Ever wonder what the next big thing is going to be in the creative world? I’ve noticed that it tends to go from one extreme to another. Everything from interior design to graphic design. Take for instance fonts. One year it is all sans serif, lowercase fonts. The next it is all caps, serif fonts. We see it on both web and print. I’ve had clients even ask me what is the popular current trend. It is easy to simply jump on the bandwagon with the latest craze, but is that what we should be doing? Following the leader? The answer is no. I personally think it is good to see what is out there and then do your own thing–different.
Some more examples I have seen: First there was the collage of photos done in Photoshop, then came the single large photo, then it was the typography as the star, up front and center with no imagery. One leader that many seem to be copying is Apple. Everyone wants to look current, not outdated. So they start to design like everyone else.
What’s the big idea? I believe the best designs are those that stand out, are unique, and get results. So what is so unique about the latest fad that everyone is emulating? Maybe the answer is to see what is hot now, and do the opposite…or maybe we can just think for ourselves and use other channels of inspiration. The challenge is on!
I had a neighbor who shared your belief. In a world of the fully pants-ed, he dared to be pants-less. Of course he’s now doing 10-20 in Folsom. But still.