Monday, April 4, 2011

GOVERNMENT TRAINING IS NOT GOING TO HELP YOU

“Registered training organisations (RTOs) are providers and assessors of nationally recognised training and can include private independent businesses.”

The two key phrases in this statement are:

1. “providers and assessors of nationally recognised training”

In Australia we currently do not require an artist to be licensed to work as a makeup artist.
Some makeup counter work may require at least a Certificate II in Makeup, but not all are like this.

2. “private independent businesses”

When a private independent business provides training it is usually in conjunction with a specific brand of product.
This limits you to using only the one brand and in most times you are bombarded by constant propaganda.

I have met and worked with some extremely talented and hard working artists who have never had 'formal' qualifications but have trained under another artist, and yet they are very successful in their field.

I myself began in the Film and Television Industry as a Makeup Artist before I studied my qualifications and the only reason I studied was because I thought it would boost my career.
I still have never had anyone question my qualifications so, in reality; it was something I didn’t really require.

After spending a short time teaching Certificate II in Makeup Services at a makeup college in Brisbane where the learning material and delivery methods were outdated, incorrect and aimed more at Beauty Therapists, I am now encouraging prospective students to also look at private tuition with respected artists.

Armed with feedback from many students regarding their disappointment in current makeup colleges, including the cost and training practises, overcrowding in classes where they do not feel they learn what they need, I am offering a great alternative in the way of personal tuition in Hair, Makeup and Special Effects.

This allows for greater flexibility in hours and obviously reduced training times and costs due to learning much quicker with personal attention.

I don’t represent one particular brand of cosmetics nor do I wish to.

I will not only teach the invaluable information of hygiene when working but also etiquette and different styles of makeup looks and products. I also specialise in Special Effects, I am experienced with hair styling, and I am in constant demand for my skills.

“Darin Rose is an experienced, qualified and professional Hair, Makeup and SFX Artist working in the Industry so he can provide you with relevant, on the job knowledge. Don’t fall into the trap of paying a government operated business excessive amounts of money to train with someone who is not even a makeup artist.”

For information about learning your skills and being a fabulous Makeup Artist send me an email at mail@darinrose.com I am happy to customise a learning package to suit your requirements.

Friday, March 25, 2011

BULLYING – A FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE WITH A REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATION

For the past 9 weeks I have been contracted to work at a Brisbane beauty training college in Milton.
I was recommended for the role of trainer by a “friend” who is the Head Trainer at this establishment. I have no formal training as a trainer and assessor but she and management felt that I would be suitable for this role regardless.
They said they could not pay me the proper award rate for my duties because I had no formal training but have expected me to perform the same duties as a qualified trainer.
I was told to take charge of the delivery of the Certificate 2 in Makeup classes and design lesson plans in order to achieve this - which I have done.
I have also written a new unit for the classes and generated many other handouts for the students covering vital topics that are not covered in any of the support materials.
I have delivered all aspects of the course on time and at a professional standard thus far.
While I have been extremely versatile in my delivery and very welcoming of feedback and input from all at the college I have had to endure what I would describe as bullying.
On one hand I have been told to make sure I am delivering all that is included in the theory aspect of the course, which I have been and then once I have been told this I have then been told to make sure I am allowing the students enough practical time, which I have been as well.
I have been questioned by the Head Trainer on numerous occasions and I accept this as it is part of her role to ensure everything is sailing smoothly, but it is the tone in which I have been questioned that has made me aware that some underlying issues may be affecting this person’s ability to remain professional.
Then a situation occurred that has proved this to me without a doubt.
I had already delivered some of the theory work for the day and everything was going well according to my lesson plan when my class was interrupted when I was pulled aside by the Head Trainer and abruptly informed that I was to make the students perform four (4) makeup applications by the end of the day. I felt as though she was speaking to me as if I was a child that had done something wrong.
This took place in front of her Beauty Therapy students - which I consider to be highly unprofessional.
With the average Makeup application taking 40 minutes, that would mean that we would have to allow 5 hours and 20 minutes for both of the students to achieve this, this is not including set up times and cleansing times. As the students have only 3 ½ hours for their afternoon practical work I fail to see how this is a reasonable request.
Regardless, the students and I revised False Lash application and Gel Liner Application as this is what they had asked me to cover because they were experiencing difficulty with it.
The students then performed an evening makeup application on the two Beauty Therapy students.
This took some time because I had to demonstrate the two concerns the students wanted covered and the I had to assess and correct a couple of mistakes.
We were then going to apply makeup to the two managers of the college as there was no one else available however, they were extraordinarily busy so I told the students to go back upstairs and continue with their theory work so they were utilising their time at the college effectively and not just sitting around waiting.
We had just begun going through some of the theory when the Head Trainer marches into my class and asks me if they had performed the four makeup’s yet – absurd question because not enough time had passed for this to occur. This made me feel extremely anxious and annoyed.
I replied by saying that they had not and that we were going through theory, which I firmly believe is my call as I am the one being contracted to train this class.
Before I could continue to explain to her that we were going to go back downstairs to complete more makeup’s she arrogantly reprimanded me right in front of my students – this was the utmost in unprofessional and immature behaviour; this type of communication is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Even though I could have mirrored her behaviour by telling her not to act in this manner, I calmly told the students to pack up their materials and go back downstairs to perform makeup on each other.
I remained calm for the benefit of the students and apologised on behalf of the college for the unprofessional behaviour they had just witnessed. Both had agreed that it was an extremely awkward situation to which they both felt very uncomfortable.
It was at this stage that I began removing all of the student’s work and assessments from my bag and placing them on some shelves, I had every intention of walking out of the college and never returning again.
The only reason I remained at the college is because of the students who were already there and the students who were attending that evening.
While I am open to input and feedback, as I have already made very clear in countless circumstances, I will not accept rudeness, arrogance or non professionalism especially when it is in a public situation.
As the owner of my own business I set the guidelines as to how much I am paid, the hours I work and how I perform the duties requested of me – not some bitchy, unprofessional Head Trainer with a lust for asserting her authority.
I believe somebody needs to explain to this person that I am an individual contractor visiting the college to deliver training according to a mixture of mine and the college’s standards, the person I am contracted by and to is not her, it is the owner.
As a visitor to the college I expect the same professional treatment as any other visitor.
If this was an issue then I should have been employed as an employee of the college which I initially thought I would be until I was told otherwise after one week of training had already taken place.
I had no other option but to agree to being an individual contractor and accept the rate of pay already agreed to, which was well below the normal rate of pay for this type of role.
I have never experienced this from the managers or any of my students but unfortunately I have experienced all of the above from the Head Trainer, who I thought was a friend and was the one person who actually wanted me at the college.
I still do not know what is going on in this woman’s mind but she had obviously mistaken me for someone else.
No doubt that I will probably be dismissed under the guise of some inane reason so that all this is swept under the rug. After all, birds of a feather flock together.
They’ll find someone else who will have to endure the same treatment and I will have been “let go” because I “wasn’t suitable for the role” or some other fabrication.
But hey, I did all that I could and I know that I excelled beyond expectation; I think that is why the bullying began in the first place. Most adult bullies are stricken by envy and self esteem issues.
Since lodging a complaint with the Principle of the college I have been terminated.
So here is another case of the bully winning again – but rest assured that, if asked, I will not hesitate to let everyone in the Beauty, Fashion, Film and Television Industry know of what has happened and who was involved.

Friday, March 11, 2011

LASH EXTENSIONS vs. FALSE LASHES

There’s a lot of fuss being made about lash extensions at the moment and to be honest, I think it’s a lot of fuss about nothing.
When receiving lash extensions, a technician uses tweezers to glue each individual extension to your individual eyelashes, one by one.
It is very important to make sure that the technician is using hypoallergenic, formaldehyde-free bonding glue.
The process involves 30 to 50 separate extensions per eye, and can take between 1 – 2hours.
The usual cost of the procedure can be anywhere from $200 to $500, with maintenance appointments starting at $50.
For the first 48 hours or so, you must be very careful not to injure the bond between your lashes and the extensions.
That means you can't get them wet at all for the first 12 hours.
After that, you should not go swimming, wash your face with any type of cleanser or go into a steam room or sauna for 48 hours after the extensions were applied.
Makeup removers and moisturizers often contain emollients that will dissolve the bonding glue, so they should be avoided.
Mascara, curling irons and cream-based eye pencils should also be avoided, as all of these can damage the extension or dissolve the bonding agent.
Some evidence suggests that some women find that their own eyelashes suffer from repeated applications, and not all women are good candidates for extensions.
The biggest problem is that extensions are expensive and must be refreshed every two weeks for those who can afford the cost and the time involved.
I find that most lash extensions look like a spider that has just been sprayed with insect spray and is left with its legs curled up and a couple missing.
As time progresses your extensions will fall out, not all at the same time but rather, one by one which leaves you looking as though you are going through chemotherapy treatments.
In my opinion you’re better off leaving the lash extensions alone, keeping your own lashes healthy, saving yourself money and time and simply using good old false lashes.
When applied professionally they won’t slowly eat away your own lashes, they will only take about 10 minutes to apply, cost about $20 and look healthy and vibrant all day and all night – then you have the luxury of simply removing them, cleaning them and using them again at a later date.
If you want to have lashes applied come in to the “Lash Bar” and I’ll do it all for you, trust me, you’ll thank me later when your friends are wowed at how stunning you look and years later when you still have your own eyelashes.
Come and visit me at the “Lash Bar” Shop 2/371 Logan Rd, Stones Corner Brisbane, Australia, 4120
I am there on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 5:30pm and I’d love to see you. Make sure you book in advance though as this is very popular and I’d hate for you to miss out.
For bookings call 07 3394 2501

Thursday, February 17, 2011

SFX WORKSHOPS YOU CAN'T FIND ANYWHERE

The time has arrived for the second round of SFX Basics Workshops being held at Makeup and Glow’s brand new premises and being taught by yours truly.

