Are You Talented Enough? e037

[@KeshArt]

Here's what I've come to realize about Talent. Its the ability to LOVE something. People are not born with the ability to Draw, paint, play music or dance. They are born with ability to love doing that. That's what allows them to persevere to its expression.

[@jakeparker44]

+Kesh ART Really cool perspective.

[@inkiwell]

+Kesh ART I so agree!

[@saeidehrad5070]

definitely motivation to do the practice

[@lauraguerraherrera4179]

+Kesh ART i was going to comment but your comment ressume all that i want to say :)

[@krsnathakker8536]

+Kesh ART I have many ideas on how natural talent does come into play but i believe it all boils down to this comment. The ability to love and enjoy what youre doing supersedes

[@Haitosenju]

When I was little, I had a baby sitter who's now an great illustrator that told me this when i got frustrated at drawing as a kid, that was that being the best at something, its just an amazing coincidence of talent, really hard work and some luck, but being great at something is an objective, afordable for everyone, and it only depends on how much you love doing something. Cheers everyone :)

[@jakeparker44]

Wise words.

[@Callaxes]

2:22 ""It's a super ridiculous idea, but whatever"" - Jake Parker A quote to live your life by. :)

[@adinitisor]

Haha made my day

[@SquiffleQwimply]

Me when I draw literally anything

[@KoniWorx]

I don't think I really care where my limits are. I just keep improving all I can because I enjoy improving and making stuff. So if I'm talented or not, doesn't really matter in the end.

[@fishcat101art]

+Conny Nordlund well said.

[@RayanMADAO]

+Conny Nordlund You don't have any limits

[@cucknores]

+Conny Nordlund agreed!

[@deadaccount980]

ConnyArt can't agree more when people say I'm "Talented" for my age I want to tell them I've been drawing all day everyday almost never having breaks for 7 months but I know they try to complement so I don't say anything

[@marie-evedrolet3242]

Well you said it, enjoying it is the most important part of it. I think that talent is the result of commitment and practice. And it doesn't matter if you're the best at it or not. Don't limit yourself with your tools and skills. When you have fun doing something, you don't care about limits. anyways cheers!

[@noel5901]

Talents are like pre-order bonuses in video games. Gives you a nice boost at the start, but it's up to you on how you're gonna play the game and become a "master" at your own journey.

[@_pulyx]

You made some great points. Here are my observations from what working with art, stopping working with art and coming back to it told me about 'talent'. The 'talent' people refer to in art is an abillity to conjur aesthetic vision. Some people can work down to their bones and can't acquire it, not even through reference. Some can (like Jake said, fluid and channeled talent are very good descriptions of how this works). But some people are born with it. I used to dislike the concept of talent too (seems selfish and elitist). But there's no explanation for young talented people who haven't put in the hours and just work with ease and with brilliance. I myself am a person who has the ability to conjure up mental images very easily, but i lack the discipline and drive to train harder. I frustrate easily and my frustrations stem from the fact i know i can do better if i work harder, practice more and so my hands will be able to translate what my mind imagines much more easily. But since i don't. I drop it. I'll have spurts of creativity and i'll milk them as much as i can. I'm by no means genius talent, veeeery far from it. But if could wrangle myself to work harder i would've reached some dream goals quite a few years back. You can see this clearly and easily and also more commonly in your everyday life in fashion and decor. Some people have no idea how to dress themselves or how to make a room look good. Some people learn it through school and books and actually can dress themselves and others quite well, or without much work, just instinct make a room seem much more beautiful, functional, cozy and things like that. Some people just KNOW how to do it, effortlessly. They KNOW instinctively what looks good together, what works what doesnt. But some folks you can hit them in the face with the knowledge and they won't understand because they can't conjure up mental images at all. (It's not a slight or a defect, mind you, just a characteristic of the human mind). Everyone has their shortcomings (i myself SUCK at making a room work and look good. I can't imagine stuff with it, and i can't do math if my life depended on it). Same goes with music, some can appreciate it, but if you tell a person to come up with a melody on the spot, they won't be able to do it. (i'm like that too, and boy, i tried really hard to be able to conjure up beautiful melody. Just couldn't). Others will make up something that sounds right. Even if it's not amazingly beautiful, it won't sound wonky or weird or forced. To me that made me realize talent does exist. Less of it is not an excuse not to excel though. You CAN push through your own specific deficiencies with hard work and study (unless theres a complete lack of it) . And you can still be quite good at it. And quite good at it is already pretty cool to experience. Creation is a beautiful thing. It's THE most human thing. Quite good, or super good are totally attainable. But genius level stuff is where talent is. And it's rare. Most of the time your competition will be hard working people. Not geniuses. Geniuses don't need to compete. They rise above early and stay there (unless they have other personal shortcomings). They are more likely to be your guides and groundbreakers than elbow grease. So, work hard, surround yourself with creative people and the works they create, study. Get out of your comfort zones, try new things. Train your body to obey your mind and the mental images you can come up with WILL be realized. And even if you're not super talented you will prevail. Talent with no work ethic results in oblivion. I know it from experience.

[@EnvyShinyHunter]

Alright so I'm in art college now. And basically the thing they keep telling us is that it's all about dedication and how hard you're willing to work to achieve something. Because, there's a few people in class who are madly good at drawing, but those people pretty much don't even try to get better anymore, they rush projects and don't do the follow-up projects (basically harder versions of the original projects) so that shows that they don't really have what it takes, they don't work hard enough. On the other hand we have less skilled artists who work extremely hard to make the projects look good and you can really see improvement each week. They might not be as good as the more skillful artists, but that doesn't matter, they have dedication and that's pretty much all that matters. They are willing to work hard for their art and their future.

