Category: Industry & Global Trends
-
Akshay Ruparelia: Britain’s youngest millionaire at 17
-
A Foray into Frieze New York 2021
It was very heartening for art lovers across the globe to see the Art Frieze 2021 held at The Shed in Manhattan from 5 May to 9 May 2021, two years after the last edition. Though the majority of viewers preferred to view the displayed artworks via the Frieze Viewing Room, there were many who chose to visit the largest art fair in New York onsite.
The world as we knew it, now has undergone a complete readjustment post-pandemic. The art world is no exception to this rule. The good news is that in small pockets around the world, where the pandemic exists in a sort of subdued version, people are moving out of their homes and trying to revive life with all cautionary measures and safety protocols in place.
Here is a selection of ten artworks that were outstanding in terms of their craft, or the price they commanded or the sheer magnificence of the art pieces.
1. New York-based Sean Kelly Gallery sold an intricate work on paper by Shahzia Sikander, titled Mirrored (2019), for $125,000. The acclaimed Pakistani- American artist is celebrated for expanding and subverting pre-modern and classical, Central and South-Asian miniature painting traditions. She has formulated the genre of neo-miniatures by merging traditional and historical practice with contemporary international art practices.
Shahzia Sikander, Mirrored, 2019, Sean Kelly Gallery, Frieze New York, 2021
2. Jorg Grimm of the GRIMM gallery sold Daniel Richter’s 2021 creation Mainness (2021) for €200,000, amounting to over $240,000. The flamboyant German artist is best known for his large scale oil paintings, created with fluorescent shades and bold brushstrokes. The subjects of his art are usually seen as rebellious and completely in a state of mental disarray.
Daniel Richter, Mainness, 2021, GRIMM, Frieze New York, 2021
3. A six-panel painted folding screen by Hernan Bas commanded a price in the range of $350,000 to $400,000, and was taken by a European collector. Sold by Lehmann Maupin, this magnificent panel created in acrylic on linen mounted in a birch-wood frame with fabric backing is another of the artist’s tribute to literary works by Arthur Rimbaud, Oscar Wilde, and Joris-Karl Huysmans. Hernan Bas paints androgynous subjects in their path to sexual self-discovery amidst rich gothic landscapes and his works are evocative and emotional.
Hernan Bas, The Suspect, 2021, Lehmann Maupin Gallery, Frieze New York, 2021
4. Amongst one of the bestselling works, was William Kentridge’s spectacular Waiting for the Sibyl, (Comrade Tree, I report to you) (2020). Represented by Goodman Gallery, the artwork was sold for $700,000. The South African artist creates scenes from post-apartheid concerns plaguing his nation with finesse by drawing and then erasing charcoal, creating a very surreal effect. He also creates videos of the looped images thereby revealing the methodical manner in which he reworks the drawing step-by-step.
William Kentridge, Drawing for Waiting for the Sibyl (It’s too late now), 2019, Lia Rumma, Frieze New York, 2021
5. Hauser & Wirth sold Rashid Johnson’s painting, Bruise Painting ‘Blue Bird’ (2021), for $750,000. The American artist’s oeuvre covers critical analysis of racial and cultural identity, African-American history, and mythology. Evolving from conceptual photography, Johnson eventually moved on to create paintings, sculptural installations, as well as assemblage with unusual materials such as shea butter, books, records, and incense.
Rashid Johnson, Bruise Painting ‘Blue Bird; 2021, Hauser & Wirth, Frieze New York, 2021
6. David Zwirner’s solo booth featured paintings and sculptures by American artist Dana Schutz. Known for her vibrant canvases that ironically show violent comic figures, her body of work is both celebrated and analyzed by critics and connoisseurs alike.
Dana Schutz, The Ventriloquist, 2021, David Zwirner, Frieze New York, 2021
Dana Schutz, Sigh, 2021, David Zwirner, Frieze New York, 2021
7. The Stephen Friedman Gallery from London had created a pop-up booth in Chelsea featuring portrait paintings by the British artist Sarah Ball, best recognized for her figurative art.
Sarah Ball, Anthony, 2020, Stephen Friedman Gallery, Frieze New York, 2021
Photograph by Todd-White Art Photography
8. Georg Baselitz, represented by the Thaddaeus Ropac gallery, sold his painting titled Dienstag Schönwetter, 2020 for an astounding €1,200,000.
Georg Baselitz, Dienstag Schönwetter, 2020, Thaddaeus Ropac gallery, Frieze New York, 2021
9. Francis Picabia’s spectacular oil on canvas entitled ‘Edulis’, ca. 1932 went for over $5,000,000.
Francis Picabia, Edulis, 1932, Michael Werner Gallery, Frieze New York, 2021
10. Another distinguished voice in sculpture is artist Karon Davis. Her work, Jasmin 3 was presented by the Wilding Cran Gallery. Her work resonates with imagery of strong feminine characters, including both real and imaginary figures.
Karon Davis, Jasmin 3, 2021, Wilding Cran Gallery, Frieze New York, 2021
Image Courtesy: All the represented Artists and Galleries, and Todd-White Art Photography
Find more about Frieze New York, Artists, and Galleries:
https://www.frieze.com/fairs/frieze-viewing-room
https://www.shahziasikander.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jorggrimm/?hl=en
https://www.lehmannmaupin.com/artists/hernan-bas
https://www.mariangoodman.com/artists/49-william-kentridge/
https://www.hauserwirth.com/artists/2830-rashid-johnson
https://www.davidzwirner.com/artists/dana-schutz
https://www.stephenfriedman.com/artists/75-sarah-ball/
https://ropac.net/exhibitions/114-georg-baselitz-descente/
https://www.michaelwerner.com/artists/francis-picabia
-
Education, Passion, and the Journey of Self-Discovery
“No one ever talks about failures! I will. They are most important on the learning curve; if you haven’t failed, you haven’t tried!”
Abraham Lincoln once said, ” In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
There is more to a career than just work! There is more to education than just degrees! education is a journey, not a destination. It is not a degree you get at the age of seventeen, then at twenty-one and maybe again at twenty-seven; neither is it a credit card which gives you access to the world of fame and success. education is knowledge; and knowledge must be used to better our lives, to empower us. What good would it be to be an efficient doctor, but one that indulges in domestic violence in the privacy of their home? Or, to top every examination, only to end up a slob? Education is the key that opens doors to newer horizons and shuts them on failures.
No one ever talks about failures! I will. They are most important on the learning curve; if you haven’t failed, you haven’t tried! Failure is a judgement you set on your actions. For example, if I want to start a food truck, but am incapable of consistent good quality food, or retaining good staff, or handling money wisely, or simply have no idea about being an entrepreneur! It is still better to jump in and learn from failures, rather than to stand on the sidelines like a fence sitter. It is the battleground on which the human spirit grows! Every time you discover what you don’t like, you get closer to what you do like! Attitude is key! In life, Attitude and Gratitude are the keys to creating a life of value! One could be a famous doctor, lawyer, chef, actor, or scientist and be able to command attention from the vantage point of success. But what good is it if it cannot impact and inspire the world? Finally, all great men are those who impact the world, who mentor youth to be the best version of themselves! We all are unique and discovering what is special about us; discovering where our talents lie, where our passion lies is a journey – a journey of self-discovery! Education gives us the ability to grasp and learn and understand that no one is inferior to the other.
“We all are unique and discovering what is special about us; discovering where our talents lie, where our passion lies is a journey – a journey of self-discovery!”
I work a lot with youth of all ages, from age 5 to age 75 (yes! Those with a youthful spirit are still young!) and I always caution them, a career you need to have, to do. But in so doing, do not lose the passion that is born of the spirit! That colors your life! I know an excellent eye surgeon, who is also a passionate singer and guitarist. He brings the same zest for life to his work. I hear Mozart when I sit in his clinic and I always see a smile on his face! His passion drives his life, not just his career. And he is a travel buff; I tell all young people, “Please travel, by train, by car, by plane! Anywhere… keep the adventure of discovery alive! The closer we embrace the world, the more of her gifts she bestows on us!”
And who says, a career and passion can’t go hand in hand?
