The Me-Too Syndrome

I just started reading a book called Chasing Cool, which was recommended to me by Todd over at Accidental Creative. The premise of the book talks about becoming the iPod of your industry: creating cool. So many companies, I won't name any names.. ahem.. Microsoft (cough cough) have the Me-Too syndrome.

"The moment a company focuses too heavily on what's going on around it is when its products become Me-Too. That's why great design can't have anything to do with trend." - Chasing Cool

It's a push to be innovative, because sometimes creating something innovative and above the status quo takes years, which lasts longer than a trend. Being innovative means thinking different, and being your own unique self. In other words, stick true to your style. Magnify your uniqueness. Apple's Think Different campaign is a genius campaign and an inspiration for everyone, especially artists.

I think that Me-Too Syndrome can come upon us artists especially at the beginning of our journeys. Todd at Accidental Creative breaks down the process of creativity, and one of the stages that we go through is Imitation. Where we imitate a particular artist or style that we like. Don't fear, it's a perfectly normal part of the process, and once you move past the stage, you put your own twists and style to work. In other words it's part of the development stage of creating your own unique style.

Parlay that into photography, don't strive to copy what's out there in the end. (as I've often found myself doing in the development process) Be innovative and Think Different.

Also, watch this archive one minute video of Apple's Think Different campaign from many years ago.

Comments

[Fred Egan]

I struggle with the Me-Too stage of the creative process. I don't like it but yet I do not want to exit it too early. Oh the process!