The first time I went to Sephora I brought my fiance, Christopher. Which reminds me of something I saw yesterday on my facebook wall.....apparently in Australia, IKEA has a place called 'ManLand' where you can drop off your husband/boyfriend/fiance and he can play XBOX, Playstation, fooseball, and they are given free hot dogs. Kind of like a daycare for men.
I could have used a 'Manland' in Sephora.....I said we'd be in there for five minutes (it felt like it!), and it kind of, sort of, turned into two hours. We closed the place down.
My first time, I was totally overwhelmed by choice. One of the 'ladies in black' gave me a basket, and I was constantly rotating what I put in it.....I'd put something in, put it back on the shelf, put another product in my basket, put it back on the shelf. I would have left it all in my basket, if not for the price!
When you first walk into Sephora, you are hit with a wall of fragrance. It isn't just one wall of fragrance, but several different layers. And then, there's the merchandise. Left, right, up, down! It's everywhere. You are bombarded by choice, and decision, and the inability to make either one! On the ends of each isle, they have a 'Best of' selection. This is where they have chosen the best of each category in the store.....example, 'Mascara', or 'Primers', and then they offer up a mini review on each. I notice that they do have reviews below a lot of the shelf product, which is really handy, if you don't know what you're looking at.
Sephora doesn't have the typical environment of a department store, because the employees do allow you room to breathe. They ask you if you need help, and if you say you're fine on your own, they leave you to it. Therefore, I'm not sure they run on commission!
If you want to go in, and come out just as quick, some advice I can offer you is to know what you're going in for before you go! I usually check out Sephora.com before my visit, for this exact reason! I can go in with tunnel vision (This rarely works though, I usually end up getting sidetracked by all the pretty things). Truth be told, I don't enjoy shopping. I like the by-product (ooooo, I have stuff now), but the whole experience is excruciating to me. The wandering, the rifling through racks, the elbowing through people.....yuck.
My last visit to Sephora, I was on a hunt for a makeup primer. I don't usually use one, but I thought that since I had a wedding coming up, and needed my work to last a little longer, I should probably invest in one.
Some of you might not know what a makeup primer is.
Have you ever painted a wall? Same idea. You need to prep the wall before you paint. Because if you do this, it acts as a barrier in between you and the makeup. Therefore, your skin's oils can't penetrate through the makeup, and break it down. It can also stop your makeup from penetrating your pores, which can cause blemishes. There are all sorts of primers. Primers for oily skin. Primers for redness, sallowness, anti-aging primers...yadda yadda yadda!
The primer I bought was a Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. Retailing at $47. YOINKS!
I had originally picked up a Bare Escentuals primer. I was looking at one of the end displays where they were showcasing their best primers, and the Bare Escentuals primer sounded the best to me:
"Developed to combat flaky dryness, rough patches, fine lines, excess oil, enlarged pores, and uneven texture, this mineral-infused, satin-finish formula glides on seamlessly with no tacky feel to provide a skin-smoothing complexion prior to bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation application. Infused with soothing plant extracts, antioxidants, and nourishing vitamins C and E for added age-defying power"
When I brought the primer up to the register, I asked the 'ladies in black' if I should get the Bare Escentuals primer, or if the Laura Mercier one was better (the review on L.M primer was also enticing)......they said they hadn't heard much about the Bare Escentuals primer, and that the Laura Mercier primer was much better......I don't know if this is because it actually is better, or if it was because it is $20 more than the Bare Escentuals one I was just about to purchase.
I ended up purchasing the Laura Mercier primer. I have to say, when I wear it, it does seem to make a difference in how long my makeup lasts.
It smells distinctly like diaper rash cream though. Which is strange. It makes me wonder if I should just use that on my face (I have seen certain Youtube makeup guru's putting Milk of Magnesia on their faces!!!!)
Did I spend too much money? Probably. Will I buy it again? Probably not. Next time, I'm going to purchase the one I had originally wanted to buy, Bare Escentuals, Primetime. Because I have heard great things about it, and the $20 less looks pretty good to me too!
love,
Adrienne
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Baby Steps
I haven't posted a blog in a month....because I've been too busy leaving the province, eating potato wedgies with gravy, and.....getting engaged! I can hardly believe it myself. I have to tell you, I was so tired of calling Chris my 'boyfriend'. When I hear the word 'boyfriend', I think of inappropriate kissing in the hallways at high school, squeaky prepubescent male voices, and Adidas deodorant.
So you can only imagine how overjoyed I am to introduce Chris as my 'fiance'. Of course, the fact that I can call him my fiance isn't the only reason I'm excited to be engaged. I knew the minute I met Chris that we'd be together for a very long time, if not one day engaged.
Apparently he'd been planning the engagement for quite some time. Chris had taken the time to ask my Father for my hand, and had visited my Mother to ask her for permission, as well as to show her the ring. I was very impressed by how secretive he was. If the shoe was on the other foot, I don't know if I'd be able to keep a secret as long!
As for a wedding in the near future, I'm not sure how feasible that's going to be. We're looking a two years at least- however, that's not going to stop me from planning!
I am very inspired by Grace Kelly in 'Rear Window' and 'To Catch a Thief'.....so there will definitely be nods to the two movies, in both my wedding dress, and engagement photo outfits.
In other news, this little Freelance Makeup baby of mine grows slowly.
I was pleasantly surprised by an email from a photographer I worked with for the second wedding I worked on. She gave me the link to her photos, and said I could use as many as I liked, just as long as I gave her credit. Sounds fair to me! By the way- if you want to check those photos out, you can see them at :http://lauramco.smugmug.com/.
Having those photos, and looking at them, makes me feel like I'm getting somewhere. I look at those photos, and I feel like it's proof that I am, however small the step forward.
It was very gracious of her to allow me to use them, as I'm sure most photographers would charge for the use of photos.
I also had some communication with the photographer I worked with for the first wedding. Some of you might know him, John-Mark Wiltshire. He is a brilliant photographer, and his style is unlike anything I've seen. He has a very expressive, vivacious way of capturing people. Check him out:
http://jonmarkphoto.com/
When you meet Jon, he looks like he may have just turned 30, if that. He is dressed very respectfully, and his weapon of choice (camera) hangs around his neck, ready to shoot. He is very down-to-Earth, and very friendly. On the day of the wedding, without me even having to ask, he was quick to show me how to capture decent photographs on my digital camera. He seemed very concerned with my getting good shots, which I thought made him an incredibly decent human being. When I returned from vacation, I shot him off an email, with at least twenty questions for him to be my captive audience for..... and within a day or two, he had returned my email, asking nothing in return.
I asked him questions mainly related to the creation of a website. Jon has a great website. It's easy to understand and not without personality. He gave me the links to the websites I could visit if I was interested in creating my own. Which again, was incredibly nice of him.
My next item of business will be putting together a photo shoot. I need to get some pictures together to show people what I'm capable of! I am lucky to have very good-looking friends, and I will definitely be taking advantage of their looks to make my makeup look even better!
I don't think it's wise to go into something like this without having evidence of what you can do.
Last night, I did something I've been afraid to do for a while. I took a look at some local Makeup Artists websites. This has been very daunting for me, because for a while I just wanted to ignore my competition. I thought that If I pretended they weren't there, than I might be more successful. I didn't want to accept that there are other makeup artists in Victoria besides me, because it might be too overwhelming. And for a minute, it was......because there are a lot of really freakin good makeup artists in this city! So, almost the only unique thing I have to offer is my personality. Some people may get along with 'Jane the Makeup Artist' more than they get along with me, and vice verse. I think that's where you build your business. Thank God for human dynamics! In regards to my website, I'm thinking you've got to constantly measure yourself by the best. I'm asking myself, 'Why are they so successful?'. My purpose in looking at their websites, was to see what sorts of things I should be showing on my own website. Teacher's are everywhere. Whether they are teaching you directly, or indirectly.
Coming up in September, I'll be doing makeup for an old friend of mine from university. She is getting married, YAY!!! We were within a year or two of each other in the Theatre Program at UFV. However, I think she did the smart thing, and stayed in school to finish her Bachelor's. Jaclyn showed a lot of faith in me, and an old boyfriend, because cast us in a play she wrote, and directed. It was based on a poem Shakespeare wrote called, 'Venus and Adonis'. So I can truly say I've been in the shoes of a Goddess, if I want to. Jaclyn is a fabulous woman. She's always full of laughs, and the kind of person you could talk to for hours, while feeling like only minutes have passed. I'm really looking forward to seeing her, and all her raven-haired, 'could be Bette-Midler's daughter', beauty! I'll be traveling to the mainland. Abbotsford to be exact. Forty-five minutes from where I used to live, in Harrison Hot Springs, and twenty minutes from where I went to university, in Chilliwack. Blast from the past? Yes, I think so!
I also received my diploma from Blanche MacDonald Centre in the mail the other day (I had misplaced it years ago, in an effort to 'put it somewhere safe'). As a testimony to something I've finished, I'm going to put it in a beautiful frame and hang it in my "studio". Or should I call it my "pseudio". Right now it's just a table and chairs that holds all my makeup. It is by no means flashy. But it's right on the top floor of the building, and get's lots of sun, so it has fabulous natural light.
Well, that's it, that's all. For now.
love,
Adrienne
So you can only imagine how overjoyed I am to introduce Chris as my 'fiance'. Of course, the fact that I can call him my fiance isn't the only reason I'm excited to be engaged. I knew the minute I met Chris that we'd be together for a very long time, if not one day engaged.
Apparently he'd been planning the engagement for quite some time. Chris had taken the time to ask my Father for my hand, and had visited my Mother to ask her for permission, as well as to show her the ring. I was very impressed by how secretive he was. If the shoe was on the other foot, I don't know if I'd be able to keep a secret as long!
As for a wedding in the near future, I'm not sure how feasible that's going to be. We're looking a two years at least- however, that's not going to stop me from planning!
I am very inspired by Grace Kelly in 'Rear Window' and 'To Catch a Thief'.....so there will definitely be nods to the two movies, in both my wedding dress, and engagement photo outfits.
In other news, this little Freelance Makeup baby of mine grows slowly.
I was pleasantly surprised by an email from a photographer I worked with for the second wedding I worked on. She gave me the link to her photos, and said I could use as many as I liked, just as long as I gave her credit. Sounds fair to me! By the way- if you want to check those photos out, you can see them at :http://lauramco.smugmug.com/.
Having those photos, and looking at them, makes me feel like I'm getting somewhere. I look at those photos, and I feel like it's proof that I am, however small the step forward.
It was very gracious of her to allow me to use them, as I'm sure most photographers would charge for the use of photos.
I also had some communication with the photographer I worked with for the first wedding. Some of you might know him, John-Mark Wiltshire. He is a brilliant photographer, and his style is unlike anything I've seen. He has a very expressive, vivacious way of capturing people. Check him out:
http://jonmarkphoto.com/
When you meet Jon, he looks like he may have just turned 30, if that. He is dressed very respectfully, and his weapon of choice (camera) hangs around his neck, ready to shoot. He is very down-to-Earth, and very friendly. On the day of the wedding, without me even having to ask, he was quick to show me how to capture decent photographs on my digital camera. He seemed very concerned with my getting good shots, which I thought made him an incredibly decent human being. When I returned from vacation, I shot him off an email, with at least twenty questions for him to be my captive audience for..... and within a day or two, he had returned my email, asking nothing in return.
I asked him questions mainly related to the creation of a website. Jon has a great website. It's easy to understand and not without personality. He gave me the links to the websites I could visit if I was interested in creating my own. Which again, was incredibly nice of him.
My next item of business will be putting together a photo shoot. I need to get some pictures together to show people what I'm capable of! I am lucky to have very good-looking friends, and I will definitely be taking advantage of their looks to make my makeup look even better!
I don't think it's wise to go into something like this without having evidence of what you can do.
Last night, I did something I've been afraid to do for a while. I took a look at some local Makeup Artists websites. This has been very daunting for me, because for a while I just wanted to ignore my competition. I thought that If I pretended they weren't there, than I might be more successful. I didn't want to accept that there are other makeup artists in Victoria besides me, because it might be too overwhelming. And for a minute, it was......because there are a lot of really freakin good makeup artists in this city! So, almost the only unique thing I have to offer is my personality. Some people may get along with 'Jane the Makeup Artist' more than they get along with me, and vice verse. I think that's where you build your business. Thank God for human dynamics! In regards to my website, I'm thinking you've got to constantly measure yourself by the best. I'm asking myself, 'Why are they so successful?'. My purpose in looking at their websites, was to see what sorts of things I should be showing on my own website. Teacher's are everywhere. Whether they are teaching you directly, or indirectly.
Coming up in September, I'll be doing makeup for an old friend of mine from university. She is getting married, YAY!!! We were within a year or two of each other in the Theatre Program at UFV. However, I think she did the smart thing, and stayed in school to finish her Bachelor's. Jaclyn showed a lot of faith in me, and an old boyfriend, because cast us in a play she wrote, and directed. It was based on a poem Shakespeare wrote called, 'Venus and Adonis'. So I can truly say I've been in the shoes of a Goddess, if I want to. Jaclyn is a fabulous woman. She's always full of laughs, and the kind of person you could talk to for hours, while feeling like only minutes have passed. I'm really looking forward to seeing her, and all her raven-haired, 'could be Bette-Midler's daughter', beauty! I'll be traveling to the mainland. Abbotsford to be exact. Forty-five minutes from where I used to live, in Harrison Hot Springs, and twenty minutes from where I went to university, in Chilliwack. Blast from the past? Yes, I think so!
I also received my diploma from Blanche MacDonald Centre in the mail the other day (I had misplaced it years ago, in an effort to 'put it somewhere safe'). As a testimony to something I've finished, I'm going to put it in a beautiful frame and hang it in my "studio". Or should I call it my "pseudio". Right now it's just a table and chairs that holds all my makeup. It is by no means flashy. But it's right on the top floor of the building, and get's lots of sun, so it has fabulous natural light.
Well, that's it, that's all. For now.
love,
Adrienne
Monday, 11 July 2011
Operation: 'Extra-Ten Miles'!
I've got my first of three wedding in five days. I'm not too nervous. This surprises me, because by now I've usually come up with at least ten reasons why I'll be a failure! Of course my brain has pooped out a few duds here and there, like, 'You've only got two makeup artists, and seven people to do....and then the sensible side of my brain kicks in and says, 'Yes Adrienne, but you've also got five hours to do it- and you've got help...so chill the hell out!'
These are the sorts of thoughts that stopped me from doing this a LONG time ago..except I'd be running through what would go wrong even without having any weddings on the go- so I never even got the ball rolling. You're always going to be afraid. But usually it's the anticipation of starting that stops you. If you can fight through that- then there's no telling what you're capable of doing.
