teaat2am:

and not denounce it.

I think in our generation, pre-professional/aspiring artists tend to hate the word ‘talent’.  Some people go as far as to get offended when they are given compliments like “Oh, you’re so talented!”   The biggest issue I’ve seen with this word in the preprofessional world is that artists are beginning to believe ‘talent’ means that they are just ‘given’ the ability to draw well and did not work hard for their artistic abilities.  I think rather than denouncing this term as a back handed compliment, we should take a moment to define (or redefine, depending on your stance) the word.

The word ‘talent’ doesn’t actually describe how well you draw.  It’s the natural aptitude, rather than the finished practice.  For example, even if you are ‘born with the natural talent in art’ (as some people are), it does not mean you are able to draw something worth while the moment you grab a pen.  If you do not work hard to hone the talent, nothing happens. However, you are given an aptitude in understanding how it works.  Someone with talent may be able to understand color theory better, or understand how perspective works a little better.  It may be as simple as ‘talented’ people understanding/knowing innately how to apply artistic theories we study or just innately know how to observe.  You are able to understand what you study/observe and how to do so in order to apply it to your art more efficiently.   This doesn’t mean that this can only be done by people who are ‘born with it’.  On the contrary, anyone can have these ‘enhancing’ abilities with hard work. 

Art is not a one step process.  You need to visualize, observe, form and then create. No one is born knowing how to paint already or how facial/body structure is.  “Naturally talented” and “Skilled” artists both (not to say that the two groups are mutually exclusive!) both work very very hard at their craft, and this should be recognized. Generally ‘talented’ artists are able to observe in depth from much younger, thus creating an interest in art (or whatever other field) without even really knowing what ‘art’ is.   When you learn to observe and think, art becomes a mechanic representation of what is created in your head already.  It’s human nature to want to recreate observations and imagination in any forms and visual art or drawings are no exception. While ‘talent’ doesn’t create the art for you, it allows you to be receptive to observations and creative thinking may come a little more naturally to you.  It may require a little less trial-and-error in your learning process and composition/perspective/whatever else may come a little more intuitive.  It’s an important (but not necessary!) enhancement to learn how to create art.  When others see your ‘skill’ and call it ‘talent’, what they really see is the result of the hardwork you put into enhancing your talent. So take pride in the fact that you were able to work so very hard to mold the building stone into something substantial that people enjoy!

“Naturally talented artists” and “not talented artists” alike work very hard to become “skilled” artists.  Art lovers, understand that ‘talent’ is not a free pass to creating works, so don’t be dejected by thoughts of “I am not talented as ____”! Artists, do not be offended when someone tells you that you must be ‘naturally talented’!  It’s not a comment to say that you don’t work hard.

Embrace it, enjoy it!