And who says, one can’t change a career after 50!?
And who says, life is written in stone…
Next time you go into Starbucks, ask them for a double shot of passion with your Espresso!
- The article was originally published in Career Ahead April 2021 issue.
-
A Musical Journey
“It requires authenticity on the part of the guru and respect, dedication, commitment and obedience by the shishya to gain knowledge in the best possible way”
My musical journey began at home when I started learning the violin at the age of seven from my grandfather, my guru, Pandit Joi Srivastava. He was a musician class apart and is one of my greatest inspirations. I always had a musical environment at home and some of my oldest memories are of watching my grandfather teach other students. Hence, learning the violin came very naturally. The roots of this legacy come from Allahabad, where my grandfather was born.
My grandfather became my mentor and guru. The guru-shishya parampara is the only way to learn Indian classical music in India. The violin being a string instrument, I followed the legacy of living in the guru’s house and learning the art form directly. It requires authenticity on the part of the guru and respect, dedication, commitment and obedience by the shishya to gain knowledge in the best possible way.
My training in Hindustani music went along side by side with my school education. In 1986, I had the opportunity to play in the UNICEF orchestra curated by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. 1992 was a special year when I joined India’s premier rock band Parikrama. Indian classical violin playing in a rock outfit gave the band a touch of fusion music, which was very successful. The nineties saw huge changes in the Indian music scene, when albums were beginning to be made solely for pop musicians, along with music videos. Punjabi pop and independent musicians also made a mark. New music channels as well as cable television gave further momentum to these developments in Indian music. Being a part of Parikrama at this time was a great learning experience for me and helped me create my own fusion band. In 1999, I formed my fusion / world music band Mrigya. This gave me the freedom to experiment with different genres of music, and I experimented with our own beautiful Indian Raagas with different genres of music. Our unique sound of Raag-based fusion was hugely popular. Immediately after our first concert we received an offer to perform at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe festival in 2001. The band had a successful tour and we got a 5-star rating and won several awards. Our unique sound gave us many international tours.
Read the full article here in our April 2021 issue.
-
STEM vs. STEAM: Preparing Our Youth for a Well-Rounded Future
“Play has become measured, creativity is stifled by regiment, and cooperation has been replaced with competition. Statistics say that 20% of youth will experience clinical depression before they reach adulthood”
Ask a 50-year-old how they recall spending their childhood days and they will likely recount stories of mud puddles, hopscotch, climbing trees, paper dolls and bicycles. Ask a 20-year-old how they recall their childhood, and their answer will almost assuredly be decidedly different. Most likely, if you ask a Gen Z for a ‘day in the life’ they will recount structured practices… piano, ballet, baseball, karate, even coding (or all of the above), over abundant homework, standardized test prep, and measures to demonstrate high achievement to attract admission to top prep schools or universities. Play has become measured, creativity is stifled by regiment, and cooperation has been replaced with competition. Statistics say that 20% of youth will experience clinical depression before they reach adulthood. Are we accelerating our future by hyper-preparing our youth to be critical and analytical thinkers? Or, are we killing the right-brained creative thinking, essential to out-of-the-box strategies which drive business growth and differentiation?
With the push towards STEM-based education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and recognizing that STEM is more critical than ever in this digital age, we are also rapidly diminishing our non-digital creativity. Exposure to art and music in school is shown to improve motivation, concentration, creative thinking, problem solving and teamwork. Students who are exposed to regular physical activity perform better in school, have better grades and enhanced critical thinking processes, are better behaved in the classroom, and are better equipped to stay ‘on task’. Art connects youth with the community, their ethnicity, and the wider world, accelerating their capability for empathy and tolerance. All these results attained from exposure to the arts will enhance, not diminish, our STEM-based education system.
