2023-03-02
Michael Reyes
Design Dispatch, New York
The concept of owning an "aesthetic" has sparked debate among creatives and influencers, with some arguing that it's impossible to truly claim ownership over a style, while others believe that it can be owned and controlled through intentional curation and self-expression. When a personal aesthetic becomes a trend, the original creator may feel their identity and creative expression being commodified, leading to questions about authorship and cultural appropriation.
As creatives, we're often told to cultivate our own unique style. We're encouraged to experiment with different techniques, take risks, and push boundaries to create something truly original. But what happens when that style becomes widely adopted and even copied? Does it mean we've lost control over our artistic voice?
The concept of aesthetics is complex and multifaceted. Aesthetic trends can be influenced by a variety of factors, including culture, technology, and social media. As creatives, we're constantly bombarded with visual stimuli that shape our perceptions and inspire our work. When our style becomes trendy, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and attention that comes with being part of something bigger than ourselves.
But as time goes on, the line between individuality and conformity begins to blur. When everyone is wearing the same aesthetic, it starts to lose its edge. The unique qualities that made our style special in the first place begin to fade away, replaced by a more generic, mass-market appeal. This can be disheartening for creatives who have poured their heart and soul into developing their own distinct voice.
So what happens when your style becomes a trend? Do you lose ownership over it? The answer is complicated. On one hand, having our work recognized and celebrated as part of a larger trend can be a huge validation. It's a testament to the fact that we're doing something right, and that our art is resonating with others. But on the other hand, when everyone is copying our style, it starts to feel like we're losing control over our artistic voice.
When an aesthetic becomes trendy, it can be challenging for individual creatives to maintain their unique identity. The pressure to conform to the latest trends and styles can be overwhelming, especially for those who are just starting out in their careers. It's easy to get caught up in the idea that if we can just create something that fits in with the current trend, we'll be successful.
But this approach can lead to a homogenization of style, where everyone looks and feels the same. This is not only unfulfilling for creatives who value individuality but also limits our ability to innovate and push boundaries. When we're all creating the same thing, there's no room for experimentation or taking risks.
Moreover, when an aesthetic becomes trendy, it can also lead to a loss of personal satisfaction. As creatives, we pour our hearts and souls into our work, only to see others replicate our style without giving us proper credit. This can be disheartening and make us question the value of our own creative efforts.
When an aesthetic becomes trendy, it's not just individual creatives who are affected – the entire industry is impacted. The fashion, art, design, and even music industries all rely heavily on trends to drive sales and interest.
Trends can be a powerful tool for marketing and advertising, but they also have a darker side. When everyone is wearing the same aesthetic, it's difficult to stand out from the crowd. This can make it harder for new talent to break into the industry, as well as limit our ability to innovate and create something truly original.
Furthermore, when an aesthetic becomes trendy, it can also lead to a lack of authenticity in the creative process. When everyone is chasing the same style, we start to lose sight of what's truly important – creating art that resonates with others on a deeper level.
In conclusion, while having our work recognized and celebrated as part of a larger trend can be a huge validation, it's essential to remember that individuality is at the heart of what makes us creative. When an aesthetic becomes trendy, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and attention that comes with being part of something bigger than ourselves.
However, we must also recognize the risks associated with trends – the loss of personal satisfaction, the homogenization of style, and the impact on our ability to innovate and push boundaries. As creatives, we must strive to find a balance between embracing trends and staying true to our artistic voice.
Ultimately, it's up to each individual creative to decide how they want to approach their work in relation to trends. Some may choose to ride the trend wave, while others may opt to forge their own path. Whatever the case, it's essential that we prioritize our unique style and artistic voice above all else.