Do you have to have natural ability to be really good at art/music?

Question

I'm 16 and I don't know what I want to do later in life but I know I love artistic things (photography, music, writing, painting/drawing, etc.) The thing is I keep feeling like I am no more "gifted" at any of these things than anybody else in the world and that I have no original style and it makes me not want to even try very hard. Can I really get better with practice or am I wasting my time?

Answer 1

Don't think, do. Feel.

If you are passionate about the music, the painting, etc. you will find your skills growing along with a sense that you're on the right track. Even if these areas don't become your main vocation they could prove valuable in your chosen professional and in your personal life.

I remember several college professors who were negative in some respects and ended up steering me away from pursuing writing. Later I honed my writing skills as a volunteer and was delighted to discover how good I'd become. The trick was, I was writing about subjects I was passionate about. It came through in the writing, as other volunteers would make a point of telling me how much they liked my articles.

Keep at it. You'll be glad you did.

Answer 2

I used to be like you. All over the place and not knowing where to go. The best I can do is tell you what was told to me because it's true.
If you really love an art do it for the love. The definition of hobbyist is to do something out of love. Don't get wrapped up in being a star or anything, practice can help and if you love it do it anyway. Start slow. Try taking the art courses in your school or joining the art programs to see if you can get someone to practice with you tutor you. A free instructor isn't going to be anything but honest.
I still get the urge to pick up my sax and I love 35mm photography and I understand the confidence prob too. But your young, this is the best time to try anything in the arts! Be easy on yourself too.
PEACE.

Vin

Answer 3

You have no way of "feeling" whether or not you are gifted in any certain area until you try it and not only that - until you work very hard at it. There is no such thing as being able to do it without learning it, just because you are gifted. I think feeling gifted really comes down to believing in yourself.

You have to be gifted (at least to some degree), plus you have to be dedicated, plus you have to have good teachers, plus you have to be lucky. That is, if you want to become famous. You can still enjoy arts just as a hobby even if you don't have any talent or much training, but if you really want to succeed - you have to work hard and study under good teachers. Only after a year or two of hard work you can really tell if you are getting somewhere or not. Sitting and thinkin and hesitating and doubting yourself will get you nowhere.

Answer 4

Some of it is natural talent. Some people are born with arts in their body. However, as far as most arts go (drawing, playing instruments, photography, writing, as you listed) can be trained. You can teach yourself to draw with art classes, and you can be taught how to photograph well, also. Some things can never beat 'the gift', but all art is beautiful in it's own fashion.

Answer 5

"Do a thing once, and it is difficult. Do a thing 100 times, and it becomes practiced. Do a thing 100 times 100 times, and it is no longer you doing it, but it doing itself through you."

-Aleister Crowley -

or, my personal theory, which sorta involves a religious belief, but goes like this: If you keep at one thing long enough, like art or music, and keep trying to create something awesome, God eventually feels sorry for you and tosses you a bone.

Don't stop.

Answer 6

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