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.