Avoid the TRITE LIST!

What does "trite" mean?

It means: an idea (or image) that is overused and consequently of little import; lacking originality or freshness.

What does trite art look like?

INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: Mushrooms, Ying-yangs, Peace signs, Corner suns, Daisies, Famous people, Race cars, Horses, Rock stars, Polka dots, Trucks, Planes, Cars, Ballet, Suns, Theatre Masks, Moons, Dragons and Dinorsaurs, Stars, Hearts, Feathers, Birds, School mascots, Athletics, Sports illustrated pictures, General flowers, Cd covers, Copyright materials, Furry animals, Drugs, Alcohol, Cigarettes, Eyes, Tigers and leopards, Snakes, Butterflies, Unicorns, Pegasis, Under the sea, Side fish, Cartoons, Anime, Clothing and shoe logos, Dolphins, Rainbows, V or M birds, Dragons, Princesses, Balloons, Puff clouds, Stick people, Tears, Monsters, Western themes, Howling wolves, Wizards, Vampires, Aliens, Outer space, Lipstick tubes, Ipods, Love, Precious moments, Eyeballs, Tagging, Seasonal themes, Ladybugs, Crowns, Angels, Mythical themes, Teddy bears, Bows, Simple fireworks, Close ups of watches, Half faces, Generic houses, Fire, Blood and guts, Camo, Pyramids, Deer heads, Tree frogs, National Geographic copies, Makeup girl ads, Smiley faces, Roses with dew, Bats, People kissing, Drama masks, City, skylines, Spiders, Palm trees, Beach scenes, Umbrellas, Seashells, Hearts, Fairies, Scallop waves, Elementary trees, Dripping blood, Knives, Devils, Tulips, Bubbles, Puffy fluffy clouds, Dollar sign, Disney characters, Eight ball, Lips, Sun with sunglasses, Swords, Bubble lettering, Flames, Mermaids, Crescent moon... and more....

Why should you avoid these?

It has been done. It does not challenge you as an artist or as a student. It can come across as immature or elementary. You can do better! You can try to make the argument that these ideas can be done well, and I would love to talk to you about your ideas and designs... but if you are going to do something that is considered thematically "trite"... you better be the best one in the world and do it with purpose.

Let's sit down and talk about your themes and images together!

I want to help you be the best artist you can be.

Check out these sites:

How Rineke Dijkstra Transforms Trite Subjects Into Profoundly Revealing Photographs

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathonkeats/2012/08/10/how-rineke-dijkstra-transforms-trite-subjects-into-profoundly-revealing-photographs/

“Trite Imagery”: helping curb non-creativity one step at a time

http://missjaybarsmind.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/trite-imagery-helping-curb-non-creativity-one-step-at-a-time/