[@EVERMAGGOT]

Very well said

[@deadaccount980]

Envy Shiny Hunter agree but there are some artists who are really good but they keep on going cause it's what they love so I'd say art is something to do if u enjoy if you don't and are there for money thennn go get another job😐

[@stephaniewozny9070]

What's that phrase...." One percent talent, 99% hard work"?

[@flerptermiteable]

there's no physically possible way for you to know how hard someone else works. There's a chance that the people who seem not to work hard but do really well are practicing more efficiently or with better resources. A less skilled artist may be practicing a lot but not practicing deliberately, and this stunts their growth.

[@hausofone]

Envy Shiny Hunter what inking pen did he use? Do you know?

[@evanpb]

This is awesome! Whenever people say "I wish I could draw like that", I always say "You can, just pick up a pencil and start drawing!" The whole idea of fluid vs. channel talent is a really succinct way to describe an abstract idea that I've been trying to convey to people for a long time. Thanks, Jake!

[@daptor1427]

I used to worry a lot about talent, but now that I understand it slightly better, not so much anymore. Talent exists, but it's extremely complex. You can be extremely talented with drawing straight lines, or with using fineliners, or maybe both and more. But there are so many different ways to improve (especially in art), that it will almost always beat talent. Only at the very top levels of skills talent really starts to matter, and even at that level you can sometimes get by with only a (relatively?) moderate amount of talent if you work really hard and *know* how to improve fast. Some people are even talented at learning skills in general, without necessarily having talent for the thing they are trying to learn. Jake really seems to have a good understanding of talent in my opinion. Having the right kind of resources at the right moment (like being taught by an amazing teacher) definitely helps a lot too.

[@jakeparker44]

+Vertigo Great observations, thanks.

[@gogidolim]

+Vertigo Right. It's not a simple issue. Talent might be essential but talent alone won't get you anywhere.

[@Taumisch]

"It's not how good you are, It's how good you want to be" This is a book by Paul Arden who was a former Executive Creative Director at Saatchi and Saatchi. Even though this book is not dealing with talent (and if I remember well Paul Arden says that talent doesn't exist, it's all about work) it can help any person to get the right mind set and behavior for success in life. For me the perfect equation to become talented enough is self-motivation, perseverance and hard work.

[@ryuuy6313]

I think people who are considered "talented" very early in their life are people who learnt how to see like an artist very early in their childhood. Drawing is a combination of so many concepts and there is no way that somebody is just born with that knowledge. But if you learn how to see like an artist very early in life, it makes you question things. It makes you question why things look the way they do. It makes you question how perspective works, it makes you question how light works it might even make you pick up some anatomy very early in life. This is the core skill really and everything else comes as a result of that.

[@michaelskywalker3089]

Very good points; I especially like your comment on anatomy. I sometimes think that many doctors and nurses may have pursued art very early in life due to the increased exposure to detailed rendering.

[@The_gaming_archaeologist]

I quite agree about fluid talent. I have known people where things like drawings come to them quite easily. I have a friend who is able to pick up languages quite easily and in a short amount of time. I'd say I have a bit of fluid talent in writing, but like any skill I believe it can be improved and I'm certainly not claiming to be a instant story genius because I doubt any stories I create will ever be recognised, but who knows what the future holds.

[@Actionnelll]

I think talent comes naturally like singing and a skill is learned. You can learn to play the piano it becomes a talent when you can compose like Mozart. Art becomes a talent when you can draw from imagination.

[@ArtByEmilyHare]

This is the best description of talent and how it manifests I've ever heard! I'm often arguing with people over whether there is such a thing or not. I tend to think that there isn't - merely because even if you do have a lot of fluid talent... it won't make you good if you don't use it and channel it! So really i would say there is ONLY channelled talent

[@Vexx]

Loved the video (as always !)

[@jakeparker44]

+Vexx Thank you (as always!)

[@julietmartinez6737]

Vexx do a collab pls

[@planeyogurt573]

I have met a few of those wunderkind musical kids you were talking about and I'll tell you this now, they aren't "gifted". They just put in more work than everybody else. My old bass teacher, he used to tell me that before he would go to bed he would practice with a piano and then when he was in bed he would keep practicing by lying on his back IMAGINING he was playing a piano. That right there gives him a whole extra hour of focused practice per day. And practice is like laying down building blocks. The more you do, the higher your wall is going to get and if you work more often you're going to build your wall a lot faster. But the key word there is work. The art fairy doesn't hover over the cribs of a chosen few and hand out magic pencil powers. Everyone works for it. Some people do appear to connect the dots a lot quicker. This I think is more to do with factors outside of everyone's control. The specific learning style of the student, the teaching style of the teacher, the right kind of encouragement... Just believing that you can is a massive step in the right direction. I was recently drawing in the park and I heard a woman tell her son who had asked me about drawing, that he couldn't draw!!! She decided for him based simply on the fact that he hadn't come out with some oil painted masterpiece by the age of 5 and he believed her. And why wouldn't he? I told him and her that if he could pick up a pencil, could see the colour of the pencil and could tell the difference between a circle, a square and a triangle that he could draw. Wunderkind stories are the most damaging stories out there because they leave us with the feeling that if I can't do it easily or naturally or by the age of 5 then I'm never going to do it ever ever at all. Oddly enough no one ever uses the "by the age of 5" yardstick for learning to drive. I didn't learn to drive until I was 18. I didn't learn to draw until I was 27. Actually, it is more truthful to say that I believed wholeheartedly with the entirety of my being that I could not draw until I was 27.

