I see this is a mega old topic now, but I'll weigh in. A lot of light-painting is the same... but it's not some 'fad' for me. I've been light-painting for nearly 10 years now and I work by one golden rule: The light-painting should NOT be the only subject in the photo, but as much as possible, serve to enhance the subject. Any jackass can wave lights around in front of a camera.
That being said my light-painting has given me more attention than any other work I've done. ever.
All light-painted: