Factual Research

My tutor noted that I had done a lot of research on the emotional and personal aspects of teenage runaways and cancer in teenagers which was good, but I had not done a lot of factual research. She advised me to do so to support and validate my designs.

I devised a set of questions for each subject to focus my research:

Teenage Runaways:

1. Statistically, how likely are teenage males and females likely to runaway in relation to each other, in the UK? - Boys are more likely to runaway at a very young age but after the age of 14, girls were twice as likely to leave home http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/514411.stm 
2. How many runaways are reported each year in the UK? - It is estimated that over 100,000 young people runaway each year.  http://makerunawayssafe.org.uk/sites/default/files/Make%20Runaways%20Safe%20-%20full%20report_0.pdf  It is estimated that 77,00 run away for the first time
3. Statistically, how many runaways return home in the UK? I could not find a return rate for runaways in the UK. I found that those return, usually return of their own accord. Some end up living on the streets.
4. Statistically, how many young people are raped after running away from home? - There are clear links between children who run away from home and child sexual exploitation http://makerunawayssafe.org.uk/sites/default/files/Make%20Runaways%20Safe%20-%20full%20report_0.pdf  I could not find any exact statistics.
5. Statistically, how many young people are abused after running away? A quarter of the 100,000 that run away each year will be at serious risk of harm while away from home. 1 in 12 admit to being hurt or harmed http://makerunawayssafe.org.uk/sites/default/files/Make%20Runaways%20Safe%20-%20full%20report_0.pdf
6. Statistically, what are the most common reasons for young people running away? - The main reason for running away is family problems, the most common of which is the threat of physical violence http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/514411.stm  A quarter of children say they were told to leave or physically forced to go. Children in care are 3 times as likely to runaway but only make up 2 % of the total number of runaways. A third of young people who said they were facing problems in school had run away. Over a third of children who have problems with alcohol, drugs or the police, run away. Around 1 in 5 who defined themselves as disabled or with learning difficulties had run away. Children with separated parents are 3 times as likely to run away. Children living with single parents are twice as likely to run away. Emotional and physical neglect or abuse, parental alcohol or drug abuse and parental mental health factors are all common contributory factors. Runaways are less likely to say their life is worth living or to have a sense of purpose and are more likely to feel depressed with nobody to talk to http://makerunawayssafe.org.uk/sites/default/files/Make%20Runaways%20Safe%20-%20full%20report_0.pdf
7. Statistically, how many young people abuse substances after running away? I could not find any exact statistics but it is not unusual for runaways to become involved in substance abuse. Many were already abusing substances before they ran away. Over a third of young people with drink or drugs problems has run away http://makerunawayssafe.org.uk/sites/default/files/Make%20Runaways%20Safe%20-%20full%20report_0.pdf 
8. How many young people are estimated to be living on the streets in the UK? - It is estimated that each year around 75, 000 young people aged 16-24 experienced some form of homelessness at some point. It is difficult to give exact statistics because of lack of data on the homeless http://homeless.org.uk/sites/default/files/Homeless%20Young%20People%20Statistics%20Jan%202011.pdf
9. What is the survival rate of young people living on the streets in the UK? I could not find a statistic for the whole of the UK but I did find that young men sleeping rough on the streets of London have a risk of dying 40 times that of the general population. Homeless people were found to be more at risk from accidents, suicide, alcohol and drug related illness, liver disease and respiratory infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia and bronchitis http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/159664.stm 
10. Statistically, how many young people turn to prostitution after running away?  One in 14 runaways survive through stealing, begging, drug dealing and prostitution http://www.cypnow.co.uk/ypn/news/1062028/young-runaways-a-safe-harbour
11. Statistically, how many young people steal after running away? - 1 in 8 admit to stealing to survive http://makerunawayssafe.org.uk/sites/default/files/Make%20Runaways%20Safe%20-%20full%20report_0.pdf 
12. Statistically, how many young people get involved in drug dealing after running away? - One in 14 runaways survive through stealing, begging, drug dealing and prostitution http://www.cypnow.co.uk/ypn/news/1062028/young-runaways-a-safe-harbour
13. Statistically, how many young people get involved in crime in general after running away?  One in 14 runaways survive through stealing, begging, drug dealing and prostitution http://www.cypnow.co.uk/ypn/news/1062028/young-runaways-a-safe-harbour
14. What is the most common age of runaways in the UK? - 1 in 9 children run away before the age of 16. Most children run away between the ages of 13 and 15. However, a quarter will runaway before they are 13 and 1 in 10 before the age of 10 http://makerunawayssafe.org.uk/sites/default/files/Make%20Runaways%20Safe%20-%20full%20report_0.pdf 
15. Statistically, how many runaways in the UK, run away multiple times? - Just under a third of those that runaway, do at least 3 times. Nearly 1 in 10 run away up to 9 times. Just over 1 in 20 run away 10 times or more http://makerunawayssafe.org.uk/sites/default/files/Make%20Runaways%20Safe%20-%20full%20report_0.pdf
16. What is the average period of running away from home in the UK? - The majority runaway overnight. A quarter runaway for a period between 2-6 nights. 1 in 5 runaway for more than a week and half of those will be away for more than a month http://makerunawayssafe.org.uk/sites/default/files/Make%20Runaways%20Safe%20-%20full%20report_0.pdf
17. How many runaways in the UK, are estimated unreported? - Two thirds of children that runaway are never reported missing to the police http://makerunawayssafe.org.uk/sites/default/files/Make%20Runaways%20Safe%20-%20full%20report_0.pdf 

 Teenage Cancer Patients:

1. What is cancer? - Cancer is when abnormal cells divide without control and are able to invade other tissues http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/cancerlibrary/what-is-cancer 
2. How does cancer form? - All cancers begin in cells. The body is made up of many types of cells. These cells grow and divide in a controlled way to produce more cells as they are needed to keep the body healthy. When cells become old or damaged, they die and are replaced with new cells. But sometimes this orderly process goes wrong. The genetic material (DNA) of a cell can become damaged or changed, producing mutations that affect normal cell growth and division. When this happens, cells do not die when they should and new cells form when the body does not need them. The extra cells may form a mass of tissue called a tumour. http://www.parkwaycancercentre.com/about-cancer/how-does-cancer-develop
3. How is cancer triggered? - There are about 200 different types of cancer. It can start in any type of body tissue. What affects one body tissue may not affect another. There is no single cause for any one type of cancer. Cancer has many contributing factors. A carcinogen is a substance that can contribute to causing cancer. Other factor that can trigger cancer include age, genetic make-up, the immune system, smoking, body weight, diet, physical activity, day to day environment, viruses and bacterial infection http://cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-symptoms/causes/what-causes-cancer
4. How does cancer develop? - Not all tumours are cancerous; tumours can be benign or malignant. Benign tumours aren't cancerous. They can often be removed, and, in most cases, they do not come back. Cells in benign tumours do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumours are cancerous. Cells in these tumorus can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another is called metastasis. Most cancers are named for the organ or type of cell in which they begin. For example, cancer that begins in the stomach is called stomach cancer. Some cancers do not form tumours. For example, leukaemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood. http://www.parkwaycancercentre.com/about-cancer/how-does-cancer-develop
5. What is the most common form of cancer in young people? The most common form of cancer in young adults (aged 15 - 39) is breast cancer. http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Cancer.Net+Feature+Articles/Expert+Information+from+ASCO/ASCO+Expert+Corner%3A+Young+Adults+With+Cancer Osteosarcoma is the most common form of cancer in teenagers. http://topics.dirwell.com/health/most-common-types-of-cancers-that-occur-in-teens.html  Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerinChildren/DetailedGuide/cancer-in-children-types-of-childhood-cancers
6. What are the differences between these types of cancer? - Breast cancer is a malignant tumour that has developed from cells in the breast. http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/what_is_bc.jsp Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood cells, which are produced in the bone marrow http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Leukaemiaacutelymphoblastic/AboutALL/Whatisleukaemia.aspx Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer but can spread to other parts of the body, usually the lungs or other bones. It usually develops in the osteoblasts (the cells that make growing bone) so most commonly affects teens experiencing growth spurts. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/cancer/cancer_osteosarcoma.html 
7. How do these types of cancer affect the body? - Symptoms of breast cancer include lumps or thickening of the breast tissue, continuous pain, one breast becoming larger or lower, puckering or dimpling of the skin on breast, nipples becoming inverted, changing shape or position, nipples developing a rash, crusting or developing a discharge, swelling under the armpit or around the collar bone, and continuous pain in the armpit. http://www.breastcancercampaign.org/page.aspx?pid=610&gclid=CKPXs426vK8CFWwntAodBUQnmA Symptoms of Leukaemia caused by bone marrow failure include paleness, tiredness, and shortness of breath, excessive bleeding, and increased susceptibility to infections. Cancer cells can also infiltrate organs such as the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver leading to swelling. http://www.cancerquest.org/leukemia-symptoms-detection.html?gclid=CJn1msq7vK8CFc0htAodrX5PmQ Other symptoms of Leukaemia include weakness, anaemia, frequent infections, fevers, chills or flu-like symptoms, weight-loss, excessive or easy bruising, pain in the bones and joints, abdominal discomfort, night sweats, and headaches, seizures and vomiting when the spinal cord is affected. http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/in_depth/cancer/leukaemia1.shtml Symptoms of osteosarcoma usually include pain and swelling in the legs or arms. It occurs most often in the longer bones of the body. Pain may be worse during exercise or at night, and a lump or swelling may develop in the affected area up to several weeks after the pain starts. In osteosarcoma of the leg, you may develop an unexplained limp. In some cases, the first sign of the disease is a broken arm or leg, because the cancer has weakened the bone to make it vulnerable to a break. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/cancer/cancer_osteosarcoma.html  You may also experience reduced movement of a joint. Less common symptoms are tiredness, pins and needles, weight loss, a high temperature or fever, night sweats and breathlessness. http://bcrt.org.uk/bci_symptoms_of_osteosarcoma.php 
8. What is the difference between radio and chemotherapy? - Radiotherapy is the use of high energy x-rays and similar rays (such as electrons) to treat disease. Many people with cancer will have radiotherapy as part of their cancer treatment. It can be given either as external therapy from outside the body using high energy x-rays, or as internal therapy from a radioactive material placed within the body. http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertreatment/Treatmenttypes/Radiotherapy/Generalinformation/Whatisit.aspx   Radical radiotherapy is used to try to get rid of cancer cells completely. The radiotherapy is given in small doses five days a week, often for four to five weeks. Prophylactic radiotherapy is given to stop cancer coming back in the same area after surgery and to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading (metastasising) to other organs. The radiotherapy is given in small doses five days a week for several weeks. Palliative radiotherapy is used when cancer can't be cured and is given to treat symptoms from cancer or to control the growth of the cancer. It is given in a single dose or a few doses over a much shorter period of time. http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/in_depth/cancer/carecancer_radio.shtml  Chemotherapy means drug treatment and it aims to cure cancer or relieve any symptoms cancer can cause. It can be used by itself, with surgery, with radiotherapy or both.  Chemotherapy can be given in a number of different ways; by injection, as an infusion, as a continuous infusion, as tablets, into a body cavity, as an ointment, or by a lumbar puncture(inserting a needle into your spine) so the chemotherapy reaches the fluid surrounding the brain. http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/in_depth/cancer/carecancer_chemo.shtml      
9. How does treatment affect the body? - Radiotherapy works by destroying cancer cells in the area that’s treated. Although normal cells can also be damaged by radiotherapy, they can usually repair themselves. http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertreatment/Treatmenttypes/Radiotherapy/Generalinformation/Whatisit.aspxeither Chemotherapy kills cancer cells or stops them dividing. In the same way that different bacteria are sensitive to different antibiotics, different cancers are sensitive to different types of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy reaches the cancer cells through the bloodstream and destroys them as they're in a dividing phase (two cells divide into four, four cells divide into eight, etc). Not all cancer cells are in the dividing stage; some will be in the resting stage and chemotherapy is unable to destroy these. Over the next few months, as you have more chemotherapy treatments, the cancer cells that were resting will start to divide. This is why a number of chemotherapy treatments, called cycles, make up a course of treatment. http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/in_depth/cancer/carecancer_chemo.shtml
10. What are the side effects of treatment? - Side effects of radiotherapy are different depending on the part of the body being treated. Most side effects are temporary but some may continue for weeks or months after treatment is finished. Side effects of radio therapy include hair loss (alopecia), cerebral oedema (excess fluid accumulating in the brain) can cause changes in mental state, restlessness, irritability, impaired pupil reactions, headache, increase in blood pressure, decrease in pulse and respiration, and nausea, dry or sore mouth or throat, changes in taste sensation, skin thickening, inflammation of the gullet, indigestion, nausea, lung inflammation, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, cystitis and sexual dysfunction. Treatment of red bone marrow may cause infection and impaired healing, anaemia, increased tiredness, bruising and bleeding. http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/in_depth/cancer/carecancer_radio.shtml  Chemotherapy can produce different reactions in different people and side effects can change from treatment to treatment. Most side effects are temporary and will gradually disappear when your treatment is complete. Possible side effects of chemotherapy include susceptibility o infections, bruising and bleeding easily, breathlessness, tiredness, dry and sore mouth, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, hair loss, dry and itchy skin, and in some cases, temporary or permanent infertility. http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/in_depth/cancer/carecancer_chemo.shtml
11. What is the survival rate of young people with cancer? - A study compiled in 2008 found that nearly three quarters of british teens and young adults survive. http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/aug/20/cancer.teensurvivalrates Around 75% of children diagnosed with cancer survive for 5 years after diagnosis. http://trekstock.com/our-work/about-cancers/reducing-your-risk-of-cancer/
12. Statistically, how many young people get cancer? - Cancer is relatively rare in teenagers and young people with less than one percent of all cancers belonging to this age group. The same goes for children. http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/incidence/age/#Teenagers

Initial Ideas Feedback

Today I went through my initial designs with my peers and tutors and gained feedback. I ran through my designs with one of my tutors first. In my sketch book I have labelled my outfit designs and makeup designs by number and I shall be referring to them as so.

• My tutor thought I had a lot of interesting ideas and they could all be very exciting if I developed them
• He thought he recognised a pattern where most of the concepts behind the "runaway" designs were about falling apart and most of the concepts behind the "cancer" designs were about holding things together. A possibility is to develop the theme further and have two contrasting photo shoots where in one the imagery is about things being torn apart and in the other the imagery is about things being held together.
• We both agreed that makeup design 2 (runaway - animal concept) was not strong and I should eliminate it.
• We both agreed that outfit design 1 (runaway - umbilical cord concept) was one of my strongest ideas.
• All my makeup and outfit designs are separate at the moment. We agreed that to develop my ideas I need to think about how the makeup and outfit will compliment and correlate with each other.
• We agreed that makeup designs 3, 4 and 5 (cancer - fading away concept) were some of my strongest designs. I should develop these designs and experiment with makeup. Maybe I could incorporate elements from all three. However, I think each design looks final as it is. Maybe I could choose the strongest of the three and incorporate small elements of the other two.
• We both liked the concept of the smashed glass makeup. However, I don't like the way I designed it. I think it could look great visually if I experimented with the arrangement of the design.
• My tutor, pointed out that outfit designs 3, 4, 6 and 7 (runaway outfits) have similar concepts but have been explored in different ways. I think I should choose the strongest out of these four to develop further.
• For my "runaway" ideas I think my outfit designs are the strongest. I think I should focus on these the most then develop the makeup design around this so it complements the outfit.
• For the "cancer" designs I think my makeup designs are the strongest. I think I should focus on these the most then develop the outfit design around this so it compliments the makeup.
• I am eager to test out different ideas and experiment with makeup and fabric. I should experiment with my strongest ideas first.
• We agreed that outfit designs 8, 9 and 10 were strong.

From this initial discussion with my tutor I have determined which are my strongest designs and have eliminated the weaker ones from further consideration. I have eliminated outfit designs 2 and 5 and makeup designs 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 10.

Next I gained feedback on my chosen designs from 9 of my peers. I asked each of them whether they liked the design, what they liked about it, what they didn't, and what/how could I improve/develop? I also asked what their favourite makeup design was out of 3, 4 and 5 because they are all strong designs and similar in concept. I asked why that design was their favourite, and how I could develop upon it. I also asked what their favourite outfit design was out of 3, 4 and 5 because they are all strong designs and similar in concept. I also asked which outfit they preferred out of 8, 9 and 10 because they are all strong designs in my opinion and are each for the cancer theme. I made it clear that I liked the concept of makeup design 9 (shattered glass concept) but that I did not like my design. I asked them whether they liked the concept, whether they think it would work visually if I experimented with it more, and how could I develop/improve on it.

Peer Feedback 1:

• Outfit 1: likes the colour, likes the long trails of fabric, likes the fact that the dress is short, can't think of any improvements.
• Makeup 3: favourite out of 3, 4, and 5, likes the doll like effect, it's different, likes the cracks on face
• Outfit 6: favourite out of 3, 4, 6 and 7, it's her style, likes the feathers, it's eccentric
• Outfit 9: favourite out of 8, 9 and 10, looks like a whirl wind (this is what I was going for), it's different, looks really cool and pretty.
• Makeup 9: Likes glass effect, it's cool, it's different, it's clever, maybe the design shouldn't cover the entire face, maybe just the side of face, could incorporate into design

Peer Feedback 2:

• Outfit 1: really like design and concept, I should make it really gory and disturbing so the depiction of the umbilical cord is clear, maybe show midriff and have one trail of fabric larger than the others to make umbilical cord concept even clearer.
• Makeup 3: favourite out of 3, 4, and 5, like cracks in face, it's different, think it will look quite creepy because porcelain dolls are quite creepy, interesting concept.
• Makeup 4: ghostly makeup to express cancer theme - too cliche, too obvious
• Makeup 5: concept is interesting, prefers makeup 3 visually, might just be the way I've sketched this design, concept would be interesting to develop and experiment with, if I can visualise it and experiment to get it looking good, then it could work really well.
• Outfit 3: really like design but thinks the runaway concept might not come across clearly, might be mistaken for a different concept.
• Outfit 4: concept is most clear out of outfit designs 3, 4, 6 and 7, likes concept of trying to repair but you will always see the damage, also looks like a survivor/fighter, links to living on streets, traveller.
• Outfit 6: concept not clear enough
• Outfit 7: one of favourite designs visually out of 3, 4, 6 and 7, likes my concept behind it but thinks it might not come across clearly in design, thinks concept is likely to get lost and mistaken for something else, look not original enough, looks too much like punk, easily mistaken for just a punk image, already been done before, or it could just look like a homeless person which is too literal of an interpretation of the theme, not conceptual enough.
• Outfit 8: really likes concept, likes the design visually, looks avant-garde but not sure concept comes across clearly, doesn't say cancer.
• Outfit 10: really likes design and concept, really likes concept of scaffolding linked with support because that is a core element of a cancer experience; support from family and friends, avant-garde, very conceptual, would work well with makeup 3 (porcelain doll makeup)
• Makeup 9: really likes design and concept, should experiment and develop, could look really cool, maybe glass effect should cover smaller part of face for more balance.

Peer Feedback 3:

• Outfit 1: creepy design idea, they're always the best (more striking and interesting), should make it really bloody for strong visual impact, really clever concept, like the umbilical cord idea, obvious idea would be to go for chains to represent being bound which has been overdone so many times, likes how the umbilical cord concept also ties in with the relationship with the mother, this is really different, shocking, and striking.
• Makeup 3: really likes design, creepy yet pretty, however, doll makeup done many times before.
• Makeup 4: ghost makeup too cliche, been done before
• Makeup 5: favourite out of 3, 4 and 5, really like design and concept, peeling wall paper is different, haven't seen makeup like that done before, develop and experiment with makeup and sticking pieces on, think it would be visually striking.
• Outfit 3: favourite design out of 3, 4, 6 and 7, like that it feels random, likes it because it feels eclectic, avant-garde, likes that it's colourful, clearly reflects traveller.
• Outfit 4: likes the concept and how you can see how they're trying to repair but you will always see the damage.
• Outfit 9: favourite out of 8, 9 and 10 because it's so pretty.
• Makeup 9: cool concept, maybe work with and experiment to get it how I want visually, maybe have lines faded and less prominent so look is not so overpowering.

Peer Feedback 4:

• Outfit 1: strong concept, very clever, like how it's wrapped around neck, what I am trying to represent is very clear, umbilical cord should be really long.
• Makeup 3: really like design, represents cancer well, should choose between 3 and 4, likes crack effect, really likes design visually, really pretty.
• Makeup 4: really likes design, should choose between 3 and 4.
• Makeup 5: don't like as much as 3 and 4, doesn't think concept is as clear.
• Outfit 3: joint favourite out of 3, 4, 6 and 7, represent concept and subject most clearly, outfit explains why she is that way; poor, homeless, life a shambles, so random ensemble of clothes, design is balanced visually.
• Outfit 4: joint favourite out of 3, 4, 6 and 7, like concept and design; how trying to repair but damage still visible, doesn't think concept is as clear as 3, may need to explain concept, good idea, likes how it looks.
• Outfit 6: concept not clear enough.
• Outfit 8: interesting and strong visually.
• Outfit 9: too "fashion show", too perfect & focused on being pretty, not avant-garde or different enough.
• Outfit 10: favourite out of 8, 9 and 10, thinks I should go with this idea, design clearly shows scaffolding & clearly represents support, likes connection with friends and family support, different, haven't seen it done before, works really well with makeup 3, 4 and 5 ("fragile" makeup concepts), looks hard to make, need to do a lot of research on making.
• Makeup 9: likes concept, would look good if I developed it, should incorporate a bit of glass/mirror in outfit to compliment design, or extend glass makeup to body; neck and chest.

Tutor Feedback:
I went back to my tutor from before and asked him the same questions on my designs as I did my peers.

• Outfit 1: likes design, interesting, exciting, different, interesting concept; umbilical cord and bound to mother, need to develop and experiment.
• Makeup 3: likes design.
• Makeup 5: favourite out of 3, 4 and 5, unusual, different, most interesting to develop, unconventional makeup, hasn't been done much in makeup before, exciting, really likes sketch.
• Outfit 3: favourite design visually out of 3, 4, 6 and 7.
• Outfit 4: likes design and concept, another favourite out of 3, 4, 6 and 7.
• Outfit 10: favourite out of 8, 9 and 10, strong concept, very different, unconventional, interesting, exciting.
• Makeup 9: I explained to my tutor that I liked the concept of the shattered glass but didn't like my design, he agreed that the concept was strong and it could look good if I developed and experimented with the concept.

Peer Feedback 5:

• Outfit 1: cool, interesting, likes the idea of umbilical cord, can't see where it can be improved.
• Makeup 3: really likes design, slight preference to this design out of 3, 4 and 5, thinks each of these designs/concepts are really strong and are all relevant to and representative of cancer patient, thinks I should develop and combine elements of designs 3, 4 and 5 into one design because likes aspects of each, would look very strong visually with combined designs, maybe design 3 override the others.
• Makeup 4: really likes design.
• Makeup 5: really likes design.
• Outfit 4: favourite out of 3, 4, 6 and 7, likes the patches concept, thinks stitches should be unravelling, should combine this aspect with umbilical chord (outfit 1), really likes design.
• Outfit 6: likes the feathers.
• Outfit 9: really likes design but too elegant, not the style I am going for.
• Outfit 10: favourite out of 8, 9 and 10, really drawn to design, likes concept, interesting, unusual, haven't seen something like it before, avant-garde, good representation of theme, works well with makeup designs 3, 4 and 5 ("fragile" makeup concept).
• Makeup 9: likes design, looks interesting, looks like a web.

