It may sound like an odd question, but it is a fair one.
Let me explain…
While it’s true that when it comes to art our tastes are all different – it’s also true that, over the years, there have certainly been artists who’s work has resonated with the majority; Michelangelo, Picasso, Renoir, Van Gogh (to name a few). And why not, they were extremely talented artists (some more so after their death).
And yet, I can’t help but feel that the majority’s tastes have been changing…and not necessarily for the better. This isn’t with just art, it’s also (IMO) with music and movies too. Hollywood isn’t making any more ‘Gone With The Winds’ and while there is still lots of good music, in essence it seems so many songs sound the same.
Again, this is just my opinion but others I know have started feeling the same. Now this shouldn’t effect us as creatives. We should create what’s in our heart but if we want to make a living at it…we are sometimes going to have to connect with more of the majority’s tastes.
It’s generally true that if something is good, people will like it – but it’s not always the case. Time and time again, I’ve seen beautiful work go unnoticed because it’s not ‘trendy’ or popular at the moment. This is because so many people tend to follow what others are into as opposed to thinking for themselves.
I’ll tell you a little story. A friend of mine has a book club she belongs to. Every month the group chooses a book to read (they vote on it) and then meet up to discuss. My friend and a few others have been disenchanted lately because they keep getting outvoted on the book choice. It seems that out of the group of women, the majority always votes for some TikTok ‘BookTok’ choice. In the end, however, only a few actually finish it because it wasn’t really that good. She claims it happens over and over and when she finally asked the others in the group why they keep choosing these books, they tell her they assumed because it’s popular on TikTok, it must be good.
See what I’m saying? When it comes to the tastes of the majority, often times it’s just people being followers to what’s ‘popular’. I think this is happening more so now than ever.
Though the opinions on this may vary, there’s definitely a strong pull toward trends, especially with the influence of social media and advertising. Trends provide people with a sense of belonging, and they’re often easily accessible and popularized by influencers and celebrities. This can lead to people choosing what’s fashionable or “in” over what might be considered high-quality or timeless.
Trendy choices aren’t always bad, but they can sometimes overshadow things with deeper meaning or craftsmanship. People might follow what’s trendy because it’s what’s visible and validated by others, even if there are equally good or better options that don’t get the same hype.
So what does this means for artists who want to sell their work? It means you still need to be true to yourself while keeping an eye on what’s in at the moment. Don’t change your style, maybe just change your approach. If you’re a realist artist, continue to be so, but perhaps paint subjects that are current to today’s times. It’s also fine if you don’t – the worst case scenario is your art will be niche – and perhaps over time that niche will grow.
When artists stay true to themselves, their work often resonates more deeply with audiences, offering authenticity and a unique perspective. This authenticity helps artists create works that stand the test of time rather than just fitting a fleeting trend. While it can be tempting for artists to chase what’s currently popular (often due to pressure to gain visibility or sell their work), staying grounded in their own vision allows them to build a lasting connection with their audience.
True artistic expression comes from a place of honesty and personal experience, which gives it depth and power. When artists remain true to their individuality, they not only stand out but also often inspire others to think or feel in new ways. It might not always be the easiest path, especially in a world that often values quick hits and instant gratification, but it’s often the most rewarding one, both for the artist and for those who truly connect with their work.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one to start the trend on authenticity and individuality 🙂
Until next time…