[@EvilMeans]

Plane Yogurt Actually talent has been scientifically proven to exist now. They debunked the 10,000 hour rule. Practice amounts to 30% of what ends up in the final result (sometimes less).

[@celestialvision5073]

You will find what your looking for no matter what it is. If your looking for a Reason to try, to win, to become great, one will present itself. If your looking for a reason not to.... well, guess what. perception guides much of reality.

[@PHeMoX]

The ability to pre-visualise when doing art is a very useful talent. I'm not sure how much of that people can really train / practice. Its similar to a musician being able to think of new music / songs based upon an idea that comes to mind and then getting that idea out as accurately as possible without losing the idea. Of course, if people have such a talent, but never put it to good use, it's pretty much useless. In case of drawing a lot of people that end up being very good, definitely have put in the hours and hours of work practicing. Anyhow, yeah, good video, a lot of good points made!

[@jakeparker44]

+PHeMoX Thanks!

[@NicholasKennedy]

+PHeMoX That's interesting, I think people can learn to pre visualize and draw what is in their mind. I know that I used to not be able to do that at all, but after years of consistent practice trying to visualize things I can visualize a scene or place in my head and then draw/paint it. but once I set pen to paper my visualization does change as i draw and it evolves. I enjoyed your comment thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@PHeMoX]

Paint With Nick You're welcome and yes, that's exactly my problem. The moment my pen touches paper and tries to re-create what I came up with, it seems to disappear like snow in bright sun hahah. I definitely have huge problems keeping the pre-visualisation going when I'm making the drawing / painting. :) I'm hoping the key to training this is purely putting in the hours then hahah or do you use a certain strategy?

[@NicholasKennedy]

Yeah I totally get that! I do a few things...well not so much a strategy, its a hard thing to explain how to visualize because i don't really understand how it works it fully, but there are a few exercises that I like to use that can help build the skill (slowly -_-) I do a lot of the exercises from Peter Hans Dynamic Sketching class, I would HIGHLY recommend it. especially drawing cubes that grow out of each other. I also try to visualize a cube and play with it in my mind, like Ill try to spin it or drop it or light it with a spotlight and inspect every side of the cube in my head. I like to do that when I am lying in bed to sleep haha I also like to visualize myself painting something as I see it, like when I am driving down the road and I see something that catches my eye I like to walk through how I might paint that scene in my mind, Ill try and visualize each step and how specifically I would tackle the imaginary painting. Eventually it took less and less effort to visualize things and when I found myself visualizing something original to draw i could hold it in my mind longer. Even still, it always changes when I start drawing because once I set pen to paper all my thoughts start racing and I get even better ideas haha I hope that helps!

[@PHeMoX]

Paint With Nick Thanks! Yes, that definitely does help. I'm wondering how to keep new ideas out when trying to put something on paper. Perhaps I have to start more loosely. It's amazing to me to see people like Kim Jung Gi paint entire pictures from the upper left corner all the way down to the lower right as if he completely pre-visualised everything in his mind. Not entirely sure how that works either haha. :)

[@philkiner4363]

I think one of the most powerful thing about watching you work is seeing that you make prelim sketches, that you erase. It shows me that it takes work to get these ideas out, even from masters! It's encouraging! It's easy to think that the people I admire just make perfect, finished, work on the first try. Thanks for the reality!

[@jakeparker44]

+Philip Kiner Thanks for noticing. Yep, I rarely nail it on the first try.

[@alicejump2290]

As a really senior viewer I appreciate your insights and how generous you are with sharing, I have a great nephew who is at the beginning of his art journey at the college level and l highly recommended he follow you.

[@LouisWhitworth]

"Talent is a pursued interest." - Bob Ross

[@theshadowwolf6774]

this is the first time i'm seeing one of your videos, and you made me so happy and inspired with your words

[@kupotenshi]

I think about talent like learning a language. Think about how difficult it is to learn a new language as an adult. But babies learn an entire language, they have that inside of them to just listen and absorb and then learn how to talk. I think that's incredible. The ones with talent were exposed to art very early on and if they had it in them to learn, they'd get very good very fast. If their interest remained then they'd become professionals very early, and then move up the ladder. I think all that matters is the amount of hours you put in and your level of interest.

[@MaryAnnFarley]

This was wonderful, Jake. I have a similar problem to what someone else brought up, which is that I have multiple interests in art, music and writing. I've devoted years to the study of each, and I'm now at a curious point where I want to do all three, while at the same time dealing with health issues. Perhaps I just need to accept that unless I pick one pursuit and follow your line of thought, my ability to excel will be limited. Yet here you are making a video while actually creating a drawing at the same time! So maybe it is all possible. While we all do have natural limitations, like your running analogy, sometimes our limits are self imposed. Hmmmm. Anyway, awesome video. Thanks for taking on that question.

[@abooklovejourney9346]

Okay so I just found your videos, and I have to say I'm totally binge watching right now. Love the combo of motivational/ inspirational speaking with the visual of seeing your process on a drawing from start to finish.

[@cinderblockstudios]

I really like the distinction between the "work" of talent, and what is natural. I have always been able to see a visual side of things that many other people just can't do (or so they've told me). I always give the analogy of Neo in the Matrix seeing lines of code instead of people (at the end of the film), for me is like seeing shadow blobs and perspective lines all around me without having to really think about it.

