Talent vs. Skill: The Reality of Artistic Effort
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- Опубликовано: 14 июл 2024
- Let's talk about talent vs. skill. What is the reality of artistic effort? Most people assume artists need talent to be great or to be a pro artist. Usually talent is seen as a good or positive thing. Most people wish they were "talented" at some kind of art or skill. Let's talk about talent vs. hard work. Do we really want to be talented? Does talent even really exist? I address all these topics in today's video.
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⌚️Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:29 The Reality of Having Talent
1:59 The Talented Plumber
3:53 Measurement of Talent
4:55 The Downside of Talent
5:55 How the World Sees It
6:39 Conclusion
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Hi Brandon! I'm Telecom engineer and worked in a research center, and I listened many people saying how lucky I am and never asking how many hours of study I spend to get this...
No doubt! It all takes time and dedication for sure
The plumber scenario was excellent. You hit so many issues on some many levels with that few minutes. Thanks for your hard work.
Thank you for your kind words!
I agree. Talent takes work. I always remember this story :
A famous pianist played to an audience and everyone was in awe. A woman came up to the man and said , " You are so talented! I'd give my life to play like you! The man replied with a smile , " I did ".
Haha exactly, I always love hearing those. So true
I studied couture embroidery in Paris for a year. When I came back to the US, for years to come, people would ask me to make things for them since it’s really “so easy” for me to create beaded garments. To this day, I get repeated requests to create complex items for less than the cost of the materials. I’m sorry to say that I gave up on trying to make this a full time ambition a number of years ago as it was just too frustrating trying to get paid what my skill (and talent) should demand. I make heaps more money sitting in front of a computer all day, unfortunately. It bothers me to no end. Great video highlighting this all too common problem that artists face.
Hi there, Brandon. I really enjoyed this video. The plumber part was so funny. Drawing has always been a hobby for me. I remember I would like to draw during my break time at the office. My co-workers would see my drawings and say the same thing, "Wow, you are so talented. I wish I could draw." Then some of them would start asking me would you draw me this or that all the time. I didn't mind so much at first until when one day, my bosses asked me to make some posters for the upcoming company picnic. For free I've course!. But that's when I finally drew the line, no pun intended, and told them that they'd have to pay me for it. Which they did but it just got to the point that I just didn't want people to know I could draw. Peace my friend.✌
That's an interesting story and I can understand that for sure. Somethings are better left private haha. Especially when people want to take advantage.
Hey Brandon, I love the video and your calm approach. I could not agree with you more and I say this as a person who has never been accused of having "talent" regarding art. The other buzzword that always annoys me is "gift." Like..."you have a natural gift."
Hearing artists admit to the work they put in gives me hope. That's the process I'm in now. I find it fascinating to look at the type of drawings artists produced when they first started compared to when people call them talented.
Keep up the great work.
No doubt, I hear the "gift" word all the time too haha. Such a gift of hard work, patience, practice and persistence ;) Hope it goes well for you!
I’m a hairdresser and I have the same issue,especially with customers either complaining about the price or trying to negotiate it. I’ve worked hard to learn my skills and paid for lots of continuing education. They will even ask for a house call ( mine or theirs) and expect it to be cheaper. I think house calls should actually include a convenience/travel fee if it’s at their location which I do charge for now. And I don’t do house calls at my house.
Ah! I have a similar blog post, but none of the amazing humor like you have here. Cracking up! 😆 Well done, point made and delivered with heart. Thank you for investing your hard work into sharing with us 👍🏻
Glad to hear that :) I did my best haha.
Thank you for this video! It really opened my eyes on that matter. Now, I will never tell a person how talented or gifted I believe they are, but I'd rather tell them how dedicated and hard-working they must have been to achieve all that. Thank you 😀🌹
Glad to hear that, they will appreciate it more than you know :)
Solid Video.! Liked the message, like the Format, and Delivery.! 👏
Than\k you, more to come :)
I have spent years and countless hours working and improving my craft. When someone tells me, 'you are so gifted' it feels like they are disregarding all of my effort and somehow implying it was handed to me, or bestowed upon me, and must come so easily. They might say, "oh, I wish I could do that. I tell them that they could, they just need to practice and practice. It takes time. We are all 'talented' at something. But it all stemmed from devotion to a dream or a desire.
Completely agree!
I hear the same thing about 'having talent'. I was born with zero talent. My high school art was absolute garbage. Any skills I have today are from practice and study and the desire to be a good artist.
As for payment, I'd rather someone I didn't know buys my work. When it's a family member or friend, there is always an undercurrent of 'there should be a discount' not only from them but from me as well. It just gets... awkward.
