Global Influence
Global Influence
What Does It Mean to Be Influenced?
Influence, at its core, is a natural and often unconscious part of the creative process. From the earliest moments of our artistic journey, we are shaped by the images we consume, the mentors we admire, and the societal contexts we live in. Being influenced is not inherently good or bad. It is, however, a force that requires awareness.
When you start out, influence often takes the form of imitation. You might study the works of master photographers like Ansel Adams for landscapes or Gordon Parks for storytelling. As a filmmaker, you might look to the works of Wes Anderson for composition or Christopher Nolan for narrative complexity. At this stage, copying is not only normal—it’s necessary. It’s how we learn the rules before we break them.
But influence doesn’t just come from the “greats.” It’s also woven into the culture around us. Trends on social media, viral videos, and the pressure to conform to what sells can steer our creative compass. Recognizing these influences is the first step to understanding their role in your artistic growth.
When to Break Away
There comes a point in every artist’s career when imitation no longer satisfies. Perhaps you notice your work feels derivative, or maybe you sense that your creative spirit is yearning for something more personal. This is the moment to start forging your own style.
Developing a unique voice is not an overnight process. It requires experimentation, failure, and above all, patience. Allow yourself to explore. Mix elements from your influences with your own ideas. Combine techniques in unconventional ways. It’s through this messy, imperfect process that your style begins to emerge.
The Challenges of Becoming Unique
Breaking away from influence to carve your own path is not without its difficulties. One of the biggest challenges is self-doubt. When you step out of the shadow of established artists, you’ll likely wonder if your work is “good enough.” This is normal. Remember, growth often feels uncomfortable.
Another challenge is resisting the pull of trends. In a world driven by likes, shares, and algorithms, it can be tempting to chase what’s popular. While there’s nothing wrong with being aware of trends, building a lasting and meaningful body of work requires authenticity. Ask yourself: “Am I creating this because it resonates with me, or because I think it’s what others want to see?”
The Role of Influence in Your Unique Voice
Ironically, the influences you started with never fully disappear. Instead, they become part of the fabric of your work. The key is to transform those influences into something personal. For example, if you admire the minimalism of modern architecture, use it as a framework to explore your own ideas about space and light. If you’re drawn to the vivid colors of travel photography, find ways to infuse those colors with the emotions or stories that matter to you.
Influence doesn’t have to be a cage. It can be a launchpad.
Advice for Emerging Artists
- Embrace Influence as a Learning Tool: In the beginning, don’t be afraid to copy. Use it as a way to master the technical and conceptual aspects of your craft.
- Reflect on What Resonates: As you study the work of others, ask yourself what truly moves you. Is it their use of color, their storytelling, their composition? Understanding what resonates will help you identify your own preferences.
- Experiment Relentlessly: Push yourself to try new techniques, even if they feel uncomfortable. The more you experiment, the closer you’ll get to discovering your unique style.
- Stay True to Yourself: Trends come and go, but authenticity endures. Focus on creating work that feels meaningful to you, rather than chasing external validation.
- Trust the Process: Finding your voice takes time. Don’t rush it. Every image, every project, every failure is a step toward becoming the artist you’re meant to be.
The Beauty of Influence
In the end, influence is not a force to fear but a tool to wield. It’s the starting point, not the destination. By acknowledging the role of influence in your journey and consciously shaping it, you can create work that is not only inspired but also inspiring. As artists, our ultimate goal is not just to imitate the world around us but to add something new to it—something only we can create.