“Exposure to art and music in school is shown to improve motivation, concentration, creative thinking, problem solving and teamwork”
Rather than STEM, our global focus must shift slightly to STEAM. The ‘A’ in STEAM represents liberal arts, language arts, social studies, physical arts, fine arts, and music; all of which help to prepare students for a lifetime of performance, allowing them to have the emotional intelligence, skills and perspective provided by the arts. Learning to paint, play a musical instrument or mindlessly mold a lump of clay helps to alleviate the symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, improving memory and reasoning. It allows our brains to be quietly awake, rather than running at full capacity throughout our awake hours. Scientists are now studying what effects our constant exposure to digital technology and the Internet have on the brains of youth, understanding that the brain is not fully developed until roughly the age of 25. We are seeing critical areas of concern in the mental behavior of youth in terms of concentration, memory processes and social cognition, leading the WHO (World Health Organization) to recommend that we limit screen-time for children under the age of five to one hour per day. A study by Medical News Today reports that when researchers looked at digital multitasking, the evidence showed that doing multiple things online did not improve people’s ability to multitask elsewhere. In fact, it could make them more likely to pay attention to new distractions.
“[T]he limitless stream of prompts and notifications from the internet encourages us towards constantly holding a divided attention — which then, in turn, may decrease our capacity for maintaining concentration on a single task,” explains Joseph Firth, senior research fellow at Western Sydney University’s NICM health research Institute.
Further, studies show that our memory is greatly affected by exposure to the internet. Previous generations had to store facts mentally, and today, what we once had to remember, is now available at our fingertips with a quick Google search. The antidote to these stressors on our memories is the integration of the arts into the daily routines of children, providing critical food for our brains, enhancing and refining our cognitive memory abilities. When we step away from a device and spend even a small amount of time feeding our brains through creative activities such as sketching, we enhance critical thinking and decision making, thereby increasing a person’s intelligence.
“Art connects youth with the community, their ethnicity, and the wider world, accelerating their capability for empathy and tolerance. All these results attained from exposure to the arts will enhance, not diminish, our STEM-based education system”
“The critical and analytical thinking of STEM, combined with the creative thinking of STEAM, would ensure that we are developing a generation of well-rounded, empathetic, out-of-the-box thinkers, capable of blending humanity with technology”
Art allows us to use creativity and imagination to increase the development of STEM’s essential skills, enhancing flexibility, adaptability, productivity, responsibility and innovation – all required skills for a successful career in any field of study. The critical and analytical thinking of STEM, combined with the creative thinking of STEAM, would ensure that we are developing a generation of well-rounded, empathetic, out-of-the-box thinkers, capable of blending humanity with technology. STEAM education is about applying creative thinking to STEM projects, igniting and inspiring students to use their imagination and creativity through the arts, and applying these skills to STEM subjects. Studying art subjects contributes to the development of those essential skills for collaboration, communication and problem-solving. It also enhances a student’s flexibility, adaptability, productivity, responsibility, and innovation. All these skills are required for a successful career in any field of study. If we can find a way to balance the arts and the sciences, mankind, for generations to come, will be full STEAM ahead.
-
Making the Most of Online Learning
In a relatively short time-span, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed education in ways that we could not have imagined possible in such a time frame. From preschoolers to undergraduates, students of all ages have had to get used to seeing their teachers on a screen – attending virtual classrooms, submitting projects online and even taking tests online.
Online classes have been a part of our reality for roughly three decades now, making learning accessible to a greater number of people than ever before. With improvements in technology and connectivity, the market for online learning has grown phenomenally in the last few years. No longer limited only to higher education, it was gradually being incorporated into curriculum universally. As advances in online learning techniques made online feedback and assessments a reality, online learning became a two-way dialogue rather than a static, didactic method of teaching; and when the pandemic struck, it became a necessity almost instantly.
Teachers and students have had to adapt and quickly learn to take online classes effectively and efficiently. The learning curve has been steep for everyone involved, but the upside is too great to ignore – education would be at a standstill if technology had not progressed enough to enable online classes.
There are some challenging aspects of learning online; and here we have compiled is a list of things to help improve your experience.
- Maintain a routine, as you would for regular classes – wake up on time, have breakfast and shower before you settle down to attend your classes. Treat your online class as any regular in-person class, as far as possible.
- Be on time, or preferably early – Plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the software tools that will be used for your online classes beforehand. Learn how to mute your audio and control your camera, how to raise your hand or signal to indicate you wish to speak, how to send a private message; these are part of basic etiquette for online sessions of any kind.
