Ah, Mistakes.

I believe that learning from failure is the best way to move forward after one, so on principal I always photograph my work and I always post it online for a period of time. Because acting like it never happened won't help, I need to acknowledge it. Anyhow, this face is one of my least favorite I have ever done, the line quality is poor, and so is the coverage, but it taught me several valuable lessons.

As a concept I don't think it was a bad idea, but the execution definitely needs work. Perhaps I'll try it again someday. 

-ACertainGemini

So.. Back In Time

I began a theater makeup class this semester at my college, and I feel the techniques I have learned in there, even after only 5 weeks of practice, have elevated my understanding of the human face exponentially. So here's a back to the beginning post, and hopefully y'all will see progress as much as I do.

The first face we ever did was to understand contouring the face with the natural highlights and shadows there, something I had only guessed at before. Intuitively, I was alright, but now armed with the knowledge of light and shadow, my work (the Ram in particular) has improved. 

-ACertainGemini

The Ram: Chinese New Year

I know the Chinese New Year was about a week and a half ago, but this look is quite a milestone for me in terms of showing how far along my technique has come. So without further ado:

Here is the look along with my Instagram handle ;) So first thing, it's green. There are zero green goats, rams, or sheep in the world, unless we're talking about Beast Boy. Coincidentally though, that's exactly what we're talking about! This idea was a combination of Beast Boy from Teen Titans and a Ram. I liked it so much, I was even thinking about doing a Ram Series where I make a bunch of monochromatic goat faces and they all are one big happy family. Next color would be Pink :D Hopefully that gave you some insights on my stylistic choices! Mwah!

-ACertainGemini

New Year, Same You

It's a new year, and 2015 is still very full of promise, but at this time, I'd like to shift your perspective on the "New Year, New You" campaign. Because honestly you're still the same you, but that isn't a bad thing. Why do all of our new year's resolutions start off strong only to miserably fail a month in? Or even a week?

It's because we don't break it down, and we don't set realistic goals for ourselves. We haven't magically turned into super-people at the stroke of midnight.

One of my over-arching goals this year is to become better at time management. The first step I took toward that? Fixing my bedtime and my wake-up time. Starting at the source of a problem is the biggest thing, and managing a day is the most basic time-management skill there is. That's why children have bedtimes, and clever adults do as well. Devoting one hour to drawing each day is how I intend to become Better at Drawing, one of my main goals for the year.

Basically, baby steps. That's how the pros do it, and that's how I will too. To change a life, forming good habits is key, and after that, it's all gravy. So lets get with it!

-ACertainGemini

GOSHDAMMIT COMPUTER

So... I was going to upload a new tutorial for you guys for my new Fall Face, but my computer decided to erase the entire thing. Not that I can really be that upset about it, my computer crashes while on iMovie all the freaking time, but it has never deleted my content before. I cannot even express to you my rage, but seeing as I need to go to sleep soon, I definitely hope it subsides. Thanks for accepting my rants.

-ACG

Makeup: Drugstore vs. Department Store Brands

So, I've always wondered what the reason was for the ridiculous price on department store makeup... Is it really that good? Is it worth it? Would drugstore makeup work just as well? Mostly because I'm a girl on budget who doesn't want to break the bank... However, makeup is something I care a great deal about, so saving up for a new product wouldn't be as pain staking as it would for some... I just wanted to know, is it the brand I'm paying for? Or the Quality?

Well, I found a nice article while doing some handy-dandy research, and here's the link:

http://www.divinecaroline.com/beauty/makeup/drugstore-vs-department-store-makeup-whose-product-better

It gives a rather unbiased opinion on the subject, and I found it helpful in navigating cosmetic waters. I hope y'all do too.

-ACG

#25daysofHalloween is Here!!!

Here are the first couple faces in my series, #25daysofHalloween

Darth Maul of Star Wars, Phantom Menace:

And Kratos, of the video game God of War: