My Awesome Goals

[butterflyeffect]

I am studying basic photography at Uni this semester. I am really nervous about it because I know nothing about photography but I keep reassuring myself I will learn.

It will be a fantastic to understand basic photography and then I will be able to take better photographs of my make up designs. Also if I want to work in advertising, it is vital to be able to understand basic photography.

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by butterflyeffect

I am really nervous about it because I know nothing about photography but I keep reassuring myself I will learn.

That's great! That also means that you'll have nothing to unlearn!

[butterflyeffect]

Thanks Sandra!! You did raise an excellent point.

So now three weeks into the course I am loving it. I feel as though I am really getting to understand the basics of my camera and how to develop film. Im putting in alot of time and effort but its so rewarding!!

I recognise that I learn best from practice and regular instruction in the form of one on one help with a teacher so I have created this situation. I have been practicing alot myself and then going and seeing the head of department with specific questions and getting one on one assistance. Its fantastic. I have even taken a couple of good shots!!

Also being around so many photographers means that I get a great chance to learn and observe as well as offer to do make up for their shoots. I feel very lucky and privilidged right now.

[stacystalon]

Make an Awesome list of your Goals and make yourself you’ll be able to achieve all those things. This definitely inspires you to compile your list too.
Make a massive impact in the lives of 10+ friends!

Good luck...

[butterflyeffect]

So I am still very aware of my goals. At this stage I am focused on creating and developing marketable skills doing what I love.

It is also a great chance to try lots of new things and explore my different interests as I have limited fixed commitments.

So my photography class is going well. I am taking photos and spending about 10 hours a week practising and developing my skills. I feel like I am finally coming to understand my camera. Great feeling!!

I have written an article for an Australian not for profit magazine on Shopping Secrets which they loved! I am now on their database of future writers.

I have contacted several different adverts looking for make up artists and left my details with them. So thats a step in the right direction, I still need to do more but baby steps.

I am applying for a volunteer position at a large upcoming fashion show to help with behind the scenes marketing and other backstage work, like hair, make up and dressing models.

So all in all, the little steps are starting to add up to a beautiful bigger picture.

[butterflyeffect]

Make Up:
I never got to volunteer for the fashion show. Unfortunatley, it clashed with my Uni exams. I did apply for two other shows as a volunteer, neither of which worked out. But I got a tentative offer to do a paid show in fashion week next year!!

I got professional critique on my make up portfolio and I have worked on about a dozen shoots this year. Now I have more clarity on what I need in my portfolio, I no longer work with amaetuer models or photographers unless its paid. I have contacted aspiring agency photographers and working with agency or agency standard models. I have done two shoots at this level and the difference is phenomal.

I have also become the unpaid assistant of a professional MUA. I have been on set with her once and learnt alot and she was also the one to offer to hire me for fashion week. Quite exciting!!

Advertising:

I no longer want a career in advertising, although I am still planning to study at University next year. While I find it fascinating the industry within Australia is very small and extremely competitive and poorly paid. So overall not an industry I am overly keen to join.

Sales:

I am now looking to use my skills as a sales person. I have worked in Sales previously with great sucess and it allows me the freedom to move freely and meet new people. My current goal is to work in Sales within the pharmacy industry. I wouldn't be selling drugs per se but other items you find in a chemist. I love sales and my beauty background will help me understand the products and become a better make up artist as well. Looks like its all up from here.

[butterflyeffect]

Steve is closing down the forums, so this is goodbye. Thank you to everyone who has read, posted or been inspired by my posts. You too have been a part of helping me realise my goals. May you achieve yours.

My experiences in chasing my dreams so far have taught me that what you originally set out to achieve may not have anything to do with what you finally want!!

I started out wanting to work in fashion, maybe model and be famous. Now I have discovered in my hearts of hearts, I enjoy fashion but not as a career. I am an artist and creative. Whatever career path I pursue I will want to add my own flair to it.

So for now I am still pursuing my make up artistry with a long term view to working in Sales within Beauty and Pharmacy. I'm not sure how I'm going to get there but if this thread is anything to go by, I will.

And my final lesson would have to be, just take it one step at a time. Keep things simple and start where you are. It doesn't matter how fast or slow you go, just that you don't stop. Go slow and steady to achieve great things. Haste, competitiveness and high pressure are not for me and lead to a stressed out person who burns out before they get there and never got to enjoy the trip.

So best of luck!! xxx