Makeup Book Research

This is the start of my makeup book research. Below is a picture of what I drew in my sketchbook, along with a variety of ideas that I came up with that relates to my product. For example, I thought about including blank face charts at the back of the book, so that the audience can come up with their own makeup looks and draw it onto the template. 

I have also looked at other makeup related books on the market that could be a competitor. My research showed that the best selling makeup books were; Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, Be Beautiful, Jemma Kidd Makeup Secrets and Rae Morris Express Makeup. A lot of these include step by step instructions and in a detailed written order. Although, my book would only give certain tips and techniques rather than a how to process, as I think this way of learning is quite old fashioned and a more photographed guide would be a lot more appropriate. However saying this, it could separate my book from the market and be something new and exciting for makeup lovers!

I also found that there are makeup books on the market that are aimed towards teenagers, which shows makeup techniques that suit young skin and the potential damages of wearing a lot of makeup at a young age. I am going to include a teenage chapter within my book, showing makeup looks suitable for a younger audience. For example, looks with just lipgloss, blush and eyeshadow, rather than eyeliner and mascara, as this is a bit too intricate.

Target Audience Research

This is my secondary research on the target audience for my book. I looked at other similar books already out on the market and found out the main readers of the most popular authors. A book that I found was really popular was; Bobbi Brown, Teenage Beauty: Everything You Need to Look Pretty, Natural, Sexy and Awesome. Cliff Street Books, New York, 2000.

This book is specifically aimed towards teenagers, which shows that there are a lot of teenagers that are interested in this type of book. This would mean that they could also like my beauty handbook, as well as a lot of other age ranges. This is because the Mini Makeup Handbook would have chapters for all different age groups, including teenagers and older women.

My book would have a positive outlook on beauty for teenager girls. It would show how to apply makeup correctly, without encouraging the readers that they actually need it. It will also have an almost conversational tone, so everyone can understand the text clearly and easily.

This again would attract a more younger audience, however there will be a variety of models throughout the book from younger girls, to older women in their 40-50's. Also showing face charts on all, for the readers follow the tips and techniques. It will include very simple, easy looks that can take just 5 minutes and more difficult, dramatic looks which would take a bit longer. Therefore, it is aimed at any ability level, from beginner to professional.

This book is going to be advertised as a staple for girls of all ages, teaching teenagers the basics and older women on how to do certain looks or wanting to try something new. Also finding out what colours and looks suit them, according to age and skin tone.

Business Product Idea

Our task is to come up with a publishing related product, develop a business plan and bring it to market. I have decided to go for something along a topic that I'm really interested in. I am going to create a photographic book which includes makeup template images and actual photographs of people with that specific makeup look. It will include chapters on looks for all ages and skin colours, as well as what is best for them and what colours compliment their skin tone.

The book would not be a step by step how to guide, however it would include tips and information on certain colour combinations etc. For example below I found this face chart on Google Images:

I would use these on each page showing the look designed on a template, then on the opposite page a photo of a real person with that same look to show the audience what it looks like on skin. Below is an example of a filled out template:

On the same page of the chart is where I would write the main body text and then just have the next page a full photograph like this one below:

My target audience would be mainly girls ages 15 onwards who are interested in makeup, on the other hand it is also aimed towards older women who would like some tips on how to apply makeup and what suits their skin type best. It could also give these types of people inspiration to try something new.

Logo Design Activity

Today's activity was to create a logo for my brand, I have done a blog post about my research that I did on this topic and that is what inspired me to create the logos below. Here is my Logo Research Images post.

I downloaded the Adobe Capture app on my phone to create some patterns using one of my logos. I started off with a practice piece which is the first one below. This was using my coloured gel pens and this was the result. The next is using one of my logos that I sketched in my sketch book.

These are some screenshots from my actual sketch book:

I started off with a few very different designs, then developed each of them into something similar but more professional. For example the swirly font logo, I drew with many different backgrounds and colours to see which works best. My favourite one would probably be the swirly one with the triangle background in a circle. However to improve this, I would get rid of the circle, as I think it would look much simpler and more geometric which I like. I would also add some colour, as well as drawing it much larger and smaller to see how it looks in various sizes.

The colours I may use on my logo, taken from my logo research sheet from my Google Drive:

Logo Research Images

I researched 20 logos that appeal to me, I have constructed a mood board on Adobe Illustrator and here is the result:

Some of the logos I have chosen are quite well-known, however others I chose because I though they were interesting and quite clever. For example when an image is one of the letters of the logo, like the Bird and Giraffe logo. The other more well known logos I like because they are very simple and often just a collection of shapes, like the Disney and Android logo above.

The rest are quite appealing because most of them are just two contrasting colours which really makes them stand out. Overall, I think they all look very professional and use good colour schemes according to the brand.

Covermount Magazines

A covermount on a magazine is a series of planned issues that come with a 'free' collectable toy or part for a part work magazine. Our group decided on a jungle animal magazine for children, which included a free 3d animal rubber toy with every issue. This would correspond with the animal specific issue including a fact file on the selected jungle animal. The issue will also come with a free poster with images of the animal, as well as a few interesting facts.

This magazine's target audience would be for children ages 8-12, but also for the parents of the children, as they are most likely to actually buy the magazine.

I wrote some ideas and notes in my sketch book and also drew an image of what the toy would like:

Charcoal Sketches

This morning we used pieces of charcoal to create portraits of people. This was to experiment using different drawing materials that we were not use to, for example I am more comfortable using a pencil or fine tip pen. This exercise helped more draw on a much larger scale, as well as having the ability to easily blend. I also found that instead of lots of short strokes, the charcoal makes you draw much longer which is good for quick portrait sketches.

Here are some examples that I did in my sketchbook and on paper:

The last image is definitely my favourite sketch, as there is more shading and looks a little bit more realistic. The first one I drew came out very cartoon-like and out of proportion.