Luke Combs, Timothée Chalamet, and the Post-Ironic Artist

It’s one thing to say you want to be one of the greats. It’s another to attempt to meme it into existence.

It’s no longer hip to be ironic and aloof. In an age where everyone has a “personal brand,” artists promoting themselves are no longer gauche. They’re savvy entrepreneurs. But just like the rest of us, the blurring between the personal and professional shapes your image. It’s a tough line to walk.

Take the difference between Luke Combs and Timothee Chala…