I've had this video idea for quite a bit and I'm finally going to film it this week. Possible titles - The art of feeling like yourself: tattoos, earscaping & jewelry tour (feels more "we" vs "me") - Adorning my body to feel like myself: tattoos, earscaping & everyday jewelry - How to finally look and feel like yourself: tattoos, earscaping & everyday jewelry (feels more "we" vs "me") - Adornment at our big ol age: tattoos, earscaping, and jewelry tour Hook I didn’t get my first tattoo until I was 27, and up until three months ago, I had literally one single piercing per ear. For a long time, I think I let fear, expectations, and honestly perfectionism hold me back. But this whole process of adorning my body has really been a journey toward feeling like myself. As I’ve stepped deeper into my identity as an artist, I’ve realized that adornment isn't about vanity. It’s a physical reminder of our worthiness, our value, and how we can align our outer vessel with our highest self. Growing up in a family where people loved their jewelry, gold was never just metal. It’s lineage. It’s how we carry our presence, celebrate ourselves, and connect back to ancestors who understood that the vessel we live in is meant to be honored. So today, I’m taking y'all on a tour of my everyday pieces. The stories behind my tattoos, how I approached designing my earscape, the jewelry I live in and what’s on my wishlist next. And hopefully you'll leave ready to adorn yourself in some new way. Full script available here I'd love feedback on the titles and which ones catch your attention most.

Possible Titles for Long Form Video - Looking for a last minute costume? No Problem! A quick n easy (Halloween) costume & makeup tutorial - Beginner friendly (Halloween) costume & makeup on a budget! - Thrifted (Halloween) costume & makeup tutorial - 5-step fun & easy (Halloween) costume! I put halloween in parenthesis because when it’s not the spooky season, I can remove it from the title so it’s evergreen rather than tentpole... other title ideas and suggestions are more than welcome! *Intro* Looking for a quick and easy guide to creating a fun costume look? Look no further! Today, I’m gonna show you how to create an easy and fun costume look, without breaking the bank! *curiosity gap* *Choosing an Outfit on a Budget* First, we’re gonna start with the outfit… Do you have a piece of clothing sitting in your closet that you bought a while back with the idea of one day wearing it for a special occasion? But it’s mostly been collecting dust because you only wore it once, if at all? Well here’s your moment! Go grab it! Alternatively, choose a piece that simply sparks joy! Or, if you have a little extra time (and money) head to your local thrift store and find the flashy piece of clothing that fits/makes you feel confident. Think of something you may feel is “too much” to wear on a regular day. But remember, don’t break the bank! Try to keep it under $10-15. What are the prominent features of this piece you chose? What are the main colors? We’re gonna use this for inspiration for the make-up. *Makeup on a Budget* Next, if you don’t already have make-up, you’re gonna need to go to your nearest pharmacy to grab some basics (as listed on the screen)… reminder, we’re not trying to break the bank, so the cheaper the better!… I’m not getting paid to advertise, so I’m not naming specific brands… but again, the cheaper the better! * White or the lightest shade of foundation (or concealer) you can find we’re gonna go for a clown look to create a mask effect.

Today's live was AWESOME! Thanks so much to everyone that joined and chimed in! As promised, below is a recording of the call. RE: HOMEWORK - If you haven't turned in homework, that's ok!! I'll be accepting/reviewing homework for part 1 and 2 up to October 31st. In the meantime, please look through the community tab and watch and comment on homework submitted by your course mates! 🔸 FINAL LIVE HANG: Sunday, 10/25 at 1pm pst/4pm est Thanks again for being here and for trusting me with the work you're doing. I'm so proud of you all and can't wait to see what you create as you continue working through the course!!

Hi! My name/creative persona is Minty Musing. Minty is a vibrant and expressive embodiment of my love of color, music, and movement. I deeply admire the artistry of drag and appreciate how empowering/liberating it is to literally recreate and represent who it is you want to be (and how you want others to see/perceive you), through make-up, clothing, and performing (personality/movement/music). This past January, I started experimenting with different techniques, gleaning/taking inspiration from various Drag Race queens, to cultivate my signature style. And thus, through much trial and error, Minty was manifested! She is a reclamation of all the things the world has attempted to dissuade me from becoming and punish me for embracing (especially as a Black woman): vibrant, sexy, and unabashed! My Brand's Why I have a very strong sense of justice and believe in living a life that reflects that. I used to feel as though I also had to do it online and “out loud.” But in the wake of everything that’s happened over the past 7+ years, I’ve decided to put down the proverbial cape and focus my energy and effort into my art (not that art is apolitical, quite the contrary). Some may see Minty as just another "silly girl" doing “ridiculous” make-up (I’ve gotten a comment like this lol), but my hope is that others are able to find in my page/content/Minty another safe space for whimsy and joy. To feel as though they too can live out loud in a world that wants us silent and to fit/blend in. As I embrace my creativity, I hope I inspire others to do the same. Looking Forward I'd love to one day perform in front of a live audience (I am also a dancer!) as well as collaborate with other creative and open-minded people on various projects (choreography, acting, design etc). I also think it'd be cool to facilitate people (who don't typically get their make-up done in such a bold way) discovering another version of themselves through the magic of make-up! I'm envisioning chatting and collaborating with someone as I do their makeup, talking about philosophical and silly things, as we co-create their new persona. For now though, I'm making the most of what I've got and where I am! Currently, just posting to yt, but weighing the pros/cons of posting elsewhere too.

This poem came up in a comment, figured I'd share it more broadly for the group/to encourage others... Our Deepest Fear By Marianne Williamson Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness That most frightens us. We ask ourselves Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God*. Your playing small Does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking So that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, As children do. We were born to make manifest The glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; It's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, Our presence automatically liberates others. *God - creator/universe/whatever you believe in/ascribe to