This week’s post comes from advice I have diligently followed for the past two years. It is advice I have heard from numerous authors and a few who are dear to me. It was only in this recent career that I have seen the full effects of taking such advice.
Stepping into the makeup and fashion industry was a truly daunting experience. Mainly due to the fact that I was unqualified and spent many of my ‘younger’ years going to university. I chose to step into this path because, as cliche as it sounds, I wanted to follow my passion. Many books will tell you not to follow your passion and many will tell you to follow it. This one book, Cal Newport’s So Good They Can’t Ignore You, explores the notion that passion isn’t something to be followed. Instead, you get good at something, so that you develop a certain passion for it, and then truly enjoy your job. (P.S. That was a poor summary, please go out and read it yourself). After reading it, I decided to venture into improving my skills in makeup because I knew it was something I enjoyed as a kid and had a small talent for in my later years.
Fast forward to 2018, and you’ve got me blowing all my money on the right things. I wanted to get better and improve myself in this field. I made the decision to invest in my education from masters and learn techniques from working industry people. I vowed to disregard all the noise about new products, new ‘techniques’, fads, and trends. Instead, I tunnel-visioned on the classics, the timeless techniques and the skills that would get me to my goal. I realised that all the fads and new products were just improvements on what we already had. So, it was efficient to learn straight from the source.
Countless books, numerous masterclasses, and a once-in-a-lifetime mentor program has got me to where I am today. There is no need to know what tool someone is using, what their favourite product is, whether they’re going to contour/highlight you.
It’s pointless having all the tools and not knowing what to do with them because you didn’t learn the technique. - Amber Moxey
A good friend of mine said that above quote and it really stuck. Stop asking these great makeup artists what they are using. Instead learn, watch and ask GOOD questions on how they got there and what their journey was like. Everyone starts from zero and they all invested in themselves to become successful.
I am forever grateful to all the people who have helped me on this journey, who continue to inspire me everyday. I absolutely love expanding on my knowledge on this field as it makes me love it even more!