So I was thinking today (which admittedly tends to not go over well), and I struck upon an idea that seemed ludicrous at first, but as I digested it, it seemed to make more sense. In every field there is a set of standards that folks follow which grant a certain uniformity to the group as a whole. These standards become the shaping trends that all who come into the field must adapt to and follow along with to make their way. If they don’t fall in step with the rest, then they are seen as being ‘out of touch’ or ‘not keeping up’. In the design world, this can break the emerging artist, keeping them from ever finding their audience.
But, if they were to find their step, and pick up their stride among the rest, wouldn’t they be vying for the same audience as everyone else? If everyone is following along the trends of the moment, then wouldn’t said audience either get harder to reach, or their time and attention would be so divided that winning them over would be a crap shoot? So the ‘out of touch’ sect would seem better off. No?
They would be striking a path all their own, against the grain, and the trends of the norm to find a unique voice among the repetitive masses. They would not be burdened by the boundaries of the accepted standards as they set out in their creative endeavors, and so their limitless possibilities would grant them a freedom from an overworked structure that would find them an audience all their own. One of their own creation. Without compromise or any kind of subtle submission. It would take more time to establish yourself, surely, but when you were established, you would be that complete original that stands out. That makes waves. That sets trends?
That’s right. It’s the outside the box thinkers that are so often the trend setters in any circle. The ones who challenge the norm, and stay true to themselves, create new ways and approaches that catch on. They take off and become a standard by which others compare or measure themselves to. So why the mad rush to conform to the trends already set, rather than setting your own? Sure it’s a scary road of ridicule, but doing something different is never easy, and it should always be the goal. Especially in creative pursuits.
So the next time you get flack for not following along with the pack. Or face derision for your ‘out of touch’ decision. Remember, no one ever set any trends by doing the same thing as everyone else. But then again, what do I know? Isn’t it all a matter of perspective anyway? Or am I just out of touch?
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September 19th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
People who set trends tend not to be trying to. “Outside the box thinkers” do set trends. The key, at least in my eyes, is to just do your own thing. Be yourself, and only yourself. Not everyone is a trend setter, but your almost assured of not being one if you set out to be.
I’m not saying people shouldn’t try to be revolutionary or trend-setting, I’m just saying that priority #1 should be to be true to yourself. That’s what the most innovative and freethinking leaders do, they listen to that “tiny voice” in their heads.
I agree, there is a mad rush to conform to societal norms. Thank you for your post, I hope it inspires lots of people to think on their own terms.
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September 19th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Thanks. I didn’t mean to say that people should actively try to set trends. Just that they should strive to not just repeat what everyone says it the way to go. I agree with you, your own thing is the thing to do.
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September 20th, 2008 at 3:32 am
Well-said. I agree.
Most typical members of the societies you refer to are drawn to and interested in ideas and concepts which are different and at least somewhat unknown to them. But only to a certain point. A new or different idea that sparks interest and/or excitement in a society can only be SO new and different. There is a very defined boundary between something different which is still “safe” to adopt and something so different that it is viewed negatively.
Nice article. I admire the integrity and principles you expressed, and also admire anyone living by them. Thanks.
September 20th, 2008 at 7:57 am
well said angie you dont have to be the brightest, best ‘tool’ in the box just have fun doing what your doing!
chris hit the nail on the head ‘be to be true to yourself’
September 20th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Good articles with articulate comparison. Can I inject a thought here? Just because someone maybe bucking the trend(s) and discovering new ideas…. does it necessarily make them good? For example, I want to know who the copywriter + designer team are who started the trend of bad grammar and punctuation? You see, it isn’t just designers; ideas whether good or bad come from everywhere.
September 20th, 2008 at 8:12 am
But there are standards, because they do their job. And actually everybody who works long enough in his sphere, creates his own style unnoticed. Good article, made me think.
September 20th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Angie, good read.
I recently wrote abut this topic as well http://www.8164.org/conformity/
Assuming your article is pointed at web design, here are some of my thoughts.
Chris’ comment nailed it. Coming up with unique designs for the sake of being unique often hinders the end result. Sine web design, is ultimately about designing an end product users will be using.
Web design community is better than ever these days. There are abundant resources for new designers: tutorials, inspirations, etc. However, I feel this is double edged sword. It’s very easy for people to mimic what others do, without realizing what makes a design good at the first place. A good design, or a “trend setter” design is successful because it is good to begin with, not just because it’s unique. As long as people can understand the essence of what makes a particular design good, then mimicking it can still produce nice results.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
This is one helluva article! Thinking in this way is a relief. Thanks
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September 21st, 2008 at 1:19 pm
@ Mona, styletime, Dainis, and Janko - Thanks so much for the feedback and the read!
@ Joann, always feel free to interject. I can has an idea of wut ur meenin! Thanks! And definitely not on your question. It takes more than doing your own thing to make them good, just aware. They are trying to be themselves and express themselves originally, so it will be a process, often of some length, to find that voice that will help them make their mark. But they are more likely to find their singular voice, by setting out in their own direction.
@ Jin, thanks for the link to your article, I am going to check it out later today. Also, I appreciate the thoughtful comments. And you are right, people do need to be able to identify those elements that give a particular piece it’s strength. Again, much appreciated.
Angie Bowen’s last post was… After Effects Delayed
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:53 am
I think Mona made a great point about the negativity issue.
It can be a gamble either way, I mean you could hop aboard the train and go for the ride, perhaps gain some friends along the way, only to be left behind when it comes to a stop. OR you could go your own route, maybe your idea will take off, maybe it will fail miserably, who knows.
Perhaps a combination of the two would work best. As long as you have an understanding of the topic, and you know how to convey your message, you will be in good shape.
Nice post Angie!
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September 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
@ Matt, thanks for joining in on the discussion. Much appreciated.
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September 22nd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Great read! I think it can be a strange thing making something completely new and unseen before, a lot of people just won’t understand it and will question and dismiss it.
I think in many cases, it helps if you have a bit of a following or have proven your skills in the past. People are more willing to accept a new style if it comes from a guy / gal who has made some very pleasing designs in the past.
The things with trends, is that its a safe area. Especially when working with clients, so if you do want to try something new, it’s always best to try it out on a personal project first
Great read and great topic.
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September 25th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
[...] Last week, Angie and Robert were kind enough to write a guest post for MyInkBlog. Their entry focused on design trends and creativity. It’s a real enjoyable read and can be viewed here. [...]
September 27th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Being an out of the box thinker is has it’s advantages and disadvantages and you’ve pointed out those in your article. When you break away from the norm, some would applaud you and some would ridicule you.
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