Yes PLUS these people think that because we have “talent” that our work comes super fast and without any effort (work), so it should be super cheap 🤦🏻♀️ my good friend wanted me to paint her an image of a Dodgers hat 😂 I refused. 1) it’s not my thing and 2) I knew I would have gotten screwed on how much $$ she gave me. For stuff like that, ppl should just use an application to turn a photograph into a “painting”, blow it up, frame it or put it in canvas, call it a day. (Note: I wrote this before he said the same thing towards the end in his video).
@@kateashby3066 Good for you to have the guts to say no and not feel some sort of obligation to her! It's not worth the aggravation and little $$ you'd get out of it. Annoying when people want you to paint subject matter or a style that is clearly not your thing.
Which skills do you have today?
Hi Brandon! Thank you for this video, it was great! I completely understand what you are saying. I have developed my artistic ability since childhood and am now 71 years old. I have always heard the same things as you and I have sold my pieces, but yes, many people want things for free or at a huge discount which is very disheartening and to be honest, makes me angry. Sometimes no matter how much someone praises your work, they would rather go to a Hobby Lobby and purchase a mass produced piece of art than have an original because it is cheaper! Keep up the great work that you do!
No doubt and so true. Thank you for your perspective.
When I was younger (early/late teens) I was told I was talented but not talented enough to be an artist. I didn't realize at the time how much work art was. Fast forward alot of time of not doing art it's now my job. I still hear the talented speal
But now it's other people saying they aren't talented enough. I make it a point to encourage people especially the younger people that come up to me and let them know it's not talent it's study.
Hi there
It's a really good topic and question you ask!
My understanding of having talent is when a person has a good feel for something and develops quickly in an area compared to the average of other people.
For example, when it comes to painting, it is a huge advantage to have a photographic memory, or a musician who has an extraordinary sense of rhythm.
I know the little wonder and irritation when something you have spent a lot of resources on achieving, which has not been easy and is then considered a talent!
When someone points out or praises with the expression "Talent", it is simply to take it as it is (when it is meant as praise) with a smile, even if you do not completely agree!
Note: It was a wonderful and funny video sequence you made with your plumber :)
Thanks for this. I can see areas where I let”Talent” stop me. I thought I f I was talented then I should be able to draw anything. Hearing how much hard work it really takes makes drawing the way I want to draw more attainable. Also, I hate admit, I was one of the ones who felt that talented artist should do things for free. 😳 Not any longer. Thanks for helping me understand.
Glad to hear that. No worries!
Talent helps, but everyone has to work hard to achieve the results they want. In my work I often hear "you are so talented" and when I say that it is not talent, but only hours of practice, they only smile and only I know how much time I spent on learning and how much more I have to devote to be better. That's why it makes me terribly upset because talent only helps, it makes it easier, but it won't make you better at what you do.
This immeasurable things I possibly possess in some form or another helps.. haha doesn't help me at all :)
You can only be truly good if you got the talent. Without it, mediocrity is the absolute ceiling.
I just draw my fist autoportret and it was pretty good. I posted on my instagram page and everyone was amaized ( family and friends) and started to ask for a portrait, for a drawing of them ect ect. I felt overwhelmed, like what I did it took me seconds. I took me 3 evening after I put my son to sleep and I used the hours left to draw. And they wanted for free, and not talk about the energy that you put in your work, the magic, your soul...
The talent part, omg, soo true!!!!! I have almost 1 year that I draw everynight, some night I make progress and some other not, but indeed it takes work and disipline, patience. Some night I am having a conversation with a friend and all my eveing is gone, I have draw nothing and I feel angry with myself for losing time. People dont think that that being an artist and creating is msth done in solitude and you need to "sacrifice" your social life for it...
Very well said and so true! It's a difficult life to have sometimes but it's fulfilling. Takes a lot of sacrifice too you're right.
Definitely talented
When I draw Cinderella, I end up creating a 95% demon and 2.67% horse and rest is filled with disappointment
Because you lack skill and ability, not talent.
Go play Beethoven on the piano too, I bet you suck at that too... because you haven't practiced. Nothing to do with talent.
hey brandon its been a while since i have commented i need to get back into drawing cause i hadvant in a while so i need to get back to doing it. i enjoy uour videos cause they inspire to keep doing it
Glad to hear :)
OMG! As a lifetime entertainer who is now learning to paint...TRUER WORDS WERE NEVER SPOKEN!!!
People just don't understand the work that went into the craft.
No doubt!
what you said probably true. I am not an artist, however when I saw something beautiful I only commented on the art piece itself, never the person; I would look it again and again quietly and think how did the artist achieved this, so much time, I could never do that myself. I think people said you are talented, most of them are shallow, don't know what is art and don't know what they were talking themselves. They might not want to have something for free, they just have nothing to say. You know what, even a famous artist could have created something so bad before they were well known.
Good points!