I often preface conversations with, 'This is going to make me sound kind of hippy dippy trippy, but-', when I've got to realize that this is the way that I think, and who cares if people think I've got my head in the clouds (I do). I think that when you decide to do something, a flow starts, and things start coming your way. It's like you open a door in a parallel universe....the universe recognizes that there's a certain level of positive energy being applied in one area, and starts feeding that energy with opportunities, people you should know, and experiences......too out there?
Okay- back to Makeup ;)
My first bride looks like Hilary Swank's sister. She manages to have nearly perfect skin, even though I know she's going through a lot of stress, with going to UBC, planning her wedding,and she's admitted to me that she's not getting a lot of sleep! She is calm, but underneath her calm exterior I see a billowing wickedness that I relate to!
I was reading a Preston Bailey blog a long time ago (thanks to my friend, Jessica who mentioned I should read it). Preston Bailey is a very successful wedding planner. He said something like, 'It's all about going the extra-mile'.
With my parents owning a bed and breakfast lodge, much of my adolescent life, I constantly saw them going the extra-mile, and then ten miles beyond that. My parents worked from sun-up to sun-down, eight days a week, and they did it with a smile on their faces! I remember seeing my Dad lugging a cot up the stairs....at midnight... walking on his toes as to not wake any of the other guests......... for a newly married couple who didn't want to sleep together on their wedding night (they never asked any questions). Thinking about that always makes me laugh......the couple were seemingly afraid of being in the same bed together.....they said they were "too tired".... even though sleeping in bed together, doesn't always result in wild sex....I mean, you don't,...have to do the deed when you're in the same bed...I should think that would be rather exhausting if it was the truth!.... Their parents neglected to have a certain educational conversation with them when they were children!.....But then they were the same couple that my Dad kicked out of the establishment. My Dad caught them kicking our dog off the end of the dock because she was "sniffing and slobbering" on them........
As far as regular protocol, they would give the guests a "Goodmorning Basket" at 8:30....muffins, coffee, tea, whatever they liked.....9:30 was a bountiful breakfast, 4:30 was cookies, squares, coffee and tea. While the guests were out to dinner we had a "Turn-down" service. Dad ( sometimes I would help) would go up to the guests rooms, turn-down their beds (this is the process of pulling down the sheets, and sticking a chocolate on the pillow..... we'd put Hershey's kisses!) The guests could also expect a cheese-plate in the fridge, with a colour coded dot on the plastic wrap, corresponding to the colour of their room. I remember Dad, wearing his white apron, and "cutting the cheese" (literally) while he was asking me his usual twenty questions when I got home from school.
As entrepreneurs, my parents taught me that people not only want to get what they paid for, but they want an experience as well. They taught me that if you really want to make a difference, and be remembered, you've got to go ten miles beyond the extra-mile. And even with doing all that- people won't spread the word about their experience like they would if they had a bad experience, but they'll keep coming back.
I was thinking about this a couple of weeks ago when I was writing to my brides, on how they could take care of their skin a week before their wedding.....I was writing the email, and then I thought, 'why don't you just give them a goody-bag of samples from your work, you diddlydoink?' I thought this couldn't do the company I work for any harm, because in worst case scenario, they got free samples, and we didn't lose anything..... best case scenario, they love the product and come back to replenish! Everybody wins! If I wasn't working at the location that I am, I may not have the opportunity to provide an amenity like this, but you've got to recognize your resources, and use them!
Both brides came in to see me at work, and I handed over a little pink bag filled with samples of skincare I suggested they use the week before their wedding. I wrote out how they should use these products, but I also explained it to them when they came in to visit me.
I don't think either one of the brides was expecting a goody-bag, so it was a nice touch....if I do say so myself.
There is always the question, 'how am I going to maintain my lips throughout the day?. So I thought I would get them cards congratulating them on their wedding, and shove the product I used on their lips in the envelope as a little gift (new one of course). This might be silly in the eyes of some, and maybe not so economical....but when you're starting out- you have to pull out all the stops to ensure you're not forgotten! I'll do the bare minimum when I'm booking forty weddings a year! HA HA....don't think so- it's in my nature to be a servant to the people, whether I like it or not!
Alright, the dog is pawing at my hands as I type, so I suppose I should stop writing and throw the ball a few times!
Much love,
Adrienne
These are the sorts of thoughts that stopped me from doing this a LONG time ago..except I'd be running through what would go wrong even without having any weddings on the go- so I never even got the ball rolling. You're always going to be afraid. But usually it's the anticipation of starting that stops you. If you can fight through that- then there's no telling what you're capable of doing.
I often preface conversations with, 'This is going to make me sound kind of hippy dippy trippy, but-', when I've got to realize that this is the way that I think, and who cares if people think I've got my head in the clouds (I do). I think that when you decide to do something, a flow starts, and things start coming your way. It's like you open a door in a parallel universe....the universe recognizes that there's a certain level of positive energy being applied in one area, and starts feeding that energy with opportunities, people you should know, and experiences......too out there?
Okay- back to Makeup ;)
My first bride looks like Hilary Swank's sister. She manages to have nearly perfect skin, even though I know she's going through a lot of stress, with going to UBC, planning her wedding,and she's admitted to me that she's not getting a lot of sleep! She is calm, but underneath her calm exterior I see a billowing wickedness that I relate to!
I was reading a Preston Bailey blog a long time ago (thanks to my friend, Jessica who mentioned I should read it). Preston Bailey is a very successful wedding planner. He said something like, 'It's all about going the extra-mile'.
With my parents owning a bed and breakfast lodge, much of my adolescent life, I constantly saw them going the extra-mile, and then ten miles beyond that. My parents worked from sun-up to sun-down, eight days a week, and they did it with a smile on their faces! I remember seeing my Dad lugging a cot up the stairs....at midnight... walking on his toes as to not wake any of the other guests......... for a newly married couple who didn't want to sleep together on their wedding night (they never asked any questions). Thinking about that always makes me laugh......the couple were seemingly afraid of being in the same bed together.....they said they were "too tired".... even though sleeping in bed together, doesn't always result in wild sex....I mean, you don't,...have to do the deed when you're in the same bed...I should think that would be rather exhausting if it was the truth!.... Their parents neglected to have a certain educational conversation with them when they were children!.....But then they were the same couple that my Dad kicked out of the establishment. My Dad caught them kicking our dog off the end of the dock because she was "sniffing and slobbering" on them........
As far as regular protocol, they would give the guests a "Goodmorning Basket" at 8:30....muffins, coffee, tea, whatever they liked.....9:30 was a bountiful breakfast, 4:30 was cookies, squares, coffee and tea. While the guests were out to dinner we had a "Turn-down" service. Dad ( sometimes I would help) would go up to the guests rooms, turn-down their beds (this is the process of pulling down the sheets, and sticking a chocolate on the pillow..... we'd put Hershey's kisses!) The guests could also expect a cheese-plate in the fridge, with a colour coded dot on the plastic wrap, corresponding to the colour of their room. I remember Dad, wearing his white apron, and "cutting the cheese" (literally) while he was asking me his usual twenty questions when I got home from school.
As entrepreneurs, my parents taught me that people not only want to get what they paid for, but they want an experience as well. They taught me that if you really want to make a difference, and be remembered, you've got to go ten miles beyond the extra-mile. And even with doing all that- people won't spread the word about their experience like they would if they had a bad experience, but they'll keep coming back.
