When I was looking for my apprenticeship. There was Something someone said to me that to this day sticks w me. ‘The difference between someone that becomes a tattooer and someone that didn’t make it is that the person that made it never stopped trying
I've been "doodling" for months on a dry erase board I use every day at work for my clients, doing doodles & writing inspirational quotes. I recently stopped because I got so discouraged thinking "I'm just NOT an artist... Quit embarrassing myself & put the marker down". ..... You just said it in this video. "You have to work hard to make it look easy". Thanks man, I feel like I needed to hear this. ❤️ Great video btw!
finally!!!! i swear, i have been doing art for 16 years, consentantly working and working. staying up nights trying to get a technique right or trying to understand a specific medium. then i would have new artist, especially now that i have been in college for a little while. there would be so many who would give up automatically just because they didnt understand it right away. i get it but it takes patience and practice. tones and tones of practice. the only thing that i have noticed that truly makes any kind of artist is the need and desire to create. i have studied the masters and even myself to get to where i am. just be patient and work at it. young artist, your art is gonna get rejected and rejected but its all part of it. part of the sould and heart you put in it. you got this!
That’s a very interesting perspective. As an Asian female, it’s very embedded in me to seek praise and approval. To filter all of that out, it’s like thinking to be from the bottom and working my way up. It’s easier said than done, but I understand where you’re coming from. It’s a matter of perception and allowing it to be my own limitation. You’re very wise and outspoken, which I applaud these videos for, so thank you again!
Speaking as a person with dance and music experience, talent or aptitude exist but will only take you so far. Like you said, to get good at something you have to work at it and to work at it enough to get really good you have to have a passion for it to sustain that level of work. I really love this video. It's reminding me that the people I look up to sucked too and that if I work on it I'll only get better. Thanks!
Thats just common sense. Nobody can be so gifted that they never have to put effort into anything, but you're never gonna make it to the NBA at 5'5", no matter how much passion you have.
Came back to this video to read the comments instead of my more popular vids dominating my feed and thus my perception of what my channel is about. This comment made my day. And also the mugsy reply cuz I was literally about to say the same thing 😂
Works the same way for academics. Kids are put into honors or gifted classes and then they feel like they are doing fine with minimal effort. Then you hit high school/college and are unable to properly study or cope with the work load.
just made the decision to pursue drawing/becoming a tattoo artist about a month ago and this video gave me the reassurance I need. Been practicing and studying about 2 hours a day 5 times a week which doesn't sound like much but in my mind its a start. focusing specifically on anime... either way thank you for this video, added onto my motivation!
Most artists I know are actually quite modest. Not all. Repetition is the word of the day. Every career I've had the reps + time will generally get you very proficient. When you've arrived however, you must perform to the best of your ability always! People will see that and take notice. Good one James!
THIS! There’s a huge difference between talent and skill. Talent is great and for me personally, I think that my talent is what jumpstarts whatever I’m interested in. Talent helps me learn the basics, skill is what keeps me determined and what makes me "good" by my own standards.
Love your videos bro, you really motivate me to keep getting better at art and tattooing, ive been an apprentice in bamboo and machine tattooing for 2 years now, and sometimes when i compare my skill level to other artists it make me feel like its impossible to achieve that, your outlook on things makes me feel alot better at where im at and makes me wana keep working hard and learning and levling up my skill set, anyways thanks again, much love from chris in vancouver bc
Hey bro was looking thru ur work the other day and wanted to say I greatly enjoy how you take classic tattoo designs ideas like I believe there was a reaper and praying hands and I believe a couple other things but they way you take them and render them further and just your style I really very much enjoyed man
I completely agree with you. Throughout my life, I have been heavily involved with basketball. After I stopped playing, I almost immediately began coaching. On both sides, I’ve seen the most talented people get complacent due to the immediate success, but the ones that get criticized put in more time to their craft. Those after hour sessions are the most important. Great video James!
