What I do.
If you know me personally, you know that I’m a Graphic Designer for Shoppers Drug Mart – working in the Studio at their head office in Toronto. You’ve probably heard me talk about this project that I loved or this other project that I didn’t love so much or how I had a day at a photo shoot or a day with my eyes glued to my computer screen. If you don’t know me, well, see above :)
I decided to take an opportunity to showcase one of my more recent projects. Not only because I enjoyed doing it and I think it was an overall success, but also so that some of you actually know what I do now when I talk about work.
I work on mostly all the beauty projects at SDM (includes BeautyBoutique). I’m officially the “beauty girl”. Which is kinda funny if you know me and my lack of makeup skills before I started working here. Every year we do a Beauty Book for Christmas but this year I was given the creative freedom to be a little more edgy, modern and outside the box (well for Shoppers). Thankfully my boss was so busy that she basically just left me and my coworker to do whatever we wanted. Thankfully for her, ‘we did good’.
I watch ALOT of America’s Next Top Model and what’s funny is that as cheese-ball that most of it is, some of it is actually true! I’ve picked up a bunch of makeup tips, heard lots of good stories, read over things such as these Aspect Dr reviews due to wanting to take better care of my skin, and yes, even heard the phrase “smile with your eyes”. As far as product shots, you would be surprised what’s hiding behind some of those product or the hijinks it took to make things stand just right. Most of those shots are actually made up of 4-6 different shots that are blended together.
It’s all an illusion my friends. Except for that model’s skin. It really was that amazing. I hated her. And she had a good personality too. I hated her even more. I kid. She was really funny.
Here are a few snapshots of my favourite shots & spreads including some directors *notes. Look for the full book in your nearest Shoppers or delivered in your newspaper.
* This actually the 2nd cover. We had to scrap the 1st one because people didn’t seem to love it as much as I did. We had to have a whole other day scheduled with the model, photographer & makeup artist. But I love it…especially the sequin!
*the photo re-toucher said he’d never had so little re-touching to do on a skin shot before
* this is my favourite product shot from the book.
* sometimes you get requests like, can you please show ALL of these products in one shot and also all of the boxes they come in? It can spell disaster but I love how this turned out. Example of how restrictions can make you more creative.
And of course, this ain’t no one man show. I worked very closely with my creative co-ordinator at work (Juliana) who kept everything organized and the following amazing & creative people:
Model photography – John Van Der Shilden
Model – Vlada from Elite Models
Makeup & Hair – Veronica Chu
Product photography & Styling – Michael Crichton Photography