The last class booked out within the first week so if you want to learn some really cool and simple little tricks of the trade then I suggest booking in fast.

The workshops are designed for everyone, whether you are just starting out or an established artist who wants to brush up on their SFX skills, all are invited to attend.

You will learn some of the following:

> Minor cuts and abrasions
> Bruising and swelling
> Burns and slashes
> Broken noses and fractured cheekbones
> Blood work
> How to sculpt directly onto the face
> Creating deep wounds
> Changing facial features
> Applying and removing prosthetics
> Seaming and blending prosthetics

Along with all of this fabulous knowledge you will receive your very own sample mini makeup kit to start you on your journey of becoming an SFX master.

Lunch is provided and the day is nothing but fun fun fun.
I would love to see you there!

For more information please call 1300 788 366 or visit MAKEUP AND GLOW

Friday, February 11, 2011

PAYING FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK

Just when I thought the Australian Film Industry couldn’t possibly sink any lower I come across this little nugget of complete audacity and hilarity.

Believe it or not, there is a production company in Australia who is currently advertising for and expecting any budding makeup artists to pay them $2995 in order to work on their Feature Film.
(Sorry, but shouldn’t it be the other way around??)

It is being labelled as a “unique special effects course” and is very clever in its marketing, with tantalising catch phrases like,
“Have you done courses in the past to gain experience and a foot in the film industry door and found that you finish no closer than when you started?”

It outlines that you will have the opportunity to observe and participate in the practical side of developing special effects make up with industry professionals as they create appliances, bodies and creatures.

It all begins with an extensive 4 week pre production period where they will be casting actors, sculpting, creating moulds and casting out in both foam and silicone and painting them up.
Then you have 4 weeks of production when the filming starts.

They state that “You will experience life on set as you watch and learn the prosthetics being applied. You will also assist in the makeup removal process and help dress bodies into set as well as helping to bring the creatures to life.”

So, allow me to break this down for you, this production company wants you to pay them $2995 for a completely unaccredited course, which in this day and age means diddly swat, with the return of having your name in the credits.

They want you to do all of the hard work of creating endless SFX for the film, not only for free, but while actually paying them.

Needless to say that the film may be sold and you have worked for zilch!

The production company makes heaps of money and they have not had to outlay any money in order to have the SFX created and delivered.

In fact, they have made money from you to cover other expenses.

YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!

Of course there will be some dickheads out there that are so desperate to see their little name up in lights that they will gladly pay for this “experience”.

To them I say – YOU DESERVE LOSING MONEY THIS WAY BECAUSE YOU’RE A COMPLETE IDIOT!

To the Production Company I say – YOU’RE DISGUSTING AND SHAME ON YOU FOR TAKING ADVANTAGE OF AND CASHING IN ON BUDDING TALENT!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

NO MORE EYEBROWS

Eyebrow blocking is used widely through Fashion now, but it started with theatre and drag performers many moons ago.

Heaps of people have asked me about how to cover brows and there are many products and techniques you can use to achieve the no eyebrow look without resorting to shaving them off completely.

The simplest way, the way I do it, is to use stick glue.
“Uhu” makes stick glue and it is perfect for cancelling out brows.
The stick glue is non toxic and washes off easily with cleanser and warm water.

Begin by lightly rubbing the glue straight from the stick into the brows against the direction of growth. (Starting at the outer brow and ending at the inner brow)

Grab a disposable mascara wand and brush the brows in to the direction of growth then start lightly wiping the glue stick onto the brows following the direction of growth. (Starting at the inner brow and ending at the outer brow)

Do this until you have basically glued the hairs down to your skin.
Apply some powder to the area to absorb excess moisture then continue to add more glue in the same way as before.

Make sure you don’t stretch the skin in this area as it will cause the skin to wrinkle.

Now apply some more powder and let it sit for a minute or two.
The surface should be flat to the skin and very smooth.

Lightly brush away any excess powder and then apply concealer or a high pigment pan stick over the dark areas where the brow colour shows through. Make sure you blend!

Set this with some more powder then lightly apply your desired foundation with a sponge making sure you keep blending.

Now set the whole lot with translucent powder and your brows should be completely concealed.

BTW...If the thought of using glue freaks you out then try using a simple bar of soap, slightly dampen the end of the soap and keep wiping across the brows in the direction of growth until you are satisfied that they are smooth then continue with powdering and adding concealer, foundation similar to the steps above.