Why "Talented" is an insult

[@DonnaTriska]

When someone calls me talented I say thank you. I then tell them that I believe that anyone can develop talent it just takes a lot of hard work and practice. It is never intended as an insult so I don’t see the need to take it that way.

[@bethnolastname]

Gifts are free. Talents come from practice. Like you, I don't see it as an insult at all.

[@demsmustgo]

I agree most people are complimenting you when they say you’re talented, but I also understand Danny’s point that people take for granted the hard work that it takes to achieve that “talent”. I doubt if he chastises people when they accuse him of being talented. 😊

[@miqerman]

talent means something that comes naturally, something you can do from birth without working for it, when you label a skill I've earned with talent, it breaks my heart

[@lindadalziel7675]

I am so so so glad you wrote this. I work at my art far beyond the hours people put into their normal jobs. And I do it 7 days a week, and have been at it since I was a child and now I am 61. When I share my work, that's all I hear, "you are so talented." And it is so discouraging when people say that. I feel angry. It is exactly how you describe-that somehow I magically can create art and it did not take any input on my part. And then there is where the hole can be, where when people want to purchase art from a "talented" person, it shouldn't cost so much, because, after all, you just waved a magic wand over your canvas and "poof", there was the art. Thank you for putting into words what we all feel. I am so glad that I found you. xxoo

[@nancylee8061]

As a musician, I wholeheartedly agree. I see people raving that a musician (particularly young ones) are "so talented," totally ignoring the reality that musicians work very hard to perform at the level they do.

[@DavZell]

I think most people use talented fairly equivalently to skilled, even though the former technically implies innate ability and the latter learned ability. Like in many situations, it is up to you to decide to be offended. I would choose not to be, understanding that in common usage (and in what context it's used), talented is intended positively. If you must feel offended, a simple "thank you, I've worked hard to develop this skill" (in a non-offended tone!) seems it would suffice to educate the other person and perhaps encourage questions about your journey.

[@jenthulhu]

While I can see Danny's point of view and have encountered the attitude he describes, I agree with you too. It depends on the heart of the person who uses the word and their level of wonder and enthusiasm for your work. In general people are lazy and they have to have a passion for something in order to develop skill. The world is so crazy a lot of people are apathetic and believe they don't have time to develop a skill or hobby. That's unfortunate because these skills and hobbies are, aside from family interactions, some of the most enriching aspects of life.

[@anjapinkau3737]

@@jenthulhu I agree with you 100%, Jennifer!

[@brendadrew834]

Talent can equal "gifted" and is bestowed on many from the spiritual realm. We all have gifts, people just need to notice their own gifts and then hone their natural god-given talents. To believe in oneself, which isn't always easy to do with our infamous "inner and outer critics"! "Unto thine own self be true"...written on the Gates of Delphi in ancient Greece and per the late great William Shakespeare...amen~

[@splitpeas2439]

Working for it feels good on a spiritual level. That’s all I need.

[@kathrynseward3235]

I get called talented all the time but I don't think people realize how much effort I put into developing my so called "talent." It took years of practice and consistency. In the same breath, people will also say "I could never do that, I don't have any artistic talent." They are usually extremely incredulous when I tell them they too could make art, all it takes is time and effort to learn to observe the world and translate into line/form/value.

[@kathrynseward3235]

@Helen Standing Yes. The pandemic really stimulated me to focus more on my art. I work in healthcare so I didn't get to stay home. My art really came in handy for stress relief during that period of time.

[@dolores2716]

"Birthrights are .... the flipside of racism, sexism, classism..." That was so profoundly well-said. Thank you.

[@reginaread8786]

When I was in primary school I started playing music from piano, to violin and viola. This was in large part because my father was the school district music teacher. Playing music continued all through high school, and my sister and I were expected to perform at many events in our community. I can't tell you how many times I was told "oh, you are so talented, but I'm not surprised considering who your father is". So, not only was my hours and hours of practice discounted, and all the sacrifices that I had to make ignored (like not being able to pursue other interests due to music taking up all available time), but also my abilities were disparaged as something that I was just lucky enough to get genetically. So, don't say I'm talented. Tell me that you can see improvement in my work, or you can see areas where I have more work to be done. That is much more constructive than an empty (and insulting) throw-away statement like I heard so many times.

[@joycekazanjian5798]

You are amazing. I love your voice. I started back sketching because of you.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Keep it up

[@laurakenney100]

Maybe it all started when we were little kids & a teacher would decide who was talented. Please forgive any misplaced "insults".

