Introducing & Reflecting ; The Proposal.

By allowing myself this time to reflect on my proposal after my feedback it gives me the chance to see my project through the eyes of somebody else. Despite the majority of my feedback being positive, Sharon thinks that including a video with the book is unnecessary and suggested that possibly looking at a virtual book via a website or app would link the video & the book a lot better. I hadn't thought of it in this way prior to our conversation and feel it was a really strong point to make. Sharon also suggest that by keeping it as a physical print without the video can also be charming and quirky in its own right. 

I have decided to go with a physically printed book as stated in my proposal but without the video. Creating something eclectic and quirky for a coffee table is definitely more the route I would like to take this project as opposed to a virtual book.

Makeup Design Progression - Reflecting on my initial makeup ideas through my proposal has been advantageous, as I may have been thinking a little wild and avant guarde for the theme and outcome. Ideally I want to focus on the unity of sisterhood and the beauty of nature surrounding the models as opposed to distracting with avante guard style hair and makeup. Less is more! (something I personally have always struggled with, so this in itself will be a challenge).  


Hair Design Progression -  Echoing the above - keeping things more simple and straight forward, almost effortlessly beautiful. Lots of braids and loose long hair blowing in the wind. Blonde & redheads to keep the authenticity of the Norse folk. Windswept is key.

Reassessing the situation ; 

I plan to look back over the theme for my project, to find the core purpose of what it is I am wanting to create and the narrative it will have. 

Mood - Relaxed and powerful at the same time. I don't want the model to be overbaring in the photo and the scenery be lost.

Purpose - To create an eclectic book that has its own flow and narrative, creating a modern day connection to story telling through the visualisation of art.









Initial Mood Images 

These images are a good starting place for creating the mood of the book, they really stood out for me for their simplistic, edgyness. 

Texture | Strength | Gentle | Natural | Organic | Raw | Narrative | Simplistic | Atmoshperic

Viking Research -



Much of what we know about the Vikings and their way of life comes from the sagas--stories which celebrate the male warrior culture. However, one saga in particular is devoted to the female and how she shapes history--the Laxdaela Saga.

It is believed to have been written around 1245 by an unknown author. But how much faith can the reader put in the story? And was the author a woman? 
 
It is best known for the complex love story of Gudrun Osvif's-daughter. Gudrun is a spoilt beauty who married against her will to her lover's best friend succumbs to a fit of jealousy and rage and compels her husband to murder her former lover and thereby to forfeit his own life. She eventually ends up a nun but she is considered to be one of the great tragi-romantic heroines of all time.

But a Gudrun Osvif's-daughter existed. there are references to her four husbands in the Book of Settlements. Iceland's first historian, Ari Thorgilsson the Learned was her great grandson, and her daughter apparently lived to a very old age. It is speculated that she might have died a few years before Ari was born and that many of the stories about his great grandmother were handed down. Exactly how forceful the historical Gudrun and exactly who she loved best remains lost in the mists of time.

The early part of the saga is dominated by the matriarch, Unnr the Deep minded and her influence in settling Iceland. Magnus Magnusson points out in his introduction to the Laxdaela Saga that is probable she existed. Too many places names appear to be derived from her and her descendants.

However, it is improbable that the Irish princess who became a concubine and whose son becomes fabulously wealthy actually existed. It appears to be a bit of female wish fulfillment along with the wife who is able to sink a sword into an unfaithful husband and emerge triumphant.

What is striking to the modern reader is the strength of the women characters. These are not meek or mild mannered women. These are women who fight back and who used all the weapons at their disposal including sex to achieve their aims. They are intelligent women who rule and shape events through the forcefulness of their character, rather than the strength of the sword arm.

Ultimately the Laxaedala saga is a classic feud saga but it is unique in that it is told from the strong women's point of view. Women and their concerns dominate this saga in a way that they dominate no other saga.

It is easy to imagine women in the audience cheering as again and again, women are shown to be strong and capable.

The Norse mythological texts record three primary places where the dead were perceived to go: Helheim (Old Norse Helheimr, “the home of the goddess Hel“), Valhalla (Old Norse Valhöll, “the hall of the fallen”), and Folkvang (Old Norse Fólkvangr, “the field of the people” or “the field of warriors”). Countless theories have been proposed regarding exactly what the differences between these places are, but a closer look at the primary sources reveals that they’re practically indistinguishable from one another and are all slightly different conceptions of – one could even say that they’re merely different names for – the underworld.

