SWOT Analysis

Task 1 

Well I thought hay maybe I don't have to write anything for this task because I am a complete swot, unfortunately that is not what a SWOT analyse is :/ 

So what actually is it?

Well it's an acronym for STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS. The Idea is that acknowledging each of these allows you to evaluate and identify internal and external factors taking the advantage of strengths and opportunities and minimise weakness and eliminate threats all of which will effect the success of your business venture. 

Apparently it was invented by this guy Albert Humphrey a business and management consultant  (however Humphrey doesn't claim that he did create it, didn't put that in your little Power Point did you Martyn)

So the origins of SWOT analysis are not entirely known , so if anyone ever wants to make an unbelievably boring film there is the storyline, and if they did I'll be damned if they don't pick Wallace Shawn to play old Humphrey here 

Anyway let's back to the point shall we? So SWOT analysis

Strength: characteristics capabilities and existing or potential resources that give you an advantage over others

Weakness: any existing or potential force that could serve as a barrier and put you at a disadvantage to others. 

These two parts of the analyses are internal meaning that these can be altered by you, the next two parts are external meaning you don't control them 

Opportunists: any existing or potential force external to you that can be exploited to your advantage

Threats: elements external to you that could cause trouble for your business 

Admitting your faults is not always early but identifying them gives you a chance to change. Right then let's do my swot a analysis as a make up artist right here right now. 

Strengths:

Prosthetics 

Textiles and costume 

Detail orientated. 

Great focus 

Ability to work to deadlines 

Personable

Weaknesses: 

Only two years of training

Don't like Bridal & Fashion make-up

Don't Style hair

Travel - I don't drive 

Not so hot on negotiating skills 

Opportunities: 

Learning to drive 

More training

Moving to a location with more work opportunities (i.e. London) 

Joining a trade union and/or Databases for make-up artists

Increase advertising during particular seasons ( Halloween, Christmas or Prom and spring time for weddings) 

Enter competitions/ Exhibit/ Network at Industry events

Threats: 

Technology, advances in CGI and special effects 

Economy 

Cost of make-up for kit rising 

No financial backing 

Sporadic income 

Moving location has added expenses 

Competition in the area from current class, existing Muas and the future students on the course

Promotional Material.

Task 3

Define your brand 

This is my logo, you will have seen it popping up all over my blog last time round. 

I like my logo a LOT! It was made for me by my amazingly talented brother. 

So I originally asked him for a watercoloury...(yeah that is a word)... logo because I am a artsy person and I liked the splashes. However I think the way he has created it looks more like powder that paint  and i think that is much better fitting to my profession. 

It is simple in design and also just stating "make up artist" doesn't pigeon hole me into a specific type of make-up so I can use it for everything which is particularly useful. 

It is black because I obviously love black I'm not a very colourful person I gave James the option of pink or blue to go with it... he chose pink. Also the limited colours mean I can use it on pretty much everything. 

Press release

I will be handing in a physical copy of my press release separate to this blog

The press release explains the type of work I do and what will be on display it gives details of my exhibition and shows this open invitation for existing clients, potential customers or employees would be a great opportunity to network as they can physically see my work and interact with me in  person. 

Business Card Design

I love my business card (thanks for the help getting my logo on it Martyn) I think it is very effective! The image I have selected is a very sticking one, it is my favourite of the year. I think it shows what kind of work I like to do and the standard I can achieve. I would use this image for any specail effects type jobs i would like however for things such as weddings/pearties/events etc. I would use a different image.

The back of each card would remain the same 

Postcard Sized Flyer 

My postcard flyer would have the same image as my business card and also a close up of the same project in which you can see more detail of the face. Again I think this is effective. I have kept the black border form my card and logo on the front in order to continue my brands identity. 

Online Portfolio 

https://chloestothardmua.carbonmade.com/

I have already received alot of comments on how effective my online portfolio is. It is simple and minimalistic and shows a vast rang of my work.  

Having a physical portfolio is great however really you can only show it to people that have requested to see it say, in an interview, Having an online portfolio is extremely helpful for marketing myself! It expands who can view my work, it can be viewed by anyone on the internet and i can send links to people to view it.

Physical Portfolio

I will be handing in my physical copy of my portfolio separate to this blog

I feel my marketing collateral is very effective. It is all simple, professional, showcases my best work, and its tied together by logos, colour and layouts giving me a strong brand identity and therefore promotes my business well.

I'm really happy with my marketing collateral and look forward to handing them out at the exhibition and show.

Martyn's new brief

So Martyn (uni lecturer/woman's magazine reader/Lego enthusiast )has set us a beautifully mind numbingly boring brief so for here on out my posts will be for ahem ... Unit 39 marketing the creative. 

I'm following it on from the last blog as I am hoping ,fingers crossed, that I have already answered a lot of it in my previous blog posts 

And yes I'm determined to get a distinction for this rubbish so enjoy lots and lots of detail :) 

Almost forgot

Almost forgot to post my finished CV whoopsie  that could of been awful =) here you go

Logo

Task 3 

Logo

Here are the options for my logo. I wanted a simple logo. and as I am not a very "make-upy" person (Ironic I know) but I am much more interested in the special effects side of it, however thats not to say that I can't do both. So the aim was to create a versatile logo that doesn't pigeon hole me as one type. 

I do not like this version i think that it is hard to read like this. I also don't like it enclosed in a circle it, i like the two below where the 'watercolour' design is extended out past the circle. 

I like both of these options as my final logo.

Although this is the final design I have used on my example invoice, business card etc......however...

A majority of people I have asked have preferred this second one. so in the future i may swap to using this as my logo instead.

Difference between being salaried or freelancing

Task 3


Researching the difference between being a salaried or freelancing Makeup artist, I found these helpful websites and blogs

• Flexibility 

• Freelancers earn more than their employed counterparts, 

• Tax benefits  

• Being your own boss 

• Ability to choose  the projects you take on feather than be given work 

• Travel

Another drawback to freelance is that you would have to constantly be actively seeking jobs through advertising (which can be costly) and through clients to gain recommendations.I found it hard to research salaried jobs although years ago film and television studios used to employ make-up artists as part of their permanent staff, it is harder now to find permanent jobs (apart from things like make-up counters). Although they hire freelancers to help with large productions companies like the The English National Opera and the National Theatre do still have some make-up artists as part of their staff.There are some advantages of a salaried job if you can find one. 

• More job security

• Don't have to  actively seek out clients

• No accounts

• No advertising 

• Kit costs covered 

• Regular salary 

• No "chasing" clients for money

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/make-upartist.aspx

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/become-successful-makeup-artist-13404.html

http://www.delamaracademy.co.uk/the-make-up-artist/make-up-career/freelance-career

http://www.easyaccountancy.co.uk/how/medical-and-health/becoming-makeup-artist

The main benefits to being a freelance make-up artist is the 

Obviously one downside to being freelance it that you will have to run your own business, advertise yourself manage your own money and tax. 

Make-up artist Mailin Haddow said in this interview   

Are most make-up artists self-employed?

‘If you’re doing fashion shoots or film and television work you’ll probably be self-employed. But cosmetic companies offer permanent jobs or you can work on a beauty counter in a shop or for a college as a tutor.’

What does it take to be a successful self-employed make-up artist?

‘If you’re running your own business, you’ll need good business skills, like being able to manage your own accounts, marketing yourself and networking. But you don’t need a business degree as there’s lots of help out there. Business Gateway gave me a mentor who was available for ideas and advice. ‘

The disadvantages are basically all the positives of having a freelance job.