• posted on 11-11-2024 in art

Some images and videos do a great job of creating an atmoshpere or feeling, meta even. How each person interprets an visual artwork is perspective based, but, overall the aesthetics play a huge role in setting the overall theme or mood.
Quick reference to wiki on aesthetics before i ramble a little. Also notice the phi on that page. There is an entire discussion or debate over whether the philosphy of aesthetics can indeed be attributed to art, some argue that art and aesthetics are two different phi's. Gets deep, but we'll keep it simple and ramble about the general stuff...

Depending on the buyer or audience's vibe, they may be more attracted to light themes opposed to dark or void aesthetics. Some people are more select with style than hue, like only browsing anime or manga-style works. Others like nature scenes which can encompass light, dark and textured aesthetics given season or setting.
For artists and editors it can be worth while to eperiement with different aesthetics. You just never know what will resonate with people, sometimes its the colors, subjects and themes that you rarely use. Sometimes exploring different aesthetics is important to prevent all of you work from looking the same, or too monotone.

Nowadays there are many art/editor tools available online. Many of which are free, with loads of tutorials posted by experienced folks. Using different software/services can produce unique art works thus helping separate the overall tone of your portfolio. Gimp has come a long way is still one of my favorite scripts to use. Recently i joined adobe again, decided to use their services as there are just so many tools for both image and video editing nowadays.
Also experimenting with Blender, have a few looped ideas, sparkly light type stuff. i find that just its easier to learn new scripts going in with zero expectations and watching tutorials. in time you get comfortable clicking more settings, trying new things etc.

In my opinion its important not too obsess on what other people are making, but still take direction or inspiration when/where needed. Exploring retro and vintage aesthetics helps a ton with that, as the current gen has seen most of what our peers are producing now. Unless its commission or memes, you typically don't want to copy other existing stuff too much.
If you're an traditional artist i recommend exploring nft or on-chain art. You already have an advanced understanding of blending and layering, plus you can add hand produced traits to collections. Many collections prioritize speed/money over genuine aesthetics or effort, so the art often has little character or identity. That's where you can fill a void in the blockchain with your style or niche.

Memes are often low quality copy pasta images, and for memes of prodution thats great. But sometimes its fun to add more aesthetics or cryptic gems to a photo or video. Like less spammy, but more evergreen art yet still relaying a meme or message. Using hsv or hurl, layers, trans, bloom, exposure filters and such.
Cheese memes come to mind, think of that aesthetic; where the meme is meme-ing but the deepfried cheese filter gives it loads of aesthetic swag. Some editors add these images to vid cuts and it really gives off that extra crunchy special operations vibe.

Browsing youtube is helpful too. Many vid guys post/tag their work nowadays. Some stuff from rap artist videographers does a great job at street or grunge aesthetics; plus some guys mix in anime art, adding more depth. Youtube still has stuff from decades ago up, think of stuff zoomers haven't caught on to yet. Remix, rinse, repeat. Much easier if you're a lil older, you've seen more varied art over the years, just a matter of remembering and applying stuff accordingly in projects.

Styling textile is a dope venue if you have the skills. i like to sew by hand but if you have access to a machine i'd say practice using it. About ten years ago i was doing the custom jeans thing, from fraying/whiskering by hand to dyeing with indigo. The denim aesthetic is timeless so i decided even back then to learn the ways of real jean production. Lots of work but rewarding, some stuff you just can't buy or find rather. Similar to how a seamstress or tailor hand measure their clients dimensions, its reminiscent to a model for a canvas, kinda sorta. The subject is unique, as is the artist.

I guess apart from stoner babbel, im saying to explore varied aesthetics, perspectives and such. Don't be afraid to use different styles, archtypes, filters, hues, transitions, textures in your work. Avoid monotone, unless its called for or deadlines are due. Part of the beauty of so many different cultures now being connected is that we can reference each others styles and vibes. Different perspectives see things diff, and in art it can be an awesome thing. One example that pops up is the Japanese style photo books, always loved those, especially the 90s era; just something about the cameras and that era of subject + photographer makes the work/vibe unique. 80/90s anime is also like that, tingles the tism a lil different.

In closing with a disclaimer though, personally i avoid being a culture vulture, or highjacking other artsy ppls work/aesthetic-styles for monetary gain. I've made stuff that does layer a few ppls work but its never for profit just artsy shitposts that shoutout homies projects.
But, do what thou wilt my fren. The art will live on either way, whether paid or free... credited or grifted...