- Be mindful of what others can see and hear – ensure that the background is appropriate in case your camera is switched on during the class. Make sure that others in the vicinity are aware that you are attending a live class.
- Create a dedicated study area – This can help you focus on your studies when it’s time for class and help disconnect when it’s not. Try to choose a quiet spot with minimum external distractions. Make sure it’s not too comfortable (like a bed or cushy sofa). Keep your books and stationary at hand; stay organized to avoid wasting time while the class is on.
- Take notes – You may think that all the information is available online and you can skip this; however, the purpose of taking notes is not merely to record the class, but to put the material in your own words, thereby boosting retention and comprehension.
- Avoid multi-tasking – distractions and switching between tasks can cause mistakes, it tires you out and hampers proper retention. It can be tempting to get some other work done while listening to your lecture, but that’s likely to backfire. Research shows that focusing on one activity at a time increases productivity.
- Make a note of deadlines and test dates; check your email regularly to stay aware of any possible changes in the schedule for classes, projects or tests. It’s easy to miss things when you are at home if you do not have a daily reminder to check your messages.
- Be prepared for connectivity issues – Try to optimize your internet connection; hard wiring to your router is the best option. If you are on WiFi, sit as close to the router as possible. Do not panic if you lose your internet connection. You can also keep your smartphone as a backup.
- Have realistic expectations – With everyone thrust into this situation with no advance notice, teachers and students alike have had to learn on the job. Remember that teaching this way is most likely a new experience for your instructors as well. Be patient, and don’t panic at minor setbacks.
- Get to know your teachers – If possible, introduce yourself via email. It’s nice to have a personal connection with your instructors, and if there are no in-person classes, it may be difficult for them to see you as anything but a name on a screen. Making an effort to connect with them can only be an advantage. Ask questions and speak up in class when it is appropriate to do so. In case you fall behind or need help, ask for it. Asking for help shows a genuine interest in learning, rather than simply attending and passing a class.
- Connect with your fellow classmates – Get to know the other students in your class. Exchanging notes can be helpful to let you know whether others are on the same track or facing similar issues as you. Creating an online study group with other interested classmates can be useful to resolve queries and keep track of deadlines. Being in sync with classmates can prevent you from slacking off. Connecting with others also helps break monotony and reduce stress.
The world is waiting to go back to ‘normal’ and to see the end of this pandemic. But, in the meantime, there’s a lot to be thankful for in terms of technology and innovation that has allowed life and education to continue unabated.
The article was originally published in Career Ahead January 2021 issue.
-
An Insight Into Design and Architecture
I stepped into Interior Design with a rosy picture of beautiful things and beautiful homes, but very early in my career I discovered that to be a successful interior designer, many more skill sets are required, it’s not just about design…
I was lucky to have had the opportunity to design the luxury train ‘Palace on Wheels’; that said, I realize now that I was quite young at the time and did not at first realize the intensity of the project. Overnight, I had to start interacting with ministers, bureaucrats, government and railway employees and the media! I also discovered what government red tape was all about. I think somewhere in the back of my mind I knew that this project would not be easy, but in spite of that I was not ready for what hit me! The project had to be designed and executed in a span of five to six months. The train was booked to run on a specific date. There was no grace period, no buffer days. Still, in spite of all the constraints, we came out hugely successful. This project taught me discipline, how to multitask and work round the clock for high pressure projects. That same year, ‘Palace on Wheels’ was nominated as one of the best three trains in the world. Soon after this project, we designed another luxury train for Gujarat – ‘The Royal Orient’, which was an even more challenging project than the first.
During this time I often felt that I had bitten off more than I could chew, but I soon discovered that there was still more to come. ‘The law of attraction’ seemed to be doing its job! I enjoyed a good challenge so it seemed that’s what the universe had in store for me.
The next project that came my way was in the deep interiors of the jungles of Madhya Pradesh. My client was a wildlife enthusiast, but because he was based in London I was left to handle the project on my own. I was the only woman on site, having to guide a workforce of three hundred men for six months, tucked away in the interiors of the jungles of Kanha.
