Blog 24: Last Presentation

(1) Positive Statement

What are you most proud of in your block presentation and/or your senior project? Why?
My activity is what I am most proud of because I asked my audience to come up with stereotypes for certain makeup looks and at first I was expecting to get the same typical answers but they gave me some really good point of views.


(2) Questions to Consider

a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your block presentation?  Use the component contract to defend that assessment.

AE       P          AP       CR       NC
I feel that I would give myself a P/P+ because I felt that my activity really helped me get my audience to understand my Essential Question and also have knowledge of why its important to know how makeup affects public perception. I felt really nervous at the beginning of my presentation but after a while I realized that I was okay and that I wasn't rushing my talking time so that made me feel good knowing that I got to explain my topic well enough to my audience.

b.     What assessment would you give yourself on your overall senior project? Use the component contract to defend that assessment.

AE       P          AP       CR       NC
For a grade overall for senior project I would give myself a P. I did all my work and feel that a P is a fair grade.
(3) What worked for you in your senior project?
What worked for me was that I loved my topic. I feel like of I went into another topic that I wouldn't be into it as much and wouldn't have as much passion for it as I do for hair and makeup.  
(4) (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your senior project?
I guess just in general to not procrastinate but what can I say about that is that it taught me to focus on my end goal and that was to have a great topic and presentation. Procrastination is my biggest fault but I got my stuff done eventually.

(5) Finding Value

How has the senior project been helpful to you in your future endeavors?   Be specific and use examples.
Honestly, it gave me an excuse to study something that I love and am passionate about so it helped me understand that I would like to do makeup sometime in the near future as well. Maybe in like 5 years or so but its something I like for fun so far.

Independent Component 2

LITERAL
(a) Include this statement: “I, MARIAH MARTINEZ, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 56 hours of work.”
(b) Cite your source regarding who or what article or book helped you complete the independent component.
I didn't use any articles or books within my IC2.
(c) Update your Independent Component 2 Log (which should be under your Senior Project Hours link)
(d) For a course of a week I studied what people would say and react when I would and wouldn't wear makeup. It also includes how wearing makeup at work can possibly affect the way people act towards you (mean or super nice).     
(e) Defend your work and explain the component's significance and how it demonstrates 30 hours of work.   
The only work I have available is just a few pictures of me with and with no makeup over a weeks time. But at the end of each day I did a tiny reflection.


(f)How did the component help you answer your EQ? Please include specific examples to illustrate how it helped. 
My EQ is How does makeup affect public perception, and it helped me understand that wearing makeup should only be for you and no one else because if we worry about how it looks for other people then that invites them to have an opinion about it. I had a guy friend who said that this one lip color looked good on me but later that week told me that I wasn't my color (I honesty don't know if he even remembered he told me he liked the color in the first place). When I didn't wear makeup I felt free in my skin and liked the idea of not having to worry about my makeup getting oily mid-day or not being able to touch my face at all.
I found that makeup makes you look more easy to talk to and also approachable, at one point a guy on the bus gave his number to me and complimented my hair to my eyes. Again, its all about perspective but I found that everything is about the same when it comes down to it. Mostly all the people I can in contact with had the same view of my makeup s everything was consistent.
On the days I wore no makeup it was interesting to see how at work that played out. I loved being able to wipe my face and not worry about smudging my foundation but I had noticed that week whenever I was on Cashier at work that the days I wore makeup I brought in more tips versus on days that  I didn't wear makeup. I made sure it was true as far as how many customers we had throughout the week. Of course one can argue that there can be a number of contributing factors of getting more tips with makeup or getting less without it, but I've been working there long enough to know that we can have a busy day and get 3 bucks in tips or have a slow day and everyone get 3 bucks each (divide the tips between 4-5 people, so on average its $18-$21).
Overall it was a cool experience to go through and see how it can change the way people see you with your makeup on and without it even with you realizing it. The main point that I learned was that in the work place it makes you look more happy and that's what customers want to see, a happy beautiful face.  
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zyaZ6m6Uyl95NcHBFlIsb_q_00s95n16FER0eJF4Jzw/edit?usp=sharing

Interview 4 (With transcription)

1.  Who do you plan to interview?  What is this person's area of expertise?

Maylee Tam-Fabris, another Ruby Makeup Academy Graduate/Certified makeup artist

Q1: Do you plan on becoming a full time makeup artist?