I was thinking about this a couple of weeks ago when I was writing to my brides, on how they could take care of their skin a week before their wedding.....I was writing the email, and then I thought, 'why don't you just give them a goody-bag of samples from your work, you diddlydoink?' I thought this couldn't do the company I work for any harm, because in worst case scenario, they got free samples, and we didn't lose anything..... best case scenario, they love the product and come back to replenish! Everybody wins! If I wasn't working at the location that I am, I may not have the opportunity to provide an amenity like this, but you've got to recognize your resources, and use them!
Both brides came in to see me at work, and I handed over a little pink bag filled with samples of skincare I suggested they use the week before their wedding. I wrote out how they should use these products, but I also explained it to them when they came in to visit me.
I don't think either one of the brides was expecting a goody-bag, so it was a nice touch....if I do say so myself.
There is always the question, 'how am I going to maintain my lips throughout the day?. So I thought I would get them cards congratulating them on their wedding, and shove the product I used on their lips in the envelope as a little gift (new one of course). This might be silly in the eyes of some, and maybe not so economical....but when you're starting out- you have to pull out all the stops to ensure you're not forgotten! I'll do the bare minimum when I'm booking forty weddings a year! HA HA....don't think so- it's in my nature to be a servant to the people, whether I like it or not!
Alright, the dog is pawing at my hands as I type, so I suppose I should stop writing and throw the ball a few times!
Much love,
Adrienne
Thursday, 7 July 2011
I see dead people!
One of my dying wishes is to be an extra in a Zombie film.............wouldn't it be ideal for me to be an extra in a zombie film IN my deathbed? How authentic would that be?
Too much?
My first zombie encounter was when I was about eight years old.....Now you're really wondering, aren't you? No, I didn't see an actual zombie (D'oh really?). If I had- I'd probably be writing this from Seven Oaks Penitentiary
One of the ways I fall asleep is imagining there is a zombie apocalypse and Chris and I are hiding out in our apartment. I imagine the world being over-run with zombies. We haven't showered for months, and a duffel-bag sits by the door with all the necessary zombie-killing materials inside. At night, we sleep in shifts........you can't just sleep during a zombie apocalypse you know....are you kidding me? Zombie's evolve.....in a couple of months, they could be climbing the sides of buildings.....you need to have someone awake in order to unload on any 'climbing zombies', or whatever.....
Still reading?
I'm getting totally distracted by my zombie fantasy.....Where was I?
So, I saw my first zombie film at eight. My parent's were always pretty good about letting us see scary movies. They always explained to us that what we were seeing wasn't real, and it was just for fun. These days, they shake their heads and laugh when I start to go on about zombies, but I say they are to blame for my zombie obsession! Thanks Mom, thanks Dad!
On Friday night's back in White rock BC, my Mum would go off to Pacific Video and pick up a big stack of movies for the weekend. She'd always pick old gems from the 80's......sometimes including one or two scary B movies.
On one particular evening, I was having a sleepover with my two best buddies of that time. We set up a tent in the living room and opened the door of the tent so that we could see the TV.
It was great.
And that is the first time I ever saw a Zombie film. It was, 'Night of the Living Dead' by George A. Romero (King of Zombies, the man who started it all). It wasn't the black and white version that I loved so much, it was the 1990 remake. I think my friends were horrified. I remember them not being as fascinated with the film as I was. In fact, I think they asked me to shut it off!
I remember watching it a second time the next day, after they had left. My world had forever changed! While watching the film, I could be Barbara, running away from the zombies who were "chasing" her(these particular zombies hadn't evolved into the running, blood-vomiting zombies of today.....see, what did I say? They evolve!) I was totally thrilled by the idea of boarding yourself up in a house with a bunch of total strangers, while ghoulies lurk in the dark somewhere. I was enchanted with the idea of speculating with strangers, about what could be going on.... not only to your town, but to the rest of the world. To this day, I love to turn off all the lights, curl up on the couch, and hunker down to a zombie movie! It still scares me, and Chris definitely has to be home for this to happen!
Zombie's were also a contributing factor in my interest in Christopher, my boyfriend. Four years ago- I was on Plenty of Fish (a free internet dating website), looking for my fish...er...man. I came across this one profile. I thought the guy was pretty darn cute, didn't drink...didn't do drugs...., AND, where it said, 'interests', he had put 'zombies'. I thought to myself,....anyone who lists zombies as an interest, MUST be my soulmate! And baddabingbadaboom, here we are, and we could probably fill a hope chest with the amount of movies, zombie memorabilia, and zombie books that we've acquired over the years. We've received so many books and zombie related materials from friends! They've definitely nurtured our obsession!
What's with the zombie love? I have no idea. Is it wrong if I feel like zombies are....in a way...beautiful? When I see a zombie, I want to draw it- or go ahead and make my own zombie. When zombies come into the picture, I'm bubbling over with excitement. I think because a zombie takeover would be my ultimate fear-.......the people who you thought you knew- changing, into monsters!
Another thing I love about zombies, is that I think it can be used as a metaphor on society. I won't go too much down that road because that would be a little too granola for me. But if you watch '28 Days Later' (a film about the evolved, running, blood-vomiting zombie) it is most definitely a comment, or warning about society, and the way we are. The director, Danny Boyle, has said so in interviews.
At Blanche MacDonald, when we did a segment on how to make a zombie, I thought I might pass out, I was so excited. At the time I was going to Blanche, there wasn't any classes on prosthetics (the appliances that change someone's facial shape) but the teacher's were really good about coaching us on it anyway. We were shown how to create your own zombie prosthetic by building up the area around the eyes with cotton and latex. It was so cool! One of these days, Chris and I will take an afternoon....I'll pull my blood, guts, and paint kit from Chris's trunk, and make him into a zombie. . I'll film the process, so you can kind of see how creating a zombie works. It's actually quite easy....you just have to be patient!
I would love to do some zombies this Halloween. We can do a simple zombie- or if you're willing to purchase a zombie prosthetic online- we can make it really complicated!.......Exposed mandibles anyone? Ha ha.
I bet some of you think I'm a real strange duck now, eh?.... A lot of people don't understand my fascination with zombies. And you might never have guessed it, because I do a really good job of acting normal. I do love the beauty component of makeup, but then there's this really, really, REALLY, ugly side of makeup that I absolutely go nuts for!
Take care until next time,
Much love,
Adrienne
Too much?
My first zombie encounter was when I was about eight years old.....Now you're really wondering, aren't you? No, I didn't see an actual zombie (D'oh really?). If I had- I'd probably be writing this from Seven Oaks Penitentiary
One of the ways I fall asleep is imagining there is a zombie apocalypse and Chris and I are hiding out in our apartment. I imagine the world being over-run with zombies. We haven't showered for months, and a duffel-bag sits by the door with all the necessary zombie-killing materials inside. At night, we sleep in shifts........you can't just sleep during a zombie apocalypse you know....are you kidding me? Zombie's evolve.....in a couple of months, they could be climbing the sides of buildings.....you need to have someone awake in order to unload on any 'climbing zombies', or whatever.....
Still reading?
I'm getting totally distracted by my zombie fantasy.....Where was I?
So, I saw my first zombie film at eight. My parent's were always pretty good about letting us see scary movies. They always explained to us that what we were seeing wasn't real, and it was just for fun. These days, they shake their heads and laugh when I start to go on about zombies, but I say they are to blame for my zombie obsession! Thanks Mom, thanks Dad!