[@petegalloway2466]

I agree with you. When I was a school, some 40 years ago, my art teacher told me I would never make anything of myself. I quit art till only 6 months ago. I attended an art class with my daughter, to give her some moral support. I found out my “super power “ is portrait drawing. I never knew how good I was, I’d forgotten I guess. I now spend all my spare time drawing and getting better. I love it! It’s therapeutic and satisfying. Just wish I knew years ago. I’ve finally found something I’m good at and enjoy. Some people say I have a talent for art, I thank them and smile. Maybe it’s a talent or maybe my brain just clicks with it. I’m dyslexic so never achieved academically. Though this didn’t hold me back, just made me adapt. Kind regards 🙏🏻

[@skiegazer1953]

Thank you, Danny! Thought provoking commentary for sure! :) My experience with the phrase "You're talented" being used to describe me, has always come with let's call it "a certain guilt" attached to it. Being called talented inhibits me, rather than encourages me. The thought of "Am I really? But look at this or that other person..." or having something akin to survivor guilt... "I'm sorry I got this talent and you didn't..." For me, any artistic endeavor is rife with fear of failure (although some may say it's rather a fear of success!) Moving past that fear (that paralysis) is the real talent. And, of course, to keep doing it, whatever artistic endeavor it is. :)

[@deborahruth5072]

I love this and so very true. Most only see the end product and not all the hard work and possibly years of dedication it took to achieve it.

[@mbfrezon]

If I inherited anything it was the idea that if you put your head down and do the work you can accomplish anything. This is why my coat of arms from a few years ago says - through practice and persistence, beauty.

[@NYtalk60]

Thank you, Danny. Another one of your talks pushed me to practice and I ended up drawing you! I am totally new to drawing and watercolor painting. I enjoy watching you on KZbin!

[@WorldWideWebObserver]

Very wise words I really needed to hear. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and interesting art with us.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@denisceballos9745]

My mother used to say, “talent is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”

[@SketchBookSkool]

Wise lady!

[@rentaltoast2201]

Thank you. I needed to hear this, no one in my family thinks in this way it’s like you’re one of my wise uncles I never got to meet or something

[@SketchBookSkool]

You got this!

[@eileengoldenberg270]

I agree, I hate when people walk by when I am out sketching and say” you are so talented” really hate it. Like I just started yesterday. Discounting the hours and weeks and years of PRACTICE!

[@michalnanny1098]

I love it when people say it. It's not universally bad. In my opinion, t's talent + work.

[@sonseraedesigns]

I completely agree. People tell me I’m talented all the time and I tell them I don’t believe in talent. I have worked for decades and decades practicing my craft.

[@CHCHNZ461]

So well said/written Danny. I recon, if anyone bothers to buys arts supplies, art books and watch art videos etc. has an art talent. That will go with any other “talents”. What you physically do with it, depends from person to person.

[@cheryls_creative7048]

I tell people they’re talented. I didn’t realise it was regarded as an insult. What I mean is “wow, great work “ . That’s what I’ll say in future. I’d hate someone to think I was being rude when in fact I’m complementing them, lol :) thanks Danny for pointing this out.

[@hopelessatusernames]

Thank you for your kindness to others

[@jennifern9373]

I agree. My stubborn friend insists I am talented while she has no clue how many hours, days it took me to produce a piece. I am talented because she can’t do them. People are parrots.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Pieces of eight, piece of eight. Got a cracker?

[@mandyg5747]

I agree with some of the comnents here re Natural Aptitude or Affinity....i think that Yes, we can all learn to be better at something but our experiences early in life lend themselves to what we are calling Natural...ie when i worked at High School the French teacher noticed that the children from Asian families were far better at French. They seemed to learn it more easily because they had already been bi-lingual from an early age so French was their 3rd sometimes 4th language. With Art..the students who seemed to be 'naturally' talented at drawing were those who enjoyed it and did Art at home just for fun. I was similar and I think this was because I seemed to 'naturally' understand perspective and how to make a 2 D drawing look 3D on paper because I was an observant child . So growing up I drew a lot. As for learning Academic subjects it really depends if i am interested in the subject. I was ill at school during my exam time and this illness has lasted a lifetime...so i can testify to brain fog and exhaustion making it difficult to learn and retain information. I dont seem to have an ear for music however, its really difficult for me to differentiate one note from another so i haven't tried much. Maybe because our brains are all wired differently what we find easy and enjoy therefore putting in more effort can also be described as being Gifted. But isn't it wonderful to have these differences? I can enjoy the music made by others whilst concentrating my brain energy on Art related endeavours. Let's be thankful for our differences and why not celebrate them in others? No need to Label anyone just tell them how fabulous their Work is...because it is Work even if others think its Playing.

