I have become an intellectual thinking artist, able to problem solve and apply makeup designs to a practical outcome.

Overall the project is one that has proved successful in developing and improving my existing creative ability, collaborative skills, interpersonal skills, technical aspects of make-up application, advanced problem solving, as well as helping to identify the commercial context that as an artist is appropriate for my work.  I came to university to further develop my basic knowledge of makeup artistry and to improve my professionalism and application skills. Over the three years I have worked to develop my skill and ability, and within Level 6 have realised my specialist skills in wig making which I have worked hard to develop to a high standard. The final outcome of Major Project is one I am proud to share within my portfolio as it realises the high quality of work I have achieved. I now will progress into work a high level of knowledge and a widely ranging skill base. Within the next two years I aim to be working within a wig assistant position, furthering my knowledge and technical skill in the wig making profession. Further in the future I aim to step into fashion wig making. I also will be furthering my hair styling knowledge, beginning evening classes in hair styling at my local hair and beauty training facility.