How do you prep and research?

Are you just a 'Google Page 1' researcher / person / artist!???

Do you get messy with your pots and paints and go mad and try different colours and textures?

Do you like to work on face charts?

Do you try different tools and appliances for your shoots / work?


Get inspired my magazines?

Do you sketch your idea out?




Do you check out art?

Hit the library?

Watch and admire street life around you?

Ok Mulain has been watching all the MUs prep today for various projects happening...from Body Art to Burlesque themes to Bronzed Babes to workshops and fashion shows. Mulain wants to know how you prep and research for your shoots / bridals /events / whatever!!?? Mulain hopes you are not just a 'Google Page 1' artist...that means you go on http://www.google.com/ and write in "........" and use the first thing that comes up!!?? If you do my darlings, shame on you!...You have, have, have x 1000000000 to be more than that. You must be different, research in different, interesting and effective ways...see above for some inspiration! Struggling to know what I mean...then you need to come chat with Mulain Auntie and we'll show you the way!

The MUs have been painting, sketching, reading, drawing, trying out products, discussing different textures, colours, shapes...you MU-st be different and innovative and interesting, adding wit and intelligence and your craft in the right way. And fantastic of course.....so go knock 'em dead and make-up the world!! You have the power!

And here endeth the lesson....M x

Prep time!

Tribal reference image for inspiration....

Fabulous tribal book!

Trialing rock salt on brows to create ice effect....

fat mu trialing African textures....

The directors vision of 'God'....

Real tribes in action....

Lovely shapes and texture.....

Getting inspired for 'God' character....Western classical look

Real ice on face...extreme weather!!

Brrrrrr - cold look on!

Great tribal ref images.....

Friday was prep day for the MUs...all prepping for shoots....MUs Natasha and Sunita gearing up for a b:blunt shoot on Monday and MU Virginia for a TVC involving a woman in labour, 'God', African tribals, Eskimos and Japan!!!! So lots of things to pack for and think about.

MU Virginia had to research African tribal body painting and art...looking at shapes, textures, colours....working alongside costume and the production designer with a certain colour palette in mind! Muted colours, broken textures..nothing bright and vivid....faded and real was the brief. This was also applied to all the other characters too! Eskimos...real life feel....no 'filmi' Eskimos was the brief....so we had to look up what happens to the skin and hair in extreme cold. The Japan setting was again muted colour and subtle shapes and 'real' again...so hair and make-up would have to similar feel.

So before the shoot...all hands on deck for prepping....oodles of references required and trialing of products before hand....we had such fun!!! All the MUs brainstorming as to what to use and where to use. MU Natasha suggested salt rocks to mimick ice on brows, Multani Meti for body painting to create a cracked, broken up feel...turmeric powder! chandan! talc! We tried everything. Of course our handy palettes are always on standby to help us create what we want..grease, aqua, powders....(what would we do without you?). Have to prep for 'God' too!.....wigs and facial to trial and test.....Mulain just loves, loves, loves character make-up!!!!! Too much fun.

So off for more practice now...can't wait to tell you how it went!

Have a great weekend...M x