It’s Not All about Talent

Here’s another hard truth: your talent doesn’t entitle you to anything.

You will not be surprised to learn that talent is not enough.

Every artist is (or believes herself to be) talented.

Talent is the price of admission, kids.

You’d be amazed how many agent/manager/gallery owner submission letters say, “I’m very talented and I think we should work together.”

You’re talented? Whoopee.

I mean, seriously, you’d better be. You’re going to look pretty silly calling yourself an artist if you’re not talented.

So it’s time to move on. You’re going to need to offer more than just that.

Another problem with getting too hung up on talent is that artists sometimes feel indignant because they feel — hell, they know — that they are far and away the best, most talented person for a particular job, and yet they don’t get selected.

That can be a bitter pill to swallow.

It’s hard knowing you’re the best choice and still be passed over.

But I have noticed something: people don’t always make the best choices.

In the same way that you don’t always choose the best food for your body, or the best shoes for your feet, or the best television show to watch, other people don’t always choose the best artist for the job.

The world might be a better place if we all read only the highest quality books, only screened the highest-quality movies, and only drove the best, most efficient cars.

But “best” is not our only criterion.

Sometimes convenience counts.

Sometimes what’s in fashion is important.

Sometimes it’s all about what’s sexy.

Sometimes a person wants a little schlock — a little artistic junk food.

Sometimes cheesy is perfect.

What’s best is not only relative; it’s often irrelevant.

So cut the people a little slack — you wouldn’t always choose you, either.