Talent and creativity is not some magic fairy dust, it’s hard work. I’ve had many people over the years say “you’re talented” and I’m always gracious and accept their compliment, but in the back of my head I know talent was just a head start. What it really takes is years of hard work.

Talent is just the seed. If you don’t continue honing your talent it will never grow into a professional career. There are a few characteristics that people have that enable them to grow their talent to its fullest potential. I do agree that some people have a bigger seed of talent, but it’s really what you make of it.

Being a self-starter is a crucial part of cultivating your talent. If you’re not passionate about what you’re doing and your motivations aren’t pure, you won’t continue to refine your talent. I find it to be the single most important factor. With most of the creative things I do, I’d probably continue to do them even if I wasn’t being paid.

Having a thick skin is also important. The very nature of creating things opens you up to criticism, so embrace it and use it as a tool to get better. It’s probably why every college and school art class are nothing more then a feedback forum. I don’t remember doing much work in class, most of the time it was about figuring out ways to improve what was done for homework.

Well, I’d love to hear what you think on this subject, leave your comments below.