Recently, I’ve been thinking about talent versus skill. I wonder how much we are born with, and how much we develop our skills along the way. Is talent a mystery embedded in our DNA, or is it a skill that one develops and sharpens with hours upon hours of practice?

In light of this question, I began to look at some of my old, old art. As I did so, I began to think that at least ninety percent of talent a carefully crafted skillset. And I will show you why.

These are all drawings I completed at preschool age. I always loved to draw and create, but I often wonder if I’d be any good at it if I hadn’t obsessively done it over and over as a child. I don’t think I would be. I’m glad to know that, because I think people often neglect to realize the hours that artists put into becoming masters at their craft. We work hard at becoming better with every work we create. Often, the years we put into becoming ‘good at it’ are overlooked. Those years are important years, and I think we as artists should be proud of them. Most of all, I don’t think we should be ashamed to share our old art, because it showcases our progress and hard work.

Cheers to the journey.