Makeup Inspiration: A Guide for Professional Makeup Artists to Fuel Their Creativity
Makeup artistry is a profession that is built on the foundation of creativity. The rise of new beauty trends, unique makeup application techniques, and diverse makeup products are proof of the everlasting evolution of the beauty industry, including makeup artistry. No matter if beginners or an experienced creators, makeup artists should thrive to remain knowledgeable of fashionable trends that are making waves worldwide. Whether it’s knowing intricate details of commercial fashion, such as heel height and dress lengths, or designing modern makeup studio aesthetics. But, in terms of borrowing inspiration, how exactly are modern makeup movements and art connected?
Remaining on trend is one part of the equation, as it’s also essential to understand the history and origins behind a specific trend. You see, when makeup artists expand beyond beauty products, they are introduced to a world of art, impeccable craftsmanship, creativity and imagination. Inspiration can be drawn from all forms of art that could guide makeup artists into creating their next big design. For example, just by observing the basic principles of art and art history, makeup artists can refine their color-matching skills and improve overall color theory when creating makeup looks. But art does not have to be the only source of inspiration.
This awareness can be gained as a result of watching a large number of films, examining cinematography, visiting museums and galleries, studying history, and expanding knowledge in performaning arts as well! Amongst other more tangible visual works of art helps to improve your style and visual perception, which can be translated into life-like makeup compositions.
It is very important to develop this awareness without losing touch with your own unique personality and creativity. Stay true to your work, your vision, and create a recognizable aesthetic and niche that is characteristically you. The background knowledge of art forms can inspire you to push your vision forward and expand your creative boundaries. Remember to not copy all features of a given art piece, but instead to draw inspiration from the little details that captivate your attention. Don’t forget to surround yourself with beauty. For example, browse through the Instagram pages you follow and remove those that lack a spark of inspiration or passion.
Also, pay attention to your environment and surroundings - where do you create? Every makeup enthusiast knows how important it is to have a special place in your home to apply and store your makeup. However, creating a beauty area that is organized and stylish can be challenging – especially if you’re limited in space. The good news is, there are many ways to create a makeup room in your home that does not require spaciousness. To help you get started, Redfin reached out to makeup and beauty experts from New York, NY, to Los Angeles, CA, including us - Online Makeup Academy, to share our best tips and tricks for small makeup studios. Check out our tips on Small Makeup Room Ideas to Incorporate in Your Home, and keep on reading to explore more artistic inspiration for your work!
Why does a makeup artist need to be aware of/familiar with art?
To work more efficiently and with originality. Exposure to art and its surroundings can increase one’s knowledge and positively influence the work process. The more visual materials passed through your memory, the easier and faster you can make decisions. Instead of looking at a task straight on, you can use your newfound understanding of art to broaden your horizon and create multiple alternative approaches in your head.
To understand trends. In the world of makeup, new trends and styles are drawn from various sources, whether it’s fashion or even street architecture. When we embrace ourselves in diverse environments, we refine our design taste and develop our intuition for trends that will become relevant in the near future. Thanks to your intricate knowledge, you can become a trailblazer in the world of beauty, creating trendsetting makeup designs before your colleagues have a chance to catch up!
To boost your creativity. New ideas can arise from existing concepts. Art history will help you deepen your theoretical knowledge of design and inspire you to think outside the box.
To improve your professional assessment. The more you surround yourself with different forms of art, the easier it will become for you to objectively analyze your work. With the help of visualization comes the understanding of what is misaligned in some of your creative works and how to amend the details.
Fashion blogs and glossy magazine covers have become more inclined to encourage the notion that beautiful makeup looks are created through immaculate observation. In its essence, the act of observation involves the recognition of style, harmony, relevance and creative balance. Proper observation is not an innate skill nor a rare talent. It is actually a skill that can (and must) be developed.
Here is how we can develop our observation skills.
Determine who inspires you (bloggers, stylists, other artists, performers, musicians, etc). Whose images attract your attention and eyesight? Form a feed or page dedicated to your style inspirations - no matter if it’s individual blogs or Instagram accounts – and make sure you can be exposed to fresh images and batches of inspiration every day.
It doesn’t matter if you like to receive new information by browsing through print magazines or looking at phone screens. What’s important is to find the media you trust and read regularly. By having access to up-to-date information, recent trends, interesting events, and popular names in the industry, you will have the opportunity to refine your style preferences and your sources of new designs.
Online courses, makeup seminars, and beauty workshops are all beneficial places for new inspiration, where you can search for innovative ideas, follow the tips of professional artists and gain unique knowledge in your field.
Visit exhibitions and museums. Even virtual museums can bring a fresh essence that could change your perspective.
Fashion Weeks are global events that have the power to define the style vector for the entire season. Try to view at least a couple of fashion shows from world-famous fashion houses, and indie designers that are breaking grounds in the industry.
Watch more movies. First, enjoy the plot of the film! Then, go back and pay attention to the cinematography, the color palette, the juxtaposition of makeup, hair, clothing choices and the overall ethos of the film.
Visit online platforms such as Behance, Dribbble, Pinterest, and Artstation where creative content is published every single day.
Paying attention to details is the key to refining your artistic immersion. Examine the image you like and think about what exactly inspires you, how the image is formed and how it provides a sense of completion. At first, you can use these images as influences in the literal sense (by replicating a makeup look), but with time and experience, you can analyze the framework and internal structures of the image and what makes it truly interesting. Incorporate this knowledge to create your individual approach to makeup artistry.
It is important not only to look, but to ask yourself the necessary questions:
Why do I like this art piece?
If something has attracted your attention, then ask yourself the question: what do I like about this work, and what would I improve? You can start by simply evaluating the piece from a ‘like’ and ‘dislike’ positions. Following the initial impressions, you can go deeper into the complexity of the piece.Why did the artist choose this specific approach?
Whenever analyzing, try putting yourself in the shoes of the artist who created the artwork. Why did they decide to use these colors and this style? Why and how is the visual hierarchy built? How does this artwork influence its target audience?
Another professional tip, is to keep a bookmark of the good ideas you stumble upon. Did you see a beautiful website layout? Add it to your bookmarks! Did you come across a cool illustration – pin onto your Pinterest board! Accumulate your sources of inspiration for whenever you need to use them and never waste your precious time in the search.
Awareness is useful to all Makeup Artists, from commercial to creative. Every artist should be aware of global trends, new products and the optimal way to use them in their application process. Understanding the framework of makeup looks comes down to observation and perception. Personal style is evolved through the study of visual art. This process is essential for creative makeup artists that constantly require to generate a large variety of makeup looks and designs. It is also imperative to retrospectively investigate art, in order to predict new trends waiting to bloom in the near future.
Immersing yourself in the diverse world of art will allow you to expand your artistry, become the next trendsetter and be a constant inspiration for your clients and peers!