Stylish Vs Trendy
In contemplating various aspects of the music industry, I feel there is a distinction that must be made when it comes to producers of all artistic output. There is a world of difference between being stylish and being trendy and we should define them as such! We often blur the line between the two, but the stylish person is one who uses their art form as a means of original creative expression. The trendy person simply picks up on fads and produces imitations of that which has already been done.
Style is something that comes from within and reflects the unique qualities of the individual, while trends tend to be unoriginal and uninspired. If you really want to see the difference played out in everyday life, consider the people around you and how they dress. Some will buy all the latest clothing and accessories and style their hair in such a way as to fit the mold of the popular image they want to convey. Now think of a person whose clothes are a direct expression of their personality, perhaps even a bit unconventional, but you can’t help but recognize their flair for their own unique fashion sense.
Whether you’re into music, art, writing, fashion or some other creative industry, your approach will depend on your ultimate goal. Perhaps all art draws inspiration from something that has come before it, but style is authentic and creative in the use of that inspiration, whereas trends are simply cashing in on what’s already popular for personal gain. If a person is simply interested in making money or gaining followers on social media, then being trendy will likely be their natural route. You can recognize something as trendy because there is nothing original or unique in its presentation. Every aspect will be manufactured and a deliberate copy of something else.
If you aim to be the trendsetter then the work you produce will come naturally and will burn from within. Your motivation will be your passion and the inability to silence that which cannot be contained. It will be an overflow of the essence of who you are, what speaks to you and resonates with you personally, not what appeals to the taste of others.
Marketing strategies may be used to promote the work in either case, but trends set out to attract the established taste of the culture rather than establishing an appetite for something new. Unfortunately, we see the trend mentality played out a great deal in the Christian industry with music, books and film. Too often these industries take to making watered-down copies of secular media in an attempt to sanitize what people already enjoy. But I have observed that Christians are far more effective and have the ability to radically change the culture when we are willing to step outside the box and take chances.
I for one would prefer that to be my aim and encourage others to do the same. So what if people think you’re a little strange? Strange is attractive, inspiring, admirable, extraordinary and usually the style setter! Also, doing so brings joy and freedom to your life and gives others the freedom to also be their authentic self. Whereas being trendy requires a need to live up to other people’s expectations. And to be honest, I don’t think I could keep it up if I tried!
Create your own style… let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others. –Orson Welles