[@rukukabe2153]

Thank you so much for this video Jake! At the beginning of this year i took the plunge into a huge dream, to create manga in the Japanese market. I left my life as I know it in the US behind to move to Japan to learn the language in a language school and study this artform ive come to love. The biggest issues i face daily are a lack of any kindred spirits in this sense, and due to most of my funds needing to be used just to survive, the right tools are hard to afford pretty frequently. But watching your video has helped me remember how much i love what im doing, and to not give up, and that these 4/5 years of training and honing my skills will not be for naught. Ive come to really enjoy watching your videos, not just for the work you do (still love your work though), but for the character and ethic behind it! Even in being alone in this pursuit, being able to see videos by guys like you is a huge inspiration and morale boost! Cheers from the other side of the world!! Keep doing what you do!!

[@kevinanderson6367]

I like many artist channels but I like yours more because you don't just provide a time lapse, you're very informative.

[@f81456]

Talent is another word for potential. Regardless of how much potential you show potential is lost or realized over time. But so often those with the most potential - believe they have the most time.

[@Sara-ru9rs]

Really interesting concepts. I've always thought that talent is the desire to start working on your craft early and the ability to keep at it for years. However I have seen a few extremely gifted kids put the lie to that. I still think that determination and continued effort wins out more often than a natural gift. Its hard to keep going through a period of difficult growth when you've been told all your life that you are, "so talented" and "these things come easy to you".

[@michaelskywalker3089]

I think your analysis is correct. In my early teens i marveled at the fluid talent of this piano player who could play anything by ear and ended up using his talent to accompany singers and musicians in musical theater. In 30 years I never achieved the ability of instantly playing anything by ear but I could work out most music within a few days and gained the ability to compose complex pieces of music. I think it was my low opinion of my native talent or fluid talent that never allowed me to use my musical knowledge to get to the next level in terms of productive contributions to society. Even today, I rarely share any of my musical composition or play in public. Although my native talent in drawing and graphical composition might be lower than musical fluid talent, I am both more eager to share what I draw and work a lot harder per session while using more frequent sessions. It is astonishing to me that I can draw at all and I hope to use what I have learned to not draw for myself, but principally for others to appreciate.

[@BlackOreoCookie]

I can honestly say that i'm most of a high fluid, low channel artist, but on the other hand i'm proud that i found you on my journey to up my channeled talent :D Thank you so much for your content, been watching your vides for the past 2 hours!

[@ekenks8650]

Jake, thanks so much for your insight. Over the past several months, I've struggled to find satisfaction in my career path, and finding a place in my life for art education seemed impossible. Since I'm already 25 with a limited background in drawing, I felt that changing tracks to pursue this interest was impractical, since I was never intuitively gifted in this area. The distinction you make between fluid and channeled talent helps put words to what I've been feeling. While I may have fluid talent in the field I'm working, my channeled talent has dried up. Even though I may have low to average fluid talent for drawing and art, I've reached a tipping point where the amount of effort and work I am willing to invest more of my time, money, and effort into pursuing this seriously. I've recently decided to leave a masters program in language so that I can work and begin attending art courses at a local community college. While it still feels like jumping into thin air, I know that my capacity for channeled talent is high, my passion is leading me this way, and I'm in it to learn and improve, no matter my starting point. Enough rambling, I just want to thank you again for sharing your thoughts and talents, both here and at SVS

[@sloppysaad2798]

i am by no means an artistic person. or rather a visually artistic person. i hate to draw. but i have so much respect for people that can. and i find a lot value in these videos though i am not a visual artist. i used to be into music production (not really; just made hip hop beats from samples) for about 1 1/2 years but recently quit. for the past 3 months, after i quit, i've been in such a slump trying to find the next way to outlet my creativeness ow whatever i thought i had. tonight i was so desperate i looked up on youtube the simple words "why do we create" in an effort to find some sort of answer to then stave off this desire of mine to create or whatever. sure enough i found this channel as it was the first video that appeared and i was just HOOKED. you are really intelligent and the way you convey your thoughts into words really is just super impressive. you've essentially answered some of the toughest questions ive had to myself for several years in as little as a few hours. essentially wanted to say that i cam in a slump and am staying as a fan. i greatly appreciate you for your work and contributions. thank you!

[@Darksideava]

im naturally talented at drawing, but it wasn't until i began putting in real hard work and dedication that I've been breaking through my plateaus. Thanks for this video, i come back to it once in a while to remember what my underlying goals are.

[@strawberry4829]

This was a really great video. I was always hearing people say talent doesn't exist but the way you explained it made perfect sense.

[@jakeparker44]

+Straw Berry People say that???

[@strawberry4829]

Yeah, something like you only get good though practice. But I don't think that's very accurate all the time.

[@Whizzlewhopfizz]

+Straw Berry I agree. Some ppl have 'talent'. A special ability to think, see, or hear something differently than the rest of us gives you that 'talent' edge.

[@shayden5289]

'Talent' is just another word for 'Inspiration'. Some people have it, other people don't, but it doesn't matter. What does matter is the will do.

[@RealFableFox]

Interesting analogy about the rain. I wonder what is your view on people who have multiple hobbies - like drawing, 3d animation, playing guitar, astronomy, programming, and having a hard time to be good in any of it, even though that person enjoy it all?

[@maxokaan]

I don't know about him, but what is your view on these people? Considering myself one too

[@michaelskywalker3089]

Sometimes, I suspect most people have multiple interests. We are after all part of the most intelligent species on this planet. Nevertheless, sometimes it is best to concentrate on one area of interest and master that. Even within that area it is important to achieve goals and complete projects one by one, however small, in my opinion.

[@thenicosystem8606]

I really liked part about levels and how it relates to where I want to end up. With this view of the hierarchy , I can create goals that will help me through its gradients. I find myself at the student level, learning about illustration, painting, and digital tools. However at the same time I feel like an amateur because I am always experimenting and exploring the different mediums. So far it's photoshop, graphite pencils, colored pencils, water colors, and standard pens. This video gives such a great perspective in pursuing art, but anything else! Also, great whale!

