Consistency is Kahn?

Is having a signature style the key to being successful in the creative fields?  If you were to examine the work of Albert Kahn, the answer would be a definitive, “no.”  As I mentioned in my last post, Albert Kahn is considered one of the foremost industrial architects of the 20th Century.  In addition to his industrial portfolio, Kahn designed educational structures, private and multi-family residences, hotels, churches and more.  The curious note about all of this work is that there is no distinct “style” that ties them all together as with many notable architects.

Kahn built in motifs ranging from Neo-Classical, to Art Deco and Tudor.  I have recently been examining my own photographic work and I’ve realized that I don’t (yet) have a distinct style, and worried whether is has negatively affected me.  But my anxiety waned when I reminded myself that one of the more successful architects of the last century never had a signature, other than quality.

So for all you designers, photographers, and other creatives that are early in your careers, don’t worry about pinning down a “style.”  If you consistently produce quality work, people will notice.  Perhaps by operating without the signature of someone like Frank Ghery, you may be able to work more freely and be truly creative for the span of your career.

Below are examples of some of Kahn’s work in Ann Arbor, Michigan on the campus of University of Michigan.  Note that there is no clear evidence that the same individual designed each of them.

Angell Hall Observatory in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Albert Kahn. Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

Burton Memorial Tower in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Albert Kahn. Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

Burton Memorial Tower in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Albert Kahn. Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

Delta Gamma House in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Albert Kahn. Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

Delta Gamma House in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Albert Kahn. Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

Psi Upsilon House in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Albert Kahn. Photograph by Jason R. Woods.