A construction site is very different to a resort in the jungle. Resorts are well maintained so that you don’t accidentally trip over wild life! With all the digging we undertook, we had hundreds of tiny scorpions crawling around every day. The land was infested by scorpions! Snakes, including kraits and cobras, abounded; and the cherry on the cake was our very own ‘in-house’ python, which lived motionlessly on our 27 acre site!
This is just a sneak peek into some of the challenges that one comes across in this industry – but the rewards are tremendous! The learning experiences are amazing. Walking through the narrow lanes of quaint towns and exploring all the craft and culture of this country are experiences that cannot be matched. I met many amazing people, all through these challenges. I met karigars (artisans), contractors, consultants, environmentalists, conservationists and artists. I was blessed with fabulous supporting clients; clients who, in fact, taught me about the importance of being a responsible designer.
Design and architecture can initially be overwhelming, but learning the trade slow and steady is the key. Pacing it out also makes it fun. One also has the option of branching out into one specific area of design. I know of many talented Architects and Interior Designers who have chosen to specialize in specific areas of design such as furniture design, lighting, art, landscaping, drip irrigation or providing sustainable and green options to clients. Each of these areas is very challenging, fun and economically rewarding.
My first architectural project
Over the years I have come to the conclusion that a good interior designer needs to have a clear understanding of architecture, and vice versa. I often take breaks from work and travel, and I was on one such break when I was offered a project which I could not refuse. I had no staff, so I hired a single draftsman and just the two of us went on to design what turned out to be one of my favorite projects. It was my first architectural project but it matched the standards of the best in the industry.
Some sensible choices towards design
I don’t think we, as humans, should burden the planet any further. Even ancient practices that were used to energize spaces, such as Feng-Shui and Vastu, consider cluttering the house as inauspicious. A minimalistic approach, using designs and materials that are everlasting and can be handed down generations, recycling of products, using materials that are biodegradable, nontoxic and organic and consume energy and water in a responsible manner are some simple ways to reduce the carbon footprint and build a sustainable and sensible world around us.
- The article was originally published in Career Ahead January 2021 issue.
-
World of Modern Beauty Entrepreneurs
We all know how beauty entrepreneurs and influencers have taken the driver’s seat when it comes to captivating people’s attention with innovative contents, make-up techniques, beauty hacks, product reviews and marking tremendous impact in the world of beauty business. Beauty market is growing at a phenomenal pace in India and spreading its roots stronger every day. Men, women, girls or boys all have come to the same platform of looking glamorous and personal grooming lately has been widely accepted like never before. Large numbers of global brands are eyeing on Indian market these days and major international salon chains and cosmetic brands are making their way to Indian market rapidly. We all know beauty has a way of capturing attentions and thanks to willing and growing consumers who have educated themselves on the latest trends and fashion. The changing market conditions and international trending beauty industry bolstered the demand for highly competent beauty professionals who can take the key positions as make-up artist, Hairstylist, Trainers, bloggers, retail managers for cosmetic brands, retail beauty consultants, aviation groomers, TV/film industry, Theaters, video albums, Netflix series, freelancers, and the name doesn’t end.
The world of beauty entrepreneurs has many pathways, here are few out lines for aspiring modern-day entrepreneurs for a successful future ahead.
Importance of Professional Certification: No matter whatever key roll you pursue to be in future the utmost importance is being professionally trained from any major well stablished academy and highly experienced trainers. Creative visions are seeing things that others tend to miss; this curiosity to examine things from all the angles may lead to discover more creativity. Look for exclusively designed curriculum which offers intensive conceptual practical study and training for a make-up artistry/hair styling professional course, and emphasize on highly professional trainings. Aspirants need strong visual understanding for a creative approach, market research and definitely a lot of hard work is required. If the question is who can apply the answers would be everyone and anyone willing to stablish there career as a beauty entrepreneurs. The aim of such program is to develop make-up professional and elevate interpersonal skills so that students can adapt confidence to the changing demands in people oriented industry.
