I’m fairly convinced anyone can be super successful. But no, this isn’t one of those super encouraging, inspirational blog posts. So get ready to be slapped in the face.
I’m convinced anyone can be super successful, but most people won’t. Because most people think success has to do with talent or skill. It has so little to do with that. It’s really all about working hard. It’s about saying yes to inconvenient projects or projects that scare you.
Too many artists see those who are successful and get intimidated. “I could never do that. I wish my skill level was high enough.” But it’s really not about that. It’s about doing something with whatever talent you have. Many of the most successful folks out there are only mediocre in talent. But they’re excellent in hard work. We don’t see that side of things. We just see the flash of brilliance that resulted from the hard work.
So that’s the key. Working hard. I think it’s important for artists to acknowledge this fact.
First, it’ll keep you humble when you do find success. Acknowledging that it’s working hard at the opportunities God sends your way makes you feel less like a celebrity. Machines aren’t glamorous or famous. They just work hard.
Secondly, we need to realize we can be successful. We need to power through failure and do great projects. Great projects require risk and they require work. It doesn’t matter how much talent you have, if you don’t apply that talent to something, you’ll never be great. There are so many talented artists that will never see the light of day because they hide in the shadows. They don’t work. They rely on talent…
Talent doesn’t get you far. Work does. So squeeze those last drops out of your talent and put it to good use.
I was having a conversation with someone the other day who is really, really talented artistically, but can’t seem to “catch a break.” Of course, this person has a natural artistic ability, but refuses to put in the time & effort to learn how to work in the digital age. She thinks her talent is enough and just can’t seem to come to grips with the fact that talent is in nearly infinite supply (just spend 10 minutes on Dribbble or DeviantArt and you’ll feel like a no-talent hack). What’s incredibly difficult to find is someone who’s talented AND knows how to work hard AND never stops learning.
Excellent post! Thanks for inspiring us with your hard work (& talent)!
Right on man. Talent is cheap. I wish people could realize that. Let’s start spreading the new…it’s a Wes and Jonathan revolution! 🙂
I was having a conversation with someone the other day who is really, really talented artistically, but can’t seem to “catch a break.” Of course, this person has a natural artistic ability, but refuses to put in the time & effort to learn how to work in the digital age. She thinks her talent is enough and just can’t seem to come to grips with the fact that talent is in nearly infinite supply (just spend 10 minutes on Dribbble or DeviantArt and you’ll feel like a no-talent hack). What’s incredibly difficult to find is someone who’s talented AND knows how to work hard AND never stops learning.
Excellent post! Thanks for inspiring us with your hard work (& talent)!
Right on man. Talent is cheap. I wish people could realize that. Let’s start spreading the new…it’s a Wes and Jonathan revolution! 🙂