The Three Talents of Graphic Artists Everyone has different talents. Some were born to lead, others to follow. Some were born to paint while some were born to appreciate art. Whatever your predisposition, you have strengths that others may consider a weakness.
Desire & Drive Too often an individual may focus so much on the things they aren't good at that they can't see the potential of their talents to help them succeed. More specifically, many of the selfproclaimed "artistically challenged" say they could never become a graphic artist, even though they are enamored of the field of study and by the final product. These people dream of creating stunning and iconic imagery, thinking, “If only I had the natural talent to artistically create something like that." Yet these dreams are never fulfilled because the individual has already sold themselves short, miss-attributing a lack of skill and knowledge as a lack of ability. It's sad to watch that potential fade, especially since they likely have the ability within them that could have made them not only able to do the work, but become very successful at it. They key is not focusing on the elements that keep you from the profession, but instead noticing the ones that make you perfect for it. There are at least two distinct talents that could qualify you to become a graphic arts professional. Learn about each one and see if you have the potential to make it in this creative field.
Manipulate The first talent found in the graphic arts field is the ability to manipulate already created images. Some people have the incredible ability to (1) appreciate the beauty of an image, and (2) arrange text, objects, and other items around those images to create a more spectacular image.
Businesses are always looking for people that can do something with the images, not just create them. Some graphic artists build their careers around this one skill. They don't need artistic ability with the pen or camera. Other people can do that. They find a talent within themselves for layout instead. And that's just as needed.
Create The second talent is the ability to create images from nothing. These are the artists that you traditionally think would be good in the graphic arts profession. You ask them to draw a bird, and they'll have realistic sketches of a pelican, penguin, and pigeon on your desk within twenty minutes. These people have the gift of artistry and they create beautiful things. Give them a pen, pot of clay, or camera and they'll produce something truly beautiful in no time at all. These don't always have the ability to lay out their images in a beautiful and useful way though. Others simply don't want to do it, preferring to create rather than arrange. Hence they belong in the graphic arts profession, but they are incomplete on their own. So whether you are creating the art or arranging it beautifully, your talents are much needed. There are several other ways to fit into this field. Oftentimes the only encouragement you need is to be enamored with the process and production of beautiful pieces. If you have the drive/love, than you have the ability to succeed in the graphic arts profession. You just will have to find out how your talents fit into the larger picture. As soon as you do that, you can begin making your way toward a fully realized, successful career in graphic design. Photo Credit: C L E E ŮŠ
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