EVALUATION OF PMP

 

Within the ‘Professional Make-up Project’ I challenged myself by creating a full prosthetic character make-up, which included a full face and neck piece, a cowl and finger prosthetics. Working to such a large-scale at Level 5 study allowed me to establish that the processes involved in creating prosthetics is extremely time consuming and extensive. However, I feel that it stands me in good stead for my work in Level 6 because I have gained an in-depth understanding of prosthetic and mould making techniques, as well as knowledge of new products and materials, including silicone pigments and PT flex. Within this, I found certain aspects of the moulding process particularly problematic, such as injecting my moulds because there are so many factors to consider to ensure the prosthetics work correctly, for example, working efficiently with the silicone to ensure it does not set half-way through injecting. On the other hand, this also poses as one the greatest achievements of the project, because opening the moulds to find out they have worked filled me with a huge sense of achievement. As well as this, I have particularly enjoyed colouring my prosthetics using airbrushing techniques as you get to see your creation come to life. I also found the hair punching technique very therapeutic and easy to learn. Working collaboratively with students from the Acting, Film, Photography and Costume courses has been thoroughly enjoyable. Most of my contacts were gained through previous work experience and networking which has worked to my advantage. In addition, collaborative work has allowed me to develop my confidence, teamwork and management skills to ensure I am working at a more professional level. PMP has also highlighted the importance of health and safety within the prosthetic make-up industry after contacting a severe allergic reaction to polyurethane resin, as a result I have learnt to take extra safety precautions within the working environment.

 

If I were to do this project again I would have started my practical processes earlier to avoid rushing my moulds. As a consequence, I feel that my moulds were not as neat as I would have liked, and so this is something I will learn from and apply to my study at Level 6. I would have also liked to manage my time more effectively to ensure that I had a full practice of my make-up before the summative assessment to avoid the appearance of edges. By doing so, I could have improved my moulding technique to produce a prosthetic with seamless edges, (which is what I achieved during the make-up application for my film following the assessment). As well as this, I would have liked to incorporate wig work into my final make-up so that I could gain more experience and confidence with wig making prior to Level 6 – but unfortunately this was not necessary for my characters design. Throughout this project, it would have also been beneficial to partake in more work experience to build and further develop my portfolio of work. However, time management issues prevented me from doing so, and instead I will volunteer for additional work experience out of university hours and throughout the coming summer.

 

On a whole, I was very pleased with my final outcome, as I was able to showcase my love for prosthetics by completing my first full prosthetic character make-up. I feel as though my character was developed successfully through designs, which incorporated aspects of my supernatural research and inspiration from films and pre-existing make-up examples.  Furthermore, the final outcome was photographed and filmed in context to a level that I was very proud of. Overall, the ‘Professional Make-up Project’ has confirmed my interest in pursuing a career within the prosthetics make-up industry, therefore I want to choose to specialise in the ‘Make-up for Media and Performance (Prosthetics Effects) pathway.