Jamaica Gleaner News - Barbados, miles ahead in education policy - Letters - Tuesday | October 19, 2010

Jamaica Gleaner News - Barbados, miles ahead in education policy - Letters - Tuesday | October 19, 2010

Stay Focused...

It's been a little while since I sat down to write, been a little side-tracked, not in a bad way.  I have been busy working on my book, Bridging the Gap from School to the Set, as well as some other things.  I have also been listening to podcasts from Crystal Wright, EvePearl TV via Ustream, Blogtalkradio with Illusions Cosmetics - love my girls Denise and Jenice. I have been on Blog talk radio with Illusions cosmetics back to back. As a matter of fact, on Monday it was a great session where I enjoyed sharing the time with Sara Seidman Vance, great lady.  I can't get enough knowledge or share enough information 

I am on my own personal path to strengthening me.  Trust me it's an evolving process.  Getting back out in the market place full swing is a little overwhelming, even for me, so I have been taking baby steps, with a giant leap every now and then.  Just like you, I too have to narrow down where I want to go and what I want to do.  It's getting closer and starting to make sense.  I am seeing the light at the end of that tunnel. 

So,  even though I might have side-stepped a little, I am back on track.   

I know that some of you are interested in more personalized classes and career guidance.  I am available via Skype and iChat to speak with you or via email.

So, just know that it is OK to veer off the road every now and then, just as long as you don't loose your path or footing.  Stay focused and get back on track.  Keep on that path until you reach your final destination. 

Keep that energy up

It was a little tough yesterday, students missing or went home because they are not feeling well.  I felt like my class was leaving me, everyone is catching a sore throat, so by the end of the day, they started to get a little sluggish.  Got to keep that energy up.  It's hard but it's also school,  a place to learn so that you can go out into the real world and make that money. 

Today is going to be a great day.  They did hands-on 20's makeup so today we are going to look at the  photos from that and critique the work.  Here we go...

I want my students to be the best critic of their own work.  I want them to instantly notice when the lip liner is crooked or the eyeliner and eyebrows are crooked and placement for period makeup.  Is the blush placed correctly or are the lips shaped to the period or the eyebrows to the period.  Placement, placement...Depending on where you place the blush, or how you shape the lips, the color used, all of those factors determine the period. 

So let's get cracking, off to do some critiquing.

Running late...

Had a wonderful class yesterday, rushing this morning so will write later.  Lots to catch up on.

Mental Sponge or Mental Chamois

My promise to myself is to be sconsistent with my writing on a daily basis.  Challenging as it may be, I have gotten up every morning and done my due dillegence.  I may not have enough time to write as much as I would like to but I write.  These past couple of weeks are tough, I have a lot going on. Nothing new, I always have a lot going on.  I have been teaching for two consecutive weeks, so there is very little down-time.  I am also playing catch up and trying to input all the QuickBooks figures that I lost during my computer crashes.  Yes I am behind, but almost done.  When I came home last night, as much as I wanted to input numbers, I just couldn't.  I couldn't see straight.  Tonight... maybe I will have more energy.  I am not sure, but I will give it a go. 

My students are so excited to learn, that they went home last night to wring out their mental sponges and come back for more today.  It's a bit challenging because a lot of the marketing and script information has to be delivered in lecture format.  There's no way around that.  OK, off to get ready for class.

Slow Down

It's so important for you to always do the research and verify for yourself, especially when you are now starting out in this industry.  Don't take everything as GOSPEL.  A big part of learning is also "truth seeking".  Learn how to question in a "good way".  Be inquisitive, don't be gullible.  Too many students want to skip steps.  They want to be spoon-fed.  They don't take notes, they think that they can recall everything.  So many want to run before they can even crawl.  Slow down...you're going too fast.  You're doing yourself a disservice.  Take the time to learn the basics properly.  Why? Because the basics don't change.  With today's technology, you have to understand what is going on.  If you really want to make it in this industry, there is a lot of work to be done.

Off to a say of script breakdown and understanding.

"Stinkin Thinkin"...

We work in an industry where we transfer energies.  Every time we touch someone's face there is a transfer of energy.  So today I explained to my students the importance of checking "stinkin thinkin" at the door before entering my classroom.  "Stinkin Thinkin" permeates a room faster than gasoline on fire.  It's toxic and can ruin your day.  And worst, it's usually unspoken dialogue.  This is an industry where attitude towards work is more important than physical makeup application.  Trust me,  most people prefer to work with a mediocre artist with a great attitude than an amazingly talented artist with a bad attitude. 

So, note to self...to attain success in this industry I need a likable personality with a great attitude.

I always check my personality and attitude before I even enter the parking lot at school because what happens in my house, stays in my house.  It does not belong in the classroom when I am teaching you. 

So, as a student heading towards being a professional, learn how to keep your life as your own.

What happened the night before does not belong in the classroom...