[@NelaDunato]

I agree about the need to put in the time and hard work in order to become good, and how it's often invisible. And, I also need to acknowledge that children who grow up surrounded by creative people are more likely to discover their own creative voice early. That is also a form of privilege that some folks missed out on, and they may need extra encouragement to give themselves a chance. Those folks simply don't have a reference point, so mysterious innate "talent" seems to explain why someone is so skilled.

[@dibyoshreepaint9241]

From my personal experience, I’ll have to disagree, I was regarded as ‘talented’ at visual art, since I was a toddler, but I have zero family/close friends who are creatively inclined or even supportive, it was just interest that came from cartoons I watched, I think most children have access to cartoons, it’s just a little hurtful when people attribute hard work to privilege, over time, I had to develop the skills I have, despite the circumstances with not having people who supported a career in art. It wasn’t easy, I’m just explaining my side and why it was hurtful to hear talent coming from privilege, no hate, just my opinion

[@NelaDunato]

@@dibyoshreepaint9241 From your profile I gather you're quite a bit younger than me :) During the time when I was a toddler (mid-80s in an Eastern European country) there were barely any cartoons on TV, so having access to creative mass media like cartoons and comics is also a kind of privilege that people from certain generations or certain parts of the world didn't have access to. Any source of inspiration counts! I know my interest in drawing was totally fired up when I discovered anime and manga in high school.

[@lauras7706]

I've certainly told myself I'm not talented at something. The internet has given me a chance to dip my toes in the pool and try things. I know what my passions and maybe my callings are, but I was always taught to check out anything and everything, because you never know otherwise. I think this is applicable to me for sure!

[@patriciathomas9685]

Thank you for sharing your essay and giving me pause to think about the concept of talent. When someone looks at my work and says I have talent, I take it as a compliment. Talent doesn’t imply that we burst from the womb painting photorealistic pictures or that our work is effortless. I have no doubt that Picasso and Mozart worked hard to achieve their creative vision regardless of their genius status. As humans, we gravitate towards our interests, regardless of the work involved because the drive is so great. I have so much room to grow as an artist, but I have the passion to work hard and persevere because of the joy it brings me, regardless of the outcome of the piece. In some sense, I would suggest that talent implies the passion to follow our dream, regardless of the work involved in achieving it.

[@jenniferciaccio2940]

I learned this from my partner. He started getting offended on my behalf when people call me talented. He tells me I'm skilled, and that I've worked hard at my crafts.

[@joebalabuszko8863]

In the early 1970s I started in 5 year apprenticeship in Local 830, Sign and Pictorial Union, Chicago. Five years, and years after of hard work, dedication, sweat, anxiety and absolute determination I became talented. I am retired now. Have four videos about gold leaf techniques [ gilding ] on utube. Many more to come, by request. The point is, my talent came about from all the hard work, and dedication as you described so well, THANK YOU for all the prompting, and technique advice. It is so clear and helpful.

[@brendadrew834]

Heavy duty food for thought. I agree, and that's what I heard most of my 74 years , "You're talented"! After hearing that hundreds of times from so many people, I got tired of hearing that. I'm also a pianist/composer of various pieces for piano and composed a full length American folk opera that I performed with others publicly in period costume from the late 1800s/early 1900s. The lyrics were poems written in that era. I've heard that phrase so much it gives one pause to think "don't I have any other qualities/atrributes worth mentioning?"! The late great American singer/dancer/actress Judy Garland of "The Wizard of Oz" fame said pretty much the same thing and felt the same! She once said to people in Hollywood, "I'm so much more than just a voice"! Thanks for your imput and support once again, much appreciated, always!

[@karritz1542]

The only time I felt very much as if being called talented was a put down was the time I won a small prize in a local art show and a woman I knew exclaimed to me how lucky I was to ge so talented. The word she emphasised was lucky.

[@merakisprinkle8386]

I've never subscribed so fast to a channel before, I could not agree more with this view. My partner often says to me 'You're so good, I'm not creative at all, I could never do something like that' and I always reply with 'you could, if you put the time in, just like I could program computers like you, if I put the time in'.