On Friday night's back in White rock BC, my Mum would go off to Pacific Video and pick up a big stack of movies for the weekend. She'd always pick old gems from the 80's......sometimes including one or two scary B movies.
On one particular evening, I was having a sleepover with my two best buddies of that time. We set up a tent in the living room and opened the door of the tent so that we could see the TV.
It was great.
And that is the first time I ever saw a Zombie film. It was, 'Night of the Living Dead' by George A. Romero (King of Zombies, the man who started it all). It wasn't the black and white version that I loved so much, it was the 1990 remake. I think my friends were horrified. I remember them not being as fascinated with the film as I was. In fact, I think they asked me to shut it off!
I remember watching it a second time the next day, after they had left. My world had forever changed! While watching the film, I could be Barbara, running away from the zombies who were "chasing" her(these particular zombies hadn't evolved into the running, blood-vomiting zombies of today.....see, what did I say? They evolve!) I was totally thrilled by the idea of boarding yourself up in a house with a bunch of total strangers, while ghoulies lurk in the dark somewhere. I was enchanted with the idea of speculating with strangers, about what could be going on.... not only to your town, but to the rest of the world. To this day, I love to turn off all the lights, curl up on the couch, and hunker down to a zombie movie! It still scares me, and Chris definitely has to be home for this to happen!
Zombie's were also a contributing factor in my interest in Christopher, my boyfriend. Four years ago- I was on Plenty of Fish (a free internet dating website), looking for my fish...er...man. I came across this one profile. I thought the guy was pretty darn cute, didn't drink...didn't do drugs...., AND, where it said, 'interests', he had put 'zombies'. I thought to myself,....anyone who lists zombies as an interest, MUST be my soulmate! And baddabingbadaboom, here we are, and we could probably fill a hope chest with the amount of movies, zombie memorabilia, and zombie books that we've acquired over the years. We've received so many books and zombie related materials from friends! They've definitely nurtured our obsession!
What's with the zombie love? I have no idea. Is it wrong if I feel like zombies are....in a way...beautiful? When I see a zombie, I want to draw it- or go ahead and make my own zombie. When zombies come into the picture, I'm bubbling over with excitement. I think because a zombie takeover would be my ultimate fear-.......the people who you thought you knew- changing, into monsters!
Another thing I love about zombies, is that I think it can be used as a metaphor on society. I won't go too much down that road because that would be a little too granola for me. But if you watch '28 Days Later' (a film about the evolved, running, blood-vomiting zombie) it is most definitely a comment, or warning about society, and the way we are. The director, Danny Boyle, has said so in interviews.
At Blanche MacDonald, when we did a segment on how to make a zombie, I thought I might pass out, I was so excited. At the time I was going to Blanche, there wasn't any classes on prosthetics (the appliances that change someone's facial shape) but the teacher's were really good about coaching us on it anyway. We were shown how to create your own zombie prosthetic by building up the area around the eyes with cotton and latex. It was so cool! One of these days, Chris and I will take an afternoon....I'll pull my blood, guts, and paint kit from Chris's trunk, and make him into a zombie. . I'll film the process, so you can kind of see how creating a zombie works. It's actually quite easy....you just have to be patient!
I would love to do some zombies this Halloween. We can do a simple zombie- or if you're willing to purchase a zombie prosthetic online- we can make it really complicated!.......Exposed mandibles anyone? Ha ha.
I bet some of you think I'm a real strange duck now, eh?.... A lot of people don't understand my fascination with zombies. And you might never have guessed it, because I do a really good job of acting normal. I do love the beauty component of makeup, but then there's this really, really, REALLY, ugly side of makeup that I absolutely go nuts for!
Take care until next time,
Much love,
Adrienne
Monday, 4 July 2011
A disease called Makeup
Sometimes I feel like makeup is a disease. And I have it. Any time I've tried to shake it off, it continues to flare up....so maybe it's more like a rash or something......... Either way- I can't seem to shake it off, or extract it from my life.
It's not that I want it out of my life. But I wouldn't mind trying something different...like, completely different. You wouldn't believe the things I've tried, that are at the absolute opposite end if the spectrum to makeup. A few close friends know about my endeavors outside of Makeup....and God bless them for humouring me. And brace yourself, because I don't know if I've entirely given up on these endeavors....but either way- my life keeps leading me back to makeup, and continuously.
Have any of you ever heard the story about the man who get's caught in a flood and is standing on a rooftop.....?
Here....a short story before I explain:
It had been raining for days and days, and a terrible flood had come over the land. The waters rose so high that one man was forced to climb onto the roof of his house to avoid the floodwaters, faithfully praying to God to save him.
As the waters rose higher and higher, a man in a rowboat appeared, and told him to get in. “No,” replied the man on the roof. “I have faith in the Lord, the Lord will save me.” So the man in the rowboat went away. The man on the roof prayed for God to save him.
The waters rose higher and higher, and suddenly a speedboat appeared. “Climb in!” shouted a man in the boat. “No,” replied the man on the roof. “I have faith in the Lord; the Lord will save me.” So the man in the speedboat went away. The man on the roof prayed even harder, knowing that God would save him.
The waters continued to rise. A helicopter appeared and over the loudspeaker, the pilot announced he would lower a rope to the man on the roof. “No,” replied the man on the roof. “I have faith in the Lord, the Lord will save me.” So the helicopter went away. The man on the roof prayed again for God to save him, steadfast in his faith.
The waters rose higher and higher, and eventually they rose so high that the man on the roof was washed away, and alas, the poor man drowned.
Upon arriving in heaven, the man marched straight over to God. “Heavenly Father,” he said, “I had faith in you, I prayed to you to save me, and yet you did nothing. Why?” God gave him a puzzled look, and replied “I sent you two boats and a helicopter, what more did you expect than that?”
I frequently ask myself...and whoever is out there, watching over us all....'Am I doing the right thing...tell me what should I be doing with my life?'
Is makeup my two boats, and a helicopter?
All that aside.....Makeup is one of the constants in my life. It is my livelihood, and as Richard Dreyfuss said in 'Down and out Beverly Hill's', "It puts the hanger's under the clothes that are on your back!" (you must see this movie...there's almost nothing I love more than one of Richard Dreyfuss' epic freakouts). I feel confidant when I'm doing makeup...and it's one of the only times in my every day life where I feel like I know exactly what I'm talking about (the rest of the time, it's just hit and miss). I actually feel like the Queen of England when I'm speaking about makeup with clients.
And there's almost nothing better than to have people actually listen to you. I think one thing people want most from other people is to be heard, and respected. And this is how I feel when I'm at work. 85 percent of the time anyway- you're always going to get the 'Know-it-All's' riding in on their miniature donkey's (yeah- they don't even get a real donkey to ride on...pssh!)
I think it's important in life to find something that you're good at. If you're lucky, there might be a handful of things you can do very well.
