The Final Word: Truth Beyond the Mirror

Behind the Magic of Hollywood: The unsung heroes of the set—lighting, camera, and crew—bring the vision to life, one frame at a time.

For over a decade, makeup has been my art, my passion, and my voice. I built my career painting faces, telling stories through color, light, and texture, and chasing dreams that many said were too big to grasp. My journey took me from Japan to Los Angeles and back, with my work gracing magazine pages, ad campaigns, and runways. I’ve lived the highs, weathered the lows, and stood in awe of what creativity can achieve when met with relentless effort.

But as the curtain falls on this chapter of my life, I feel compelled to share one final truth—a truth I wish every aspiring creative could understand.

The Illusion of Validation

The creative world has always been about pushing boundaries, whether it’s on a fashion campaign set, behind a camera, or with a brush in hand. But today, the pursuit of art is at risk of being overshadowed by the pursuit of validation.

Social media has turned creativity into a numbers game. Likes, comments, and shares now dictate what’s seen, celebrated, and valued. This chase for digital applause can feel like progress, but it’s often hollow. Real fulfillment in art comes not from external approval but from internal growth, discipline, and the courage to create something meaningful.

Cristiano Ronaldo once told a young player, “Playing Fortnite doesn't make you a Ballon d’Or winner.” And he’s right. Watching social media or chasing trends won’t make you a master of your craft. True success is built away from the spotlight—in quiet, focused moments of practice, persistence, and passion.

Engaging the Senses: The Forgotten Source of Creativity

Image: Behind the scenes of AG jeans campaign—creation where vision meets texture, sound, and motion—reminding us that art is born not just from ideas, but from the sensory world around us. You can’t experience it by looking at a computer.

In a world dominated by screens, it’s easy to forget the richness of the physical world. Yet, creativity often starts with what we touch, hear, smell, see, and taste—the five senses that connect us to life itself.

When I held a brush in my hand for the first time, it wasn’t just about the final look on the model’s face. It was about the tactile experience of the tools, the faint scent of makeup products, smell of coffee and cigarette, and the hum of energy on a bustling set. These moments weren’t just background noise—they were the soul of my process.

True artistry doesn’t happen in isolation from the world. It grows in the interplay between the senses and the imagination. Whether it’s the feel of fabric in a fashion shoot, the sound of a camera’s shutter, or the golden light of the late afternoon, the physical world provides endless inspiration.

But there’s more than just the basic five senses. Creativity also taps into what some call a sixth sense—intuition. This is the quiet nudge that tells you when something feels right, even if you can’t explain why. And beyond intuition, there’s a seventh sense: connection. This is the ability to transcend yourself and feel part of something greater, whether it’s a team, a shared vision, or the universal language of art.

In a time when so much is reduced to pixels and clicks, reconnecting with the physical and sensory aspects of life can be a radical act. Let the world around you feed your creativity. Open yourself to its textures, colors, and rhythms. In doing so, you’ll find that your art—and your life—feels more alive than ever.

The Mountains We Climb

When I started, my dream was to work on global campaigns, to see my artistry on billboards and in magazines. I worked hard and achieved those dreams, but what I remember most isn’t the applause. It’s the climb—the process of honing my skills, overcoming challenges, and growing into the person I am today.

In today’s creative landscape, it can feel like the mountains have disappeared, replaced by a flat, endless digital plain where everyone’s shouting to be heard. But the mountains are still there. They’re just harder to see amidst the noise. And they’re not found on your feed—they’re within you.

The Legacy We Leave

The Heart of Storytelling: Collaboration and creativity come together as actors, both young and experienced, breathe life into the script under the direction of a visionary.

As I close this chapter, I’ve realized that legacy isn’t about the work we leave behind; it’s about the lives we’ve touched, the lessons we’ve learned, and the courage we’ve shown in pursuing our passions. This website is a showcase of my journey as a makeup artist. Now, it stands as a testament to the deeper truth I’ve discovered:

Art is not about fame or recognition. It’s about connection, growth, and authenticity.

The journey through creative pursuits, collaborations, encounters, and discoveries is the true luxury people crave in a mundane life.

