I think we have all been at a stage where we have let things influence our art
I've done it myself with growing up on Newgrounds and idolising some of the popular animators my work always seemed like a cheap copy that was forever trying to catch up with them.
I still feel like im still trying to steer myself away from that mindset.
ZebraHumor
The things you listed (aliens, monsters, etc.) sound a hell of a lot more interesting than nudes to me.