Scope of professional courses:
Major academies are providing diploma and specially designed course in two categories; one is Bridal make-up and hairstyling and second is fashion editorial make-up which includes body art, prosthetic and many more. After specialization make-up professionals work either as freelancers or in the industry of media, advertising, cosmetic retail, and entertainment industry for theaters, movies/TV series and even work for designers to create a certain look for models, fashion photographers. They can even go beyond being beauty consultant; Asst. make-up artist for a well stablished professional artist, having their own makeup studio, or being beauty bloggers, beauty trainers, celebrity make-up artist and the list goes on. Opportunities are wide spread and endless, it all depends on the aspirant’s caliber and knowledge to take the best advantage of becoming a part of this billion dollar beauty industry.
What to expect from yourself: Becoming a great make-up artist and successful in the same professional field is eventually everybody’s dream but to achieve one has to work on skill sets which comes through knowledge, exposure and practice. Practice and only practice is the only key to success therefore one should never stop practicing on skill sets such as different face shapes, skin texture, skin tones, eye shapes. Hence the more practice can only bring perfection. There are more ways of gaining experience which includes working backstage at fashion shows, assisting stablished make-up artist and collaborating with other upcoming budding professionals like stylist, photographers, designers and people in other creative fields.
As a beauty professional myself I’m always being asked one question mostly, “Why should I get a certification course when I can learn from You Tube, beauty bloggers, beauty influencers and make-up videos? Well I would like to show the bigger picture here. First thing first, there is nothing wrong if you want to be self-taught and learn from these platforms but these can only guide you to a certain level i.e. for your daily routine in make-up and skincare and an update on how to use a new product which has been recently launched in the market. Not to forget we are living in an era where the competition is tough and industry is demanding and if you are planning your way to step into the industry of beauty professionals then professional education in the stream is vital because having a certificate shows your recognition of a valid professional eventually leading to many projects, clients and opportunities in future.
Off lately I’m been asked one question which surpasses all the questions “There are so many make-up artist in the industry what will be my chance to survive and getting opportunities”. Undoubtedly the number of people opting for a career as a make-up artist has massively increased in the past few years but that doesn’t say there is no future rather it shows the future is much more brighter, market will never stop with more new immerging national and international brands marking opportunities in the beauty business which is endless moreover people adopting grooming has become a part of their lifestyle and its growing every single day. The hard work put into your craft and wise investment never goes in vain.
The famous – Estee Lauder once said- I never dreamed about success, I worked for it.
Well I would like to say here- Dream about success and eventually work for it.
-
Intrinsic Motivation in Career Choices
Careers today are different from what they used to be a couple of decades ago. Family businesses are no longer the norm and venturing into novel fields is relatively common. Students can study whatever they are interested in and pursue their dream jobs. However, you will find that many professionals today are not keen on settling in their initial jobs, which is primarily due to the absence of inner motivation and a sense of purpose.
A common occurrence seen in colleges and universities is that students show a preference for taking courses in science and engineering subjects. These subjects are presented to them as the ideal choice for career prospects. The reality, however, is that the scope of careers within these fields is limited to one’s interest in the defined subject-areas. This occurrence is not just limited to science, it applies to various fields that students are often pushed into because they either lack the grades to qualify for the course of their choice or lack the support to take on something that lies outside their social standard.
When these students are faced with the daunting task of choosing a suitable career path, they experience mental health and stress issues before they even start giving job interviews. They feel confused because they concern themselves with finding the ideal career path for success instead of thinking about the ideal path for themselves. The answer, however, can be found by looking inside ourselves and understanding our personal motivation and interests.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a psychologist and author of the book ‘Flow’, studied creative and accomplished people for over a decade. He concluded that genuinely creative people work for work’s own sake – that fame was just a bonus for them. What drives accomplished professionals, more than rewards, is the inner desire to contribute and create order where there was none before.
Csikszentmihalyi states that when we are intrinsically motivated, we pursue every task with the highest degree of concentration and passion and often get lost in our work. Therefore, it is extremely important to find out where our interests lie because that is where we will discover our purpose and inner motivation, which will also help us strive for success and maintain our well-being.
Read the full article here in our January2021 issue.
