One of the hardest (but most rewarding) things about being a makeup artist is creating something stunning from a blank canvas. You have to use your imagination and knowledge of the setting (whether an editorial shoot, television production set, or wedding ceremony) to create the perfect look for your client. It’s no easy feat, but once inspiration strikes, you’ll be left with a breathtaking piece of art.
But what if you get stuck? Creative blocks are all too common for artists in any field. The key is to remain calm and take a step back. Immerse yourself in nature, listen to your favorite music, or scroll through your idol’s Instagram feed. Inspiration is everywhere. Get your creative juices flowing by observing the world around you. Here are some of the best ways to find makeup inspiration when things just aren’t clicking.
Find Your Muse
Who ignited your passion for makeup artistry in the first place? Return to their social media accounts, videos, or photographs and focus on how they perfected every little detail. Have you fallen in love with another stylist since you began your journey as a makeup artist? Review their past work and ask yourself why they made the decisions they did — for example, why did they go with a smokey eye and faux freckles? By observing (and critically thinking) about others’ works of art, you’ll quickly find the makeup inspiration you need to create your own masterpiece.
Read the Media
The best way to keep creative blocks at bay is to review your favorite media regularly. Whether it’s print magazines or social media, these sources will help you stay up to date on all the latest trends, events, and inspiring professionals. When you routinely absorb these incredible examples of makeup art, you’ll be able to create the perfect look for your client with ease.
Attend Seminars & Take Classes
Of course, you can’t use the makeup inspiration you’ve gleaned from your idols until you’ve perfected the techniques. Consider attending seminars and workshops to gain new knowledge. And note that the best way to advance your career is to sign up for makeup programs from a reputable and world-renowned academy like The Makeup Academy. The experienced instructors will teach you how to create looks for a variety of applications and ensure you have an endless supply of inspiration.
Pay Attention to Fashion Week
Fashion Week is a global event that determines the landscape for the beauty industry in the upcoming seasons. During this week-long event, fashion houses display their latest innovations through a runway show. The media then shares these looks with the world, creating buzz and transforming everything from high-fashion to makeup artistry. If you need inspiration to create makeup art, review images from the most recent shows, paying attention to the makeup looks as well as the fashion itself. Makeup inspiration can be garnered from an innocuous dress seam or vibrant color combinations — you never know where ideas will be hiding, so keep your mind open!
Study Movies & Television
Some of the greatest sources of inspiration are right at your fingertips. Rewatch your favorite movies or television shows to find inspiration for your signature makeup looks. Observe how the characters are dressed, how they style their hair, and how they wear their makeup. What do these things say about the character’s personality or how they view themselves? Be sure to also pay attention to how the character’s makeup enhances (or stylistically clashes with) their outfit. Once the movie or episode is over, your fingers will be itching to pick up a makeup sponge and mascara wand.
Find Your Inspiration at The Makeup Academy
Often, the best way to find makeup inspiration is to just keep practicing. As you attempt different looks, you’ll begin to learn what works and what doesn’t. Don’t be afraid to push yourself and make mistakes — everything you do is a learning opportunity, and you’ll only be better for it.
Do you know the best place for practicing various makeup techniques? At The Makeup Academy, of course! Here, you have the freedom to experiment and find inspiration from some of the best professionals in the industry. You’ll learn how to build a makeup portfolio, create looks for photoshoots, and sanitize your makeup tools, among other things! What are you waiting for? Register for classes today!
