The Tribune

By Deidre Bastian

Were you born a designer, or do you simply hone those creative skills into a career path over a lifetime? Every person’s map of the world is as unique as their thumbprint. Scientists say no two snowflakes are alike, and no two people understand the same sentence the same way. Meaning everyone has a distinctive talent, skills and ability that make them unique.

If this is true, do you believe a good piece of design results from a designer’s acquired knowledge of the craft, or is it a natural gift? Do some people just “have it” and some do not, or does everyone have the potential to learn?

This question has surfaced many times in conversations. A very skilled and accomplished builder contractor/designer and I had a very interesting conversation (Top of the Line Construction) regarding “talent, skill” and the lack thereof. That is what actually brought me to this topic.

Throughout his experiences, he alleged that designing and carpentry had led him to understand that “true talent” is a gift that blooms when further cultivated through practice and cultivation. He went on to suggest that a skill is a natural ability, and there is the chance it could possibly be innate.

“Let’s face it: Your craft must provide that ‘pull factor’. If you have natural talent no one can take that from you, imitate you or design like you, no matter how hard they try, because everyone is unique. It’s just not possible” Mr Lockhart explained.

Stepping back to see the bigger picture he suggests that we as designers should look at what it means to have talent versus skill, as a lot goes into a being an authentic designer.

So, the question now surfaces: Which is more important? Is one more critical than the other, skill or talent? First, it would help to know the difference. Research reveals that talent is innate. Meaning, if you are born to be artistic, you have that intrinsic, artistic identity that travels with you right after leaving the birthing womb.

Talent blossoms, grows and reveals itself (and its intentions) early when you are a child. What is great about talent is that it finds a way despite suppression. Some say it is “God-given”.

Subsequently, possessing skill is nearly the opposite of talent. Skill takes time and effort to develop, is not innate and is more likely measurable and technical. Skill has the unique ability to make you look like you are talented.

Things like hard work, dedication and persistence are all things that help foster great skill as it develops. This is often hard for some artists to grasp, and I have seen many, many fall behind and eventually give up because of lack of patience and misinterpretation.

But can anyone learn to play a violin like a concert violinist? Probably not. Can they practice long and hard, and never become a concert violinist? Possibly. From this perspective, I do not believe (and I stand to be corrected) that just anyone can be successful as a graphic designer.

There is more to it than learning to draw, or learning to use computer programmes and theory. In my opinion, a certain amount of innate talent is required. It’s not all that different from many other things requiring talent.

Let us look at another analogy. I could practice eight hours each day for the next 30 years and never become a great tennis player or a chess grandmaster. I think it takes raw talent that has been carefully honed and fine-tuned through years of practice to get to the point of being able to design stellar work. I’ve just seen too many designers try their hardest and fail over the years by chasing after a misguided career path.

Know that you are only as skillful as you let yourself be, and try to work on areas that can complement your talent. Recognise your strengths and weaknesses as a designer. I believe that any normal human being, who does not have any major malfunctions or disabilities, has an equal chance of obtaining a certain level of mastery of graphic design.

Many consider this ongoing debate subjective, and feel that design success comes from innate talent, while skill is learned. And even though it may be challenging to measure “natural talent”, evidence points to innate ability maintaining a crucial role in design.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to say this, but some of us are born to do what we do, others are not. But you’re on the right path if you’re in love with your field.

If you have the desire and natural talent, pursue it. Practice, practice, practice. If you practice constantly, and work hard, you will develop your talent and become more skillful and successful.

Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game!

NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

Ms Bastian is a trained graphic designer. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas