Monday, June 30, 2014

#ProjectScouted : Phase Six : Brief

In the words of the photographer for Phase Six: 

Phase 6: Vulnerability 

Venue: Essenwood Park, off Essenwood Road, Musgrave.

Time: Two Slots for make-up.

8.00am: 
Ciara
Jodie
Kelsey
Lieche
Samantha

8.30am:
Sarah
Taliya
Tamlyn
Tionne
Toni

Make-up will be natural- glowing skin and natural eye make-up

Girls will be shot as they're ready from having their make-up done. Each girl will be shot for 10-15 minutes.

What to wear: Hair needs to be natural and down- no up-do's.
Each girl is required to wear preferably a light-coloured boob-tube/strapless top/shirt, and loose-fitting shorts.

Briefing of the shoot:
This shoot is about emotion, following the theme "vulnerability".
The girls will be required to portray or convey vulnerability. Key words associated with this are: comfort, openness.

This shoot will require something different from what the girls have shown in the project up until this point. This shoot requires creativity and sensitivity. All photos will be in black and white.

Setting of the shoot: The girls will be required to lie in a "bed" which will be set up. They will need to produce two shots- one full body, and one facial. They will be shot from directly above- this is a new angle and the girls need to take this into account when posing. This is NOT a nude shoot as the girls will be wearing clothes but show bare shoulders and be covered by a white sheet, and the girls will NOT be sexualised. No sexual poses will be allowed and the girls will receive guidance throughout the shoot. The images aim at being artistic and expressionistic. 

Head shot: Will be on a pillow- showing of face is compulsory. Expressing vulnerability and openness through the face is essential.

Body shot: A pillow as a prop is optional. The showing of the face is not compulsory in this shot- the vulnerability will be conveyed through the shape the girls make with their bodies and the sheet. Models need to practice and prepare a body shape for the shoot to work with. 

The shots will be judged on emotional and aesthetic value. 
Example images below: 









Pro model, Iman Sheik, the guest judge for Phase Five of #ProjectScouted

As a professional model with Ice Modelsin Durban, Iman Sheik might only be 17 years old, but we couldn't have asked for a more qualified guest judge for Phase Five of #ProjectScouted. She's stunning, yet simple and down to earth, and isn't unwilling to pass on what she knows about the modelling industry to aspiring models. Having been at the Phase Five photo session at the Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga this past Saturday morning, she has had the chance to not only see the #ProjectScouted girls in action but also to help with their posing while Phase Five photographer RoyEsterhuysen, who you can also read more about on the blog, did his thing behind the camera.

            Lee Folkard Photography found out more about this beauty who has success for modelling in her name.




            Lee Folkard Photography: Who is Iman Sheik?
            Iman: I'm a 17 year-old-girl from sunny Durban who is currently studying Clinical Psychology. I was really lucky to start my schooling earlier than usual. I'm also a model for Ice Models Durban, South Africa. I absolutely love fashion, food, family and friends.

            LFP: How did you hear about #ProjectScouted and how did you become a guest judge for Phase Five?
            Iman: I'm actually friends with Lee on Facebook and was sent an invitation to the Shoelaced Clothing fashion show in Phase Four at SMG Rocks. I absolutely love the whole concept of what #ProjectScouted aims to achieve and I knew I needed to be a part of it! I couldn't pass up the opportunity to be a guest judge! I love meeting others who have similar interests that I have and who are passionate about the modelling industry.

            LFP: How did you enter the modelling industry?
            Iman: I was still in school and my best friend encouraged me to enter a modelling competition that was taking place. I reluctantly agreed. And to everyone's surprise, I was suddenly being offered contracts by some of the local agencies. Now three years in, I absolutely love every minute of it! And its all thanks to my best friend, Sonam! Its so important to have friends who motivate you and want to see you succeed!

            LFP: Being a model is tough work. What has been some of the challenges? Would you change anything about the modelling industry in Durban?
            Iman: For me, a challenge has sometimes been my age. Most of the girls start their careers a lot earlier on. It is hard in Durban as the fashion community is still on the rise. A model also needs to have a more mature image sometimes, and I'm still coming to that place. But I know how lucky I have been!



            LFP: What do you love the most about being a model?
            Iman: I love the confidence it has given me. I have learnt to love myself for who I am and not what society wants me to be. This can be really hard for a teenager to do but modelling has taught me how to. At the same time, I'm also obsessed with getting dressed up. And I get to do it on the grandest scale ever!

            LFP: What inspired you to choose Clinical Psychology as your qualification and what do you plan to do after you complete your studies?
            Iman: A few years back, I actually had to visit a Clinical Psychologist after being in a hijack situation. Sitting in that doctor's office, the doctor made me realize in that moment that one day I could have the opportunity to council children who have been victims of far worse situations than I had experienced. I intend on counseling war, rape, and abuse victims. I plan on making a difference!

            LFP: How do you balance your studies and model work?
            Iman: I have a really strict dad who expects nothing less than A's! To be honest, time management and being a perfectionist comes in very handy! I just believe that if you really enjoy what you do, you can do it all!

            LFP: It seems like the destiny to be a model is written in your name.
            Iman: I was named after Iman Abdulmajid and from a very young age I have aspired to be at least half the woman she is. Not only does she have an amazing career, but she truly embraces her African heritage and being a woman of colour!

            LFP: What has been the highlight of your modelling career?
            Iman: Last year I received the opportunity to enter the Elite Model Look competition and made it to the Top 3 in Durban! It was such an honour and experience being one of the youngest girls!

            LFP: What will you be looking for in the photographs of the #ProjectScouted girls when judging?
            Iman: I am definitely looking for girls with a unique factor; I believe that always give you an edge.

            LFP: What goes through your mind when you're posing for a photo?
            Iman: To be honest, I'm usually so focused on my angles and what the photographer wants. But there is that part of me where my inner diva comes out!


#ProjectScouted is getting more and more nail-biting as the phases go by. Iman will be a part of making the daunting and extremely difficult decision of choosing the girls who will make up the much-awaited Top 10. Along with photographers Lee Folkard, Jerome Stoffels, and Samantha Duckworth, all of whom you can read about on the blog, Iman knows exactly what a good photo comprises of. Who better to make that decision?




Sunday, June 29, 2014

Pretty girls in a pretty park - #ProjectScouted Phase Five at the Chris Saunders Park

Having had some time to recover and regroup after the major success and experience of the Phase Four fashion show featuring Shoelaced Clothing by Ryan Francis two weeks ago at the SMG Rocks Mini showroom, the #ProjectScouted girls had the last chance to bring their winning personas to the Phase Five shoot on Saturday which will determine who will progress to the all-important Top 10.






            Take a beautiful setting and place some of the most beautiful girls in Durban in it, add a photographer of note and high-fashion poses, and you have a recipe for success. The Chris Saunders Park, right across from the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, is a popular attraction in Umhlanga for its location and ambience, and was the perfect relaxed setting for the Phase Five photoshoot. Contrasting the park's casual atmosphere was the edgy theme of high-fashion chosen by the official Phase Five photographer, Roy Esterhuysen of Firsthouse Photography and Blush Boudoir.



            The girls have had the opportunity to explore the different sides of their personalities as well as the different elements of the modelling industry throughout the Project with this phase encouraging them to build on the attitude and strong poses they were exposed to at the fashion show in Phase Four. Of course it was an added bonus that the guest judge for this phase, model from Ice Model Management, Iman Sheik, was there to throw direction at the girls to get the best from their posing. Braving the early morning were also scouts Tyra Horsley and Jami de Vries; behind-the-scenes photographers Nilufer Yucel of Nilufer Yucel Photography, Jessica Lee Van Goeverden of Van.Go Photography, and Valen Peters-Govender of Wild Willow Media; along with regular judge and photographer, Jerome Stoffels.



            Aiding in the girls achieving a fiesty look were some of the extremely gifted students from Jacqui Bannerman's Make-up the College in Morningside. These make-up artists in the making also took care of the make-up for the Phase Four fashion show and kept up the exceptionally high standard that they had set for themselves at the show. Every look complimented each girl based on their specific features as well as their high-fashion look which had to have a statement colour incorporated into the outfit. Roy's expert use of lighting, with a Canon 580ex flash as a rim light giving a beautiful outline to the models' profiles, brought the images and the make-up to life. As you will see, every girl's shot seems like an image from an international magazine spread.




            After having their full-length and head-and-shoulders shots taken at the park by Roy, the girls were then photographed posing with the exceptional baristas at one of the best coffee-houses in Durban, I Want My Coffee, which overlooks the park. With its green signage and endearing logo, you can't miss the coffee shop owned by the band, Just Jinjer's, foreman, Ard Matthews and his partner Deborah. The coffee shop also doubles as an online radio station, iwantmyradio.com, that can be tuned in to from anywhere in the world. After their shots, the girls were treated to a cup of coffee which was really appreciated on the chilly morning. It was all about good music, good vibes, really good coffee, and amazing people at Phase Five of #ProjectScouted.




            We're nearing the end of the journey of the whirlwind that #ProjectScouted has been and its going to be hard to see some of the girls being let go. Having some of the most talented girls in Durban being a part of this year's Project, some of the girls with unavoidable committments were not able to be at the Phase Five shoot; meaning that only 3 girls from the 13 will be cut to make the Top 10. Nevertheless, that's going to be a tough call for judges Lee, Samantha, Jerome and guest judge, Iman. All these girls have every reason to be extremely proud of themselves!

Images supplied by: Van.Go Photography 

Friday, June 27, 2014

Loss reveals ourselves to us

"It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything."
- Chuck Palahniuk , Fight Club

            We've all lost something along the way; whether its things that can't be replaced, people who are gone forever or people will just not return. And although we could never be able to truly understand someone else's loss, the emotions are just the same. But maybe its in losing that we can sometimes gain.

            When something is taken away from us, we're given an opportunity to find out who we really are, and perhaps also to find out who we are without what we no longer have. When something or someone is suddenly gone, a layer is stirpped away from our veneers and we're closer to our real selves.


            It is never easy letting go, no matter what it is that is being let go of. Sometimes the most painful experiences can be chances in disguise for us to find out what lies beneath the surface of who we are.

Monday, June 23, 2014

#ProjectScouted photographer profile Roy Esterhuysen

Roy Esterhuysen is an upcoming photographer in Durban, specializing in bringing out the best in women with his boudoir photography. As the owner of Firsthouse Photography and Blush Boudoir, Roy has a keen eye for photographing people and capturing key moments. #ProjectScouted is extremely fortunate to have Roy on the team and his experience and skill isn’t going to leave much to be desired as bringing out the beauty of his subjects is his forte.



Lee Folkard Photography: Who is Roy Esterhuysen?
Roy: I am passionate about all things photography and I am dedicated to art; always innovating and improving. You are most likely to find me up and about on a shoot at the crack of dawn (yes, even in winter), but I am also available for work during the more sociable hours.

LFP: Are you a full-time photographer?
Roy: At the moment, I balance my time between photography and graphic design but over the next few months photography will be taking up a larger portion of my time as I have recently joined the team of Beach Weddings by James Carlsen as a primary wedding photographer.

LFP: What inspired you to take up photography and how did you begin in the business?
Roy: I’ve always had a camera in my hands since my younger days. My dad’s film camera was where it all began with being rationed with how many shots I could take. I started off on the business side with interiors, architecture and award functions mainly, then I progressed onto weddings. 

