Where do I start...

I have made this blog to reflect on my performance last year as not only a student but a Make up artist. This post is about my highs and my lows as well as all the lessons I have learnt (and been to!) during my first year at University. 

One of the most challenging things that I had to deal with first, was the pace of everything. It was difficult for me to adjust to that and make sure I get all the work done on time... and up to the quality that I wanted it to be. Sometimes the quality bit had to be forgotten about as I simply wouldn't have been able to hand my work in on time if I kept trying to make it better and better. When it comes to my work, I need to learn when to stop and be able to say 'that's great, and it doesn't need any sort of improvement'. To be honest though, I don't think that will happen as it is in my nature to be a perfectionist, but who knows. 

The first year has really opened my eyes when it comes to thinking outside the box. That is one of the biggest lessons I have learnt. Even though we get a brief- it's just a guide to give us a direction in which we should go in whilst trying to complete a project. The thought of that is great! It's just a shame it took my a year to realise it. Anyway, I am very excited for this second year as I will feel so much more freedom while creating my looks and thinking of ideas for different kinds of projects. 

During my first year, I felt very restricted in the sense that I felt like I could/should only do what I get told to do in class. I want this second year to be different- do extra shoots, think of extra looks, try different locations, different techniques. I want to learn through experiencing different sides of this industry- i.e. visiting places and talking to people that have been in it for a while. That way I will get to learn more about every aspect of the Fashion/Make up industry, and understand it more, which will only benefit my work and thinking process. 

What first year has taught me as well is that planning skills and organisation skills are KEY. It is very hard to get anything done if you don't plan it well, as most of the time if you're a make up artist, you are required to work with other people. For example, a photographer or a stylist. This leads me onto 'Plan B'... another thing that I have learnt towards the end of my first year. If one of those people says they can't work with you on that day anymore, you need a plan B so that everything else goes to plan!

My confidence level will be very difference this year also. I want to put myself out there more and really try to do any extra work I can... whereas before I had to ask myself a thousand questions before I even thought about doing something. Am I good enough? Are my skills good enough? Do I know enough? What if it doesn't go to plan and I have to improvise? But isn't that the whole point, thought Sylwia now. I want this year to be super fun and challenging as well as full of amazing opportunities to work with amazing inspiring people.

The most successful moment in my first year was when I found out that I passed, obvious I know. However, that's when I realised that all the hard work pays off and there is no need to be so stressed and panic about everything I do because I can do it and there is nothing stopping me from getting better at what I do. It made me believe in my skills more and motivated me to try even harder next year in order to get even better results. I am very excited for this second year, because... from now on, I am not afraid to be an individual!

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