Should Creatives Leave a Trademark Stamp On Their Work Like Famous Film Directors?
Dolly shots, Freeze Frames, Color Palettes and Falling
As creatives, we naturally develop a distinct look, style, or approach—let’s call this our “trademark stamp.” We often become so proficient in our unique style that we want to apply it to every project, even though we’ve often been advised not to let personal emotions dominate work intended for a broad audience. But if a company or brand specifically seeks you out, it’s likely because they appreciate your trademark stamp and want to see it reflected in their project.
Do you have a signature style? Have you noticed recurring patterns when you review your past work?
For a designer, this might be a distinctive color palette. For a voice actor, it could be a unique character they portray. For a writer, it might involve the use of alliteration or another stylistic element. Essentially, anything can become your trademark.
Consider the work of renowned directors like Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, or Tim Burton. Their distinct styles—Anderson’s symmetrical compositions, Tarantino’s trunk point of view shots and Burton’s, well, you know him — are instantly recognizable.
Here are a few directors who have greatly inspired my career, along with some of their distinctive trademarks that I admire.
Steven Spielberg - Silhouettes & Shooting Stars
Wes Anderson - Symmetry, Color Palette & Overhead Shots
Quentin Tarantino - Trunk POV
Spike Lee - Dolly Shot
Tim Burton - Custom Studio Logos, Generic Suburbs & Gothic-style Mansions and Castles
Edgar Wright - Fast Cuts
Alfred Hitchcock - Falling
Martin Scorcese - Freeze Frames & Mirrors
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