I love the point about identity coming from repetition. When I look back at the songs I like most the same instincts keep showing up. Similar tempos, similar moods and certain chords I always drift toward. This made me realize those patterns might actually be the beginning of a sound, not something I need to avoid. I’m going to try that 30-day no-trend rule and see what happens. Thank you for the push Idris Elijah and enjoy your weekend!
Absolutely! The patterns you speak of truly lead to a sound that can’t be replicated, and should not be avoided. I had to come to this realization as well. Love the initiative. I’m sure the results will be outstanding!! You’re welcome, enjoy your weekend! 🤩🤗🤩
Even though I work visually this resonated a lot. It’s easy to chase whatever style is trending online but the artists whose work I recognize instantly usually stay rooted in a clear visual language. That idea of limiting your palette and refining it over time really clicked for me. Identity doesn’t show up overnight. It comes from returning to the same instincts again and again. Really enjoyed this one Idris Elijah! Happy Friday to you!!
These takeaways are top-notch. You’re so right in your observation. The work we recognize the most from artists usually stay rooted in a clear way. Limiting your creativity is so important. For example, I decided recently that I won’t use explicit language in my music. Which is a departure from my earlier works. But I feel it would make less work for me long-term, and would allow the music I create to be enjoyed by a wider audience. So glad you enjoyed this one, happy Friday! 🤩🤩🤩
As a lifetime music fan this really rang true for me. The artists I’ve stuck with for years all have that unmistakable identity. You hear a few seconds and you know exactly who it is. Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, Kylie Minogue and Beyoncé come to mind. Trends come and go but that kind of musical fingerprint is what actually builds loyalty. I learned a lot from this newsletter Idris. Thank you for another thoughtful newsletter and Happy Friday!
Love the point you made here. The artist who stick around have a unique sound that is recognizable almost instantly. Trends prevent this in those who are trying to play the long game. Short sidedness in your art, aka, following trends, is not the way to last and build loyalty. You’re more welcome, happy Friday! 🤩🤩🤩
Being a working Mom I get the idea of identity over trends. When life is busy you don’t have the time or energy to chase every new wave anyway. It made me think about creativity in a simpler way. Lean into what naturally feels like you and keep building from there. That kind of consistency probably matters more than trying to keep up with everything. Thank you for the thoughtful perspective Idris Elijah and Happy Friday to you!
Love this, “lean into what naturally feels like you and keep building from there.” A lot creative feel they have to be someone else to succeed, but that’s not true. And don’t you know it. Love it! You’re most welcome! Happy Friday! 🤩🤩🤩
I got a lot out of this for writing. It’s easy to look around and wonder what style or format is getting attention right now but the writers who stay with me usually have a voice you can recognize right away. That consistency doesn’t come from chasing what’s hot. It comes from returning to the same themes and instincts over time. I really appreciate this reminder to trust that process. Thanks for sharing this Idris Elijah and have a great weekend!!
Yes, I think more creatives need to trust the process and look to the long term. So many want a quick fix, aka, trends. But that is not how you win in life. Love these takeaway! Welcome! Have a great weekend as well!! 🤩🤩🤩
I love the point about identity coming from repetition. When I look back at the songs I like most the same instincts keep showing up. Similar tempos, similar moods and certain chords I always drift toward. This made me realize those patterns might actually be the beginning of a sound, not something I need to avoid. I’m going to try that 30-day no-trend rule and see what happens. Thank you for the push Idris Elijah and enjoy your weekend!
Absolutely! The patterns you speak of truly lead to a sound that can’t be replicated, and should not be avoided. I had to come to this realization as well. Love the initiative. I’m sure the results will be outstanding!! You’re welcome, enjoy your weekend! 🤩🤗🤩
Even though I work visually this resonated a lot. It’s easy to chase whatever style is trending online but the artists whose work I recognize instantly usually stay rooted in a clear visual language. That idea of limiting your palette and refining it over time really clicked for me. Identity doesn’t show up overnight. It comes from returning to the same instincts again and again. Really enjoyed this one Idris Elijah! Happy Friday to you!!
These takeaways are top-notch. You’re so right in your observation. The work we recognize the most from artists usually stay rooted in a clear way. Limiting your creativity is so important. For example, I decided recently that I won’t use explicit language in my music. Which is a departure from my earlier works. But I feel it would make less work for me long-term, and would allow the music I create to be enjoyed by a wider audience. So glad you enjoyed this one, happy Friday! 🤩🤩🤩
As a lifetime music fan this really rang true for me. The artists I’ve stuck with for years all have that unmistakable identity. You hear a few seconds and you know exactly who it is. Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, Kylie Minogue and Beyoncé come to mind. Trends come and go but that kind of musical fingerprint is what actually builds loyalty. I learned a lot from this newsletter Idris. Thank you for another thoughtful newsletter and Happy Friday!
Love the point you made here. The artist who stick around have a unique sound that is recognizable almost instantly. Trends prevent this in those who are trying to play the long game. Short sidedness in your art, aka, following trends, is not the way to last and build loyalty. You’re more welcome, happy Friday! 🤩🤩🤩
Being a working Mom I get the idea of identity over trends. When life is busy you don’t have the time or energy to chase every new wave anyway. It made me think about creativity in a simpler way. Lean into what naturally feels like you and keep building from there. That kind of consistency probably matters more than trying to keep up with everything. Thank you for the thoughtful perspective Idris Elijah and Happy Friday to you!
Love this, “lean into what naturally feels like you and keep building from there.” A lot creative feel they have to be someone else to succeed, but that’s not true. And don’t you know it. Love it! You’re most welcome! Happy Friday! 🤩🤩🤩
I got a lot out of this for writing. It’s easy to look around and wonder what style or format is getting attention right now but the writers who stay with me usually have a voice you can recognize right away. That consistency doesn’t come from chasing what’s hot. It comes from returning to the same themes and instincts over time. I really appreciate this reminder to trust that process. Thanks for sharing this Idris Elijah and have a great weekend!!
Yes, I think more creatives need to trust the process and look to the long term. So many want a quick fix, aka, trends. But that is not how you win in life. Love these takeaway! Welcome! Have a great weekend as well!! 🤩🤩🤩