Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What’s my purpose?” or “Am I really doing what I’m meant to do?” As an aspiring makeup artist, these questions might feel familiar, especially when you’re just starting out and facing doubts about whether you’ll make it. You might feel unsure about your skills or overwhelmed by the endless possibilities of where your career could take you.
But there’s a beautiful lesson that we can take from the Disney Pixar film Soul—a movie that touches on life, purpose, passion, and the importance of doing what you love. The journey of the main character, Joe Gardner, is filled with powerful lessons that are not only inspiring for anyone, but especially for those of us walking the creative path as makeup artists.
Here are some of the most meaningful lessons from Soul that can help you reignite your passion for makeup artistry and push through the struggles:
1. Your Spark Is Unique—And It Doesn’t Always Look Like You Expect
In Soul, the protagonist Joe Gardner is a jazz musician who’s been chasing his dreams of playing professionally. However, when he finally gets the chance, he feels unexpectedly empty. This feeling of emptiness is a reminder that the “spark” we all seek isn’t necessarily the end goal, but rather the journey. The joy of doing something we love.
As an aspiring makeup artist, you might think that your spark is only about landing a big wedding gig or creating that viral makeup tutorial. But Soul teaches us that your spark is more about the moments when you are truly immersed in your craft, enjoying the process of transforming someone’s face, enhancing their natural beauty, and making them feel confident. It’s not just about the destination it’s about finding joy in the little moments.
2. Keep Going, Even When It Feels Like You’re Stuck
One of the biggest challenges we face in any creative field, including makeup artistry, is the feeling of being stuck. It can feel like you’re not moving forward, that the path is unclear, or that you’re not growing as fast as you’d like. Joe Gardner’s journey in Soul is filled with moments of struggle where he feels lost or unsure of what his true purpose is.
But here’s the thing—every makeup artist has been there. Whether you’re feeling frustrated with a difficult client, struggling to perfect a technique, or doubting your creative direction, remember that Soul reminds us that even the toughest times are part of the journey. Keep going. Trust that the experiences you’re going through right now are shaping you into a better artist, and sometimes, the most challenging moments spark the most growth.
3. Don’t Forget to Live in the Moment
Joe spends most of his life focused on one thing becoming a successful jazz musician. However, through his journey in the film, he learns the importance of embracing the present moment, finding beauty in the little things, and not just rushing toward the next big achievement.
As makeup artists, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of building a brand, growing a following, and landing bigger gigs. However, just like Joe, we must remember to live in the moment and celebrate the small victories. Whether you’re perfecting a look for a bride or working on a creative project for your portfolio, take time to truly enjoy the process. Every brush stroke, every new technique, and every little success is a step towards your spark.
4. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect—Just Authentic
In Soul, Joe learns that true fulfillment doesn’t come from perfection, but from authenticity and passion. This lesson is especially important for makeup artists who often feel pressure to meet the standards set by others. Whether it’s Instagram influencers, other artists, or beauty trends.
Remember: you don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to look or act like anyone else. The best makeup artists are those who bring their own unique style and authenticity to their work. Whether it’s your special take on a natural look or your own personal flair in glam, embrace what makes you different. There’s no one else like you in the world, and that is what will attract clients and followers who resonate with your work.
5. Trust the Journey—And Enjoy It
The theme of Soul is all about finding purpose in life, not in the outcome, but in the journey itself. As you build your career as a makeup artist, trust that every step you take, even the small ones, is part of your story. Whether you’re practicing on friends, working with clients, or experimenting with new products, each experience is leading you closer to your ultimate goal.
Even when things don’t seem to go as planned, trust that you’re learning, evolving, and moving closer to your own spark. The most beautiful aspects of being a makeup artist often come from the unexpected, from experimenting and finding what works best for you. The journey will be unique and filled with lessons, but it’s exactly what will lead you to your own version of success.
6. Love What You Do, and You’ll Never Work a Day in Your Life
Finally, one of the most powerful lessons from Soul is the reminder that when you truly love what you do, it won’t feel like work. As an aspiring makeup artist, it’s essential to connect with the love and passion you have for makeup. Whether it’s helping people feel confident, experimenting with different techniques, or simply getting lost in the creativity of it all, let that love drive you forward.
When you love what you do, the challenges feel lighter, the growth feels exciting, and the journey feels worth every step.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Spark Alive
So, to all the aspiring makeup artists out there, take a page from Soul. Your journey is unique, and it’s full of opportunities for growth, creativity, and self-expression. Don’t be afraid to embrace the process, trust the ups and downs, and most importantly, love what you do. Your spark is waiting to be shared with the world, and it’s worth every bit of energy you put into it.
Remember: You are a beautiful, unique artist. Keep creating, keep learning, and never forget to love what you do, because your spark is exactly what the world needs right now.