As an artist, it is important to understand the true value in trends. These are not simply momentary internet fads that give select people five minutes of fame that fades away with the arrival of the next one. These are crucial for your networking as an artist and your ability to become top-of-mind with your audience. With a trend, you can create a piece that belongs to more than yourself, but also to the entire community who enjoys it.
Don’t Be a Follower
Now, it’s easy to take what was just said and assume that we’re encouraging you to make a recreation of another piece. However, to ‘hop on a trend’ would be to create something inspired by the thematic artwork involved in said trend. There are many trends that go in and out of fashion, but never forget that there was always someone who set each into motion. There was a time when any given trend wasn’t chic, but someone made it so because they genuinely believed in their idea - so what’s stopping that person from being you?
If there is a trend where people are painting self-portraits with the lights dim so they can’t decipher what colors they are using, it’s completely fair game for you to do the same with your work. You can even take inspiration from this trend and turn it on its head, by doing the same painting but of your dreams instead of a self-portrait. Don’t ever try to be just like another artist because you were made different for a reason. You are at your best when you are your genuine self.
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Trends can be wonderful for when you have an art block or just feeling like jumping on the bandwagon, but don’t let them intimidate you! Just because everyone is participating in something, it doesn’t mean that you yourself need to be involved as well. The culture of today is important to keep tabs on, but not a strict rule guide of how to express yourself. The wonderful thing about art is that it can be whatever you want it to be, so color outside the lines and look at trends as an option - not a requirement. And hey, if you’re doing something completely different, who knows? Maybe you’ll be setting the next big trend!
Never out of Style
We haven’t suggested any trends here because they are changing constantly, but one amazing idea that never lost its sparkle is renting a studio space for creating your artwork. Hey, you need a creative hub somewhere! Complete an application today and see which AmFab studio space is right for you!