If you’re reading this and feel lost in the noise of today’s world, know that your path is still yours to create. Turn off the distractions and your phone, tune into your craft, and climb the mountain that calls to you. It’s not about reaching the top; it’s about the person you become along the way.

What Comes Next

This blog marks the end of a retrospect of my journey as a makeup artist and the beginning of something new. While I’m still figuring out the shape of this next chapter, I’m excited to explore it with the same passion and dedication that brought me here.

To everyone who’s supported me, inspired me, or followed along —thank you. Your encouragement and participation have meant more than words can express. And to those still finding their way: keep going. Your mountain is waiting.

Creativity is a force that transcends boundaries, and though the platforms and trends may change, the essence of art remains eternal. Let your passion guide you, but never forget to prioritize the moments and people that matter most.

Good luck, and Thank you!

The Creative Rebels, Diplomats (NF Types), and Explorers (SP Types) in MBTI.

We are the "Les Enfants Terribles" of this world—misfits, visionaries, and disruptors born into a society that demands obedience and mediocrity. They’ve tried to tame us, mold us, and convince us that our way of thinking is flawed. But the truth is, they fear us.

Why? Because we don’t just live outside the system—we threaten its very foundation.

A System Designed to Exclude Us

This world—the so-called "Matrix"—runs on a simple formula: conform, produce, consume, repeat. It rewards predictability and punishes deviation. Its greatest fear is someone who refuses to play the game, someone who dares to ask: What if there’s more to life than this?

That’s where we come in. Those of us who live for creativity, authenticity, and deeper purpose stand as a stark reminder that not everyone can be reduced to a cog in the machine.

We don’t fit neatly into society’s boxes.

• We question where others comply.

• We create where others consume.

• We seek meaning where others chase validation.

This makes us a liability to a system that thrives on sameness.

The Isolation of Being Different

Living outside the norm comes at a cost. In a society built for conformity, solitude often becomes the price of individuality.

We look around and see a world where most people are trapped in cycles of frustration—complaining about their bosses, their bills, their meaningless routines. And yet, they stay. They settle. They call it "normal."

For us, this "normal" feels like suffocation. Our refusal to settle isolates us, not because we’re flawed, but because the majority cannot understand a life that isn’t driven by fear or obligation.

We need connection, yes. But not just any connection. We need people who see the world the way we do: as something to challenge, transform, and reimagine.

Creativity as a Weapon

Image: Les Enfants Terribles (Jean-Pierre Meville, 1950) from sense of cinema

If the system fears us, it’s because of one thing: our creativity. Every time we create, we chip away at the illusion of control.

Whether it’s through photography, art, writing, or any form of expression, we’re reminding the world that there is another way to live—a way that values beauty over profit, meaning over efficiency, and individuality over conformity.

This is why they downplay the arts, why they strip funding from creative pursuits, why they tell us that art won’t pay the bills. They know the truth: creativity is rebellion. It’s freedom. And it’s contagious.

Reframing Solitude

The world will tell you that being alone is failure. That if you haven’t followed the traditional path—career, marriage, mortgage—you’ve somehow fallen behind.

But let me tell you something: solitude isn’t failure. It’s power. It’s the space where revolutions begin.

When you’re alone, you’re free from the noise of conformity. You’re free to think, to create, to plan. Solitude isn’t a punishment; it’s a forge where the strongest ideas are born.

And while the masses may find comfort in their routines, we find strength in the knowledge that our lives are not defined by anyone else’s expectations.

Living as a Threat

Image: Andy Warhol, Jean-Luc Godard, Quentin Tarantino, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and David Bowie are often labeled enfants terribles.

We are not here to blend in. We are not here to follow the script. We are here to disrupt, to create, to make the world uncomfortable.

• When we create art, we challenge the commodification of beauty.

• When we reject the rat race, we expose its futility.

• When we embrace our solitude, we remind others that freedom starts within.

They can try to marginalize us, ignore us, even vilify us—but they cannot silence us. Our existence alone is proof that the system isn’t all-powerful.

A Call to the Enfants Terribles

To those who feel out of place in this world: you are not broken. You are not lost. You are the reminder that there is another way to live.