I am doing engineering, and I feel the same. Sometimes my relatives ask me for some guidance and they doing maths and science must have been very easy for you, and they tend to forget how many hours I gave to study and how other activities I skipped to learn all maths and science
No doubt!! Well said
I agree,I always say nice or great work ,I understand the struggle 😆👍
Glad to hear that haha
I still don't understanding why I'm not subscribed i used to learn a lot about drawing stuff and i was not subscribed hahaha now I'm in
Better get subbed :)
@@SchaeferArt I'm in😎
Luv u bro
:)
your a artist an comedian, wow your multi talented 😂
Everyone is talented in something, we just have to find it.
-_- "talented"
"If you're good at something, never do it for free"- The Joker
Exactly
I agree
For sure
i really understand
Glad to hear
I remember that young man 😁🙏
:)
Only Man that can rock a buzz-cut.
Hopefully... haha
😆 the comment you made about the plumber.
xD haha Glad you liked it
I can understand why you get annoyed at the talent thing. I've heard it all my life as well. People are just trying to be nice though they are using the wrong words. To me it's just semantics and I take it as though they are calling me skilled. I think people can have a natural talent for learning things quickly, which I think is what is happening when they are perceived to have "talent" at creative pursuits. Wanting stuff for free is an entirely different story though...
True I can somewhat agree.
I think in every work you need a talent, sometimes talent is people skills so it makes you good leader. Mathematicians, physicists I strongly believe need talent, or strong mathematical and logical intelligence, as well as hard work and determination. Nurses need a talent, you can clearly distinguish a nurse with will to help and the one that acts like a machine just to make her work done. Talents need to be worked on, developed, so some people who have the right kind of talent on the right workplace with enough determination and effort can achive a lot. Art is monetary not as recompensed probably because it is regarded as a luxury and people I think are aware of the price but do not justify spending on art. Some people on the other hand love spending on art, that is also a matter of culture, the way we function as a society. Many people do not think going to cinema or theatre is for them, they regard it as a luxury above their status, although they spend on other luxurious things. Many people struggle to cover they day-to-day expenses and paying for art is not possible. Most people, though, like to have art in their homes.
I don't think it's talent though. The jobs you mentioned either involve intelligence or empathy, etc.. even those can be developed more by each person. Some people just aren't as empathetic as others but doesn't mean they lack or have talent. I'm a graphic designer and people have asked for logos and websites for free all the time, and those aren't luxuries, those are necessities in most businesses. Just something to think about and my 2 cents :) But interesting points you did bring up and I don't disagree to some extent.
The skit makes so much sense. Just because someone loves what they do doesn’t mean they should not get paid. Also. I kinda don’t believe in talent when it comes to art
I completely agree, well said!
I'd also argue that "fun" is a crutch. Yes, on the whole it should be fun (why else would you do it?) but sometimes you have to do stuff that isn't fun in furtherance of your skill. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say using a tape measure is fun, but, well...
Absolutely true!
When I say 'you are very talented 'I should maybe say, wow, you have a good eye to see something and put it into proper perspective for drawing or painting. Many people that try art never get it right like some 'talented' artists do. I'm a firm believer in having talent and having a 'gift'. How many little kids can you say could draw like you did when you were a small child? I rest my case! Don't expect me to stop 'annoying you'. :) As far as people thinking things should be free from artists... I dislike that terribly! My thinking is that they consider #1 it's easy for you to do. You can just whip it right up because you are so 'talented' they would struggle for hours where you can do it quickly....#2 they see art as an extra thing they can't spend money on. It's not like paying rent or car payment... it's an extra. Sad but true! So...keep using your talented gift and be happy because it's a way people are saying... 'I see the beautiful work you do'! What else would sum it up better?
I know what you mean haha :)
☁️💚☁️
:)
Telling someone they’re “talented” is different than saying they’re “naturally talented”
Enlighten me.
@@SchaeferArt Haha, well I figure if we can’t all agree on what a man or women is there’s also space for us to disagree on what the word talent means.
@@drago987 Yeah for sure haha. I was just trying to ask for your explanation of what talent means to you, or the differences between the two you mentioned. That's all :)
Ive also gotten the impression that most people dont really use the word talented with emphasis or intent of saying that you were by means born gifted, but rather that its just more commonly used to convey that they are impressed of your abilities. You can also use the word in a phrase like "Look at you, you've become so talented!", so I was actually surprised to see googles/wikipedias definition of the word as I would rather like to define it more like a heightened version of "good/skilled". I use the word talented a fair bit, but with that I have no means of saying that they were born special.
@@olliveraira6122 I understand, intention is important no doubt. I just take it literally :) haha
Imposter syndrome is the opposite of The Dunning-Kruger effect :) Perhaps it's talent plus hard work (over 10 000 hours).
The hard work is measurable (in hours) but talent isn't. That's my problem with this whole talent nonsense.
