Banality/Cliche Checklist

Cliche, trite, banality, unoriginality, predictability, dullness, ordinariness, triviality, staleness, vapidity, commonplace

Anything that is lacking in freshness or effectiveness because of constant use or excessive repetition:

hearts, eyes, peace signs, crosses, puppies, cats, dragons, snipers, vaginas & penises for shock value, anime, rainbows, stars, paintbrushes and other art supplies, cigarettes, hands, mermaids, lips, views in rear-view mirrors, swirling hair, flowers, trees, sunsets, wilderness animals, iconic artworks (Creation of Adam, Last Supper, Mona Lisa, etc), suns, moons, zodiac symbols…

Watch “Put a bird on it!” video:

When you make work, instead of relying on cliche, ask yourself:
Why am I choosing this image? What experiences in my past have brought this idea to my consciousness? Is the meaning behind my work positive or negative? etc. If you feel strongly that you need to use a cliche subject, be ready to justify your choices and describe how you have presented the subject in a new and interesting way that lends new meaning to the subject.