How to Create Something Timeless
A timeless piece of art or design eludes the trappings of trends, allowing it to appeal to audiences far beyond its era. Creating something timeless takes more than simply rejecting the latest fad; it’s about having a depth and complexity that makes the work enriching to anyone who experiences it, even if that experience is only a quick glance at the piece before moving on. Timelessness is a slippery veil, however, and some of the best works we consider to be timeless were never created with that intention in mind.
When it comes to clothing, timeless fashion has a look that blends well with a variety of styles and trends without looking like a desperate attempt to fit in. Generally speaking, this looks like tailored blazers and little black dresses that can easily be mixed and matched, neutral colors and high-quality fabrics. This style is also uncluttered and simple, not overly adorned with details that might seem dated.
The same principle applies to writing. If you want your writing to be timeless, remove all references to specific years and trends, drop modern slang from dialogue and exclude shout-outs to current-day brands, and you’re on the right track. However, that’s not enough to make your writing truly timeless.
Instead, make sure that your content is meaningful and educational or instructional. It should address a specific issue that will be relevant long after the current news cycle has passed. This will ensure that your writing can remain in the forefront of people’s minds as the solution to a problem they are facing.
Films can also be considered timeless if they capture universal human emotions and experiences that transcend generations. Despite societal standards and cinematic rhetoric evolving, classic films such as Stanley Kubrick’s Twin Peaks continue to connect with audiences across the globe by addressing familiar themes of family, love and grief. The films’ distinctly 70s style is arguably a result of the technology limitations available at the time, but its timeless quality speaks to an artistic integrity that transcends the constraints of specific eras.
In the world of digital design, a timeless product will look as good today as it does tomorrow. It will avoid skeuomorphism (the practice of incorporating graphical elements that mimic their physical counterparts), and be tech-adaptive. A timeless design will have proportions that are balanced, thoughtful and well-considered. It will be a design that is not only functional, but beautiful as well.
When creating your own content, strive to make it timeless. Whether it is a blog post, an article or a short video, create a content strategy that will stand the test of time. If you can make your content a timeless treasure, it will endure long after the current trend has faded and become a valuable addition to your audience’s knowledge base. This will set you apart from your competitors and help your content grow in longevity. This will ultimately increase your bottom line and make it a better investment for you as the creator.