What Grabs my Attention: As a Creative

YonBon: Director of Cinematography + Graphic Design & CEO, YonBon Creative Services

Whether I am working on a brand, taking photos, or shooting film, my job as a creative is to create something visually and sentimentally so unique that when compared to other people's content it becomes incomparable. And to achieve that, you have to create unconventional work and make your own M.E.T.A.

It's important to me as an artist to have my own distinct style that turns heads, makes sense, and is visually unique. I always believe that this perspective is a way that not only artists should take, but brands and personalities need to think about. The biggest question to always think of when creating your brand's visual identity is "What separates me from my competition?"

The formula to achieving that distinct look is a combination between emulating and staying authentic. Emulation

The way I view emulation is: the process of taking a certain look, style, or appearance of a brand, person, or thing and creating that in your own style. No matter who you are, you have your own inspirations whether that is from something you see on social media or another artist.

Authenticity

It's always important to stay true to your own colors. People accept you for who you are and the way you carry yourself, and the same needs to be applied visually. The visuals that you create and the style you follow is what defines your work/product. In the end, what's the point in copying someone else bar for bar? Then people won't really know who you are.

Stealing is Bad (however...)

I will always find work that I like, that I want to manipulate, transform, and create in my own way but I will NEVER TAKE SOMEONE'S WORK OR STYLE. Not only would that be a form of stealing credit, but in that sense I cannot claim my work as my own original thought. At that point, I'd just be a thief of art.

Overall, when it comes to creating the style that best authenticates you as a individual, make sure you create something that stands out; be a sore thumb! The reason for this rabbling is because, with social media nowadays, everyone wants to be each other and format their content and brand around their idols and inspiration. It's not a bad thing to look up to someone, but if you want to stand out, there always has to be a difference in your work visually and verbally.

Don't be your idol, be you. THAT'S what people want!