Another reason why I refer to makeup as a disease is because of my morning ritual. I have brainwashed myself into thinking that I can't leave the house without a certain level of putty on. A lot of people ask me how long it takes me to get ready in the morning. I've perfected my makeup down to fifteen minutes, sometimes ten. My hair takes me the same amount, depending on how adventurous I get. There are some days where I just feel like throwing shit to the wind....forget the makeup, forget the hair....HELL, forget showering! I have fantasies about leaving the house, dark circles and all, feeling the wind on my naked skin (FACE ONLY, people!), hair frizzing as the day goes on, and just not giving a damn! But then that's the day you'll bump into your old boss- or a friend you haven't seen in 20 years (okay, that would make me seven years old, but you get what I mean) and when they ask you, "So, what's new?" You feel like you're obligated to tell them all the bad, and the ugly, because the way life's kicked you in the butt over the years is showing on your face too much to lie (in the form of dark circles, crows feet, and a worry-line above your brow). So THAT is one of the reason's I never leave the house without even the bare essentials my friends (concealer, mascara, blush, and lip gloss).
Anyway, I say makeup is a disease..... But I love it. I love it's power to transform, and to make women (and some men) feel empowered. I used to struggle with the thought of, 'how am I really helping people with makeup? Am I really making any kind of significant difference?' And when you've got a woman in her early fifties sitting in your chair, who breaks down in tears because her daughter's passed away a year previous, and she says to you, "My daughter was about your age, and she would've been so excited that I was getting my makeup done," and then she looks in the mirror and the tears start again because in the past year she hasn't seen anything but red, puffy eyes looking back at her in the mirror, that's when you know you might be helping....even just a little bit.
Have a great day everyone,
Much Love
Adrienne
And furthermore, when I was speaking about feeling like the Queen of England when I'm talking makeup.....I'm not too far off the mark. My Mother is a Spencer, and as we all know, before Princess Diana was her HRH..... she was Diana Spencer. I'm assuming the Royal's didn't come to BC because they didn't want to steal my thunder....and...about not being invited to the Royal wedding...I think being forgotton, is a lot better then deliberately not being invited....*ahem* Fergie. I've got my 'fascniator' and two piece dress suit in tow, whenever they finally realize who I am ;)
It's not that I want it out of my life. But I wouldn't mind trying something different...like, completely different. You wouldn't believe the things I've tried, that are at the absolute opposite end if the spectrum to makeup. A few close friends know about my endeavors outside of Makeup....and God bless them for humouring me. And brace yourself, because I don't know if I've entirely given up on these endeavors....but either way- my life keeps leading me back to makeup, and continuously.
Have any of you ever heard the story about the man who get's caught in a flood and is standing on a rooftop.....?
Here....a short story before I explain:
It had been raining for days and days, and a terrible flood had come over the land. The waters rose so high that one man was forced to climb onto the roof of his house to avoid the floodwaters, faithfully praying to God to save him.
As the waters rose higher and higher, a man in a rowboat appeared, and told him to get in. “No,” replied the man on the roof. “I have faith in the Lord, the Lord will save me.” So the man in the rowboat went away. The man on the roof prayed for God to save him.
The waters rose higher and higher, and suddenly a speedboat appeared. “Climb in!” shouted a man in the boat. “No,” replied the man on the roof. “I have faith in the Lord; the Lord will save me.” So the man in the speedboat went away. The man on the roof prayed even harder, knowing that God would save him.
The waters continued to rise. A helicopter appeared and over the loudspeaker, the pilot announced he would lower a rope to the man on the roof. “No,” replied the man on the roof. “I have faith in the Lord, the Lord will save me.” So the helicopter went away. The man on the roof prayed again for God to save him, steadfast in his faith.
The waters rose higher and higher, and eventually they rose so high that the man on the roof was washed away, and alas, the poor man drowned.
Upon arriving in heaven, the man marched straight over to God. “Heavenly Father,” he said, “I had faith in you, I prayed to you to save me, and yet you did nothing. Why?” God gave him a puzzled look, and replied “I sent you two boats and a helicopter, what more did you expect than that?”
I frequently ask myself...and whoever is out there, watching over us all....'Am I doing the right thing...tell me what should I be doing with my life?'
Is makeup my two boats, and a helicopter?
All that aside.....Makeup is one of the constants in my life. It is my livelihood, and as Richard Dreyfuss said in 'Down and out Beverly Hill's', "It puts the hanger's under the clothes that are on your back!" (you must see this movie...there's almost nothing I love more than one of Richard Dreyfuss' epic freakouts). I feel confidant when I'm doing makeup...and it's one of the only times in my every day life where I feel like I know exactly what I'm talking about (the rest of the time, it's just hit and miss). I actually feel like the Queen of England when I'm speaking about makeup with clients.
And there's almost nothing better than to have people actually listen to you. I think one thing people want most from other people is to be heard, and respected. And this is how I feel when I'm at work. 85 percent of the time anyway- you're always going to get the 'Know-it-All's' riding in on their miniature donkey's (yeah- they don't even get a real donkey to ride on...pssh!)
I think it's important in life to find something that you're good at. If you're lucky, there might be a handful of things you can do very well.
Another reason why I refer to makeup as a disease is because of my morning ritual. I have brainwashed myself into thinking that I can't leave the house without a certain level of putty on. A lot of people ask me how long it takes me to get ready in the morning. I've perfected my makeup down to fifteen minutes, sometimes ten. My hair takes me the same amount, depending on how adventurous I get. There are some days where I just feel like throwing shit to the wind....forget the makeup, forget the hair....HELL, forget showering! I have fantasies about leaving the house, dark circles and all, feeling the wind on my naked skin (FACE ONLY, people!), hair frizzing as the day goes on, and just not giving a damn! But then that's the day you'll bump into your old boss- or a friend you haven't seen in 20 years (okay, that would make me seven years old, but you get what I mean) and when they ask you, "So, what's new?" You feel like you're obligated to tell them all the bad, and the ugly, because the way life's kicked you in the butt over the years is showing on your face too much to lie (in the form of dark circles, crows feet, and a worry-line above your brow). So THAT is one of the reason's I never leave the house without even the bare essentials my friends (concealer, mascara, blush, and lip gloss).
Anyway, I say makeup is a disease..... But I love it. I love it's power to transform, and to make women (and some men) feel empowered. I used to struggle with the thought of, 'how am I really helping people with makeup? Am I really making any kind of significant difference?' And when you've got a woman in her early fifties sitting in your chair, who breaks down in tears because her daughter's passed away a year previous, and she says to you, "My daughter was about your age, and she would've been so excited that I was getting my makeup done," and then she looks in the mirror and the tears start again because in the past year she hasn't seen anything but red, puffy eyes looking back at her in the mirror, that's when you know you might be helping....even just a little bit.
Have a great day everyone,
Much Love
Adrienne
And furthermore, when I was speaking about feeling like the Queen of England when I'm talking makeup.....I'm not too far off the mark. My Mother is a Spencer, and as we all know, before Princess Diana was her HRH..... she was Diana Spencer. I'm assuming the Royal's didn't come to BC because they didn't want to steal my thunder....and...about not being invited to the Royal wedding...I think being forgotton, is a lot better then deliberately not being invited....*ahem* Fergie. I've got my 'fascniator' and two piece dress suit in tow, whenever they finally realize who I am ;)
Saturday, 2 July 2011
My BIG, black, metal security blanket
So it's been about five years since I graduated from Blanche MacDonald (if you didn't catch that the first twelve million times I mentioned this in my first post). There we were provided with a decked out makeup kit. It's this big, black, fold-out beast of a thing. It used to make me feel very important when I carted it around. I thought Vancouver-ites might wonder .......'what could be in there?' I would imagine the sorts of things they might be thinking....could I be carrying one million dollars? Could I be carrying little jars of embryo's.....? Or maybe I was a psychopath who carried around dental tools.....could've been any of these things, right?