[@demsmustgo]

I get and wholeheartedly agree with you about being talented. I would say you worked like hell to obtain that talent! Just found your channel and am so glad I did.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Yes! Thank you!

[@kayrabey1344]

I liked your essay. I’ve just finished my second day of sketching outside this time. I’m learning, I don’t like brush pens much. I prefer watercolor. I started with pencil then pen. I’m not really confident enough but with work, I’ll get there. While the sketch isn’t as good as I’d like I sure don’t hate it. What ever level I’m at is okay with me. I’m hoping after a few months I’ll get a little better. Thank you for the encouragement. When I got up I thought we’ll, we have company but then I said to myself…you know they will sleep for a good while yet. Thanks again. I’m hoping to keep this up and not fail myself. I started because I admired other watercolor artist. It will be fun to see what I do.

[@8randomprettysecret8]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. Doesn't have to be perceived as "insulting" most people mean saying talented to say the work they are seeing is skilled, exceptional and dedicated profound quality that's beyond what they're accustomed to seeing. If that statement bothers you, you could kindly let them know your boundaries and your preferences and how it resonates with you. Have a nice day.

[@recoveringsoul755]

Very thought provoking essay. Thank you for being able to put into words what many haven't even thought about. I suppose it's similar to celebrities or musicians being called an "overnight sensation" when it was years of hard work and a little bit of luck

[@gathercreatelivewithleslie8340]

I totally agree, you would never call a doctor that took yours of schooling talented and disregard all of their hard work and dedication. People should use the word dedicated, skilled, practiced. I think a lot of people say it to justify that they don't want to take time, classes, hours of practice to learn art or basically anything that maybe creative. To me it's the same thing as saying to a stay at home mom "oh, I wish I could afford to stay home." Ya, you can, plan, budget, buy thrift, don't get new cars every four years and buy used, stay in a small home, make all of your meals, don't eat out, do your own hair etc. and don't vacation. Now, you too can stay home.

[@luisam604]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Talent. The word that I hate so much. I have been told that I am gifted, o talented to speak languages because I am proficient to speak and give lectures on science or history in three foreign languages being Mandarin Chinese one of them. I don’t have talent , I just invested my time and money in language learning and traveling when other just were killing the time with tv or else, or buying new cars or phones. They can do whatever they want, and I get it, it’s hard to do what I do, but please!....people shouldn’t excuse their lack of determination or resilience by saying that others do it, because they have super powers and it’s nothing to them. I am investing my extra time in art now. I loved your video on sketch books. It helped me to see their right value. I had underestimated them. Thank you.

[@randipettit2931]

I needed this pep talk so thank you!

[@christinemacmacleod4880]

Been saying this for years to my students. Totally agree with this. Well done. If you want it, work!

[@samuel_avila]

I'm surprised how many people here just jump to defend themselves as if it was a personal grudge, lol. Basically they tell you you can't resist the concept of being called talented by resisting your right to have a mind. My dudes, chill. The video is literally an essay, not a commandment.

[@recoveringsoul755]

The essay took time, effort, thoughtful consideration on how to put the words together. I don't like writing stuff that other people can read. So I appreciate when others are brave enough to put themselves out there. Judging someone's art is very much like judging someone else's writing. Not everyone can pick up a pen and write something like this, and maybe there were several drafts. Practice makes it easier, same as with art.

[@arcuda2001]

amen !! thank you sooooo much for this!!! it's a way to pidgeonhole someone .. absolutely!! i think it's also people's laziness to nit look any further .. thank you so much, Danny!!!💜💜💜

[@kurokai2085]

That made sense and i loved it

[@ohbli_oh]

So well said. I’ve always loathed the word talent. It also somehow infected me as a kid because I was good at art and it made me think ok, well everything is supposed to come easily. Then I lost the drive to draw. I stopped drawing at 21 and didn’t pick it up again until 5 years ago (I’m now 38)

[@hypatia4754]

I love your essays!

[@margreetdebrie8739]

Talent (innate aptitude for something) does exist and that's not an insult. It's simply reality. The insult is implying that talented people do not need to work hard, or if it's used as a value judgement, which it very often is. But after more than 40 years of practicing composing contrapunctal music, I'm still miles behind in skilllevel compared to Johann Sebastian Bach, who wrote 'I've worked hard. Anyone who works as hard can achieve the same as I have'. No, maestro. Many have tried and worked very hard but never matched you. Not even the very great composers who came after you. The point is that talent is irrelevant if you do something for enjoyment. You do not need talent to play the piano, but you do if you want to be a concertpianist. And in that case, you need to work a lot harder than a hobby pianist.