@@SchaeferArtcalling talent a "nonsense" is like being a flat earther.
drawing heads for a few months and i still cant do them right. Yet some teen can draw heads in every angle after only drawing for 3 months. I draw for hours and i still cant do it. There is somthing going on here. Oh yeah talent. here's a metaphor for you. The bird comes down to the fish and says "hey why dont you fly? flap your fins and i'm sure you will fly in no time" and so the Fish tried and tried and tried. Yet no matter how much the fish tried he could never fly. why? because he's born a fish. But the bird that has allways been able to fly cant understand why the fish cant do the same thing he's doing. "why cant that fish fly?" the bird says to himself. "I managed to fly through practise" he says "so why cant the fish do it?" Well its because the fish was born a fish and the bird was born a bird. Soo could the bird ever understand the fishes frustration? Short answer "he cant" because to him it comes naturally. Whilst the fish simply just cant.
In short. People that are born with good observational skills cant even begin to understand what it takes for an avarage person with no observation skills to learn to draw. What took the talented person 3 years will take that other person 10 to 15 years and it all depends if he is drawing like a mad man non stop. Whilest the talented person just has to draw for 30 minutes to an hour and call it a day and retains the information with ease and then says "i worked hard" not even begining to comprehend what that really means to a normal person that draws for 5 to 6 hours aday and still cant produce the results that he or she wants.
When I get good enough to sell art, I'm going to make it a principle to draw the WORST art ever, while keeping it within the guidelines, if the customer asks for it for free.
Oh that's perfect actually haha. That should become a thing we all do
I think you exposed a mystery- that there are ' some ' people who think they can ask for ' free ' art , but nobody would ask that of another profession. On one side , i dont know if that generalization holds true- ive known people who ask others they KNOW are good at what they do for free stuff- gardeners , electricians- even doctors. On the other hand , i understand any frustration you might feel if this happens. Not sure as to why this is however. I want to say because people see how 'apparently' easy the work they do , is for them. And as such , people dont think it is too much of an imposition to ask of them. But in doing so , perhaps they dont realize how they , in asking , are devaluing the amount of effort it takes to achieve.
Well said, and yes - it's basically that I wouldn't ask someone else to do their job for free, so why ask me to do mine for free?
Got any?
Nope
I found that your talent maybe not your passion, for example l found that l am exceptionally good at taking pictures, but it never flourished into a passion l never worked for it so l never really got into it. Goes to show that talent can also kill the joy of learning in cases.
So true and well said. Just because you're good at something, doesn't mean you want to do it haha
I guess because they look at it like you don't have to work physically hard, and it's enjoyable to do. But they didn't see the time and struggles it took to get there. Also, people can live without art, but can't live without lights or plumbing. They would pay for plumbing being fixed before they pay for someone to paint them a pretty picture. Believe it or not electrictian and plumber's family members expect free service all the time. RUclips expect people to keep putting up great content for hardly any money. After the people saw the videos once, they are done. Have to keep putting more. Meanwhile, people are getting valuable teaching info for free, and RUclips is making all the money.
Perfectly said
Thinking others are talented at a thing you admire is an excuse not to do that thing yourself. You would need to get over your insecurities to start. If it's just talent, why bother? Talent is cheap. Practice is hard.
So true and well said
Sorry, I don't agree. Talent does exist. I'm not saying artists don't work hard at their craft, but talent does exist. My brother never practiced anywhere near as much as me when we were young and never practices now were older, yet give him a pencil, pen or paint and he'll produce something amazing. I on the other hand have practiced my whole life, and I'm still nowhere near his level. Explain that if you will. Talent does exist.
Sure it might exist to some extent in some situations. My main point, or what I wanted to be my main point, was that even if talent does exist, work still needs to be done. From my personal experience, the perception of a lot of non-artistic folks sees artists as talented people. I was just expressing frustration at this perception of artists because sometimes it feels as though our efforts are discounted. That's all. Maybe some folks naturally have more sensitivity to nuance, etc.. and are better built for drawing while others maybe be more suited for doing construction or something. But even with those natural abilities, it's not everything or 100%. I hope that clears it up. Maybe we don't actually disagree that much.
@@SchaeferArt I've been into photography from an early age. People always said I take good photographs. With the risk of sounding big headed, I think I still do. Am I educated in photography? No. Did I have a mentor? No. I'm not saying my images are perfect, far from it, but I just have an eye for composition, I know lighting, I know what settings to use for any given moment. And I'm old enough to have known this when digital didn't exist, I'm talking film, which I still sometimes shoot nowadays. I have a talent for photography, I've no idea where it came from. People pay money to learn things that have come naturally to me. But, like you say I've worked at it too, but I've had an "edge" were as other people haven't. Which is why I do believe talent exists.