Many creators shy away from clichés, fearing they're lazy or unoriginal. You might feel the urge to avoid these familiar ideas altogether, worried they'll make your work seem tired or uninspired. But what if you shifted your perspective and saw clichés not as pitfalls, but as opportunities? Clichés often exist because they hold a universal truth or have struck a chord with people repeatedly. Instead of dismissing them, you can use clichés as a foundation to build something fresh and personal.
When a concept becomes a cliché, it's usually because it resonates deeply with human experiences. Rather than fearing these overused ideas, consider the core meaning behind them. What made the cliché powerful in the first place? What emotions or situations does it tap into? By identifying this essence, you gain a starting point from which to add your own unique twist—whether that's through your writing style, your design choices, or the story you want to tell.
You don't have to reinvent the wheel every time you create. In fact, remixing clichés can be one of the most dynamic ways to engage your audience. When you take a familiar phrase, plot device, or visual element and reinterpret it through your own lens, you surprise your audience with something both relatable and unexpected. This not only keeps your work fresh but also showcases your creativity and authenticity.
Think of clichés as raw material rather than obstacles. For example, if you're writing a story about the “hero's journey,” rather than avoiding it, explore how your protagonist's experience challenges or subverts typical expectations. Maybe your hero's strength lies not in physical bravery but in emotional courage, or perhaps the journey plays out in an unconventional setting. These nuances transform a well-known trope into a fresh narrative that feels original and compelling.
Similarly, in design or marketing, common motifs and phrases can be powerful tools when you alter the context, tone, or visual presentation. Imagine taking the classic “lightbulb moment” symbol for ideas and reinventing it with bold colors, unexpected shapes, or interactive elements that reflect your personal brand or message. This approach grabs attention precisely because it's both familiar and new, creating a memorable experience for your audience.
The fear of cliché can hold you back more than the cliché itself. If you refuse to engage with these ideas out of anxiety about being unoriginal, you might miss out on opportunities to deepen your work's impact. Your real strength lies in how you transform what's familiar into something that feels wholeheartedly yours. The risk isn't in using clichés—it's in doing nothing imaginative with them.
So instead of trying to erase clichés from your creative toolbox, embrace them as invitations to experiment. Play with expectations, blend influences, and express your individual perspective. By twisting clichés into new shapes, you give your work a boldness that stands out and a connection that resonates. In this way, clichés become not a crutch, but a springboard, helping you create meaningful, vibrant work that stays with your audience long after they've encountered it.
