Authenticity, PLEASE? It's like we're all forgetting how to be ourselves
The cost of fleeting aesthetics: when everyone looks the same, no one stands out
I know, I know, the title is a bit dramatic, but, let's have a chat inspired by a quote I saw on Instagram yesterday that said:
“The world was never meant to be a competition of appearances. It was meant to be a gallery of individuality, where every person adds their own color, texture, and story.”
And this just sparked something in my designer brain. As a creative girly and someone who loves expressing myself through style, I see this play out every day.
My feed, and maybe yours too, lately, is a perfect example of this: "this is the 'IT' product!", "use my code!", "this trend will change your life!" Yawn. Boring.
And don't even get me started on the trends: mob wife, clean girl, coquette; not to mention the endless microtrends resurfacing every five minutes.
I get it. Trends are easy. They offer a shortcut to feeling "in," a quick boost of validation. But as a designer, I see the problem: trends are temporary. They're built on fleeting aesthetics, not lasting values. They're a borrowed identity, not an authentic one.
When it comes to personal style I've been thrifting since high school and I LOVE IT, it's always been my way of finding unique pieces and expressing my own style, without just buying into whatever's 'trendy.' So, seeing this constant push for the latest 'it' item just feels… off. It's like we're all forgetting how to be ourselves.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been there, and still am a victim of consumerism. But at the same time, I'm starting to wonder, why is everyone starting to look the same? Where's the real…YOU? Who’s the real you?
And it's not just fashion, is it? It's creeping into how we decorate our spaces, too. Suddenly, everyone's living in the same beige-and-white or grey minimalist apartment, filled with the same mass-produced 'aesthetic' decor.
It shouldn't be about having a perfectly curated space. It's about surrounding yourself with things that make you happy, things that spark joy, things that are unique and mean something to you. It's about creating a home that is your safe space, not a showroom.
Where's your personality? We're missing the stories. We're missing the depth. We're missing the you.
And here's where my creative brain kicks in again. Because this isn't just a personal rant; it's a design problem. We're seeing a massive homogenization of style, a dilution of unique visual identities. Everything looks the same: the same fonts, the same color palettes, the same curated 'vibes.' It's like everyone's using the same template, and frankly, it's boring.
So, from a brand designer's perspective, this trend fatigue is a massive opportunity. Because in a sea of sameness, authenticity is your superpower. It's what sets you apart. It's what builds trust. It's what creates lasting connections.
I said this and I will say it again: your brand is your story. It's not just a logo or a color palette; it's a narrative that resonates with your audience. And stories need characters, depth, and genuine emotion. Trends offer a shallow plot and a predictable script.
Authenticity offers a rich, compelling story that people actually want to engage with.
And that's where a solid brand strategy becomes absolutely critical. It's not enough to say you're authentic; you have to show it. Your visuals, your messaging, and your entire brand experience need to be a cohesive reflection of your core values and your unique story.
Think of your brand strategy as the blueprint for your narrative. It defines your characters (your brand's personality), your plot (your brand's story), and your setting (your brand's visual world). Without a clear strategy, your visuals become disconnected, your messaging falls flat, and your audience gets confused or simply loses interest.
A strong brand strategy ensures that your visuals aren't just pretty; they're purposeful. They're designed to communicate specific messages, evoke specific emotions, and build a specific connection with your target audience.
So, how do you build a strong brand?
Go deep: start by defining your core values. What do you stand for? What makes you unique?
Values-driven design: your core values should inform every visual decision, from your color palette to your typography. For example, if your brand values sustainability, your visuals should reflect that through natural colors and eco-friendly imagery.
Tell your story: don't just show your products; share your journey, your passions, and your struggles. People are tired of perfectly curated and overly edited content all the time.
Narrative consistency: your visuals should tell a consistent story across all platforms.
Connect with your audience: your visuals will only take you so far. It's your story, the one that resonates on an emotional level, that truly builds lasting connections. Understanding your audience's needs, desires, and pain points is crucial for creating visuals that truly connect. How? Start with empathy and consideration.
Build a cohesive visual language: choose colors, fonts, and imagery that reflect your brand's personality and values. And please, avoid in 2025 generic templates and stock photos.
Remember, authenticity is the ultimate brand asset. It's a fundamental principle of good design. It's about creating something real, something meaningful, something that resonates with your audience on a core level.
Ever wonder why you love your favorite brand? It's not just the pretty pictures or the cool logo, right? It's the vibe they give off, the story they tell, and what they stand for.
If you're not letting your personality shine through, then you're just another face in the crowd, just another beige-and-white apartment in the endless scroll.
Stop chasing fleeting trends and start building a brand that's as unique as you are. That's how you build a brand that lasts.
And that, my friends, is what will make you stand out from the blur.
Big smiles,
Mira