Seeing Beyond Doubt: Embracing the Benefits of a Creative Circle

Several years ago, I was in a relationship with another Special Effects Makeup Artist. He was brilliant, extremely hard working and talented…but deeply insecure. This manifested in many ways, but one of the most damaging was His approach to other artists. The moto seemed to be to keep them as far away as possible to protect his “secrets” (spoiler alert, we have so much to learn from one another!). Unfortunately, I adopted this philosophy while I was in a relationship with him. And to my own detriment, it only led to stagnation. My first real taste of being surrounded by like-minded creatives (besides university) was when I began competitive bodypainting in 2014. What a revelation! Instead of making me feel small and insecure, I felt seen and encouraged. (Yes, even in a competition setting!)

A few years later, I left that relationship and moved to Atlanta to better my film career and discover my own creative path. That’s when I found myself surrounded by brilliant Makeup Artists and other creatives who totally changed my life! How sad to live in a bubble where you only see others as a threat and not as an enhancement to your creative community. I have learned so much since moving to Atlanta and am constantly inspired by my creative peers.

I’m so lucky that I had the courage to leave that self-imposed box and jump out into the world, where I was able to meet inspirational humans who shared my passions. Contrary to the view of my ex, who felt like these types of people would only be competition, I found a new community of friends and people to share my ups and downs. People who understood my unique life path and who were constantly encouraging and uplifting me.

If you only have suspicious eyes, everyone is a threat. But when you have an open heart, you will find other like-minded individuals who share a similar life philosophy as you. So, let this be the encouragement you need to find your tribe, don’t be afraid to see others as peers instead of competition. You’ll be richly rewarded.