The most interesting of burials was for the Vikings to sail their dead out to sea. The lore of this practise often involves the burning of the ship before the dead are cast out. However in practise its believed that this was not always the case, with many believing the body to be cremated before the ship was sailed. Either way it was common for the dead’s goods to travel with them out into the water. This type of burial was not common however, and was likely reserved for sea captains, noble Vikings and the very wealthy. In old Norse times boats would have taken months to construct and would not have been wasted without valid cause or a suitable amount of status.

I have found this incredibly fascinating that they would sail their dead relatives out to see, so that there is a constant connection between them and the ocean. When a bird is going to die it takes itself out to see also? Quite a sweet connection. I like the idea of linking the life of the sea bird and the vikings as one, their lives are very similar as they both live in two worlds, the aquatic and land. 

The House of Manannan



Today I went to the Isle of Mans very own Viking museum. I wanted to collect some first hand research of how they would have lived. I was particularly interested in finding out about the clothes and way of life. The museum itself is a real credit to the island, it is jam packed full of fascinating props and information regarding this important period in time. From start to finish it was a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring day. Walking from room to room, there was a different smell and temperature to match the theme. From a deep smell of smoke and fish, a cold sea air breeze blowing that gave you chills with the sound of a fire roaring and voices shouting. It really inspired me and at times I got really excited at the thought of putting together some themes for the book.

I particularly liked the fur being stretched out and was told that this would have been worn in the colder months as shawl. It would also have been used as bedding for small infants and children.

Here is the inside of a Viking Roundhouse. Insulated with grass and soil to help keep the heat inside but also to act as a disguise against oncoming enemies. 

I absolutely love the colour pallet of the bottom photos. Weirdly, it reminded me of Kanye Wests recent fashion collection? The muted colors, the layers, all have a raw and edgyness to them.

I really like the use of  the material around the thigh, this would have been used to hold a weapon of some sort, usually a small knife. It could also have been used as a sling shot.

Here is the huge, authentic Viking Longboat that is positioned in the House of Manannan. The photos dont do the sheer size of it justice. It is absolutely HUGE and can imagine how intimidating something like that would have been filled with angry Vikings. I did consider this as a location for a photoshoot but it would be too awkward and unrealistic with the surrounding magnolia white walls. 

The structure of the boat is so so beautiful, the curves and symmetry really is a work of absolute perfection and beauty. 

 

Whilst at the House of Manannan I passed my contact number on to the lady who worked on reception to see if there was any chance I could loan some of the furs and costumes. They later called me to say that I wouldn't be able to borrow them from the company directly, however the lady that worked in the prop design has  her own personal Viking collectors costumes and that I would be more than welcome to go and pick them up and use them for my photoshoots.



The Team - write about strengths and why they were chosen for the project include pieces of work ?

Sarah is the illustrator that I have chosen for this project. I have known Sarah for a really long time, we went to Art College together and are long time best friends. Sarah is incredibly talented, reliable and just completely gets me and my vision. I couldn't think of anybody in the world who I would want to share this exciting creative venture with. 

Lucy is the hair assistant that I have chosen for the project. Lucy is a newly qualified NVQ3 hairdresser and when I adverstised the position on facebook for an assistant she sent me a really excited message saying how she would love to be involved and get creative.

Krysia is the photographer chosen for the project. Unfortunately my first choice of photographer ended up canceling on me due to other commitments. I have never worked with Krysia before and I know that she has little experience, however due to me shooting on the Isle of Man I have very little resources and feel that somebody with little experience and enthusiasm for the project is better than me taking the photos myself without a second opinion.

Location Ideas -

Today was spent driving around trying to scope out some potential locations for the photoshoots! Beaches and vast open sea to give the illusion of an other wordly feel. My main concern with doing location shoots is going to be the weather. Typically on the Isle of Man the weather is very wet and cold, so hopefully I will have a little luck when it comes to matching the day, location and models! WAHH.

This is the Calf of Mann, a top contender for a location for the shoot. Incredibly beautiful and vast, the colours of the ocean and the scenery are so dreamy. Ideally I would prefer to be closer to the sea though? It was quite hard getting to this location so will need to bare that in mind when considering models.