LFP: How did you hear about Lee Folkard Photography and what motivated you to be a part of #ProjectScouted?
Roy: I would like to plead the 5th Amendment on where I met Lee. It’s nothing at all dodgy, but it’s a bit of a secret...
I’ve seen all the hype and the fun of the past Projects and I thought it would be great to be a part of it, but had never really spoken to Lee about it. But while chatting about photography and what we’ve been doing at our usual coffee spot in Umhlanga, I WantMy Coffee, Lee popped the question, although it wasn’t on one knee... But it didn’t take me long to decide I was going to be a part of the Project this year. I couldn’t pass up the chance to meet so many cool people!

LFP: What is your favourite type of photography to shoot?
Roy: Boudoir is my passion and I’ve been trained by New York-based Christa Meola. Since then, I have started a photography business called Blush Boudoir which is a bespoke photography company that offers women the opportunity to capture the essence of who they are.



LFP: Have you been influenced by any other photographers' works?
Roy: I have many photographers that I draw inspiration from. They are all amazing portrait photographers and not only do I draw inspiration from their photographs, lighting and shooting techniques, but also from how they convey themselves when speaking, their approach to people and how humble they are. Christa Meola and Joey L. are the two photographers that really influence me the most. My other influences and inspirations have been Sue Bryce, Matthew Jordan Smith, Drew Gardner and Zack Arias.

LFP: What is your career goal as a photographer?
Roy: My goal is to be an international portrait and boudoir photographer working in amazing cities around the world.



LFP: What's your approach when editing photos? What is your process?
Roy: Less is more. I use Lightroom to do my light adjustments, cropping, and any presets that are needed to give the desired effect for the overall image and then I open the image in Photoshop if I need to do any editing that requires more precise work on finer details

LFP: What makes a good black and white photo? How do you decide to change a colour photo to a black and white one?
Roy: A good black and white will convey emotion and feelings; it removes the distraction that colour may sometimes be and brings you in closer with your emotions to the image. I really appreciate a good black and white image as they take a lot of skill and technique when editing, as you can use the range of colours in the starting image to decide how dark or how light a detail is in the end result 

LFP: If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
Roy: Tony Stark aka Ironman – He may not have super powers but he shows that you can be who you want to be and not what others want you to be. His captors tried to force him to make a weapon of mass destruction and yet he created a suit instead and protected the world.




Be sure to check out Roy’s behind-the-scenes pics from #ProjectScouted on his Firsthouse Photography Facebook page taken throughout the Project as well as his shots of the girls who will be chosen to proceed to the latter phases. He may not be Tony Stark, but Roy Esterhuysen is definitely a force to be reckoned with behind the camera.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

#ProjectScouted : Phase Five : Brief

Words from the Phase Five photographer for the TOP15.

High fashion neutral color outfits with an accent color (accent color can be red/blue/yellow, etc...  accent color can be a watch strap, scarf, belt, shoes, etc) they must use the pose images for inspiration for the outfits. The pose images are also going to be very similar to the poses on the day.

Make-up will be done by: Make-Up The College. 








Hair styles for the girls are tied back like in the examples (unless they have a cool fro) and for those with a short fringe can have the rest of their hair tied back like in hair1.jpg
Hair example

Hair example

Hair example

Hair and Close Up Example

Hair example


We will be doing 3 shots:
Full Length
Closeup (similar to hair and closeup.jpg)

Pose with the barrister @ IWMC

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Lee Folkard Photography’s enigmatic blogger, Sholene Ramdass, the guest judge for Phase Four of #ProjectScouted

Sholene Ramdass might be an elusive freelance writer, but she has still had substantial experience in the spotlight and time in front of the camera having come from a beauty pageant and photographic modelling background. The face (and hands) behind much of the Lee Folkard Photography blog, Sholene will now play a vital part in choosing the 15 girls of the 25 who will go through to Phase Five based on the images captured at the Fashion Extravaganza featuring the designs of Ryan Francis of Shoelaced Clothing. Sholene was also a part of the Top 10 in 2012’s Project Exposure, and although this Project was structured differently, she has a pretty good idea of what the #ProjectScouted girls have to bring to the competition. This humble Durban-girl has her heart set on penning some great literary works in the future, and we got to know her a little better.



Lee Folkard Photography: Who is Sholene Ramdass?
Sholene: I'm a simple girl living life from one experience to the next. Currently a Creative Writing and Literature student, I'm also a freelance writer. I find solace in all things art, creative, and beautiful; whether it’s a photograph, a film, or even people going about their lives every day. Naturally as a writer, I'm a lover of stories and although I may not say much, I am always listening to the world around me. I think I’m full of contradictions too; I’m introverted and extroverted, I love being behind the scenes but also a part of the action, I go to fashion shows with girl friends and car exhibitions with my brother and help my dad with DIY at home. I’m a chameleon. I’m still discovering the answer to this question everyday but there’s much more to me than a description. I've been called an enigma once or twice, so I wouldn't be able to sum myself up anyway. But I think you get the picture.

LFP: What inspired you to choose your qualification and to be a writer?
Sholene:
No matter what I may have tried my hand at; I have always had a great passion for language and literature. I am, and have always been, unashamedly, the girl reading a book or the girl wanting to go to the theatre or film festivals. In this way, I've grown into myself; I've always had different tastes and interests. Public speaking is another passion I have which also involves using words to evoke emotion in your listeners and having excelled at this over the years, especially at high school, I found that having a command of the English language is crucial in more ways than one can imagine. I'm still finding my way as a writer but being a writer is who I am and whichever career I choose to pursue, writing will be the focus. I’m insatiably curious about life and the world around me; I'm always jotting things down and when I'm typing on my phone, I'm more likely making a note of something than texting. For me, the written word is emotion. Literature is man’s memory.

LFP: What are some of the misconceptions about being a writer?
Sholene: A lot of people think that it’s easy – you just sit at your computer and type away. But the depth, thought, and planning that goes into writing any piece of worth and quality is profound. When it comes to short stories, poetry, novels and any other piece that involves the creation of characters, especially, a writer has to create a world with people who have emotions, histories, and personalities through words. This is extremely difficult to do if one desires to write with substance and meaning. Being a writer requires extreme perseverance and patience; two qualities I am still trying to master.

LFP: What inspires you?
Sholene: Life inspires me. So often, I find myself in complete awe of the world and the life around me. There’s beauty and intricacy everywhere; in people, nature, art. I’m inspired by good writing, a good film, a memory, a conversation; everything that I experience is a source for creativity. I’m in love with life – the good and the bad of it – and all the emotions that come with it. There’s unfathomable beauty and depth everywhere, all we have to do is be open to it.

LFP: What will you be looking for when judging the girls on their images from the Fashion Extravaganza?
Sholene: Being Lee Folkard Photography's blogger, I've been involved in the Project from the beginning and have had the chance to meet some of the girls and be at the photoshoots. So I feel like I have gotten the chance to know them a little. I’d like to see that they have become a bit more comfortable in front of the camera and that they aren’t being generic. Being a successful model is about having an x-factor and that's what I'll be looking for. Also coming from a beauty pageant background, I know the importance of a strong ramp presence and walk that translates to great images – which will be another factor I will consider. Unattractive girls don't exist; I believe a good photograph comes from personality, character and daring to be yourself.


Some of Sholene’s pieces can be read on the Lee Folkard Photography blog; her writing perhaps giving a deeper insight through her thoughts and ideas into who she is. She will draw from her exposure to different fields and avenues during the Phase Four judging process along with Lee Folkard, Samantha Duckworth and Jerome Stoffels. Don’t forget to keep checking the Facebook page and the blog to see who the crème of the crop is.


Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Make-up the College owner, Jacqui Bannerman, teaches the gift of beauty

Owner of Make-up the College, Jacqui Bannerman, is clearly one of the most passionate and knowledgeable people when it comes to makeup artistry in Durban. Having had her students create the makeup of the 25 girls walking in the Phase Four Fashion Extravaganza on Sunday at the SMG Rocks Mini showroom, it is also clear that her passion and skill has rubbed off on her students with each of the models looking stunning having had their specific features highlighted. We got to know this industry-expert a little better.



Lee Folkard Photography: Who is Jacqui Bannerman?
Jacqui: I’m from Durban and I have been a makeup artist for a number of years now giving me extensive experience in this industry. I have also headed makeup and hair departments on both local and international commercials; like Vodafone, Orange, and Coca-Cola, as well as on various films, documentaries, and drama series for both locally and internationally. Also, I’ve worked on both local and international still shoots and have done a lot of SFX and prosthetics for various movies – which is an area of makeup that I totally love! Bottom line – I love what I do and I believe it shows in the passion I have for my craft!

LFP: What was your inspiration to become a makeup artist and how did you start in the business?
Jacqui: Honestly, I did not put a lot of thought into it. It was something I just thought I would enjoy. I am a Libran, so I love beautiful things! I have an all-or-nothing personality, so when I do something, I give it 100%. It’s in my nature to achieve and I bring that to my makeup! I did not know that it would be as life-changing for me as it has been. I have never looked back! I do think I was lucky when I started out though, as I did a commercial straight away. I was just given an opportunity and I have worked ever since! All we need is an opportunity in life and it can change life completely. Film was not a planned goal either; it was something that just happened. I love SFX and prosthetics in makeup and by embracing film; I found a perfect fit for me, allowing me to dabble in all aspects and avenues of makeup. Film together with television commercials is like heaven for me now! I quickly built a reputation, but I also never forget that we are only as good as our last job!



LFP: How did you become involved in #ProjectScouted and what motivated you to be a part of it?
Jacqui: A mutual photographer friend asked if my college, Make-up the College, would be keen to get involved with the makeup of the Project. I am always looking for opportunities to grow my students and am also trying to create a platform for them to showcase their work, so this was absolutely a win-win scenario. Doing makeup, actually being involved in makeup on set, is totally different to doing makeup at college. Projects like this are very beneficial to students and makeup artists who are starting out. True learning comes from actually “doing”, embracing different visions, and being thrown into the deep end. I am all about helping my students grow!



LFP: Do you have a favourite type of makeup or occasion to do makeup for?
Jacqui: My personal belief of a true makeup artist is to embrace all areas of makeup! I absolutely love all aspects of makeup! I love the variety of the work, where one never gets tired of anything and each job is so different. This is what has kept my passion alive over the years. We never stop learning and new products are always coming out. I absolutely love the challenge of SFX and Prosthetics, because with everything in makeup, the makeup is just an illusion. I also have a love applying makeup to people who haven’t had their makeup done before and they are blown away when they see themselves in a new light. The power of makeup can even be life-changing; this is a beautiful thing to give someone, even if it is just for a moment. Makeup never ceases to amaze me, even after all these years!



LFP: What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt in your career as a makeup artist?
Jacqui: Many years ago a good friend of mine, an art-director, said to me, “Jax, it is not how you start a job, but how you end a job that will make you be remembered and go out with a bang every time!” Other words that have also left their mark with me are, “This is how you make your money; it is not who you are!” Balance is key and this is not always easy as a freelance worker, as you want to ride every wave. Balancing family and work is something I still find difficult!