Peer Feedback 6:

• Outfit 1: really likes concept of umbilical cord and being bound to mother, what fabric will I be using? - develop, really likes how I've tied umbilical cord design into family relationships, very strong conceptually, unconventional, can't say how it could be improved, should start thinking about experimenting.
• Makeup 3: likes this design, cracks look really good, this design would be good for a beauty shot but cracks and doll makeup have been done before so many times in makeup, should go for something more creative & unconventional, very simple makeup, does not stretch my skills.
• Makeup 5: favourite design out of 3, 4 and 5, would look the strongest visually when complete, haven't seen it done before, would stretch creativity, unconventional, should go for this idea, more artistic & creative, would need to experiment a lot, would allow me to stretch and showcase my makeup skills more than other designs, how will the makeup be done? Stick pieces on? - need to develop this.
• Outfit 3: favourite out of 3, 4, 6 and 7, really strong design, avant-garde, creative, artistic, how am I going to assemble/source materials - need to think about this, visually striking, would look good if I developed it, likes the trashy look, random, strongest visually out of 3, 4, 6 and 7.
• Outfit 4: didn't like this design, looks too much like a costume, called it a "stylish Halloween costume".
• Outfit 6: looks too organised, well put together, too calculated, looks too much like a casual, everyday fashion outfit, although I am creating a fashion image, I want to be more conceptual, artistic & avant-garde, could probably see some eccentric person walking around London like this.
• Outfit 7: looks too "planned", too thought about, too calculated, could probably see many people dressed like that in places like Camden, seen looks like this many times before, not got shock or wow factor, doesn't make a big enough impact, everyday fashion outfit, not for big photo shoot, too casual, if you did do this design - add more colour, not just black - too bland.
• Outfit 9: too elegant.
• Outfit 10: very strong visually, like concept, like how I've linked in support & family, very unconventional, different, creative, would work really well.
• Makeup 9: looks too much like a spider web, could work if I developed concept, peeling wall paper design is much stronger.

By this point I could see that some of my designs were clear favourites and others were not thought of as very strong by most people. Taking on people's opinions on board, I decided to eliminate more designs from further development. I eliminated makeup design 4. I agree with my peers that the ghostly/dead makeup design is too predictable for the cancer theme. However I do agree that it is a very nice design and I may choose to incorporate some elements into my developed designs. I have eliminated outfit designs 6 and 7. I agree that they do not reflect "runaway" strongly enough and they are not incredibly original. I eliminated outfit design 8. People did not take a lot of interest design and I do not think it portrays cancer strongly. I eliminated outfit design 9. Although it is conceptual and very beautifully designed, it is too elegant and does not have the right aesthetic for my photo shoot.

Peer Feedback 7:

• Outfit 1: really likes idea of umbilical cord and pulling, visually strong, could easily visualise it, knew exactly what I was talking about, as I was describing it, likes the colours, develop and experiment with colour.
• Makeup 3: favourite out of 3 and 5, really likes design, definitely conveys fragility, likes crack effect, crack reminds her of a growth - relates to cancer.
• Makeup 5: likes design and idea, think it's strong, don't like it as much as makeup design 3, colours a bit dull, develop colours, fragility definitely comes across.
• Outfit 3: favourite out of 3 and 4, really like design, very visually strong, striking, stronger visually than outfit 1 but really likes concept behind outfit 1, if I combined elements from both designs - would be a really strong design.
• Outfit 4: likes the stitching feature.
• Outfit 10: really like idea, interesting, unusual, develop and experiment, with shape of scaffolding, don't really like shape now, develop & experiment - how are you going to make scaffolding? Would look good with makeup 3 and 5 (fragile).
• Makeup 9: not as strong as designs 3 and 5, they express fragility much more which represents cancer well, the colours have quite a cool tone though, maybe if I toned colours down a bit - might look more fragile.

Peer Feedback 8:

• Outfit 1: cool, interesting, like the ideas of umbilical cord, can't see where it can be improved,
• Makeup 5: favourite out of 3 and 5, really like peeling wallpaper design - represents cancer more clearly than cracks - slowly peeling, fading away, gradual process, cracks are more sudden.
• Outfit 3: really likes design, favourite out of 3 and 4, very visually strong, out of everything on page, eyes instantly drawn to this image, likes use of colours, like that there's a lot going on, very busy, not boring, visually interesting/stimulating, experiment with how I will assemble items to make outfit, visually stronger than outfit design 1, but design 1 has stronger concept, combine the two.
• Outfit 10: good concept, looks a bit bland at the moment, needs more going on - develop.
• Makeup 9: don't think cracked glass design is that great, other cancer makeup looks are much stronger, could I develop it to make it better? Makeup designs 3 and 5 are better representations of cancer.

Peer Feedback 9:

• Outfit 1: really likes the concept of the umbilical cord and the ties to family and the pulling and strangling at the subject - even though they want to escape, it is difficult, the design is visually strong and interesting
• Makeup 5: favourite out of 3 and 5, really likes peeling wall paper design - interesting, thinks the design also conveys that even though the subject is weakening and crumbling, there is still personality and substance inside, whereas the porcelain doll is empty inside. (I really like this interpretation).
• Outfit 4: favourite out of 3 and 4, liked the concept of trying to repair damage but being unable to, however, likes concept of outfit design 1 better - stronger, likes the link to back story.
• Outfit 10: likes the concept of support from family and friends and how it's represented by scaffolding - how will you represent family and friends? Develop shape of scaffolding, colours and design are a bit bland and empty but may be made more interesting when makeup is added, develop and expand on different elements, would look really good with wall paper makeup - there would also be a link because scaffolding and wallpaper relates to housing but there would be a nice contrast - while one is falling apart, the other is trying to hold everything together.

Tutor Feedback:

I ran through my ideas with a second tutor. She thought I had some strong designs but not nearly enough for the initial design phase. She told me I should have 25 outfit designs for each theme and 10 makeup designs for each theme. This will give me a greater choice of ideas to develop and strengthen my potential of producing a strong design. I have already designed 6 outfits for the runaway theme; I will design 19 more. I have designed 4 outfits for the cancer theme; I will design 21 more. I have designed 5 makeup designs for both the runaway and cancer themes; I will design 5 more or each.

She also told me that my research into the emotive and personal aspect of the themes was strong but I should also do some factual research to strengthen my designs. I will go away and do this then generate more designs.

Initial Ideas

I think I was very ambitious with my workplan. By the second week I started falling behind shedule and had not researched at all the artists I had planned to. From experience of previous projects I know I should begin designing and developing as soon as possible to ensure the finished piece is a high standard. Whilst researching life stories of teenage runaways and teenage cancer patients I began thinking of lots of design ideas. I thought I should get these ideas on paper as quickly as possible. I began generating my initial design ideas two weeks ago. I have 10 initial ideas for makeup and 10 for outfits which are all shown in my sketch book with annotations. I drew a brainstorm for each subject before designing to help focus my ideas. I will gain feedback from my peers and tutors and use what they say was good and what they say I need to improve on to develop my designs. I will also use my artist research to develop my designs.

