Creativity is rarely born in isolation. As Yohji Yamamoto so succinctly put it, “So naturally, we are influenced or polluted.” This statement isn’t just a reflection of the fashion designer’s process—it’s a philosophy that resonates across disciplines. At V>S™ Product Research Lab, this idea feels especially relevant as we explore the intersections of creativity, culture, and design.
Yamamoto’s words capture the duality of influence. On one hand, we draw inspiration from the world around us—art, architecture, nature, technology, people. These inputs shape our ideas, refine our vision, and help us push boundaries. But on the other hand, the same channels that inspire us can overwhelm, distort, or even dilute the purity of our intentions. When does influence turn into pollution? When does creativity lose its authenticity under the weight of imitation and trend-chasing?
The Collision of Influences
At V>S™, we believe in embracing this collision of inspiration and interference. Creative work isn’t about eliminating outside voices; it’s about learning to filter them. Like a sieve, you catch what matters, let go of what doesn’t, and refine what you’ve captured into something meaningful. Whether you’re designing a product, building a brand, or writing a song, your process is inherently shaped by what you let in—and, just as importantly, what you block out.
Yamamoto’s work reflects this approach. His designs have always walked a fine line between tradition and rebellion, between the chaos of outside influence and the clarity of personal vision. It’s a tension every creative faces: How much do you take in? How much do you protect your inner vision from external “pollution”?
Why Filters Matter
In the age of endless scrolling and content consumption, creative pollution is more pervasive than ever. We’re bombarded with trends, templates, and “best practices” that promise success but often lead to homogeny. This makes it even more critical to establish your own filters. Ask yourself:
• What influences truly align with my vision?
• What feels like noise, and how do I cut through it?
• Am I creating for myself, or am I simply reacting to what’s trending?
This filtering process isn’t just a survival mechanism—it’s an act of creative responsibility. By choosing your inputs wisely, you ensure that your work stands apart, infused with authenticity rather than diluted by the excess.
The Role of Intentionality
Yamamoto’s philosophy also speaks to the power of intentionality. To filter effectively, you need clarity of purpose. This is especially true for creative entrepreneurs, venture studio founders, and designers working at the intersection of culture and business. When your vision is clear, outside influences become tools rather than threats. You can adapt, remix, and reinterpret without losing the core of your message.
At Void to Signal™, this intentionality drives everything we do—from our deep dives into cultural trends to the design of products that bridge function and narrative. It’s why our upcoming Field Notes book for creative entrepreneurs is more than just a journal—it’s a tool for navigating the collision of inspiration and pollution, giving creators the structure to chart their own path while staying grounded in their vision.
The Challenge for Creatives
“So naturally, we are influenced or polluted.” This isn’t a pessimistic statement—it’s a call to action. As creatives, we can’t escape influence, nor should we. What we can do is recognize it, filter it, and use it intentionally. The goal isn’t to avoid pollution entirely—it’s to transform it into something meaningful.
So, what are you letting in? And what are you creating with it?
At V>S™, we’re continually asking these questions as we decode cultural signals and shape creative tools. Let’s keep the conversation going—because in a world that never stops shouting, the ability to focus, refine, and create something authentic is more valuable than ever.
