In a crowded market, we must find ways to differentiate ourselves and stand out from competitors, often while working with the same media and pursuing similar goals. While this can be challenging, it’s far from impossible. Consider oil paints: they have been used to create vastly different masterpieces, from da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to Van Gogh’s self-portraits, Monet’s Impressionist Water Lilies, and Rothko’s abstract expressionist blocks of color.

Each of these artists was influenced by the trends, scientific advancements, and cultural movements of their time, which helped shape their unique styles. Understanding the context in which we operate is equally vital for creative marketing. We draw inspiration from our surroundings and are never afraid to think outside the box—or, in the case of Cubism, outside of one box and into hundreds of others.