Alex Box

Alex Box is a world renowned makeup artist and creative director of conceptual makeup brand Illamasqua. She has an extensive portfolio with work appearing in major publications such as Vogue, Dazed and Confused, and i-D, and working for major designers on runway shows. I am a great admirer of her work and style which will serve as a huge inspiration for my project.


Alex Box studied Fine Art Chelsea College of art where she discovered the body as a new canvas. During this time she experimented with prosthetics and honed her "feeling about how you can actually change and manipulate the face". Her fine art background is very evident in her work. Box creates unconventional makeup. She employs unusual techniques to achieve extraordinary results. Sometimes she uses materials to create a face that aren't necessarily makeup. She challenges our perceptions of beauty. She said in the interview below that she likes to "find beauty in everything, even if it is considered ugly to other people". Box has a great eye for style. No matter how surreal her ideas are, the finished look is always beautiful. She talks a lot about creating an alter ego with makeup. Sometimes these alter egos verge on being non human.

The artist sums up her style as dark, emotive, but also very beautiful. She loves and collects colour. She likes to collect things that inspire her.
Box says she loves finding new possibilities. Because of the media and the world being such a cultural and creative melting pot, Box says "people are having to go to more extreme lengths to do something new".

She says of her work that she can be very vague at the beginning of an idea and likes to be guided by intuition and the feel of the moment. She doesn't like to force creativity; she just lets things flow naturally. The initial spark of an idea comes along way to the final completed creation. She said in an interview she doesn't know whether she could recreate her looks again. I think great art cannot be done again. There is an element of spontaneity in her work. For example, in a series of photo shoots she created for Stylist magazine, based on her 5 favourite art movements, she removed the cover from a cushion that just happened to be there and used it for the hair for the Cubism look.

Below is an interview in 3 parts of Alex Box talking about her work:

There was one thing in particular from this interview that Alex Box said that really inspired me: "I do alot of research going to the national portrait gallery because I love the way painters and illustrators draw shadows and light because it's completely different from looking at a photograph, and I love that because you can that that and turn it into makeup. Where someone draws a shadow, may not exist in real life and I think that's really great to look at for makeup". I think this is a really imaginative idea and a great technique for designing makeup. I will make my own visit to the National Portrait Gallery and to the National Gallery and sketch people's faces then use the tones and shading I observe to create my own makeup.

One of her favourite paintings and one she references frequently in her work is Leonardo Da Vinci's Virgin on the Rocks (below) because of the "heavy highlights" and "exaggerated shadows" on the face. According to Box this is the "perfect makeup".

Close up of the Virgin Mary's face

When describing her design philosophy in the interview, she said she tried to "create worlds and fantasies". I think this is what fashion should be like. I think fashion should have grandeur, push the boundaries of appearance and feel like a desirable fantasy world. In a way I am creating my own worlds as I am translating two characters into a fashion image. I want my final images to have a fantasy like quality to them and my models to look super human.

Research Analysis: 

Alex Box is said to have experimented with prosthetics at university. I have not experimented much with prosthetics in my work yet. I think this would be a good skill to learn and would relate to fashion being this sort of fantasy. I want to try and create new techniques and experiment with unconventional materials just like Alex Box does. Just as Box pushes the boundaries of accepted beauty, I want to create an image that goes against the accepted standards of beauty but an image which I still think is very beautiful. I want to find the beauty in the unconventional. I want the images I create to have a surreal, fantasy like quality. I love the precision and flawless quality to Alex Box's work. I will strive to achieve these standards in my own work. I will do this by doing lots of research on products and techniques and doing lots of experiments with makeup. I also want to create a complex makeup look. At the core of Alex's work is originality and creativity. I am going to strive to do something radical and something I have not seen before. I also want my images to have a dark and emotive side to them, as seen in Box's work. I think this will come naturally as I have chosen dark and emotive concepts. Although her work looks extremely immaculate and precious, it is also spontaneous in the way Box comes up with ideas. I want my own work to have this spontaneous aspect. I will do this by constantly letting my ideas flow and developing my designs up to the final creation.



Here is a link to Google images, displaying a full range of her creative ability and imagination. I will constantly be referencing these images as I develop my own designs as I find them a huge source of inspiration and I want to emulate her style in my work:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1191&bih=707&wrapid=tlif133288293137110&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=1S1yT6ivK6jL0QWbkq0R&q=alex%20box

I chose 5 images to analyse in more detail:

The use of monochrome is very striking. However, I prefer her work where she uses colour more. The use of block colour makes the image look quite flat but I still think it's an interesting effect. I love the intricate, immaculate patterns. Box often uses unconventional colours, painting the skin a completely different work. I think the asymmetry of the pattern is very aesthetically pleasing. The model blends smoothly into the plain black background. This makes the image a little dark and sinister. This shows how the shot, the background, the use of lighting and the pose of the model make a huge contribution to the overall look of an image and how they can emphasise and manipulate how the makeup appears. These are things to consider when I am planning my own photo shoot. The makeup does not just stop at the face but also extends to the body. To extend my creativity I should consider makeup for the body as well as the face. 

The image above is the antithesis of Box's usual style which is very precious. The makeup looks very spontaneous and reckless. However I still think it is very beautiful. I think this makes the image appear energetic and alive. Although the makeup appears random, there is some sort of structure to it, the lines are just very messy. This image feels very emotive to me. I think it is the explosive use of colour and the makeup smeared and running down the face. I have always loved makeup that appears to be running or dripping. Box used unconventional materials to create this makeup including icing sugar, cake decorations, glues and paper. Again the shadows blend into the black background in this image too. By using a plain background, all the focus is drawn onto the makeup and it appears more intense.

In this image, the makeup is not the sole focus; there's the hair and costume too. The hair looks very sculptural. A combination of different textures and shapes are used to create the style. I think they compliment each other very well and make the look more intriguing. I love the use of gradient and colour bleed in the makeup. I think it looks very emotive. The white painted skin makes the colours look more intense. I think the combination of intense eye makeup and pale lips is well balanced and aesthetically pleasing. Box has created heavy shadows and dramatic contours which create a lot of depth and an intense look. You can see in her work that Box loves to experiment with different styles of shading and contouring. This is something I want to do to. You can tell she always takes into consideration the natural shape of the face and the new shapes she creates on the face always compliment the natural forms and curves. I love the intricate details in her work such as the pink design around the eyes and forehead here. They give her work a precious quality. She carries the eye makeup beyond where it would conventionally go but she creates a beautiful shape in doing so. As a makeup artist, I should not limit myself to conventional aesthetics as what is not the norm can actually be very beautiful. Eyes lined in white looks very dramatic and intense. It also makes eyes look brighter and more wide awake. The hair and makeup compliment the outfit very well. When styling a shoot it is important to think about all the different elements and how they will look coming together to create the final image. Box has used a plain background again for her work to be placed against. Again, the hair, makeup and outfit are the focus.

