Art and talent

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It is believed that talent is that "magical" ability that some people are born with. But sometimes, just being talented isn't enough, without hard work and persistence you won't go far. 
Here are some of my thoughts about the topic and I hope that they might be helpful.  :) (Smile) 



We all start from somewhere.
(That's why I also don't delete my old deviations.)
I never actually thought that I was "talented". About 3 years ago (when I also joined deviantart), I just decided that I want to pursue art as a career. I was really into photography at that time (whole 50 day sunset challenge and such), participated in as many photo contests as I could and went outside to take some photos in coldest winter days.
But then, one day, as I visited local museum there was this local exhibition of photos and there was this old and wise photographer, who said to me that if you are passionate about something, you put your soul in it or not do it at all... and then I realized, that photography wasn't the right thing for me. (I still takes photos though, but not so often)

And then there was art. I did went to children art school - I spent all my time drawing while others used every free moment to run around and waste their time in there. I was somehow really serious about it and even had my little display of way too colourful crayon drawings in local child library (when I was 14). But then I guess because of school and other stuff (and that humbling thought (fear) of how I could ever make it as an artist in real life) I just kinda chose to forget about that. 

So there was I, 17 years old and indecisive (still am). And illustration somehow seemed the way I want to go with - at first I was awful, but I didn't care, because I started to fall again in love with the whole process. Making your own worlds, loosing the sense of time, while being immersed in creation of art, bringing joy to others. 
Whether you believe that talent exists or not - you shouldn't be discouraged by that. There is always someone who is better or worse in what you want to do. When you see these young prodigies, who paint like Vang Gog at age 10 - you have to acknowledge, that their parents saw the potential in that kid and allowed him/her to unleash their creativity (by buying art supplies, paying for art classes etc.). Of course they have - "the natural gift", but they work hard to get that skill and they have the right conditions to do that. 
Also it's not a good idea to look at amazing artists and see their art as something so great and feeling not good enough because of that. It's ridiculous - you should compare your art to yourself, seeing and seeking for the improvement. 

There is that famous 10,000 hour rule, that we need that amount of time to get really great at something. For me - you shouldn't focus on that certain number and expect a miracle happen when you reach it - focus instead on your skill that you want to develop every single day. Mindful work is so much better than repetitive one, don't get stuck in your comfort zone and try to find ways to get better and improve. 

When people complain that they lack talent at something and use it as an excuse  - it's just silly. Have you ever tried, seriously tried to do that thing, have you put all your honest effort, spent time and energy on that? For example, I realize that I'm not really good at playing guitar/piano, but as long as I'm having fun and I enjoy the process - that time is never wasted. There is an amazing book - "Drawing on the right side of the brain" by Betty Edwards, and it shows how people who drew "stick figures" could draw quite decent portraits within few days. It's about the methods, trying to find how to learn more efficiently. 

I know artists who have been drawing since young age, and I know also those who have been told that they will never be succesfull as artists, and they still make it. What matters is the attitude, persistence and willpower to work towards your goals. When people think that they are talented and then they slack off - someone else will work from their heart and be dedicated with every new artwork - they will get so much better and improve faster.
Don't take anything for granted and cherish what you have
.
You have to remember that there is always so much to learn, no matter how good you think that you are
Having talent or not - if you put all your time, effort and passion to what you want to do, there are no boundaries and you then realize, that indeed your only limit is yourself. 

So, how about you - what are your thoughts about talent? 

This week I found some lovely resources - lovely ipad speedpaintings by Nikolai Lockertsen, cute masterpost of creepy movies/games and stuff, chart of 5 naps for all occasions, awesome music mixes for writing/painting, inspiring paper cutart by Morgana Wallace , how a creative man painted his own mural without knowing how to draw and 
amazing 4th part of Animator vs. Animation by alanbecker






P.S. I quite frequently post some sketches and artworks in my art tumblr - snowmarite.tumblr.com/. and I have a weekly Music Sunday post on aerismade.blogspot.cm/  and weekly 8 songs playlist.
and a youtube art channel:) (Smile)
(and I make livestreams on my younow channel) 

Have a wonderful week!

"Only you can give the world your unique viewpoint.
- Neil Gaiman
© 2014 - 2024 snowmarite
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NicoleYunet's avatar
This was really emotional and inspiring, I can`t find the words Bunny Emoji-87 (Thanks) [V5]