LFP: Starting Make-up the College was certainly a huge step for you. How did it begin? What were some of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
Jacqui: It definitely came with challenges! I have a reputation within the industry, but am merely a name to potential students! I had to basically start from scratch and build up my reputation as a reputable college! Of course it was a hard decision, going from having your diary run by agents, never having to look for jobs myself, to now taking a step backwards and hoping potential students would have me mentor them. I take what I do very seriously and it shows! My college has only been going for 3 years and I am getting amazing results. Makeup artists who have been through my facility are working successfully within the industry; I have a few in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and even one working abroad! Word of mouth is always the best, and my reputation and credibility as a college is growing and moving progressively forward. I cannot even believe it sometimes!  I approach my college exactly the same as I did when I was a freelancer – do not take anything for granted, keep the passion, and give 100%!



LFP: What’s an average day like for Jacqui?
Jacqui: I get up at 4:30am and sort my kids out for the day. I drop my daughter off at school then open up my college. I also do all of the lecturing at my facility. I am at college till about 2:30pm on weekdays, however, on a Tuesday and Thursday I am at work until about 8:30pm as I have my part-time classes.  On weekends, I may have Supersport and I also take on half-day shoots on days that suit me. I do try and do a few commercials wherever possible, then I make up the lost time with my students, but my focus is always going forward with the college. I allow nothing to get in the way of this!

LFP: If you could have done the makeup for any big budget film released recently or even in the past, which would it have been and why?
Jacqui: There would be so many for completely different reasons; like The Grinch with Jim Carrey. Yes, it is a suit where the face is moulded, but despite the exaggerated proportions, REAL EMOTION still manages to come through! This is exceptionally difficult to get right and a huge challenge to overcome. One does not quite realise the difficulty of this. Makeup on such a large scale can also easily cross the line to looking “ridiculous”. The Lord of the Rings is another standout for me. Huge amounts of prosthetic rubber foam were used. The “Orcs” were incredibly well done! A very current movie that has just been released, Maleficent, with Angelina Jolie, is also intriguing me at the moment. Her makeup, the beauty makeup, is just perfection in every way; the highlighting and contouring is beautiful! What is unbelievable is the cheekbones, which are tiny prosthetics made by the master himself, Rick Baker. This makeup was mind-blowing! I would have loved to have been involved in this makeup, where there is just no room for mistakes, as mistakes in such specific makeup could just not have been hidden. It was flawless!



LFP: For anyone aspiring to be a full-time makeup artist, what advice would you give? Is there a secret ingredient for a successful and long career in the industry?
Jacqui: To be successful in this industry requires more than just simply being able to do makeup! It is truly a package deal. It is personality, taste, listening skills, organization skills, work ethic, and above all attitude and patience! People want to be around workers with a good attitude, especially when you are working on a 4 week shoot, involving long hours! But never give up; be determined and believe in yourself! An eye for detail is also crucial, an artistic flair is beneficial, being able to work as part of a team is vital, and keeping an eye on current fashion trends is good too. Also keep growing your portfolio, which in turn will showcase your diversity and skill as an artist.

LFP: What do you think is the biggest makeup faux pas made by young girls?
Jacqui:  Just as with fashion, NOT taking their individual features and colouring into account and following “trends” whether it suits them or not! If you do not have, for example, beautiful lips; stay clear of bright colours! I also think that young girls wear too much makeup!  They apply too dark eyeshadow and, before they know it, they look like panda bears, or alternatively someone who has just been punched in the eyes! Makeup must be age-appropriate. Looking older than one is, is not the point of makeup. If your eyes are small, you should not wear black eyeliner all around the eye. Eyebrows should also be well-defined and not too dark or hard. Teenage workshops, where teenagers learn a few skills of applying makeup to their individual features, will go a long way and is something I would strongly recommend even if it is just for fun!


Only 15 of the 25 girls who walked in the fashion show will be chosen to proceed to Phase Five; so be sure to check out their individual pics on the ramp taken by Kevin Hsu and Jessica Van Goeverden that they will be judged on. With makeup as beautiful as Jacqui’s and her students’ paired with these beauties, it’s going to be a difficult task making the cut.