[@caroleecalvin5343]

As junior high art teacher in a public school, I wrestled in my own mind with the idea of talent. I've also had discussions with colleagues, and many discussions with parents over the idea of "talent" and grading. Here's a couple of quotes about talent that are worth considering: "Talent is just another name for the love of a thing." --Daniel Parkhurst “Talent really is just the ability to persist until you get it right.” -- Leon Parson “People say, ‘I wish I could draw.’ And I say, “You can-you just have to put in as many hours as I have.” -- Brandon Dorman “Talent is what people say you have, after you’ve put in a ton of work.” -- Zach Poulter "Does 'talent' exist? I don't think so. Only training. Some people just learn faster than others." -- Serge Birault Thanks for all you do. I'm the proud owner of several of your products, and can't wait for "Drawings III."

[@jakeparker44]

+Carolee Calvin Thanks for all those quotes. Great stuff! And also, thanks for working on the front lines as a jr high art teacher. RESPECT. I owe so much to my two jr high art teachers.

[@tonysmith7564]

Jake. I just wanted to thank you. I am a 66 year old man who has recently come to the end of his working life, with more than a little trepidation. I have always loved art and creative writing but I have never been able to achieve the proper work and private time balance. Your videos have helped me do that . Once again . Thank you. keep up the good work.TS

[@GueceAbarca]

For me it's all about mileage. The more you do it: the better-faster-easier it comes to you. Talent is misleading. I think when people say you have talent, it means it comes to you effortless. It can steer you in the wrong direction and cause you to slack and believe your talents are magically making you good at whatever you’re pursuing. What most people see is the finish product/ the showcase. What they dont see is the endless amount of sketchbooks and doodles and studies that you do to achieve your skills. When you are good at something you naturally want to keep doing it because you’re successful. Their’s a gratification that we get that builds our skills. I think anything can be learn and hone. Practice makes perfect. I believe in SKILLS.

[@JPsanpablo]

Thank you so much for making these videos. I can really feel that the things you say comes from your heart and it's really inspiring. I can't believe I get to learn from you for free by watching your videos.

[@inkiwell]

I think everyone is born with a LOVE of something. What they do with that love is up to that person and their circumstances.

[@jakeparker44]

+Dede Willingham So true.

[@hausofone]

Dede Willingham do you know what inking pen he used?

[@bendemare5270]

I dislike because I don't think so.I think that we can discover that we love something during our life,that we do not oblligatory have a passion at our birth,wtf

[@HeyaHoyah]

Neo Dore It looks like a brush tip, I don't know the brand though (because Japanese)

[@FuriaInfernalis]

I remember such a good quote that I read somewhere few years ago. "Talent is gained, not given"

[@jakeparker44]

+FuriaInfernalis Great quote! I guess I just wasted a day making a video, haha!

[@FuriaInfernalis]

+Jake Parker Hahaha well I was just looking at you drawing and listening to your opinion about talent so it guess it was time well spent :D

[@EvilMeans]

FuriaInfernalis It's a faulty quote. It's been scientifically proven that talent exists, and that practice can only account for 30% of what ends up in the final result. www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/10000-hour-rule-not-real-180952410/

[@asmaspeeks8501]

Yo Jake these videos are mad inspirational. You've made me question so much of my work, and my work ethic. After seeing this I wanna climb that hierarchy and become a worker. I wanna take what I've learned and become better and earn and teach. Thank you so much Mr. Parker!!!

[@stellacoleff1978]

hey Jake, I have a tip 4 u! so I am an artist and i have a cool nice pencil, but it dosent erase completely. so i use it for shading so i draw that natural shade crosshatchings and then erase it a little and it is amazing -ben

[@Winwild3]

I didn't have the time or inclination to read through all the comments, but with regard to whether or not talent exists, this I know: some people are born with a natural ability to automatically SEE things differently, this is a tremendous ability to have when it comes to art. However, with a great deal of time and trouble, "untalented" people can be taught to look at and see things differently, this is where the work comes in for them. For those born seeing differently, it is easier, and they are able to progress more quickly, but it is usually still necessary to work and learn to translate what you see to whatever medium/media in which you choose to work.

[@bendemare5270]

okay How do you know that(i'm curious)

[@peggyroyster1389]

Wow Jake. What an excellent video. I'll be sharing it on social media for sure. It was such a great breakdown of that topic. So glad we have phenomenal teachers and experts like yourself to help us reach our next level of success. You're awesome!

[@jakeparker44]

+Peggy Royster thanks.

[@secretagent1007]

I love how the things you talk about can be applied to anything creative

[@nycxtile]

For me, a better way to look at talent in art is, it doesn't matter. I am who I am and my abilities and skilles in art are learned. I used what I have to do the best work I can and I do that while also learning new abilities, new ways to do things. While it is good to know what we are good at I think it is equally, if not, more importantly what we are not good at so we can either improve on those areas or simply be aware of it while making art. If I suck at drawing mechnical robots I will not try to create a comic book with all kinds of robots, and if I do, I will realize I have to get a lot of help in references, models, colabrators, practices etc, etc.

[@TheRabidmilkman]

This concept keeps me going in art. I don't have a lot of fluid talent, but I know I can control the channeled talent. Thanks Jake!

[@jakeparker44]

+Aaron Ludwig You totally got this, man!

[@Zarnowski_Sculpture]

I think you discribed it pretty good.think also talent is relative. its more about what you do with it. Dont know how much talant i got.but i know all i can do now is beqause of patience and dooing it for long time almost every day with pasion. cheers and thanks for shareing.

