Take inspiration from old stuff
We all know that Copying-pushes-your-art-in-new-directions and you should Control-your-Input-for-Better-Output. But if everyone is paying attention to the new stuff the output starts to be similar.
That is why you should identify-a-trend-and-do-the-opposite. Instead of focusing on what is new read old books. Look at old art. Try to see what is special about them and go in new directions with your inspiration.
References
This idea comes from Keep-Going-Austin-Kleon-2019
Notes mentioning this note
Identify a trend and do the opposite
One way to stand out is to subvert expectations. Instead of doing what everyone else is doing make the opposite....