Box has used a combination of bright complimentary colours which grasps our attention. She has used block colours and no shading. This makes a slightly flat yet bold and captivating look. The look is simple and complex at the same time. Simple because only 3 colours are used and complex due to the intricate patterns on the face. The bright colours pop against the white background. I think the pattern looks very organic due to the smooth swirls and curves. The background is plain again which puts the focus on the makeup but it is white this time. The black background absorbed you in whereas the white background makes the image feel more expansive. I also like how the model is placed slightly to the right. It creates the feeling of space. This also shows that how the subject is shot is very important. The bright orange hat also compliments the makeup. The hat looks quite makeshift and quickly put together. Maybe it was another spontaneous action from Alex.

The heart shape looks immaculate. The brows have been heavily drawn on in black and made to look thicker. The look is very theatrical. The look also echoes burlesque with the pale skin and red lips. The red lips compliment the black and white makeup. The look feels very "Alice in Wonderland" due to the use of the heart shape and the use of black, white and red. The makeup also extends to the nails which have been painted in a black and white design, complimenting the rest of the makeup. Maybe I should think about nail design too to add another dimension to the makeup. I love the apparent contrast between the skin colour and the white. I love how part of the face is in natural skin colour so the contrast is really emphasised. I think the heart detail on the cheek is very cute. I admire the great precision with which it has been drawn on. Box has completely drawn a new face shape on the model. I find the image very emotive and romantic. I think it is the heart design, the red lips, the porcelain skin, the shading and shadowing, and the sensual pose of the model. The false lashes are very dramatic and add definition. Box has created thick, dramatic, slightly winged black liner. I love the thin white liner above the black liner. It is unconventional yet striking. A soft peach colour has been blended onto the cheeks. Box's precise shading and contouring makes the skin look flawless. I love the immaculate lines and finish of the makeup. The shading around the heart makes it look three dimensional and like a mask has been placed on the model's face. The brown eye shadow is perfectly applied. Again, Box has used a black background. The model blends into the shadows, concealing parts of her. This makes the image more mysterious and alluring.

My research on Alex Box is extended in my sketch book.

Research Resources:

• http://models.com/people/alex-box
• http://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/inside-the-world-of-alex-box#image-rotator-1
• http://showstudio.com/contributor/alex_box 
• http://www.professionalphotographer.co.uk/Magazine/Subscription-Offer/Make-up-Artist-Alex-Box
• http://www.illamasqua.com/explore/collections/ 
• http://www.wmagazine.com/beauty/2011/06/makeup-artist-alex-box
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/audioslideshow/2009/nov/20/exclusive-interview-makeup-artist-alex-box

 

The Body Adorned: Dressing London

As part of my style research, I attended The Body Adorned: Dressing London exhibition, held at the Horniman Museum, London http://www.horniman.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/exhibition/the-body-adorned-dressing-london/exhibition-chapter/dressing-london. The exhibition takes a look at street style and body adornment in modern London so is very relevant to my project. It looks at how and why a diverse population and individuals dress themselves a certain way and considers how London fashion was influenced in the past.  
"For centuries London has been a centre for the flow of money, goods, people and ideas. This has produced a city that has long been culturally varied. This increased exposure to cultural practises linked with dress and the body. Londonders have become familiar with worldwide dress customs through the media, museums and exhibitions. Outward appearance has long been seen as an expression of individual character. In the urban encounters of the world city, dress plays a role in how we express ourselves and see others."

The exhibition began with displays of historical dress from ethnic backgrounds. Because London is so multicultural, London street style has been heavily influenced by ethnic designs. Maybe I should incorporate some ethnic influences into my own photo shoot to be in keeping with modern street style. Here are images I took from the exhibition:

I like the fringing in this design and the
feathers and the patterns.

I like the floral motif and the long draping
fabric.

I like the head scarf, the beads and the
patterned skirt and floral motif. I like
the contrast between the red and cream
colour. I like how the vertical stripes
elongate the body. I like how the baggy
clothing is cinched in at the waist.

I like the intricate embroidery and beading.

I like the use of multiple layers.

I like the bold monochromatic pattern
and he fringing. I like the black
banners going around the skirt.

The exhibition had quotes from young people expressing their opinions on individual style and dress:

"I don't care what people think. I just like what I am wearing. That's all that really matters."


"I think everyone has this inner need to express him or herself creatively."

"It's to do with individuality"

"I think colour says the most in an outfit"


"If you're not an individual then who are you?" 


"I like London because it makes you feel free"

London is very eclectic and accepting of different ideas and styles. I think it encourages individuality. In youth culture, image is very important and way of dress plays a key role in expressing who you are to other people. The outfits and makeup I will assemble must create a certain mood and tell the viewer about the people I am trying to convey. I will also try to come up with new, original ideas and be as creative as possible. I will think about colour and how it will help create a certain mood.

The last section of the exhibition was on street style amongst youths in London today.

"What role does dress play for Londoners? Can dress identify people with particular groupings such as Jock, Fashionista, Goth or Hipster? Do religious beliefs, ideas about heritage, gender, sexuality, and social class influence the way Londoners dress? Is London a space of freedom and anonymity where people dress in whatever way they want, or do social codes limit these choices?
For example, to walk the street naked is not socially allowed in many places. Even when we say we do not have a particular style of dress we are making distinct choices about what to and what not to wear. These choices locate us within a group of people who share our beliefs. Tension between conformity and expressing individuality exists in all societies.
In this section we focus on London today. The museum invited young people aged 14 to 19 to take part. They developed their own observations of dress in urban London, interviewing peers about dress choices, or photographing Londoners for this exhibition. The team looked at aspects of dress and the body such as hair and skin, which can be political in the World City. Here we present some of their work. We also show a series of "wardrobes", in depth studies of the personal dress choices of several Londoners. These show that within our day-to-day lives we make distinct choices about what we wear, asking questions such as is this me?"

