Last week I took myself off to The Session School in London to do their Advanced Makeup course. My main aim was to brush up on my skills after taking the past few months off to settle in to our new life in London. I was also hoping to make some contacts and re-motivate myself. I don't think people without children understand just how enjoyable a little bit of time away can be - focussing on something completely different is so refreshing. I was already having fun on my commute up to Archway, sipping my coffee on the packed tube by myself.
The modern vintage looks I created on day 3.
Day one started with a bang covering mineral makeup which I found fascinating and am looking forward to incorporating into the way I work. I was relieved to find that once I picked up that first brush and did my first makeup of the week, I hadn't forgotten anything I had learnt back in Sydney. It felt good to be back in the saddle and great to finally start using some of the new products I have bought for my kit. The week just went up from there and each day I improved and pushed myself to try new things. This course had a really high creative element so I was in heaven.
Creative catwalk look from day 5.
We covered a range of topics during the week, from modern vintage makeup looks to creative catwalk and we were taught by some of the loveliest people ever - Amanda Bell, Julie Jacobs and the gorgeous Katie Campbell. I can't tell you how lucky i've been so far with my teachers in the world of makeup both here in London and back in Sydney - they have all been amazingly inspiring and currently working on some incredible things!
The week culminated in the Saturday photo-shoot. Dani Guinsberg, the Session School founder (and her beautiful wippet Walter) was on hand to give some guidance and encouragement and I was thrilled with the shots we got. I can't wait to finally start getting my portfolio up on my site, so stay tuned as it is coming soon.
A little mash-up of images taken at the photo-shoot.
Sir Walter keeping a close eye on the photo-shoot
It was a pretty exhausting week but money can't buy the sense of satisfaction I felt by Saturday night. I really needed the time away from the house to focus on this and feel extremely grateful to the family and friends who helped make it happen.
The next step for me is to start testing and to get some assisting work. It is a little challenging doing this is a new city but i'm feeling really passionate about the industry and ready to put in the hard yards so watch this space.