The #ProjectScouted Top 35 enchant in Phase Four

The #ProjectScouted crew didn’t mind at all coming out to Phase Four at Mitchell Park on Human Rights Day this past Saturday as Jessica Lee of Van.Go Photography brilliantly executed her “enchanted” concept shoot. The Top 35 ladies were put through their paces in Phase Three last week as they were photographed by Lee Folkard himself on a jumping castle at Fairway on Northlands Pre-Primary, and so were allowed a bit of a respite with this more casual, relaxed shoot in a laid-back setting.

The ladies arrived ready to have their makeup done by the talented graduates of Make-up the College once again; with bold, vibrant eye make-up and nude lips. Jessica’s inspiration behind this shoot was to have the ladies seem as if they were mythical creatures, completely of the earth but seeming as if they are far too beautiful to belong in this world. She aimed at helping the ladies channel their inner beauty and to express every little girl’s fantasy of living in a dream world. And she definitely succeeded, as her images will clearly depict.

With long pieces of fabric creatively draped over the ladies to reveal just enough skin to afford the images a sensual element but more than enough coverage to remain classy and elegant, the ladies were guided with their posing by Iman Sheik – our resident professional model – and Jessica as she bravely shot the girls from a ladder leaned against a tree. Jessica was every bit in her element and remained her mischievous and breezy self throughout the humid morning.

It was a morning of relaxation and socializing with Just Green providing the background score to the shoot, which is always a hit with the girls. Even the families and kids around the park appreciated the music as they were drawn to watch the shoot unfold.

Make sure to subscribe to our videographers’, Robbie Muller and Stefan Rust’s, YouTube channels to see the brilliant behind-the-scenes videos posted from each week’s phase. Speaking about the fun Stefan is having documenting the Project’s evolution, he said, “The Project has opened me up to Durban and has introduced me to so many creative people. It has especially been exciting having the opportunity to experiment with each edit.” These guys, as well as our Project photographers, have done a fantastic job so far of capturing the experience of each phase through their artistic work.

Our ethereal #ProjectScouted beauties will be afforded a two week break before the next shoot to regroup and reflect on their journeys so far as well as to improve their game before they come back for Phase Five. Only 25 of our 35 ladies will go through with the list being revealed within the week. We are in awe of these girls and everyone who has been involved in the Project so far! And this is just the beginning.

Behind-the-scenes images by Lee Folkard Photography

The awesome #ProjectScouted sponsors – Jacqui Bannerman, owner of Make-up the College

Jacqui Bannerman, owner of Make-up the College in Morningside, is a driven and passionate individual especially when it comes to her work as a make-up artist and as a teacher in grooming her students. Her students, having been some of the make-up artists for the #ProjectScouted ladies last year in some phases, will be returning to put their skills to practical use whilst gaining invaluable industry experience – something Jacqui believes is of utmost importance. Read more about this mentor below.

1.    You must have been so proud of your students’ work at last year’s Project. But what motivated you to come on board again this year?

This is such a brilliant opportunity for my students, to get a feel of how things really work from an industry perspective. They get to see their work as part of a whole, that make-up is a small, but very necessary component in the bigger picture! It is a platform for them to showcase their capabilities; I can only be grateful & encourage my students to get involved! The students learnt a tremendous amount from being involved in this project last year, & it is ultimately the professional images that open doors for these students!

2.    How did you first get involved in the Project?

I crossed paths with a photographer who is involved with #ProjectScouted, Roy Esterhuysen, who has helped out with college shoots since I opened in 2012, & he introduced me to Lee.

3.    What do you think is the best aspect of #ProjectScouted?

It is all about discovering new talent! It is about creating opportunities for people, not sitting back & waiting for things to happen, but being pro-active! It is contributing to our industry! I am all about that!

4.    Do you have any advice for the girls in terms of keeping their skin looking fresh and clear for the duration of the Project?

It is very important to carry out a skin routine according to your skin-type! Do not venture into product overload when it comes to your cleansing routine! Keep make-up to a minimal when not shooting & do not ever go to bed with make-up on! At the end of the day, it is good nutrition that goes hand-in-hand with beautiful skin! Stay hydrated, up the water, & keep calm; it will show in your skin!

5.    What do you love the most about grooming new make-up artists at Make-up the College?

It is a beautiful thing to have a hand in someone’s path in life! I never take that for granted! The fulfilment is like no other! To see them start their journey into this crazy, beautiful industry is very rewarding & exciting for me!

6.    What do you think makes Make-up the College different from other makeup schools?

At Make-up the College, I teach from an industry perspective; how things are done in the industry, as this is what I know. Make-up is art, I teach very much from an artistic direction, as there are no processes or procedures when it comes to a “feel”, & make-up at the end of the day is a “feel”. Make-up application in itself is nowhere near enough to equip students. To be a successful make-up artist is a package deal, so we at Make-up the College focus on “the package” as a whole!

7.    What has been your most memorable experience as a make-up artist?

I still remember the very first TV commercial I did. The entire process of making a commercial “wowed” me. I was full of excitement & my love for the film industry happened then & there! I was lucky enough to have worked steadily in film & TV commercials from then on & my passion never died. I still love to be on set & I still to this day have the loyalty of that very same production company!

8.    What would you like everyone to know about the beauty industry?

The beauty/make-up/film industry is HARD WORK; there is nothing glamorous about it! It is an industry that commands perseverance, sacrifice, commitment, passion, & patience! There is no easy way to the top; like everything in life, it is what you put into something that will determine your outcome!

You can see the work of Jacqui’s students in the upcoming phases of the Project by following the Project’s Instagram account as well as the Lee Folkard Photography Facebook page.

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 

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.