Zanita Zanita

As the blogoshere is relatively new ground for me I thought I would ask around for some advice on how to succeed in cyber world. What is not new is my appreciation for a beautiful face. Couple it with a strong, independent and intelligent mind and I,m gone. Hence why I married my wife Michelle.

I have noticed this wining combination in a fellow blogger, a fashion blogger, Zanita Whittington, author of zanitazanita. Zanita happens to be one of those impressive souls who are blessed in more ways than one. Not only does she have a cool name, Zanita is a model and photographer as well as a successful blogger. So it was to she that I went for help.

Being a very beautiful women, I wanted to know about her make up must haves, but I instead focused on the subject at hand, blogging. Make up will wait for another time.

'So Zanita, how long have you been blogging?' 'I've had my blog for two years now.' 'What is your inspiration?' 'I find fashion exciting. It's always changing and evolving, You gotta stay in touch to remain relevant.' I know what she means. It's the same with make up. Each time a do a new course or masterclass there is a new trick, a reinvention of an old one or a rule to break in some inventive new way.

Model, Photographer and Blogger! Which brings you the most joy and satisfaction? That's a tough one! They are definitely all connected and I couldn't be successful in one without the other. I've been a model first and its been such an incredible ride and I've learnt so much from it but now photography is the thing that I'm most passionate about. That being said working as a model with an amazing photographer is such a buzz and can't really compare to being behind the lens. Its so different.

Does the aforementioned trinity feed itself in some kind of perfect circular way, gaining contacts and work from one pursuit and passing it on to another? Absolutely, I feel so lucky that my foray into photography has been so a smooth transition. It's essential to be known within the industry.

As a blogger what would you say has been your single best evidence of recognition from your followers? The comments I receive from my followers are the only recognition I need to motivate me to continue to blog and provide original content. Its the reason I do it and I'm so grateful.How many followers do you currently have? I really have no idea, a few thousand subscribers but possible more that check my blog irregularly.Can you please give me some advice as to how to best expose my own blog and increase the followers? Post regular and original content, network with other bloggers and give your blog an appealing layout. Having a look through my blog is there any advice you could give me? Probably just to develop your layout, readers respond more to imagery so include more pictures around. Observe some of your favourite blogs and websites and go from there.

So it's time to do as Zanita says and give you more pictures. For 2011 I am going to focus on getting gorgeous girls in amazing make up and taking great shots for my blog. Maybe Zanita will oblige as both photographer and model, on separate occasions. We'll see.

Quite often you stories from other make up artists about the genesis of their calling to make up involving playing with their mothers or sisters make up. I can hardly remember my mother wearing make up. I do remember this bright shade of crimson lipstick she would wear on the the very rare occasion she went out. To me it was add odds with my perception of her so had rather the opposite effect to inspiration. My sister is younger than I am so no inspiration there either. My inspiration came from the impossibly distant images of Jerry Hall and watching Miss Universe on TV. My wife wears make up out and to work, but as little as she can get away with. If she didn't have to she wouldn't. So for as long as I can remember I have felt a bit like I'm on an island. But wait, on the horizon I can see a ship carrying long awaited hope in the form of my daughter, a girly girl for sure with any eye for fashion and a passion for make up. Oh and did I mention how beautiful she is!

Rock N Roll Rae

OK, so can life get any better? My recent adventure assisting Rae Morris is still putting a smile on my face. To spend time behind the scenes with a Make Up Artist of Rae's calibre is inspiring to say the least. For me it was life afirming. I know that working with make up is what I really want to do. Watching Rae not only put make up but also a huge smile on the faces of women is a wonderful thing. It is not only Rae's amazing and seemingly effortless work that has me and all others in the studio smiling it is Rae herself. Watching a person working with the likes of Jason Capobianco whilst her agent shows her a newly released o/s edition of vogue featuring her work and discusses her plans for a book signing in the city on the weekend, as celebrities walk through the door and hug her with warm familiarity and channel seven are on the phone to go over her appearance on the Morning Show is enough to overwhelm anyones senses, however Rae does it all with a mixture of precision, grace and most impressively sincere modesty. Being an observer of Rae's work, for a long time I have known she rocks, now having spent time with her I love the way she rolls as well.

M.A.C. Aye!!!

I have been to the Edinburgh Festival and the Tattoo. I have worn a kilt to a Rugby match and my Grandfather was in the Scotts Guards but dare I say I have never been more in love with all things Scottish than with M.A.C.'s latest offering. I know I regularly rave about M.A.C. I am sure it has something to do with how enthusiastic Nicole Thompson is when I'm lucky enough to see her at the Paddington Store. This time is no different. M.A.C.'s Tartan Tale range has me doing a highland fling, och aye!!

Of course there are the gorgeous colour pallets. My faves are Pigment: Moon Light Night, Eyeshadow: Enviably Fun and Lipstick, Cut a Caper and Full Fuschia. I can't wait to play with these. I need to find me a red haired lassie soon and get some shots up for you.

The packaging is cool as always and the combination bags are a great idea.

Oh and boy oh boy I love the head shot of the model with heart stopping red hair. Thank you M.A.C. thank you!!