Art Over Algorithm #3: How 3 Creatives Built Their Iconic Aesthetics

A deep dive into the methods and inspiration behind 3 world-building artists who look outside of the algorithm for inspiration

Last week, I wrote about How Kim K’s “Santa Baby” Video Might Just Be Your Gateway Drug To One Of The Most Visionary Artists—enter Nadia Lee Cohen, a controversial, but visionary artist who doesn’t just create things; she create worlds.Which got me thinking: isn’t that the magic of the best artists?

So many people talk about an artist’s “visual style,” but to me, it’s more than that.

I’m drawn to those the create like they’re building tiny universes, each governed by their own rules, mood, and aesthetic. Each with their own narrative. Think of the obvious examples—Wes Anderson with his pastel symmetry and melancholic whimsy, or Tim Burton with his gothic surrealism. Their work is so unmistakable that even a frame of it feels like you’ve entered their world. It’s not just a style—it’s a signature.

This idea of creating worlds fascinates me, especially when it comes to emerging talent. Watching them carve out their visual identity, challenge norms, and grow is thrilling. That’s why this Art Over Algorithm series exists: to celebrate creators who aren’t chasing likes but are building something timeless.

So, let’s get into it. Today, I’m spotlighting 3 out-of-the-box thinkers, who through years of honing their skills, have created their own visual worlds.