Finding Inspiration

Sometimes as an artist you may find it hard to develop a concept or feel like your art is becoming repetitive and stagnant.  As makeup artists we can only give the good old "smoky eye" so many times before we need to make a twist. So, as with any art, it is good to flood your system with new inspiration to keep your craft new and fun, and who knows what new trend you might start.

If you find yourself getting stumped or bored with your work try some of these methods for mustering inspiration:

- Observe your surroundings.  You may be surprised what could spark an idea.  Those mini-blinds on your bedroom window, the colors reflecting on the wall from the restaurant lighting, the texture of a new dress are all things you can find a way to translate into your creation.

- Research fellow artists.  Study other make-up artists and their work.  Begin to recognize their unique style and how they manage to branch out beyond that to create unique looks for every project. Try and put your own take on their classic looks.

- Immerse yourself in other art forms.  Don't just focus on make-up artistry.  Listen to new genres of music, go see a musical or ballet, catch an art show, read a book.  New interests can lead to new inspiration.

- Partner up.  Don't feel like you have to work alone, bouncing ideas off someone else is a great way to grow a new project.  Collaborate with a fellow make-up artist or photographer or designer and help one another. Come up with a project for yourselves and set a deadline.  Build your portfolio and help your art community at the same time.

- Experiment.  Test out different mediums like painting or sculpting or drawing.  Purchase new products from a cosmetics line you've never used before and practice new looks.  Attempt a look you have never done before. Online tutorials are a great way to test the waters.

- Change your perspective.  Look at a painting upside down.  Zoom in to an almost microscopic level of a plant.  Limit your focus to only one element of a pattern. Use color combinations that you never have before. Let the world be your muse.

- Take classes.  Never assume you know it all.  Take make-up seminars.  Take art classes.  Take computer classes so you can learn to design looks virtually.  All experience is good experience and relatable in the art world.

- Research other countries.  Not every country is sporting the same make-up, clothing, and hair styles we are in the United States.  Gather inspiration from their choices, who knows where your art might end up?
       *Scandanavia
       *Bulgaria
       *Italy
       *Sweden
       *New Zealand
       *Bangladesh

Never get too comfortable with your medium.  You should be constantly evolving just like the art world.  New materials are being invented, new methods are being developed.  Boundaries are being pushed every day.  Don't get left behind.  Always push yourself.