[@artcafe1709]

Thanks Jake :) I've watched / listened to this twice and will probably re-watch a few times as it's important for artists to realize how they should approach their profession. My brother has fluid talent - he can produce extremely funny cartoons with incredibly smooth lines even though he rarely draws as he's a scientist. If he drew cartoons for a living, Bill Watterson would look up to him.

[@rkneegordon6316]

That was the most well thought out explanation of talent I have ever heard. Well done.

[@radharcanna]

Great video. Don’t know how you can talk and do an amazingly detailed drawing at the same time. That takes talent!

[@XxSilverTheHedgehog1]

"It's a super ridiculous idea, but whatever." Still a million times better than literally anything I can come up with....

[@alexhm2411]

Hey Jake, I just past 23 few days ago, and yes have bought your DRAWINGS III to not only support you but I actually really like your idea about drawing. And I have been thinking a lot about this talent stuff. Practice is actually extremely important for anyone whether he or she has talent or not. Thats why I started doodling on my sketchbook again, and why I started playing basketball again. I know there are always people better than me, so might as well just practice strategically and enjoying the process.

[@jakeparker44]

+Yuyang Shi You're so right! You just gotta operate at the highest level you can reach. And that will be good enough. Thanks for getting Drawings III

[@Kamiccolo9000]

This is probably the most honest answer to the question, glad I stumbled upon this video, I honestly have no idea how much fluid talent I have or don't have, I've mostly assumed I have very little or none of it and that's probably what the truth is, it's hard to not think about it and not let it bother you but I still try to remember I can't do anything about it but I have control over channel talent, I didn't have good hand control, no sense for colors, form, wasn't observant at all and I was and still am bad at visualizing something but despite all that working on those has proven to work in time, trying to push past all those limitations puts a lot of mental strain on me but I guess when you really want it you have to try your best to push against the odds, seeing people that don't have hands and draw with their mouth or foot is probably a good example of pushing against the odd and not giving up on what you want to do.

[@shurikananimator1485]

Hey Mr. Parker. I really love your videos. Not only do you create amazing work, but you make me think about the work I am producing. I hope to meet you next year when I go to college in Utah, your work has helped me so much and its exciting how much you give to the art community.

[@jakeparker44]

+Shurikan Animator That's great. Let me know when you get settled in Utah.

[@shurikananimator1485]

+Jake Parker Mr. Parker, I definately will! I will be at BYU so I will keep you updated on my journey!

[@Korone-sama]

It's really inspiring to watch you talking about talent and drawing an armored war whale with my mutant zombie drawing on my desk that i'm struggled with right now :'-D

[@jaredslye3498]

Thanks for the wonderful video! I am always so inspired to work when I watch these videos. I even finished my first novel after watching one of these videos.

[@PLarios]

Well said! I would have to agree with the two types of talent and the blend between the two. Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@TheBaxstar1]

Jake, I love your videos! I just discovered your work a week ago by surfing youtube. I love drawing and art, but am not big into social media. Thank you for making these videos. I have not drawn much for years now, but since finding your videos, I have been doing multiple drawings a day. Thank you for inspiring me!

[@jakeparker44]

+Austin Baxter That's great! Keep drawing Austin!

[@Mr508films]

I'm 45 and just now settling down to work on my first comic book. I have a passion for history and westerns and movies. So my first book will be a western. I have been doing woodburns and sketches of soldiers and cowboys my whole life. After 25 years of doing the Retail thing, I have a strong background in history by virtue of being a reenactor in civil War and an actor in a couple of Western short films, A couple of which I wrote and directed and are on my youtube channel. I draw my own storyboards for my projects.But these videos, along with attending some comic cons, have inspired me to fulfill a lifelong ambition to write draw ink and publish my own comic book. It has taken me years to hone my skills to the point that I feel ready to do this. I think I might shoot some videos of my process from start to finish.

[@TheBlackRhino007]

Good video Jake. Throughout life-even within the scope of art-I think we visit all of those levels as part of the cycle of learning.

[@tomislavartz]

I believe hard work beats talent. I have proven that to myself a few times (not only in art) but I have seen people who couldn't draw stickfigures (best example every time) and with some help are getting better and better each day.

[@jakeparker44]

+Tomislav Artz (Tom) Like anything, it takes practice.

[@andressilang7877]

Tomislav Artz I agree but sometimes there are some people who comes along and just defies this. We had a design quiz in our arch'l design subject which we had to finish in an hour. So there we were all hard at work except for this one guy. We noticed that he was doing something else and was going in and out of the classroom most of the time and even played a game of MTG. It went on like that for him until the very last 15-20 minutes when he finally started to do his designing. Needless to say he turned in a finished design but not as polished and rendered as everybody else. We were shocked the next day to find that he had a higher score than most of the other students who put in a lot more time. And it was mostly like that for him throughout college.

[@TheRandomNonsenseMerchant]

I prefer to differential natural talent from learned skill, and not refer to both with the word "talent" because of the intense misunderstandings it causes. Talent is your starting point (what your brain can work out on its own) and then learned skills are what you add over time.

[@EvilMeans]

The Random Nonsense Merchant Talent is moreso the SPEED at which your brain can figure something out about a given discipline. So while one person might be able to figure out how to be a master pianist in 6 months, another person may never figure it out.

[@carlaraejepsens9060]

This VIDEO!!! it really inspired me SO MUCHH!!! you're not just an artist,You're also very GOOD MENTOR!!! MORE POWERS to your AMAZING TALENTS!!! 😊😊😊

[@gabymoruza]

Thanks for the breakdown on talent, Mr. Parker. I ordered your book and can't wait to get it, keep up the great work!