[@Decopainterandtea]

My mother always told me, "It's the intention of the person that matters, not only what they said or did". I was (still am) sensitive but have learned that people mostly really do mean well. I would hate to think people watched every word I said and got offended with whatever triggered them. Exhausting! Regarding talent. Do you really think it was a slight? To me talent is having something inside you that speaks to you and you work at developing it. I Ioved to dance as a child and took so many types of classes. I LOVED it. Still do. I practiced all the time but I wanted to I was told I had talent. Yes I did. I also worked at that talent to get better and better. There were other kids who knew the steps at recital time but were very mechanical. I showed feeling. I would say appreciate what you were born with and work hard and develop it. If someone calls you talented, be in gratitude and say thankyou! Your hard work is showing through and they are acknowledging it. Don't be all grumpy about it and brush off what their heart wanted to say to you. Just my opinion.

[@susanyoung1600]

I agree. Sometimes people are too sensitive and miss what they mean. Take a compliment for what it is and encourage them that they could do better too with a little more effort. and focus.

[@margaretowuadey]

I completely agree @Decopainterandtea. I couldn't have put it better myself.

[@Decopainterandtea]

@@margaretowuadey 🧡💛💚 Thankyou.

[@anjapinkau3737]

I see what you mean and I mostly agree: People who use the word "talent" are usually of the opinion that they don't have it and they don't need to bother, a cheap excuse. Which is very sad and inhibiting. When they said you have talent, then they don't acknowledge the work you've put in. On the other hand, they don't mean it as an insult, but mostly as praise. Be it as it may, it feels like being put down. But it shouldn't. If you are that good that people believe you were given an advantage other people don't have, then it should make you proud. They might not appreciate the effort, but they do appreciate your skills. So all the hard work has paid off!

[@renatanowak2987]

That is so true , beautifully said

[@lindahenderson1625]

It is Mr. Gregory’s opinion. If you disagree, that’s fine. Our society labels and boxes people in all the time. Words to express are challenging to sometimes. Perhaps Mr. Gregory’s trying to encourage you , in his way, by telling creatives, l don’t be stifled by the words of others. “. Words are used clumsily in an effort to express feelings. For example, a person might say, “You’re so talented, I’m not. “. That gives them an easy out. They may want to be an artist, but if it comes because “you’re talented, well, I’m not , so I won’t try.” Therefore, there are no “messy attempts,” and the person saves face. It’s a work ethic. If you want to be an artist, you put in the work needed. You want to be a good listener, you work at it. “Insult” may be the wrong word from you point of view. If you listen to the full content, you should understand what he’s trying to say, which is to encourage you. This is just Mr. Gregory’s point of view. We’ve become too quick to criticize and we’ve lost the ability to listen fully. We object when it might not be necessary. Now let’s go create, even if the results gets thrown away and no one sees it. Didn’t you enjoy the process?

[@99rylee]

I definitely see his point. Now I know if some one says Im talented I will tell them I worked hard at what I do

I recently discover your channel, and am facinated. Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thanks for watching!

[@karenwashington1300]

I take being called talented as a compliment, and say thank you.

[@marcpaters0n]

That is a rad shirt, man. Love it.

[@roialbert1729]

I take it badly especially when it's said by another jealous artist saying about me to people, "oh, but she's got talent." It is clearly demeaning the work of an artist.

[@AmandaInEly]

Yes!!! Now I know why being called talented mak s me feel weird. Also why I coasted on the things that did "come naturally"

[@martinaodell2866]

Holy Cow! I've never thought of it as pidgeon holing people... truth bombs This is so helpful as I'm learning to not be so precious with my drawings.

[@wesleymccoy4072]

I think that when people that call artists talented are unaware of what they say. Yes they can mean it as a complement , but they are not conscience of what they say. Not everyone feels like they can draw or paint. But if they have a hand. Then they too have the same “talent “ . But I guess it’s to put off the fact that they too could get to the same level. But at least to my fellow artist, they understand what it takes to get there . And understand that very few us has any talent to speak of.