I am obsessed with this colour palette, the blush pinks, the sandy brown, the white and cream shells its so dreamy and beautiful. I would really love to encorporate some of these shades into the pages of the book, especially the pinks. This was a beautiful beach on the island called Fenella Bay, a really special little place. This could be a great location for some shots too? 

I would love Sarah to do some illustrations of shells, such a simple and obvious choice when referencing the beach however done in the right way could be really quirky and effective.

| Being a c l o w n |

MAKEUP INSPO

I am wanting to create something striking yet simple for the 3 looks. Here are some of my favourite looks taken from my Pinterest mood board that reflect the makeup look that I am going for really well. A dark lip complemented by a warm, neutral eye and brushed up eyebrows.

 

I really like the use of a glossy lid, it gives a really editorial style but may be a little too contempory. 

 I like the idea of a barely there makeup look especially with the braided hair, however I want to give an editorial style finish.

This is the exact look I would like to base my designs on, it has all the elements of gentle strength that I want to incorporate. I love the deep lip but feel a gloss on top could give it the edge I am looking for.

FACE CHARTS






HOW THE PROJECT IS GOING SO FAR -





MODELS




HAIR INSPO




HAIR DESIGN & PRACTISE 

This evening I had a little play around with some braiding techniques to help give Lucy an idea of what I would be expecting from the looks she is going to be executing. 

NAME OF THE BOOK







FIRST PHOTOSHOOT


| Today is the first photoshoot and I am feeling nervous but excited. Its all starting to come together although I have my reservations when it comes to the photographer as she is inexperienced and there are chances of rain |

HOW DID IT GO? AM I HAPPY?








CHOSEN IMAGES





EDITS

AM I HAPPY WITH THE IMAGES, WHICH ONES ARE MY FAV?





SECOND PHOTO SHOOT


Close ups of the makeup! I am really happy with the outcome of the looks. The look below on Danika (the first look) has photographed a little deeper in complexion than in person. 

Over the moon with how the basket braide turned out on top, really beautiful and relaxed with the large crimped hair.

I feel that Courtney's makeup turned out the best, this may be because I had more experience doing Courtneys makeup from previous shoots. I really love her bone structure and large eyes. The eyebrows turned out perfectly and the dark lip with the gloss really finishes it off well.

A few action shots from the day. I have learnt so much about the importance of having my skill set in place for times like this, when the hairdresser had to leave the set early and I was able to finish off the looks exactly as planned. Throughout the day the rain came and went, so keeping the maekeup looking fresh with the sea breeze fighting against me was quite a challenge, however it did add to the effect of the hair.

I am quite undecided with how these purple images have turned out. I thought that they would have been really effective but now I'm thinking that they look a little typical with the napkin blowing in the wind? These were initally used to test the lighting and for Krysia to have a little play, but I convinced myself that they would make a great shot and now I am undecided if they will make the cut.

I quite like these two with the ocean behind, the scenery is really stunning anf the lilac adds a pretty contrast, I just dont think I like the pose.

Danika was new to modelling and was actually quite awkward and uncomfortable at times, in particular through the begining but I found that reassuring her and showing her some photos of what she was doing really helped to steer her in the right direction and bring her confidence out. As the photoshoot progressed and we started taking photos of the girls together, she really came out of her shell and started to enjoy it a lot more and the photos really started coming to life.

Courtney has a lot of experience when it comes to modelling, so she was a dream to work with and needed little direction. I feel like her look was so well suited to this shoot and as soon as the fur was added she transformed into a Viking warrior.

These images are so beautiful, the fur, the scenery. I particularly like the way that the light is reflecting of the highlighter on her cheek and the gloss on her lip. I wish we had french braided the sides of her hair up though to give a more polished look.

I love this one so much. The scenery is breathtaking - possibly cropped in more to be able to see the makeup more.

Hair is a little too windswept here, the wind was getting out of control at this point but the lighting was perfect. 

This one is my favourite from this shoot - it truly signifies the unison of sisterhood and the makeup, hair and lighting is exactly right.

I really like these two and would like to incorporate a hair shot, very editorial and quite cool.

Beautiful sky in this one and I also like the refecltion of their bodies in the water.