[@davidbrow9757]

So many gems in here.

[@krispyart3965]

I used to have amazing raw talent as a kid but unfortunately was never encouraged to pursue it seriously so I took it for granted and never worked on it. Now at 27 I am pursuing art because I realize its what I wanna do with my life and even tho I wasted all those years behind me and that talent may not be there anymore, I know its not too late.

[@tartnonion]

I feel the hustle is what I need right now. I like to think I have some natural talent and I have drive by earning a degree in school and taking your classes at SVS school. Thanks to your videos on business I think I have found a missing link. Thanks for that.

[@tomislavartz]

I got myself a digital version and I really like it... I might start collecting my work aswell to see the imporvement and what I was going through...I usually don't keep it too long

[@jakeparker44]

+Tomislav Artz (Tom) You shoudl!

[@drenandtarb]

You said that if you're surrounded by people more talented than you that you'll strive higher. But I tend to have the opposite reaction. The more talented the other people around me are, the more likely I am to just quit. I'm sure i'm not the only person like this.

[@_Nyxus_]

Very late on this, but I'm the same way. I'm around someone who is practically genius in everything, including all of my own hobbies, so they go much farther than me. In the end it just makes me want to quit. It's disheartening for some people to see that. There are apparently two kinds of people: those who challenge themselves to be better on their own, and those who need the support of others to find their own strength. I'm certainly incapable of pushing myself to my potential because I simply just don't know how to. No one has ever supported me to do that and it does not come naturally. So I feel you, but all we can do is keep trying I guess.

[@NicholasKennedy]

This is a great view on talent and I really appreciate you giving the time to think about this subject.

[@jakeparker44]

+Paint With Nick Thanks!

[@Nuclearkid]

Thanks so very much! I love to watch you draw and have found this episode most inspiring!

[@jexterjames1988]

This made me stop driving my self insane saying 'if only I started when I was younger' and pick up my sketchbook instead. I can go in circles and freak out or I can draw... gonna start choosing draw everytime. Thanks for all the vids.

[@Dahpie]

You can be really talented but above all else hard work trumps all.

[@MrBatman0092]

I like your distinction between fluid and channeled talent. I've always thought of those as talent and skill, but your terms just sound cooler!

[@nodippy]

but this really spoke to me thank you so much Jake.

[@josefklear7739]

I feel talent is that you want to do it. You might not be good in the beginning but you want to do it! I was not that good of an artist when I was younger and I was really self taught! I loved to do it and I did. And here I am now. One of the best artists in my school. 😀

[@statsstrikers]

Hi Jake, you simply nailed it! Excellent (clarifying & inspiring) video! Keep posting!

[@rachelm7525]

You are so, so right. We ARE born with innate abilities, some big, some small, and if someone (like me) can only reach amateur level, it's no disgrace, as long as you're USING it! My mind is like a TV screen in my head, permanently on, but getting my hands to link up to it is hard work!! I wouldn't say being surrounded by talented people works for me, though. I'd be crushed!!

[@greg.serrato]

thanks, very helpful. I just gotta keep workin at it, art is what I love to do.

[@abdalrahmanayran9137]

i believe to be talented is work hard and love what you do ! hours and hours of practice this what make talents !

[@MarshMakesComics]

Wow I've broken talent down differently than that with some of the same points. But I think this is a much more wholistic view of it! Thank you!

[@BigCrow123]

Talent in my opinion is a compliment which you shouldn't really expect to hear from anyone. Just go develop and create what you love. Even if you start as "NO" talent, when you get to the point where you created the things you love, you will see that what people called "talent" isn't something beautiful at all.

[@ClareBear749]

shout-out to all those high fluid/low channel kids who quit doing what they loved bc they were too self-critical and convinced themselves they would never be good enough :D

[@ClareBear749]

cool so you're celebrating someone else's misfortune because it marginally benefits you... thanks pal (also people still pay me to do commissions, it's just not my day job, so your point is irrelevant)

[@Dahpie]

Wow, no need to be so salty/defensive because some people couldn't handle it and quit.

[@Dahpie]

***** I wasn't talking to you, otherwise I would've replied to you.

[@Dahpie]

***** Unless their is a tag attatched chances are the person would be replying to the original comment.

[@ClareBear749]

Madness wow, you completely missed the point of my comment. don't you think it's reasonable to be upset if someone tells you they're glad you quit doing what you love? i think that's pretty reasonable...

[@kristinsearight3813]

I showed this to my 9 year old. She loves to draw and wants to work for Blizzard and Disney. She gets frustrated because she will get on KZbin and try to copy a drawing like your doing in this video and then be upset hers isn't as good as yours. She has no concept of the difference between a grown man and herself. Every single time she expects perfection. Hopefully one of these days one of these videos will sink in for her

[@vincemincevince]

you are only the second artist to bring up this subject. in a way i think allot of people think that allot of people who can draw well got to that stage pretty automatically after no time at all. and the word tallented diminshes all the years work that they have put into to get to that point. like you said there are a few people who are naturally gifted but that number is minuscule. my art teacher drummed this false notion of tallented out of me and im glad he did as i am more realistic about what im willing to learn and dont beat myself up when i see a really good artists work.