Yes hopefully within the next year or so. I already have done makeup for some magazine shoots and for gym advertising too. Its easier for me to go full time since I have a husband that is able to be the main provider if I decided to pursue makeup full time so that's a nice boost.

Q2: What made you want to pursue Makeup Artistry?

Its always been something that I wanted to do since I was in my twenty's but couldn't because  I was a mom and dedicated my life to taking care of Alana ( Maylees daughter). And now that she's older I get to do what I want and make my dreams come true.

Q3: What has been the most important lesson you have learned from Ruby Makeup Academy?

Don't be afraid of change. A lot of the girls try to stay in a safe zone when dealing with makeup looks because its easy but I say try new stuff. I loved using colors that are different from the usual neutrals.

Q4: When doing a client's makeup how do you visualize what they want on their face?

I like to look through their makeup first and get an idea of what they typically use for their face and eye shadows. It gives me an idea of where to start and what I should do to make it different from their everyday routine.

Q5: What advice can you give me if I want to consider this as a career option?

I would say make sure you learn to build good relationships with the teachers because they are great helpers when it comes down to finding work to do. You’d be surpriesed by how many girs dont really talk to their teachers and struggle to find work after graduation.

Q 6: Do you feel that makeup empowers you?

I feel that makeup empowers me to embrace my monolid. For a long time I didn't like my Asian eyes because its hard to use eye shadows all throughout the lid but when I went to Ruby, they taught me how I should do makeup on all the lids and I learned how to put makeup on the right way for my eye shape.

Q7:What are some key points that you notice from negative energy people may say about makeup/cosmetics?

I've noticed that people who don't wear makeup love to have opinions about your makeup or your hair. Its really unnecessary to be around that. I’ve been called fake for wearing makeup and called ugly when I don't wear it. Its honestly a double edged sword.

Q 8: How can we change the way makeup is advertised?

Make more empowerment campaigns? And change the way people see cosmetics. I had a lot of misconceptions of it growing up. I thought makeup was the only thing that can make you pretty and without it you’re not.

Q9: Is there any problems within the makeup industry and the way it's been selling itself these past few years?

Well all I can say is that the industry has sold itself really well and the big problem I see from my friends who are also MUA’s is that its just a impacted hobby because everyone is doing it. That's why I think its important to expand your skills and take air brush classes or the special affects. It will defiantly help when job hunting comes around.

Q10:  Where do you see yourself in 5 years as a makeup artist?

I see myself full time (Fingers crossed), I feel that in the last year or two I have grown my name a lot.  I did some of the gym models makeup at my job for their photo shoot at the UFC Gym in Rosemead. I want to do more shoots like that because its really fun and working with makeup on camera is also a great skill to have since everything has to be more dramatic.

Q 11: What advice would you give someone who is just starting out on makeup?

Know that wearing makeup doesn't change who you are. You’re still the same person you are with or without it. Don't worry what people say because its your face and you can do whatever you want to it. And always remember that putting makeup on is not for boys!

Q 12: How do you think media affects the way people see makeup?

I think the media shows a lot of falseness. Like if you use this product that you will look 10 years younger immediately. I didn't notice this until I got older but a lot of products aim for looking more youthful but I think that should change especially with the younger crowds because they are already so young.

Q13: Should it matter how makeup is advertised? Or should that be a main focus point to change the way it's viewed?

I would have to say that makeup has been advertised poorly in the past and it gave people the wrong idea that girls need it to like themselves but the main focus point in my opinion should be about how it gives girls confidence. Like I said I used to hate my monolid but now I love it. Its all self love to me.

Q14: How do you think makeup has changed throughout the years? And how it's been viewed?

Makeup has gone through a lot of changes in the time that I’ve been using it but its hard to say how its been viewed. For me personally, I haven't noticed much haha. I mean I can say that its been more of a common hobby lately and girls see it more of a cool thing to do for themselves then for other people.

Q15: Do you suggest that girls should wear makeup at a certain age or do you feel that there should be a specific age limit?

I didn't let my daughter wear makeup until her sophomore year of high school. I felt that she really didn't need too fiddle with it yet. And when she did start wearing makeup, it was just simple BB Cream and maybe mascara and her eyebrows. There wasn't just a huge jump into it. But to answer your question, in my opinion I think there should be a age limit only because I saw that my daughter grew into cosmetics slowly and it helped her know when she should wear more and when she should wear less.

Q16: What do you have to say about men getting involved with makeup? Like Manny MUA or Patrick Starr?

