Testing

Testing

To get my head around what I want to be doing I decided to test some techniques and looks on myself. It will help me decided what will work as well as how the products will feel on my models skin. 

The first techniques I tested was using cello-tape and plasters, to distort facial features focusing on the lips, eyes, and nose. Plasters didn't let me put enough tension on the skin so just laid flat on the face instead of changing features. I then tried cello-tape which when pulled tight altered my features severely; stretching the skin, adding folds, changing the skin colour and shapes of the eyes, nose and lips. It was successful however there are a few more elements that I want to try before finalising this as my first look, as it is shiny will scotch tape work better when applying any products over the top and will it be strong and sticky enough to create the same effects as cello-tape does?

In this image I also applied a red lipgloss mixed with golden syrup to make it drip, the bottom lip is stuck down with a plaster which didn't hold very well and the top lip is shaped with cello-tape.

The next look will be applying a thick layer of make up over the cello-tape, indicating societies needs to cover up imperfections. Black eyebrows, red lips and rosy cheeks will be applied to represent a fresh faced and generic make-up look.

 It is clear that this layer of make-up needs to be a lot thicker and excessive to make it more impressive and effective.

I then want to apply paint to the face to sculpt as well as adding colour to the face using Francis Bacon as reference. 

After testing this I decided I did not like how it lays flat on the face, so using reference to Alex Box's work with Rankin I will be testing it with icing sugar and either ink or powder so it is raised and vibrant. I also considered doing this with poster paint however this could stain the skin so the ideas above are the alternative plans. 

After this I though of the idea of making the make-up drip of the face, as I was thinking of it melting away. As most of the products are grease based a product with soap as it's main ingredient would be most effective. The only downside to this would be that it could get into the models eyes and sting, so I thought of children's shampoo as is often advertised to not sting when dripping into eyes. 

After meeting with my tutor I have a few tasks on hand

• Sorting out the date for filming is very important to me at this stage, so that I can stay on top of everything and feel organised. Also it helps me to progress and arrange my team.
• My tutor, Sharon, has also advised me to consider my use of a male model and maybe deliberate the use of a female model instead.
• Sharon also suggested a different method instead of the dripping of the make up for the model to scrape it away as it may be more in tune with the story line and the overall look and feel of my concept.
• I also have to re-write my initial storyboard and refine the details and meanings behind each scene. This will help my team as well as they will then be able to understand the concept more making it easier to achieve what is desired.