[@ranjanarawat4336]

I thought i was the only one that gets offended by it when they look at my art and say i'm talented 😿😂

[@recoveringsoul755]

Sometimes when I comment on someone's art on their channel, I'll ask them how long it took because it looks like it took a really long time. I do want to appreciate the time they put in , the same way I acknowledge the time someone put in to become a dentist or some other profession. When my kids would get some recognition in school, my husband would strut around like a peacock, as if HE were responsible in some way. It bothered me and it bothered my children.THEY are the ones who put in all the effort and sometimes with my help, while dad was nowhere to be found

[@dibyoshreepaint9241]

Lol I think when most people say ‘talented’ they mean ‘skilled’ so I just say thank you, but I would totally rather hear ‘you’re skilled’ than ‘you’re talented’ too, a lot more validating to the hard work

[@castudil]

You are a true rock star my friend!

[@okhojung]

I love your videosss!! Thank you and cheers from Koreaa :-)

[@johnbledsoe4648]

Good! Talent is an abstraction, what matters is work mixed with practice.

[@richvanatte3947]

Bang on!

[@jakubkohl]

I love this. Thank you!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Glad you like it!

[@markdonovan1540]

To say someone is talented can also be to recognise that they have a lot of ability in what they do. To say someone is gifted, might imply more of the "unearned" ability you are alluding to, but I think it would depend on the context of the comment and how it is said. To be talented or gifted, usually means someone has a "natural aptitude" for something, which could be linked to genetics as you say, but that doesn't necessarily have to be interpreted as an insult. However, I do appreciate the point that you are making. Most people would be aware that a "talented" person would also have had to work very hard in order for that talent to manifest itself and be developed, which I think is what most people would mean when they are complimenting the other person. Unfortunately, in the world we live in it is also true that compliments can be thinly veiled insults, but that usually is accompanied by a sarcastic tone (or not). Maybe it is this aspect that you are highlighting here. Here is a lovely quote by Andy Warhol: “Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” While this quote refers to the art being produced, rather than the person, I believe it might be better for us to be unaffected in equal measure by comments of praise and those of insult. Having said that, I try to give praise where I think praise is due, as many of us might be struggling to express what's inside, so a little encouragement can be very supportive at times. When saying someone is talented, perhaps we could add how much they must have worked, poured over, struggled, dug deep for inspiration etc. in order to create such inspiring and beautiful art, poetry, music etc. Mostly we might say: wow, I love it, it's great, it has something special etc. We might throw in the phrase: you have some wonderful talent there. It's just a comment of recognition of skill and ability, not necessarily how it was obtained.

[@Stewchat_etc]

Brilliant Danny. It took me 25 years to become talented... :)

[@amandasymon4363]

Words I needed to hear 🙏

[@AnupamMehta87]

For me it's not the word "talent" rather the word "God gift". I mean, we all work our a$$ up and achieve something, hence someone calls us talented. But when someone says "Your work is so good. You are so gifted", that's actually infuriating for me. It's not a gift that I'm an achiever right now. It's the result of all my hard work.

[@edzejandehaan9265]

I see what you mean, but I would not call it an insult. Rather a misunderstanding. The intention of calling someone talented is not to insult, rather to compliment. It's not that they belittle the work you put in, it's like they don't realise you had to put that work in. I do find that being called "talented" can be inhibiting, and that's a very negative effect of this label.

[@jk3253]

👏🏼 yes! This. 👏🏼 Being called talented makes my skin crawl. But I try to avoid showing that it offends me, because people saying it are usually meaning it as a (lazy) compliment.

[@hopelessatusernames]

Some of us are talented... and lazy. It's too easy to impress. And so we don't work. Most people telling us we're "talented" are well meaning and kind. Give em a break.

[@hattorihanzo8385]

A. Some have innate ability and are able to pick up a skill set a lot faster than everyone else. Eg: tiger woods B. Some have a great desire to learn but are a bit thick for some skill sets. After much effort they will slowly start displaying a great output. Eg: Antony Hopkins C. Many others will have a great desire for the stardom that achievers enjoy. They won’t put in the hard yards required and insult the above two types as a. Talented and b. Fluke.

[@aprilhelm518]

I think they don't have that strong desire and that's why they won't work on it, because if they really want it (*and* they believe it's something they can achieve eventually), they won't give up from just a little bit of failure. My sister and I gave (very kid level, unofficial) art lessons to someone we knew who gave up really quickly when they realized it was actually pretty difficult to get the intended result. We both told him that anyone can do it (and I would say we were both also still not even that great yet or anything), but you just have to keep practicing in order to get that improvement. They kinda quit anyway, but I figured they just weren't interested enough in creating art to keep at it. And to each their own; perhaps they had something else that they preferred to spend time and energy on instead. I feel like that's how I am with several other things; it's just not worth the time and energy to me.