I think its cool and awesome! The gender bending has been growing a lot. And the males that do makeup have their own technique and style which is cool to see when you are used to females doing makeup.

Q17: Do you think makeup is something you use because its professional or because you like it for yourself?

A little bit of both. I guess it depends on the person really. For me I like doing makeup but for other people it may seem so annoying to have to look more “awake” by putting makeup on.

Q18: Has makeup ever affected you at a job? ( Where you felt obligated to always wear it?

Well  I haven't worked at many jobs only because I had my daughter, but whenever i stepped out to take her to dance or the store I felt that it was somewhat unacceptable to not wear makeup and be bare faced.

Q19:How do you think the world would be if there was no such thing of beauty standards?

A much happier place! Oh my gosh would it be so nice to not worry about what you look like. There would be no hate! It would just be love and happiness!

Q20: How can we change the beauty standard?

Again it goes with advertising. Its sucks but there's a lot of stuff that cant be undone in society to change the way people see advertising for cosmetics. Its hard to try to change peoples view of things when many are stuck in their views already.

https://soundcloud.com/mariah213/interview-4

Interview 3 (Plus Transcription)

How does makeup affect public perception

For this interview, you will prepare 10 open-ended questions that focus on your newly approved EQ (in fact, your first question can be your EQ).  Remember, all interviews must be done in person unless they are specifically approved by your house teacher.  Additionally, one person may be interviewed a maximum of two times.

1.  Who do you plan to interview?  What is this person's area of expertise?

• Esmerelda Lopez. She's a Ruby Makeup academy certified artist which qualifies her to be a great interviewee.

2.  Verify that you have called your interviewee to schedule an interview.  What is the date and time of the interview?

• February 6th, 2016

3.  Phrase an open-ended question that will help you find research resources that would help to answer the EQ.

• Do you suggest that girls should wear makeup at a certain age or do you feel that there should be a specific age limit?

4.  Phrase an open-ended question that will help you think about other useful activities you might do to help you answer the EQ (IC2, possible experts to talk to, etc).

• How do you think makeup has changed throughout the years? And how it's been viewed?

5.  Phrase two open-ended questions that help you to understand your interviewee's perspective on an aspect of your EQ.

• How do you think media affects the way people see makeup?
• Should it matter how makeup is advertised? Or should that be a main focus point to change the way it's viewed?

5. Do you feel that makeup empowers you?

6.What are some key points that you notice from negative energy people may say about makeup/cosmetics?

7.How can we change the way makeup is advertised?

8.Is there any problems within the makeup industry and the way it's been selling itself these past few years?

9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years as a makeup artist?

10. What advice would you give someone who is just starting out on makeup?

Do you feel that makeup empowers you?

Yes I feel that makeup gives me the ability to look my best self even when I may not feel 100%. I know makeup is seen as something really negative most of the time but I know that not only for myself but for other people that it makes a big difference in some people's life. And I think that's the most import part.

What are some key points that you notice from negative energy people may say about makeup/cosmetics?

I’ve noticed that a lot of people love to have opinions about you and what you wear. Its really confusing and funny at the same time because it's people telling me that I shouldn't wear too much makeup or make my eyeliner that thick. It's crazy to hear the things that people say about girls in general too. Like wow we get slammed for not wearing makeup too. There's always negative energy in the makeup industry and it's really sad to see it.

How can we change the way makeup is advertised?

I think if we advertised the benefits of wearing makeup that would help the industry a lot even if it was just showing the self-esteem that it gives girls it might give people a different perspective that opposers don't really see that often. Also of course, showing that cosmetics gives people empowerment is really important too, since you know that people often see it as a way to hide yourself, it's actually the opposite, well at least for me I feel that way.

Is there any problems within the makeup industry and the way it's been selling itself these past few years?

Well, I feel that the makeup industry has been growing a lot these past few years but I don't really know what to say about it. There are a lot of artists who are fame hungry and trying to get into fashion shows or doing makeup for celebrities. I would say that it's a hard industry to work in especially as a full time job even though I do part time for now. I have friends that do it as their main job but it's not enough so they have to get a second job until they establish their name and get more clients but that's always the hard part because it's such a competitive job.

The industry has sold itself well to the public and I think that's why a lot of people are considering becoming makeup artist but it's becoming a common job now.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years as a makeup artist?

Um, in 5 years I see myself growing my name a bit more as far as getting clients. But Honestly, I don't really know where I want to go with my skills in makeup artistry. There's a lot I can do but again I also have to consider that it if I decided to do this full time that it has to financially support me too. So always remember that when looking into a career!

