The main issue I've seen regarding trends is not only the fact that some elements/techniques are being really (and annoyingly) overused (even Vanessa pointed it out in our March interview), but that they don't work within the graphic itself. I've seen dark themed graphics with bright/happy text styles that have nothing to do with it. I've seen compositions entirely based in stock pngs, where those pngs are placed with no hierarchy whatsoever (and look randomly thrown in the canvas... Please, explain me the sense of, for example, putting a water fountain over someone's head) and no relation between them and the composition, nor between each other.

So, first things first—trends work in certain graphics, not in all of them. Using the same kind of text styling in all your graphics is not only repetitive, but it also can ruin what could be a perfect composition. You can't use the same elements in the same way for all your graphics for a simple reason: each graphic tells a different story. Therefore, the way of telling it will (or should) be different. Even if you're aiming to tell a similar story, your way of telling it will be different than somebody else's.

Linked to what's been said in the previous paragraph, trends don't always match with your style as they come. If you want to use them, that's completely fine—but don't change your style just to fit in! Instead, adapt them to your way of designing. I use both stock pngs and text styles (I even have a folder just for them!), but in a way I'm comfortable with, that suits both my style and the particular graphic I'm working in. You should do that—adapt them and transform them at your own convenience. Find a twist for them, don't just do the same just because others are doing so too. Artists stand out for their originality, their uniqueness. And I can tell you—following trends for the sake of being "in" won't help you at all. Focus on developing your style. That doesn't mean you can't try out things that have been seen before or that are currently popular. To the contrary, you should try them out in your own special way.

Your opinion matters!

What do you think about trends? Are you a follower or do you prefer to avoid them? Is there any trend you love, or any you dislike? Let's debate about it!