How rare is artistic talent?

How Rare is Artistic Talent? Unlocking the Mystery Behind Creativity

What Defines Artistic Talent?

So, how rare is artistic talent? Well, it’s not as straightforward as you might think. It’s easy to look at someone like Van Gogh, Picasso, or even a local street artist and assume that artistic talent is some kind of magical gift only given to a select few. But is that really the case?

Artistic talent is often perceived as an innate ability – something you’re either born with or you’re not. But, the truth is, it's far more complex than that. Talent might start with a spark, a natural inclination toward drawing, music, or painting, but real skill is honed over time. Does that mean artistic talent is rare? Kind of.

The Role of Genetics and Environment

Some experts argue that certain people are just born with the genetic make-up that makes them more inclined to be artistic. Take my friend Sarah, for example. She’s always been incredibly artistic, almost like she was born with a pencil in her hand. As a kid, she would draw for hours without anyone having to tell her to. But... (and here's the kicker) her parents were both musicians, so the environment she grew up in likely played a huge role in cultivating her creativity.

But, let’s be honest, it’s not all about genetics or environment, right? There’s also hard work, practice, and determination. You know, like when you start a hobby that you absolutely suck at but stick with it anyway. With time, that hobby turns into a passion. This blend of nature and nurture complicates the idea of artistic talent being “rare.”

How Many People Actually Have Artistic Talent?

There’s no easy way to measure how many people are “artistically talented” because what even counts as talent? Does playing the piano well count? What about someone who can’t read music but can recreate any song by ear? Or how about the person who isn’t a great painter but can capture the essence of a scene in a photograph?

Talent Isn’t Just About Mastering a Craft

Let’s get real for a second – being “talented” isn’t about being perfect. You might know someone who is naturally great at drawing, but their art is super stiff. Or someone who can’t paint but creates the most breathtaking abstract sculptures out of everyday objects. Talent is a wide spectrum, not a straight line.

Take my old college roommate, Jake. He had zero formal training, but his abstract paintings were mind-blowing. He was technically “untalented” in a conventional sense, but the way he captured emotion was something I had never seen before. So yeah, while artistic talent might be rare in the traditional sense, creativity and expression are much more common than we think.

Why Are We So Obsessed with “Natural Talent”?

Here’s a thing that bugs me. We’re obsessed with this idea of “natural talent” because it feeds into the myth that only certain people are destined for greatness. But that’s just not true. Take the famous composer Beethoven – he started losing his hearing later in life, but he didn’t stop composing. He adapted, learned, and created some of his best work when it seemed like his natural abilities were failing him. This isn’t just talent; it’s grit, determination, and adaptability.

I had a conversation with my friend Olivia about this recently. She mentioned how she felt like she wasn’t “naturally talented” in any area of art. But here’s the thing: the more she works on her photography skills, the more she sees improvement. Natural talent might give you a head start, but the real magic happens when you put in the effort, day after day.

Natural Talent vs. Hard Work: What’s More Important?

Honestly, this is something I go back and forth on all the time. Are the truly successful artists just born with it, or do they reach those heights because they never gave up? I lean toward the idea that it’s a mix. Sure, a natural inclination might help, but it’s your commitment that really counts.

I think about the best artists I know (Sarah, for instance) and they don’t just have raw ability—they’re relentless in how they practice, learn, and grow. So no, talent may not be as rare as we think. People just need the right tools, the right mindset, and a bit of practice.

How to Cultivate Your Own Artistic Talent

Here’s the real question: what if you don’t think you’re artistic, but you really want to be? Well, it’s not as impossible as it sounds. You don’t need to be born a Picasso to create something meaningful. Talent is something that can be developed with consistent effort. Whether it’s drawing, playing an instrument, or even writing, there’s no reason you can’t cultivate your own creative abilities.

The Power of Practice and Persistence

I mean, who hasn’t heard the phrase, “practice makes perfect”? But, seriously, it works. The more time you dedicate to an art form, the more you improve. No artist is born great—they just spend countless hours refining their craft. So, don’t get discouraged. Talent can be built over time.

And remember, even the most famous artists of all time weren’t perfect when they started. Heck, I’d argue that the imperfections are what make art so appealing in the first place. Perfection is overrated.

Conclusion: Artistic Talent May Be Rare, But It's Within Reach

So, how rare is artistic talent? I guess it’s all about perspective. While natural talent may give some individuals a head start, it’s not the be-all and end-all. What truly matters is the dedication to learning and evolving. Art isn’t just about raw ability—it’s about expressing something unique, whether you’re painting a masterpiece or simply capturing a moment through your lens.

At the end of the day, artistic talent isn’t a “gift” given to only a few. It’s a journey, and everyone has the potential to be creative in their own way. So, pick up that paintbrush, guitar, or camera. Who knows? Your “rare” talent might just be waiting to emerge.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

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Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

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Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.