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out on makeup?

I would say to not be in such a rush to wear it. As much as I love makeup I wish I waited until I was older to use it because it changes you and the way you see yourself, even if you're comfortable in your skin. I would say first learn to love your face first without makeup, and when you feel confident enough, i'd say that's the best time to ease into cosmetics.

• Do you suggest that girls should wear makeup at a certain age or do you feel that there should be a specific age limit?

Again, it depends on how comfortable you are. I personally feel that 15/16 is the best age to look into it. The longer you wait the better it is for you because no one wants to go through that awkwards blue eyeshadow stage. As far as should there be a specific age limit, I would say yes and no. I don't think 12 year old girls should be wearing makeup but it's hard to monitor it because there's a lot of advertisements directed to the younger girls that tell them to wear makeup.

• How do you think makeup has changed throughout the years? And how it's been viewed?

Yeah most definitely haha. Makeup has grown for the better, remember when thin eyebrows were a thing? Gosh that was such a bad makeup phase! I feel that we have hit a lot of growth with seeing makeup more of something positive then negative too.

• How do you think media affects the way people see makeup?

Social Media in my opinion puts a lot of ideas in young girls heads that they need to do specific makeup looks in order to look or be “pretty”. I think it's mixed message most of the time to be honest.

• Should it matter how makeup is advertised? Or should that be a main focus point to change the way it's viewed?

Advertisements for makeup should encourage beauty positivity instead of putting down simple imperfections everyone has like blemished skin or short eyelashes. It really matters how it's advertised because that shapes the public view of it.

https://soundcloud.com/mariah213/inteview-3

Blog 23: Exit Interview

Content:

(1) What is your essential question, and what are your answers?  What is your best answer and why?

My essential question is How does Makeup affect public perception. My answers are social media, how makeup companies decided to advertise and the general publics view of makeup. Between all three I would have to say that my last answer is my best answer, the general public view of makeup, because  it has all the concluding points that are really necessary for answering my EQ.

(2) What process did you take to arrive at this answer?

When writing my finding three I realized that this answer gave me more details and time to focus on the "beauty" standard in our society and how it affects everyone (no matter the time frame it has always been there).  This answer was the one I was most interested in writing about because it even surprised me how deeply people are affected by this allusion.

(3) What problems did you face?  How did you resolve them?
I feel the only problem I faced was coming up with a third answer. I didn't know what else I could talk or address in a third answer but as I began writing my other two findings then that's when it clicked to me. So I proceeded to write about how the public views it over all. It made sense to have that as one of my answers because my EQ does focus on how does makeup affects public perception and why not talk about the public views that are out there.
(4) What are the two most significant sources you used to answer your essential question and why?

A general source I would have to say is YouTube because it provided so many videos that covered a lot of what I focused on throughout my senior project. But if I had to choose a single video on YouTube I would choose Oprahs Light Girls documentary that talked about the skin color issue girls faced (being too dark or to light and turning to tanning beds or skin lightning creams) because it should me a different side of the "beauty" standard from another POV that I wouldn't know about. There's a lot that goes into understanding the beauty standard so it definitely helped my answer 3.
The New York Time was also another great source for my project since I found several articles that talked about the professionalism makeup plays in the work force and how people view it.

Blog 18- Answer 2

1.  What is your EQ?
How does makeup affect public perception?

 2.  What is your first answer? (In complete thesis statement format)
Media is one of the most influential affects to public perception.

 3.  What is your second answer? (In complete thesis statement format)
Makeup companies are great contributing factors to how makeup can affect public perception.

 4.  List three reasons your answer is true with a real-world application for each.

 5.  What printed source best supports your answer?



 6.  What other source supports your answer?



 7.  Tie this together with a  concluding thought.

.  

Blog 16: Independent Component 2 Approval

1.  Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.
For IC #2 I honestly have no idea what I should do or what to do. I know I want it to in a way help answer my Essential Question but I'm trying to figure out what that is.

 2.  Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.
I cant really say exactly what I will do, I know obviously that my hours will meet the required 30 hours but as to what I am going to do that is still up in the air.

 3.  Explain how this component will help you explore your topic in more depth.
The component that I decide to follow should help me answer my EQ and also be something creative in the sense of possibly doing something like a video (not sure yet though)


 4.  Post a log in your Senior Project Hours link and label it "Independent Component 2" log.