How do you do something unique enough to stand out, yet familiar enough that audiences will connect with it?
We all want to innovate, to do something that’s never been done before. But we also want our work to be embraced by audiences. We want them to feel like they’re putting on their favorite sweater.
If you go too far in the direction of being original, you might alienate everybody with something they can’t even comprehend.
If you go too far in the direction of giving them what they want, maybe you’re pandering.
There’s a simple, two-step system for making the right decision. Well, it’s not that simple. You have to repeat it. But it’s easy to remember. It’s the same two steps every time:
Please yourself first. Come up with something that you think is good, that makes you proud. Would you like it if someone else did it, and you happened to see it? That should be your standard. If you’re working with a group, please the group. Make sure most or all the other members like the idea, too.
Adjust according to feedback from outsiders. Before you invest too much time, effort, or money into the idea, show it to some people, other entertainers if possible. If they all love it, you’ve got the green light. If they’re all confused by it, give it up. Chalk it up to a learning experience and go back to step 1.
Have fun!
Having fun should be number 1. After spending decades creating content for others, I have finally gotten back to having fun. I now create primarily for myself (step 1) realizing that there will be a select audience, maybe even a niche who like it. That’s fine with me- I don’t have to have a mass audience.
I do follow step 2 and get my work vetted by fellow professionals, but only if they know me and what I’m going for. My cadre are very likeminded and we do our best to stay away from the norm, but use principles like what you teach to shape something that is accessible to audiences willing to have an open mind.
#1 is my personal mandate. #2 is going to have to wait until my fiction gets more readers.