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, 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:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XM3vWJmpfo
When you make work, instead of relying on cliche, ask yourself:
Why am I choosing this subject matter/imagery? What experiences in my past have brought this idea to my consciousness? Is the meaning behind my work positive or negative? etc.