You are the threat they didn’t see coming.

So don’t apologize for being different. Don’t soften your edges to make others comfortable. Embrace your role as a disruptor, a creator, a rebel. The world may never fully understand us, but it cannot exist without us.

We are the ones who dream. The ones who dare. The ones who remind humanity that life is more than survival.

Stay defiant. Stay creative.

Your life purpose may seem unclear, but your mission is very simple. You were born to challenge, to provoke, and to inspire.

Not to conform, but to disrupt.

The Ethics of Middle-Aged Men in Makeup Artistry

Photo by Luca Iaconelli  https://unsplash.com/@luxdamore

As someone who spent a decade in the beauty industry, I’ve been reflecting on a question that doesn’t get talked about enough: is it ethical for middle-aged men to continue working as makeup artists, particularly when their clients are young models, sometimes teenagers? It’s a sensitive topic, but one worth exploring.

Makeup artistry is an intimate profession. It requires physical interaction—touching a model’s face, applying products, and working up close. For most people in the industry, it’s a normal, professional part of the job. But when a middle-aged man is doing makeup on like teenage girls as example, it introduces layers of complexity that we can’t ignore.

The Responsibility of Understanding

To be a good makeup artist, technical skills aren’t enough. You need to understand the mindset and emotions of the people sitting in your chair, especially women and young girls. Their feelings, boundaries, and comfort matter just as much as the final look.

This is where I start to feel uneasy. As men age, there’s a natural shift in how we’re perceived and how we interact with the world. Middle-aged men working in close proximity to young, impressionable models need to be hyper-aware of the potential for misunderstandings or discomfort. If they don’t take this seriously, it can cross into territory that feels ethically questionable—or even outright wrong.

Is Passion Enough?

I get it—some people might say, “I love makeup, and I’m just doing my job professionally.” But is loving makeup enough? Does it justify continuing to focus on the same niche for decades, even as your life and perspective evolve?

Think about other creative fields. Many photographers, for example, start their careers shooting models or fashion editorials. But over time, their focus often shifts to landscapes, street photography, or more meaningful, human-centered stories. This evolution reflects not only personal growth but also an understanding of how their craft connects to the world.

For male makeup artists who remain focused on teenage or young adult clients as they age, I can’t help but wonder: is this genuine passion, or is there a lack of introspection about the ethical implications?

What Women Feel

Let’s not forget that makeup isn’t just about artistry—it’s about the person in the chair. Young women and girls already deal with so much: societal pressures, self-esteem issues, and the vulnerability of being in a highly visual industry. As a middle-aged man, do you really understand how they feel?

This isn’t just about technical skill. It’s about empathy, respect, and ensuring your presence is never intimidating or uncomfortable. Women are not just canvases for your art; they’re people with emotions, and their comfort should always come first.

Time to Grow

I believe there comes a point when every professional should step back and ask themselves: am I growing? Am I evolving? For middle-aged men in the beauty industry, this might mean rethinking the kind of work you do. Maybe it’s time to focus on something broader—training new artists, going management side, working with mature clients, or exploring other creative avenues. Just for your convenience, models are not part of your collection to be exploited.

Sticking to youthful glamour just because it’s familiar or enjoyable can come off as stagnant or even tone-deaf. It risks signaling a lack of awareness about how your role in the industry should adapt as you grow older.

Final Thoughts

The beauty industry is built on trust, creativity, and respect. As professionals, we have a responsibility to uphold these values at every stage of our careers. Nobody wants to be seen as a psycho or a pervert—those labels can easily stick when we fail to recognize the fine line between professionalism and behavior that makes others uncomfortable.

It’s essential to reflect on how our work impacts those around us and to ensure that we never blur the line between crime and professionalism. Growing as an artist also means growing as a person.

And to male fashion photographers: don’t think this conversation doesn’t apply to you. It does—perhaps more than anyone else. If you fail to respect the power dynamics on your set, if you exploit or intimidate, you’re not just complicit—you’re culpable. There’s no excuse. Fix it, or get out.

Let’s evolve together, making this industry not just beautiful, but also ethical and safe for everyone.

Just remember, identifying when to quit is also professionalism.