[@cynthiarowley719]

Did they intend the insult? Did you take it as Insult?

[@ediesedgwick4462]

I think by "talented," people really mean "skilled." They certainly don't mean "racist" or "classist" or anything like that. I don't know where that came from! When someone says you're "talented," recognize that that person is trying to give you positive feedback, and say, "Thank you."

[@kathycarroll154]

I think we are all born with some God given talent. Those who work at it become successful. I could never sing; I have no talent. But I can draw.

[@martinaodell2866]

Where do you get your writing prompts?

[@kerrybirch4541]

HI Danny, how do i follow just you, everything i click on is sketchbook school with other peoples stuff. I just want to follow you❤

[@KelseyHubley]

Hello I love your videos. Why and what made you start doing a weekly essay?

[@franciscoarcegurza6474]

Thank you, I entirely agree with you.

[@Rose_333_Buds]

No matter how hard Salieri worked on his pieces, Mozart WAS the genius and Salieri was, although a well-respected and established, but an average composer. He could NEVER write anything even close to "The Magic Flute". Was Salieri lazy and didn't work on his art? Of course not. As a matter of fact, he was quite a good teacher of music who tutored the young Beethoven, Schubert, and Liszt. But he, himself, was just a mediocre and unimaginative composer. Pls, stop this 'politically correct' nonsense about everybody being born the same. People ARE NOT born the same, they aren't some kind of robots that come out of God's assembly line having the same set of abilities. Some are very talented in Math others in ballet, some create the most amazing music, others are tone-deaf. You can't CANCEL concepts that humanity developed for thousand of years and purge the words from the dictionaries or skew their true meanings. If the word "talented" exists, it means there're ppl who are talented and those aren't.

[@pamburt]

Well said. It’s true that theoretically any old Tom Dick or Harriet can pick up a pencil and brush and have a good go at producing some “art”. Sometimes it results in the individual producing good work ;, with others, no matter how hard they try they can’t grasp the basics sufficiently well to really be any good at it. As a child I was always able to draw well. No one taught me, and I didn’t have to work hard at it, I could just do it. As I matured, so did my skill. I’ve often gone for decades without drawing or painting, but find I can pick it up again nonetheless without spending long periods practicing. Maybe I’m unusual, but I think it’s in your genes to a great extent. I had older relatives who were “talented “ at art too!

[@AnneLahr1663]

Thank you thank you thank you

[@SketchBookSkool]

You are very welcome

[@ZTRCTGuy]

Talent is like fertile soil. Without cultivation, nothing desirable will ever grow.

[@SketchBookSkool]

💯!

[@cas9065]

Off to work.

[@Aeronwen813]

You sound a bit sore about 'talented'. A 'talent' used to be, in some parts of the world, a monetary unit. You can invest your talent and make it grow or you can bury it because you're afraid or don't want the risk or just not bothered. All my life people have told me I'm 'talented' but I've never really understood what that means - I used to think I just had to 'find' that 'talent' and then life would flow smoothly! Naive, I know. Now when people tell me I'm talented I let it slide away and explain politely that the talent has to be practiced - even concert pianists practice the scales regularly (as you say, it takes persistent work). I also gently tell them that everyone is born to be creative and it doesn't have to be art or music or writing or anything academic. Making a loving home is creative, cooking is creative, helping people is creative, caring, sharing, offering a smile ... these are all human talents. It is all human creativity. I hope you feel the blessing of your gifts and creativity. Thank you for sharing.

[@OneMoreJames]

"being called "talented" is actually just a put-down" Ummm... no. Nope. You are being overly-sensitive, here. People tend to be in awe of abilities they do not possess and calling someone talented is their way of expressing that. Calling it a put-down IS, in fact, a put-down of their attempt to compliment and appreciate. Sure, educate and inform, but try to avoid insulting those who are trying (even if inelegantly) to say they're impressed. They aren't putting you down, they're elevating you. If you think that's wrong.... try to express it without being defensive.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thanks! I love "Ulysses." You are so talented.

[@OneMoreJames]

@@SketchBookSkool That pretender! Just because he's famous and came first!

