by Lon Levin, BFA and Gregg Masters, MPH
"As an artist, standing out isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about tapping into your authentic self. Let’s explore how to focus on what truly matters in your creative journey." Lon Levin
The Trap of 'Trendy Art'
In today’s ever-evolving art world, it’s tempting to follow the latest trends, hoping to catch the wave of popularity. The logic seems sound—create in-demand work, generate sales, and gain recognition. But let’s pause for a moment. Chasing trends can often lead artists down a sterile, 'me too' rabbit hole of frustration, creative burnout, and, ultimately, work that feels disconnected from their true voice.
Years ago, I fell into this trap and sad to say more than once. I was commissioned to illustrate a series of twelve children’s books in a style that wasn’t my own. The paycheck was generous, so I said, “Why not?” By the time I reached the 11th book, I was completely disconnected from the effort and rather burnt out. Worse, I realized this 'detour' hadn’t advanced my career nor deepened my connection to the true north of my artistic expression. It was an unpleasant but necessary life lesson: creating inauthentically sourced art isn’t sustainable.
Finding Freedom in Authentic Expression
The turning point came when I stopped prioritizing style over substance. I asked myself, What issues matter to me? What do I want to communicate through my art? This introspection led me to explore new materials and styles, not as an end goal but as tools to express my worldview sometimes 'cooking' beneath the surface of my conscious awareness.
The result? A burst of creativity. I began producing work that resonated deeply with me and, as it turned out, with others. My art gained attention, landed gallery spots, and even sold well. While I couldn’t put my finger on a singular “style,” there was an undeniable through-line in my work: a theme of “Controlled Chaos.”
This concept wove through pieces about water pollution, cultural displacement, and marginalized communities. It became a reflection of my personal values and perspective.
Should You Choose a Specific Style or Medium?
Here’s the bottom line: creating art isn’t about standing out by mimicking what’s popular. Instead, it’s about digging deep to uncover your unique viewpoint and communicating it authentically. Style and medium are secondary—they’re simply the vehicles for your message.
When you work from the inside out, your art naturally stands apart. It reflects who you are, what you care about, and how you see the world. That’s the kind of work that attracts attention, inspires others, and, most importantly, fulfills you as an artist.
Practical Tips for Artists Seeking Their Path
Reflect on Your Passion: What issues or ideas light a fire in you? What matters to you? Let this heart-space anchor be the foundation or NorthStar for your work.
Experiment Without Fear: Try different materials, techniques, and styles. Let exploration guide you.
Ignore the Noise: Trends come and go, but your authenticity is timeless. Focus on creating work that feels true to you.
Find the Through-Line: Look for recurring themes in your art. They often reveal your unique creative identity.
Final Thoughts
My journey into artistic expression has been and remains a deeply rooted personal, 'nonlinear' journey. Finding that 'throughline' can often require considerable archeological digging into your soul and psyche before revealing the gold. It’s not about fitting into a box or keeping up with the 'Joneses' (or Picassos for that matter). Instead, it’s about connecting with your truth and communicating that vision to the audience. When you embrace this organic mindset, your work will naturally stand out—because there’s no one else quite like you.
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