Keeping it Fresh

How do you stay inspired? I think we can all admit there are times where there is not one creative bone left in our bodies. I know I have and it is difficult to inspire and motivate others when you’re in a rut. Aspiring artists want a creative jolt just as much as you do. You dig down deep and you exhaust your thoughts to come up with something no one has ever seen or heard before (not likely, but definitely worth a try). There is nothing worse than showing up to an editorial shoot and having to create something “new”, “fresh”, and avant garde. So what do you do?

Keeping it fresh is not difficult, it is just a variation on a common theme, fabulousness, with influences that can come from very unconventional and intentional places. Here is a list of some of my favorite sources of inspiration:

1. International Magazines

I read domestic publications too but nothing is better than Italian Vogue! Check out fashion magazines from other countries like Australia, South Africa, France, U.K, Japan, and Germany. The treasures you can find on these pages are delightfully surprising. Not only will you see unbelievable fashion but an inside look of beauty through the eyes of different cultures.

    2.  Start a Look Book

Beauty professionals are visual. Keeping a digital look book of photos that give you goose bumps just makes sense. I have a folder on my computer that contains images that I have collected online; the bedazzled Louis Vuitton pumps, the Michael Kors watch, a textured clutch, a random woman wearing orange lipstick, a floral pattern via Liberty of London. It doesn’t have to make sense. Over the years I have learned to look at images with greater detail. I see more than just a dress, it is more about the way it drapes, the direction of the lighting, the shades and tones of the hues in the background, the hardware of the handbag, or the creamy lipstick and the individual lashes applied perfectly in the middle of the lash line. It is always a good to have a visual point of reference that may help you fulfill the needs of your clients.

     

    3. Travel

Reading international magazines is not the only way to see international beauty trends. Why not see it for yourself? I was in Rome, Italy earlier this year.  I was observant of the women in the city of how they dressed and the makeup they wore. I even found a great Italian makeup line, KIKO Cosmetics (http://www.kikocosmetics.com). While in Rome you can’t miss all of the awesome architecture and historic museums. This was an amazing opportunity for me and I can say Michelangelo and Bernini inspired me to be an artist with purpose.

    4. Go Back, Way Back

How many times have you watched Mahogany and marveled at Diana Ross and her many transformations? I’ve seen it millions of times and it’s like the first time every time. My favorite era is the 70’s. Beautiful bronzed skin, white eyeliner, metallic shadows, and gloss, lots of gloss. Going back in time with the help films, books, and photos is a great way to get refreshed. Every season is a reminder of time passed. A great challenge would be to master key elements of beauty icons’ signature looks such as, Audrey Hepburn’s eyeliner, Marilyn Monroe’s red lips, and Joan Crawford’s eyebrows.

This is just the beginning of a great ideas to keep you inspired. Writing about inspiration has got me inspired. I want to hear what your thoughts are so we can expand the list.