[@spot1401]

I saw his rant. It sucks and is not worth reading. Also: no talent.

[@LanaGB05]

Wow! ❤

[@MBeyeline]

It's not that deep. People don't set out to insult you. It's a commonly misused word

[@PBryanMcMillin]

I don't think I agree with this essay. There are two kinds of talent. Natural talent, and yes, there are people who seem to be born with certain aptitudes. There is, also, acquired talent. The kind that comes from hours of work. Identical twin, growing up in the same environment, exposed to the same things can become very different people. One may show an aptitude toward art at a young age, while the other is more athletic. Both kinds of talents can get you to the same place, but in my opinion, the acquired talent is more impressive because it's born of desire and passion. Natural talent becomes matter of fact to the person possessing it. I don't believe anyone who tells you that you're talented doesn't believe you've worked to refine your talents, and the certainly are trying to insult you. If you take something as an insult where none is meant, that's a problem with you, not the person complimenting you.

[@theresewillis5584]

Amen

[@Irisphotojournal]

But talent does exist everyone knows that, but we still have to work.

[@dibyoshreepaint9241]

I’d say instead of ‘talent’, what exists is ‘interest’ so the hard work is played off as a ‘fun thing’, some people have interest in art, and make art because of it, then the skill develops over time, no one is born with the ability to draw, they learn what they are inclined towards

[@galatians2twenty]

Perhaps yes, perhaps no. To me, if I were to say you were talented that would mean you have a knack to do something well that others don't have Some just have a knack(talent) to fix things or draw or balance on one foot. Hard work would help anyone become better in these cases regardless of how 'Talented" or with out a talent they were. Then there are "Gifted" people. It was bestowed on them by God at birth. Waaaay beyond talented people or normal people like me. Either way hard work is the most important trait. :)

[@Lacroix999]

There’s a difference between having talent and building a skill. You can have both, be talented without building your skill and build skill without having talent. They’re not the same. We all have talents and to be better at doing so and progress further, takes more skill as skills can’t be ingrained like talents can. You’re not born knowing perspective, color theory or how to use the desired mediums in their best ways possible. You can be born with the desire to want to create and being good at doing so, more so than others. Some people are naturally good at sports/physical activities and have a higher drive to do those things but need to learn how to not hurt themselves of use the proper equipment to help them get to where they want to be. For cooking they can know how to naturally put together the right foods to make it taste good, but still need the skill to know how to properly use the tools to do so or what food compliment each other. Some people have the gift of ‘gab’ or more socially outgoing and make good business people, but still need to learn communication skills or marketing to be be able to do those things better. Same for people who like to work with their hands. They can have the drive to want to build a home, but learning how to use the tools the best or build according to safety measures, will only make their talents much better. You can do all of these things without having that natural drive to want to do so, but for those people, they’re pretty much ‘starting from scratch’ having to do so. The majority of people in the workforce have come to this point. They get a job because they ‘have to’ and either learn the skills needed to get that job, or that job is what they just land and learn those skills along the way to do so. Not a whole lot of people actually fall into the category of having a job they love because it falls into one of their talent categories and build their skills around that to make money from doing so after they have built up the necessary skills to be better at what they do on the job.

[@spot1401]

You definitely have a talent of putting -isms into sentences. Do you honestly think the ability to work would make you an equally good pianist, dancer, stock broker, doctor? You assume some unspoken undertone diminishes your work, but why is that unspoken undertone not "you have talent and used it to the maximum"?

[@dibyoshreepaint9241]

Ability to work must be coupled with interest not talent, if he had any interest in becoming a pianist, doctor, dancer, etc yes, he would excel at those things too, it’s all about what you like doing, because you’re willing to put in the hours only if you’re interested in the subject

[@dibyoshreepaint9241]

@UCRPdPW5cvO-oHOdx3_GR5Ng Edit: never mind, you deleted your comment lol yeah very happy, I’m untalented for sure, see when basketball players are tall they’re never said to be ‘talented’ the word is only used to describe innate aptitude which doesn’t exist, physical advantages are never conflated with talent, that’s just genetics, I don’t know why you brought it up here, but the actual hard work athletes do for their interest shouldn’t ever be minimised to just their genetics either, since all exceptionally tall people don’t become basketball players, the ones that do, put hard work and effort into their sport

[@spot1401]

@@lawsfreelancemalice1380 your obscession is not mine. I dont even own a tv. And stop distracting