Birthday Photoshoot Concept

The Virgo

To start my research into my birthday photo shoot concept I began by looking at my star sign; Virgo. As my birthday is 23rd September I'm on the cusp of horoscopes, with some sources saying I am a Libra and some saying I'm Virgo. When looking into it further and researching the traits and tendencies of each, I concluded that Virgo is more representative of my personality and is the one I wanted to base my piece on.

Images 1, 2, 3 

When looking at the traits of a Virgo I discovered that unlike other star signs it is not represented by an animal. Instead the representation of the Virgo is the angelic virgin (as in images 1 and 2). Instantly this was something I felt I could connect with really interestingly on an artistic level. The notion of an angelic creature is something which has been portrayed so many times in all types of media and I wanted to take that and create an obscure or unusual concept of what 'the virgin' or angel is. As in image 2 above, I wanted to show a darker and more sinister side and put a twist on the notion of a character we think we know.

As TV and Film is the aspect of make-up which I want to go into after my degree, I feel it is really important for me to see this make-up as a character concept and creation. I believe this will allow me to become accustomed to the demands of being a Make-Up artist on set with the expectation of me making a character come to life.

I want every aspect of this character to be governed by traits and features of the Virgo, and allow that to dictate the direction in which my character takes. As I wanted to create more of a sinister character I decided to look at some of the less endearing traits of the star sign and allow that to guide me (reference 4).

• Critical 
• Fussy
• Hard to Please
• Straight Talking
• Judgemental 
• Cold-hearted 
• Prudish
• Vain

To add to this lovely list I also began further reading about Virgos being the most likely star sign to be hypochondriacs (reference 5). Although probably not the most scientific read of my life, it is something which rings true for myself as a Virgo and many others I know who share the sign. This is an element which could be almost humorous within certain contexts, so I want to include this but give it an evil twist in keeping with my theme.

The Initial Idea:

My Virgin character is a mythical creature within old legend, which is told to teens in an effort to prohibit their promiscuity. Cold-hearted and prude, she is a hypochondriac who constantly worries about her health and her beauty suffering as a result of it. She believes that the only way to keep her health and youth is to steal and devour the souls of those she believes to be 'impure' and not in alignment with her prudish beliefs. This is her way of ridding the world of 'evil' - and so a paradox is created - the evil woman who believes her work is bringing good to the world (very symbolic of many characters within today's society). This is the character which I have built in my head whilst researching the star sign, which I aim to develop. This concept may begin to alter as I continue my research and I delve deeper into the traits of a Virgo.

References:

1.      1.  Miarczynska, A. (n.d.). ‘"THE VIRGO" - Playing with Wings - Protective Angel for Zodiac Sign’ by Anna Miarczynska. [online] Redbubble. Available at: https://www.redbubble.com/people/annahannahart/works/10458948-the-virgo-playing-with-wings-protective-angel-for-zodiac-sign [Accessed 19 Feb. 2017].

2.       2. Virgo. (2014). [online] Orion35.deviantart.com. Available at: http://orion35.deviantart.com/art/Virgo-490121301 [Accessed 19 Feb. 2017].

3.     3.   Astrological Signs and Meanings. (n.d.). [online] Pinterest. Available at: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/364299057334452511/ [Accessed 19 Feb. 2017].

4.     4.   Virgo Sun Sign - Virgo Qualities and Characteristics - Ganeshaspeaks.com. (n.d.). [online] Ganeshaspeaks.com. Available at: http://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/virgo/virgo-traits.action [Accessed 19 Feb. 2017].

5.      5.  Fox, K. (n.d.). The Ugly Truth About Virgo by Kelli Fox, the Astrologer. [online] The Astrologer by Kelli Fox. Available at: http://new.theastrologer.com/fun/ugly-truth-virgo/ [Accessed 19 Feb. 2017].