It’s often said that you either have creative talent or you don’t, but the question isn’t quite so black and white. There are people who possess natural gifts that make them naturally creative and talented, but there are also those who learn creativity in order to excel in their profession, whether it be art, design, photography, etc (learn more about creativity in interior design here). This article will help to explore the line between talent and skill as it applies to your work as an artist or designer – can you truly learn to be creative? Or do you have to be born with the right brain chemistry?
What natural talents are
Natural talent is often confused with skill, but they are two very different things. Natural talent is something you’re born with, while skill is something you develop through practice and experience. Some people are born with a natural talent for creativity, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn new skills. In fact, many of the most successful people in the world are those who have taken their natural talents and turned them into learned skills.
What learnt skills are
When it comes to creativity, there’s a fine line between talent and skill. Some people are born with a natural ability to be creative, while others have to learn how to be creative. So, can you really learn creativity? Yes, but the process will take time and effort on your part. One of the best ways to get started is by looking at how other creatives do what they do in order to give yourself a better understanding of their techniques. It is not always the same thing though. I once trained a photographer who turned out to be the best pregnancy photographer I knew, but that was because it was a skill and was learned, it required technique and following principles with lighting and posing that if you did it perfectly and the same way each time got gorgeous results. This same person though struggled with newborn shoots, they couldnt see why a pose didnt look right or why blankets needed to match woolly hats to look good. This all required a more naturally creative eye and was not so easily learned.
Why both matter
There’s no denying that creativity is a talent. But does that mean it can’t be learned? Not necessarily. While some people are born with a natural inclination for creativity, that doesn’t mean that creativity can’t be developed. In fact, many of the most successful people in the world have honed their creative skills through years of practice and hard work. Ultimately both in combination is probably the best route, if you have a love of dog grooming and a natural talent at handling dogs and making them look gorgeous, that can be the basis of becoming amazing at grooming if you then actively go out, hone your skills and aim to keep learning from the best. Techniques and styles change and no matter how naturally talented you are you can only benefit be remaining open to new techniques, new tools and new ways of doing things.
Tips on honing your creativity
- Don’t be afraid to take risks. Trying new things is how you’ll find your creative voice.
- Be persistent. It takes time and practice to hone your skills.
- Be open to feedback. Other people’s perspectives can help you improve your work.
- Take inspiration from others, but don’t copy them. Find what inspires you and use it to create something new.
- Practice, practice, practice!