When in reality they probably didn't give a damn. They were probably more concerned with their own lives. These are the things that change as you get older. You realize people are most often too wrapped up in their own spider-webs to worry about yours too....I think that's why you care less and less what people think about you, as time rolls on. Because usually people aren't.......thinking of you.
I still have this big, black, metal beast. My makeup has repeatedly been taken out, and put back in..... It's been in storage, out of storage....collected dust....been cleaned of dust. Since I acquired two weddings this Summer, I've used it at both consultations. It's extremely heavy, and I feel like a bit of a diddlydoink when I'm carrying it up the prospective client's doorstep. It clangs around, and sounds a bit like a whale getting it's teeth brushed with a string of pearls.... and it almost always bangs my hip (I'm sure I have bruises)..but gosh dang-it, it looks official. I mean come on...it's BIG, and BLACK...and metal!
We were taught other ways to transport our makeup in school. You could always tell who the senior girls at Blanche were, because they were smarter......or at least they looked it......you'd see them wheeling around large black suitcases with a pulley handle. We would later learn (after we were initiated of course) that inside these large black suitcases, you could organize your makeup in Tupperware containers, and then stack them on top of each other. Whodathunkit!? So for the first six months I was lugging my huge black, metal case around...catching five different buses (not without dirty looks from people who'd sit beside me, and my space consuming, metal box friend), walking ten blocks down to the train station, taking the train back to Pitt Meadows..and then dragging it down three flights of stairs and across the parking lot to my car (and I didn't mention the two hour drive after that, did I...no one can ever say I wasn't committed!)
So you can only imagine how glad I was to discover an easier way of carrying my makeup around!
I will return to that method of transportation eventually, but for now, my big, black case is serving as my carry around diploma. A long time ago- I put my diploma and certificate away in a safe place.....do you think I have the foggiest idea of where that could be now? Absolutely not..... I will eventually contact the school and ask them to send me another (and hopefully I don't have to pay the full tuition again to get it mailed to me) But until then.... my big, black, metal case is going to have to do. The name of the school I went to is clearly displayed.... and even if they have no idea what the hell 'Blanche MacDonald Centre' means....any kind of metal case that has writing stamped on it- has to mean business right? Like, with a case like that, they're thinkin', 'this girl's for real'....right? Just humour me, okay?
Anyway- speaking of business...the dog's got a look on her face that means business and pee-mail.
Thank you for reading :)
Much love,
Adrienne
When in reality they probably didn't give a damn. They were probably more concerned with their own lives. These are the things that change as you get older. You realize people are most often too wrapped up in their own spider-webs to worry about yours too....I think that's why you care less and less what people think about you, as time rolls on. Because usually people aren't.......thinking of you.
I still have this big, black, metal beast. My makeup has repeatedly been taken out, and put back in..... It's been in storage, out of storage....collected dust....been cleaned of dust. Since I acquired two weddings this Summer, I've used it at both consultations. It's extremely heavy, and I feel like a bit of a diddlydoink when I'm carrying it up the prospective client's doorstep. It clangs around, and sounds a bit like a whale getting it's teeth brushed with a string of pearls.... and it almost always bangs my hip (I'm sure I have bruises)..but gosh dang-it, it looks official. I mean come on...it's BIG, and BLACK...and metal!
We were taught other ways to transport our makeup in school. You could always tell who the senior girls at Blanche were, because they were smarter......or at least they looked it......you'd see them wheeling around large black suitcases with a pulley handle. We would later learn (after we were initiated of course) that inside these large black suitcases, you could organize your makeup in Tupperware containers, and then stack them on top of each other. Whodathunkit!? So for the first six months I was lugging my huge black, metal case around...catching five different buses (not without dirty looks from people who'd sit beside me, and my space consuming, metal box friend), walking ten blocks down to the train station, taking the train back to Pitt Meadows..and then dragging it down three flights of stairs and across the parking lot to my car (and I didn't mention the two hour drive after that, did I...no one can ever say I wasn't committed!)
So you can only imagine how glad I was to discover an easier way of carrying my makeup around!
I will return to that method of transportation eventually, but for now, my big, black case is serving as my carry around diploma. A long time ago- I put my diploma and certificate away in a safe place.....do you think I have the foggiest idea of where that could be now? Absolutely not..... I will eventually contact the school and ask them to send me another (and hopefully I don't have to pay the full tuition again to get it mailed to me) But until then.... my big, black, metal case is going to have to do. The name of the school I went to is clearly displayed.... and even if they have no idea what the hell 'Blanche MacDonald Centre' means....any kind of metal case that has writing stamped on it- has to mean business right? Like, with a case like that, they're thinkin', 'this girl's for real'....right? Just humour me, okay?
Anyway- speaking of business...the dog's got a look on her face that means business and pee-mail.
Thank you for reading :)
Much love,
Adrienne
Friday, 1 July 2011
Introductions
Hello! You're here! I just want you to know that I've been editing this blog for three days, trying to decide exactly how I should word things. I thought about launching right into makeup/beauty related topics, but I thought introductions were absolutely necessary. Just so you can get an idea of what's going on in my crazy head! I hope this blog is entertaining to you- and sometimes educational. Maybe I'll tell you things you already know, or maybe I'll inspire you to do something crazy too.
I will be writing about products I come across, or certain techniques I learn, or have learned along the way. But also.....and the real point of this blog, is to document my personal journey through trying to establish myself as a freelance makeup artist in Victoria BC.
If you think it's silly, or have any negative feelings towards what I'm doing at all,......note the top right corner of your screen...there's a little X there. Click it.
I am pretty excited to start writing one of these things. I've read a lot of blogs, and even watched a lot of people on Youtube 'Vlog' about what's important to them.
A video-blog might be in the future..... I haven't decided if I've got that much gull yet! I do enjoy writing, so we'll stick with this for now!
For the past five years I've been working in cosmetic retail. And right now, I'm finally in a place where I can breathe, and where I'm really happy. However, I think I really need to step out of my comfort zone, and since I'm in a position where I can do makeup jobs on the side of my current occupation....why not?
Once upon a time, I had the opportunity to branch out and freelance as a Makeup Artist.... but as soon as I got the job at Lancome in 2006, I told myself there wouldn't be enough time for both. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had swallowed my fear and continued freelancing. Most of my opportunities were coming out of Vancouver, so I suppose I would have to ship on and ship out to the big bad city. And when I look at my life now- I know that is exactly what I wouldn't want. I'm impossibly close to my family, and I've got the most lovely boyfriend (Christopher) and miniature schnauzer...(Maggie). I can't imagine life without any of these things.
So here I am, in Victoria, doing what some naysayers might call impossible. Some call Victoria the town of 'Newlywed's and Newly-dead's'. You come across these 'deflators' all the time, (my manager at my current workplace showed me and some colleagues an article on 'deflators') who tell you, 'there is no opportunity for Makeup Artists in Victoria, you need to move to Vancouver.' Haven't these people ever seen 'Bambi'? Thumper had some wise words, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." And it's true. No one needs to hear why they won't be successful.
And I have to say, I couldn't disagree with these people more....I know of at least one Makeup Artist who said she has forty weddings booked per year. I plan on getting in touch with her and picking her brain. Possibly having an 'Informational Interview' with her.
Plus, I ain't movin. I love Victoria, and have no desire to live anywhere else!
My parents, both in their sixties still ask themselves, "what should I do with my life?". However, I think this keeps them moving forward....and it's the same voice that has kept me moving forward since I graduated high school, and realized I was responsible for my own destiny.
At a certain point you have to stop talking about what you want to do- and just start making forward advancements, sometimes only in blind faith.
So that's what I'm doing. The facebook page I created, and the creation of this blog are baby-steps forward in the direction of what I want to do. So you can understand how much I appreciate your support. Both in 'liking' my facebook page, and with reading this blog.
A pattern of mine is to underestimate my training. I graduated from Blanche MacDonald Centre in Vancouver five years ago, with a diploma in Makeup Artistry. There, I was taught everything from special makeup effects to makeup for TV and film. I went into the program with aspirations to come out as a Makeup Artist for TV and Film. How wonderful would it be to transform people into the zombies I so loved watching on film as a child.
While I was going to school, a lot of my time and energy was consumed by problems within my personal life. I was still able to pull off exemplary grades, but I did very minimal volunteering within the TV and Film industry....which can be essential when you're trying to make a name for yourself.
So I graduated, and all I wanted to do was pull the covers over my head and sleep. I took a 6 month hiatus from makeup...and in he midst of my descent into the rabbit hole, I received a call from Blanche MacDonald's Career Councillor, Jen D. She told me a full-time position had been made available with Lancome at Sears and to, "Not think, just do."
And that's all she wrote, five years later and I'm still in cosmetic retail.
Months ago- I was having coffee with a good friend of mine. We were talking about what we usually talk about....our men, our jobs, and of course,"this is what I want to do, but I don't know how to do it." At this point, I was quite upset (yes, crying in Tim Horton's, so dramatic, I know). Being the Superwoman she is, my friend looked into my drippy eyes and said,"Work with me!" My friend had dreams of opening up her own event planning business, as she had been trained in such industries. So I blew into a tissue and decided I would take a leap of faith and contract myself out with my friend. She did some advertisements on usedvictoria, and craigslist....and much to my surprise, we got three weddings out of the deal! Of course we were going to do these weddings strictly as a promotional deal- and wouldn't yet be charging. But at the very least we might start to make a name for ourselves.
Due to a slight change in plans- the event planning business is no longer, however, I'm still doing makeup for at least two brides this Summer. It's something I might never have initiated on my own, so I'm forever thankful to my friend who gave me a kick in the butt. Which is exactly what I needed.
Speaking of butts: Jen D, the same woman at Blanche MacDonald who got me the job at Lancome, once said to me, "Get your head out of your ass!" I think she was fed up with all my, "I can't's,"
Well so am, Jen!
So it's time..... to remove my head..... and get on with my life!
Warm Regards,
Adrienne
I will be writing about products I come across, or certain techniques I learn, or have learned along the way. But also.....and the real point of this blog, is to document my personal journey through trying to establish myself as a freelance makeup artist in Victoria BC.
If you think it's silly, or have any negative feelings towards what I'm doing at all,......note the top right corner of your screen...there's a little X there. Click it.
I am pretty excited to start writing one of these things. I've read a lot of blogs, and even watched a lot of people on Youtube 'Vlog' about what's important to them.
A video-blog might be in the future..... I haven't decided if I've got that much gull yet! I do enjoy writing, so we'll stick with this for now!
For the past five years I've been working in cosmetic retail. And right now, I'm finally in a place where I can breathe, and where I'm really happy. However, I think I really need to step out of my comfort zone, and since I'm in a position where I can do makeup jobs on the side of my current occupation....why not?
Once upon a time, I had the opportunity to branch out and freelance as a Makeup Artist.... but as soon as I got the job at Lancome in 2006, I told myself there wouldn't be enough time for both. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had swallowed my fear and continued freelancing. Most of my opportunities were coming out of Vancouver, so I suppose I would have to ship on and ship out to the big bad city. And when I look at my life now- I know that is exactly what I wouldn't want. I'm impossibly close to my family, and I've got the most lovely boyfriend (Christopher) and miniature schnauzer...(Maggie). I can't imagine life without any of these things.
So here I am, in Victoria, doing what some naysayers might call impossible. Some call Victoria the town of 'Newlywed's and Newly-dead's'. You come across these 'deflators' all the time, (my manager at my current workplace showed me and some colleagues an article on 'deflators') who tell you, 'there is no opportunity for Makeup Artists in Victoria, you need to move to Vancouver.' Haven't these people ever seen 'Bambi'? Thumper had some wise words, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." And it's true. No one needs to hear why they won't be successful.
And I have to say, I couldn't disagree with these people more....I know of at least one Makeup Artist who said she has forty weddings booked per year. I plan on getting in touch with her and picking her brain. Possibly having an 'Informational Interview' with her.
Plus, I ain't movin. I love Victoria, and have no desire to live anywhere else!
My parents, both in their sixties still ask themselves, "what should I do with my life?". However, I think this keeps them moving forward....and it's the same voice that has kept me moving forward since I graduated high school, and realized I was responsible for my own destiny.
At a certain point you have to stop talking about what you want to do- and just start making forward advancements, sometimes only in blind faith.
So that's what I'm doing. The facebook page I created, and the creation of this blog are baby-steps forward in the direction of what I want to do. So you can understand how much I appreciate your support. Both in 'liking' my facebook page, and with reading this blog.
A pattern of mine is to underestimate my training. I graduated from Blanche MacDonald Centre in Vancouver five years ago, with a diploma in Makeup Artistry. There, I was taught everything from special makeup effects to makeup for TV and film. I went into the program with aspirations to come out as a Makeup Artist for TV and Film. How wonderful would it be to transform people into the zombies I so loved watching on film as a child.
While I was going to school, a lot of my time and energy was consumed by problems within my personal life. I was still able to pull off exemplary grades, but I did very minimal volunteering within the TV and Film industry....which can be essential when you're trying to make a name for yourself.
So I graduated, and all I wanted to do was pull the covers over my head and sleep. I took a 6 month hiatus from makeup...and in he midst of my descent into the rabbit hole, I received a call from Blanche MacDonald's Career Councillor, Jen D. She told me a full-time position had been made available with Lancome at Sears and to, "Not think, just do."
And that's all she wrote, five years later and I'm still in cosmetic retail.
Months ago- I was having coffee with a good friend of mine. We were talking about what we usually talk about....our men, our jobs, and of course,"this is what I want to do, but I don't know how to do it." At this point, I was quite upset (yes, crying in Tim Horton's, so dramatic, I know). Being the Superwoman she is, my friend looked into my drippy eyes and said,"Work with me!" My friend had dreams of opening up her own event planning business, as she had been trained in such industries. So I blew into a tissue and decided I would take a leap of faith and contract myself out with my friend. She did some advertisements on usedvictoria, and craigslist....and much to my surprise, we got three weddings out of the deal! Of course we were going to do these weddings strictly as a promotional deal- and wouldn't yet be charging. But at the very least we might start to make a name for ourselves.
Due to a slight change in plans- the event planning business is no longer, however, I'm still doing makeup for at least two brides this Summer. It's something I might never have initiated on my own, so I'm forever thankful to my friend who gave me a kick in the butt. Which is exactly what I needed.
Speaking of butts: Jen D, the same woman at Blanche MacDonald who got me the job at Lancome, once said to me, "Get your head out of your ass!" I think she was fed up with all my, "I can't's,"
Well so am, Jen!
So it's time..... to remove my head..... and get on with my life!
Warm Regards,
Adrienne
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