[@svennasty]

in my perspective i see that there definitely is an innate ability that one can only be born with or has to be given through some combination of miraculous events that exists separate from the hard work and disciplinary traits. i think another HUGE factor is a trait separate from those and that is passion. does one have love for their craft to truly be honest with their work and why they do it. some people are talented and hard working but my not have a high level passion. being hard working can be applied to anything and some people are just plain hard working without the innate talents because thats how they are. yet there is a magic combination that exists that can give someone to shine like a gem. i like this analogy because it can directly applied realistically. gems form in the ground during volcanic activity and only exist if an extremely specific set of circumstances are present. if one born with talent can sustain their growth with hardwork and develop a passion to devote love and energy and thought to not only get satisfaction from knowing you worked hard but know that this is something that you love. like i work really hard at my job as a server and i want to make sure i give my team 110% every day, but i definitely dont have a passion for it, make sense? some people are just born with a level of creativity thats so high that it can literally be applied to anything, art, engineering, architecture, science, robotics, tech etc. as long as they develop a passion for something and develop a work ethic to fuel it. i also feel like you sounded very 'matter of factly' in the video, not a huge deal but i just think its important because you usually talk in this way and i feel its important to address because the way you speak is your main vehicle to connect your ideas to others accurately. like when you say "theres two type of talent" and go on to explain fluid and channeled. to me it says in a way that you looked at all the info, formed your theory and said this is it, there are these two types of talent and this is how they work. i know you always keep an open mind but speaking that way definitely does give off that vibe. i love your work man you inspire me always man. you are a master going on to be a grandmaster. i cant wait to you become a grandmaster and can wholly devote your entire lot of art energy into YOUR OWN PROJECTS. they will take you truly where you want to go i think you just need to jump. take a leap of faith. just bought the book. cannot wait to see your work on a non digital platform. thanks always man!

[@pjlewisful]

Being a fashion/ portrait artist, my interest in what you were drawing was limited, but I was deeply interested in your thoughts and ideas about creating art & what makes an artist.

[@catsymousie7611]

Great video! So clarifying! And I guess illustrators come lucky because many other art practices having fluid talent is more crucial and critical, like dance and vocalist. While it almost comes to me that anybody can draw and still achieve something in time given effort.

[@everlastingsaga8331]

i think one thing i would tell my younger self is... to keep on trying things and see what im good at. i wasn’t really encouraged to try many things. all this back and forth of this topic of talent.. its quite overwhelming. i figure if i have to keep questioning myself about this stuff, well then maybe i should try to find something different, but thats a much much steeper hill now

[@TWVGH]

Thank you for the inspiration while I start my warm-ups!

[@jakeparker44]

+Tim Walsh Glad you listen while drawing!

[@aeysop6504]

Thank you so so so much, Just when i was starting to doubt myself.I come across your video. Live long and prosper.

[@ShanaramaNS]

I've only recently just discovered you & I feel like I've just found my own yoda!! Thank you for the truly amazing advice that u have imparted on the creative community. I've just listened to this vlog, ur other one about fan art (which was a real eye opener as I've been much more similar to Will Terry in terms of not getting it, until hearing ur insightful explanation) & I also watched/ listened to the creative block one... I have to stop now as I won't get my work done(oh, the irony!😆😆), but u are so talented in both ur artwork and teaching- I've heard u say in an interview that u put yourself out in the public arena for partly self-serving reasons, but the knowledge, the incredible insight & inspiration that u provide is unbelievably generous of u & I am so grateful & admiring that u've given so much time & effort to do that., (who said men can't multitask!!) Thanks again & I look forward to gaining more inspiration in the future, then reaping the rewards😉 👏🏼👏🏼✨🎉

[@justinj2093]

The distinction between the two types of talented are what I always understood as the differences between being talented or skilled. Anyway, great video! A question I am constantly asking myself.

[@artographyj.g9452]

Patients is key to getting good art. You must be dedicated on what your drawing. Also use to holding a pencil/ pen. It takes time to master new skills but worth it. Never give up on everything if someone says something negative about your art work you can correct it to make it look better.

[@octaviaroodt4584]

Thats was... certainly more honest and logical than most motivational videos out there. Really fantastic. I felt myself becoming anxious to know what you were going to say next, to pause and rethink what I am. And in the end... most of us aren't the next Rembrandt... But when you once again asked: "talented enough for what?" I knew the answer was yes. A refreshing perspective. Unfortunately, grappling with these things on university level muddies the water a bit. As they are trying to expose the students to a huge variety of creative fields, personal progress sometimes takes the back seat as the end result needs to work, with no time for careful experimentation. What I'm trying to understand is this: my fellow students and I can operate professionally because the industry demands it. When I sit down with passion projects it all falls flat as I have enough rigorous hours of anatomy studies, life drawing and doodling to fake a unintensive project well, but not nearly enough to, say, draw a full comic without becoming disheartened after the first failed page. I love the creative industry. But the push-push-push for immediate results can be so draining that it becomes substantially harder to improve drawing skills after a week of illustrations that, upon further inspection, fall flat. Wonderful video. And something I'll probably have to rewatch in darker moments.

[@AndreasEsau]

Hi Jake, just discovered your channel and this was my first episode I listened to. Thanks for this great topic. I would agree with you and some people should really listen to this topic who say they don't have talent. One thing I would like to bring up for discussion though. GENERALISTS and SPECIALISTS. I think you are more talking about specializing in a certain area and reaching that top level in a certain area. And it has totally its point, since specialists are more seeked nowadays. But to truly invent something new(most of the time its a combination of things that haven't been combined yet) I think a certain generalists approach can be very helpfull or is even needed. Not being the best/master at one particular skill but being "good" at many skills and combining this to something new. In that sense I don't think you have to be a master in something particular. Sometimes I miss that people want to reach the top of a particular skill and say this is it. Why not reach a broader foundation of knowledge? Don't get me wrong, I don't think this is what you say in your video. Anyway. Thanks for this video. You gained a new subscriber! Looking forward for more! :-)