Peaches being totally crazy as usual!

Trying to get the perfect action shot of the wave hitting the bottle without poor Danika getting soaking wet was a lot harder than you would think. Its all about getting that perfect shot regardless!

I wanted to start trying to mix the poses up a little, however incorporating the sword was a little awkward as it was so heavy and large. By moving the sword onto the ground with the fur it helped create more of a focus against the backdrop as opposed to being lost in the scenery.

Naughty Peaches!

How did the photoshoot go? 

Overall, I am really happy with the outcome of the images. By reflecting over them I am starting to see the potential that is there and getting excited to put them through photoshop. Despite the weather, I feel that it not being overly sunny really worked out well in the end as the sky has so much character and texture with the clouds overlapping. Danika at first was very shy and reculsive, but once we started taking photos of them together she really came out of her shell and that was grea to see. Courtney definitely dominated the photoshoot and thats clear to see in the photos. Krysia was a lot more confident this time around however still needed guidance and encouragment but I am really happy with the images and the looks overall.  




Below are the selected photos that I have chosen and photoshopped - these are all potentials for going in the book. I tried choose a variation of images that not only showcased the styling and scenery, but also the makeup artistry and hair design.




EDIT

SARAH'S ILLUSTRATIONS.

Here are the final images that Sarah sent me. Absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately the quality when I received them wasn't 100% the best so I decided to adjust the colour slightly in photoshop to give more of a an off white/blue colour and framed them in a polaroid to give a more quirky finish. They are the exact ammount of femininity aswell as having that Earthly connection. I really pleased with them.

 These two are my favourites. So delicate and beautiful

After much deliberation I have chosen to go with Vanilla Photobooks -

http://www.vanillaphotobooks.co.uk/product/vip-photographic-seamless-photo-books/

The page quality is ultimately the most important thing to me when buying an artistic coffee table book, and having read the testimonys I really believe this company will be able to give me the finish I require. All of the books are handmade and bound to absolute perfection. My book will come with a leather engraving on the front and also be presented in a leather box. 

Playing around with the book layout : It is super important for the book to have an artistic and creative flare without being too over the top. I want the pages to be clean and quirky. Here are some screenshots of different page layouts I tried incorportating Sarah's illustrations. I am really drawn to the pink for some reason and feel this could be a kitsch way of incorporating a feminine uniform to the publication. The more I played around with the layout, the more I realised that I needed to simplify my approach and cut down on the number of images on a page. Quality over Quantity!

I really don't like the blue despite its connection with the sea - definitely not the look I am going for.

Too busy, the colours are too distracting from the photograph.

This 100% will remain as a full page flatlay

This will be seamless through the centre as this is a flatlay book and I have chosen that option to maximise the effect.

I have decided for the opening page that I am going to use a photo of the beach from the photoshoot and have graphics over the top. I am still undecided whether or not to use the term MÅOVE which means seabird in Viking, or whether to call it SEÅBIRD in english? I feel really drawn to SEÅBIRD because I feel it sets the tone for the book and still leaves enoug curiosity for the reader without having to google what the name means.

FINALS - These are the final chosen pages after hours and days of playing around, my vision is finally coming to light. I have tried my best to keep the book uniformed so it looks as though it is part of a series, but also for it to remain simple and artistic. I believe that I have created a book that is atmoshperic and inviting to the reader. The laid back approach to editorial style fashion and makeup that has been inspired by history is an unusual blend but in my opinion I feel that it works. As much as I was collaborating with an Illustrator, I felt that I wanted less illustrations and more simplistic apporach to displaying the photographs which in turn has resulted in the illustrations being made the most of.

PROFESSIONAL BOOK IMAGES

It was important for me to utilise my time well whilst recieviving the book a week before the deadline so I decided to book the Still Life Studio and try to take some profesional images of it. When the booked arrived this morning I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders when I seen how beautiful and bespoke it was. The leather engraving on the front, with the crisp leather box really felt like all of my Christmas's had come at once. 

The quality of the pages was even more spectacular than I thought it was going to be and the quality of the images really was worth the money. Each page is so thick and as you turn over to the next page the book speaks to you through its own visual narrative, I couldn't be happier with the outcome and so far the reaction from friends has been positive.

EVALUATION