I think image is very important because it plays a vital role in how we are perceived. We have the power to change our image so we can control the way we are perceived to a certain extent. However I do not think you can tell all there is to know about a person just by looking at them.
Here are images I took from this section of the exhibition:

This group of friends are dressed in
typical hoodies and trainers. They appear
to be influenced by the RnB/hip-hop
scene. They also seem to be influenced
by their social group and what their friends
are wearing. I do not like this style of dress.
I think it looks dull, unimaginative and
conforming. My fashion shoot will express
individuality.

This young girl is cosplaying. The term
cosplay is Japanese and refers to
replicating anime/manga characters
through dressing up. Cosplay is becoming
increasing popular amongst young people
and those that do take dressing up as a
serious hobby. I want my fashion shoot to
imitate the over the top playfulness and
theatricality of this outfit.

I like the layering in this outfit. And I like
floral motif of the bag. I think this outfit is a
very well balanced and has the right
combination of pattern and block colour.

I like this quirky ensemble. I like pairing items that
you wouldn't think would normally go together. It creates
a very striking and edgy look. I like the bright retro
printed shirt paired with the fur coat and the black hat. I
want my fashion shoot to emulate this quirky, eclectic
style. The garments also look very vintage which is very
trendy. I think it would be good if I could source some
vintage items for my fashion shoot.

Current fashion is very much about unusual garment
combinations which would have previously been thought
ridiculous. The effect it very attention grabbing which is
what you want fashion to be. I like this quirky mix of the
bright pink oversized hoody, long tartan skirt, trainers
and retro tee.

This would look like a plain ordinary outfit if he had not
added the bow tie. I don't think you always have to be
over-the-top to have an edgy style. I think small quirky
details can completely transform an outfit and have an
effective impact. I think attention to detail is key in good
style.

I like the model's makeup here. Her skin
look flawless. I want to achieve flawless
skin with my makeup as it will be a fashion
shoot. I like the smoky contouring along
with the bright red lips. This is a simple
yet bold statement and very on trend. I
like the relaxed and casual manner of the
model and her outfit. I think the tartan
blazer is very stylish too. I like her cropped
hair. It makes her look androgynous. I find
androgyny edgy and alluring. I think it is 
very fashionable these days too. 




I like the military style jacket. The unusual
rings give the outfit an added edge of
quirkiness.



I like the shabby chic look here which I think is very
fashionable. The outfit is compiled of several trendy,
quirky items like the trilby, fur coat, and skinny jeans.

I really like oversized garments. I think
they make a big statement. I think it's
important to get the right balance of
oversized vs. skinny in an outfit. The fur
coat is very on trend. The bow adds a
touch of quirkiness to the outfit.

Teenage Dress - Xufu
"I am wearing a jacket from Zara, a scarf from 5cm, a pair of chinos and a bag from Topman, and a pair of boots from Kurt Geiger. It can be noticed that leather plays a huge part in my outfit; the jacket, the bag and the boots are all leather, giving me the tough almost military-like look that I wanted,
Complementarily, the chino is very slim, fits my boots very well and makes me look smart. Lastly, the reason I wear a scarf is fairly straightforward - I want to keep myself warm and I love the design of the scarf. The whole look is important, as can be seen from my outfit - leather, tight and brown colour, but I definitely don't want to conform into one style. I'd always love to add some different elements into my outfit that distinguish me from all other people who wear leather. In my opinion, both the scarf and the bag are finely designed and in some ways soften the whole look by giving it some feminine quality.
I shop slightly more in Asia because I think Asian designers know the Asian body shape the best so their clothes fit me the most. But in general, I shop all around the world as long as I like the design. I wouldn't usually shop in places where they only sell t-shirts and jeans. I need clothes that inspire me, for example, 5cm and Paul Smith. I could always find some elements that I want when I shop them, such as the edgy and feminine quality of 5cm and the bright colour and elegance of Paul Smith."

Teenage Dress - Charly

"My outfit was chosen quite randomly. However, I wanted to go for a smart casual look. The shops I got the clothes from were Forever 21, H&M, Amazon and Hollister. I went to where I know the clothing is good quality and in trend with teenage girls.
I am to some extent influenced by what everyone else is wearing hence why I went to Hollister for my cardigan. But I also liked the cardigan for its softness and the scent that they put on it, so I don't tend to shop in Hollister to follow the crowds.
My shorts were from Forever 21. They just stood out on the shelf for me. I liked the stripy pattern and I could picture myself wearing them, and feeling good about myself.
My shirt is from H&M. I looked specifically in this shop because I knew that they were a good shop for smart casual wear that are a reasonable price. One of my favourite colours to wear is light blue hence my shirt being that colour.
I got my boots from Amazon as I am normally quite lazy when it comes to shoe buying and Amazon is a really cheap place to get alright quality items. The fluffy centre on the boot really appealed to me as I like my feet to be comfortable, plus these boots are in trend right now and I saw everyone wearing them and thought I want a pair of those!"

Teenage Dress - Naz

"I chose to buy my outfit from Topshop as their clothes are very on-trend and are particularly influenced by vintage, punk, emo and gothic styles, which I've always loved - but I think most people would call Topshop indie or "hipster" now. The outfit I've chosen is leaning more towards vintage/punk/goth. I like to mix and match styles, so that the things that I wear flatter but are also interesting.
Punk, emo and gothic styles have always appealed to me because they are about showing your independence and creativity through your dress. I've always loved that idea, even though the styles themselves are no longer shocking to most people. I've also grown up around a lot of people who were influenced by punk and emo in particular so it's always been something I was more comfortable with."

Image is very important to most youths. Many know the kind of look they want to have. I think today, subcultures are a lot harder to define as there is a lot of cross over between styles and much more variety. A lot of people don't want to be limited to one particular style. Fitting in is very important to most youths so a lot of young dressers are influenced by peer dress and the latest trends. However, many still want individuality and to distinguish themselves from the rest of the crowd so they need to find a balance. Individuality is expressed through unique tastes like Naz and her love for punk. I want my photo shoot to be influenced by current trends and styles so it appeals to my magazine readers but I also want it to be balanced with my own originality and creativity so I inspire and stimulate readers at the same time.