I’m developing a new obsession:
Originality.
Trying to be different.
Unique.
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As I’m watching everyone jump on the bandwagon of social media and reflecting back at my own lame attempts at using it almost five years ago when I started blogging, I’ve now finally fully realized how much the Web has changed.
It's clogged. The flow of design-related content is getting cluttered. Full stop.
Tweets are reTweeted. Facebook posts are Shared. Pins are rePinned. Tumblr blogs are reBlogged.
Content is published and regurgitated, over and over, for your redigestion.
Virtual clutter.
I recognize it and you recognize it.
There are a Googillion blogs ready and waiting to give you everything you need to know about interior design.
Some are good. Some are amazing.
Some are questionable.
And let me tell you...
Many became popular simply because they were there first.
The clutter is unmistakable.
I can see it. I have a degree in design. I have years of experience. I study design, pour over design, and eat design for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I’m trained to see these things.
And I know you can see it, too.
So where does one look for interesting, insightful, beautifully crafted information?
Who can anyone trust when it’s a free-for-all out there?
Is it really about what parties and social events you’re invited to?
Is it really just about the images?
Is it only about what products you can unobtrusively push for affiliate marketing?
Where’s the meat?
(FYI: I’m asking myself these questions too.)
Where is the digital world taking design content?
And how on Earth (pun intended) can I fit in?
Let’s say you’re a bit like me: You're embracing the social strengths of the Web rather late in the game. You’ve tiptoed into the social media fray and you are one in a bajillion-million. Your voice is tiny. And so is your audience.
But you're good! Darn good! You have something to say!
Yet no one knows, because this game isn't about being good anymore. It’s about lots of other things. So many that I'm not even going to bother listing them all.
Instead, I'll just share the strategy I'm going with...
Originality.
I tried using the approaches everyone else was using, and I feel like my content was good. It was insightful, meaningful and of quality. I had something to say (albeit, sometimes said rather sloppily ;-)
But I was just one voice out of a gazillion who was trying to have my say.
And I didn’t like those numbers. (You know: Unique views, page views, etc.)
Sure, being original will take more time, and lots more effort. I understand there’s a mountain to climb.
But designing an original message is key.
How do I define "original?" Well...
Original content, original visual appeal, an original approach to broadcasting my messages.
Yes. I’ve had help. I’ve had to be shown, taught, coerced into taking a new path.
But I’m convinced.
Originality is the spark. It’s contagious. It’s personal. It’s the source of every great idea. And it’s certainly the key to good design.
So . . . The message has to be original. Has to be carefully crafted to define YOU.
I’m definitely obsessed.