I’ve always increased the challenge level for people that have shown “talent” (which in my experience seems to be just a greater proficiency in skills developed in another area that translate well to the activity) to find the weak spot that could reveal where they lack some more basic skills. It takes extra time but communicating the benefits of strengthening this weak spot helps engage them better. For example, Something as simple as time management for a session could show a problem in math ability, which at a higher level of challenge could throw off the angle of a shot, or mean that their slightly under timing singular gym exercises that they enjoy but aren’t getting the most out of (the alternative may also be true and they may actually be more efficient than my current routines considered and better placed in team leader builder roles for certain activities).....Sorry for the long preface, but I did want to ask given your coaching role, if something like this approach is much harder to achieve in a group context, as I often work with individuals one on one and I don’t know if this approach could translate over into a team environment?
But that's just true in tons of cases. Why aren't all olympic athletes medalists? It's can't be that the medalists just 'put in more work', they've just got a higher skill ceiling or learn faster or whatever.
@@suplexed ask a gold medalist if that’s the case and I guarantee they will tell you that it isn’t. Kobe shot more shots in the gym than every teammate he ever had, and they admit it constantly. That’s just one example. How many great people have you discussed this subject with? I’ve talked to a LOT of high level tattooers about it, ppl way better than me, and they all have a similar viewpoint.
Thank you so much for your videos. Because of ideas I’ve adopted from others I’ve seen my artistic side as something to look down on and as something frivolous, but seeing how seriously you take your craft and how much effort you’ve put into it has really motivated me to get back into the things I love. Thank you thank you thank you ❤
I always hated the word “talented”. I know people mean well when they use it but just like you said, it feels like disregarding my work. I’ve ripped up too many drawings and cried myself to sleep about too many tattoos to get where I am. A vast majority of what I create is only seen by me. I spend hours looking at pictures to study contrast and value. I’ve given up my social life to learn how to draw something I’ve never drawn before. It’s haaaard work, and I’ll always have plenty ahead.
This makes sense to me most my life I have felt I wasn't good enough. I'm going ro really try to build my skill of drawing. I have had my tattoo stuff ready and not sure why I have not started doing yet. This is something I may be really good at!
Talent can only take you so far, true, but if you practice something for ages and still aren't as good as people who have barely just started, you won't continue. If however you try something out and without any concerted effort, you show off some ability, you'll continue to put in the effort. No one becomes a master through talent alone, but if you start off as an intermediate, where as others have to put in months or years of practice to get to that level, you're pretty talented.
This is such a hard thing to explain to people who have never tried to get good at something. It really does look like magic to them. I didn’t start learning to draw until I was 32, and i was as bad as someone could possibly be. But after a few years of sticking with it, I’m actually starting to get pretty okay at it. To the point that I get those “wow, you’re so talented.” And “I wish I could do that!” Comments. It’s really awkward for me because it doesn’t feel like the compliment they think it is. I worked really fucking hard just to not suck at drawing lol. I usually just tell them they’d be just as good, if not better than me if they put in as much work as I did.
I'm reading "Dear Theo" right now, which is a collection of letters Van Gogh wrote to his brother, and he thought the same thing. He also had trouble transitioning from drawing to painting. I think you'd enjoy it.
The reason we say this to certain artists is as such. We’ve heard many artists say they’ve done their sets and reps but they never broke through. Their work is still sub park despite it being better than average. It’s missing the sharpness and smoothness. The 3D element and wow factor. They can’t make their work jump off the skin no matter how many years they plug in. Certain artists have a different flair to their work. This is the talent we refer to. Work you can see clearly from a mile a way and know it’s theirs. Unique and unadulterated. My artist dannylatourtattoos is an example of this, evilkolors/greg Nicholson also is, luka Lajoie. All different styles but all cream of the crop. Didn’t take them long to get there either, from the jump they were miles ahead of the bunch. That’s talent. Feel free to check these guys out so you know what I mean.
I completely agree. This is what I was thinking the entire time, some people are literally just born with artistic ability and a creative mind. Others can achieve that by practicing day and night for years and make mediocre art but certain artists just see the world differently than everyone else and can interpret that into an art piece the exact way they envisioned it in their mind. A lot of people don’t have that type of skill but It comes so easy and natural to some, from the moment they could pick up a pencil or crayon it is clear. I think that’s what “normal” people mean when they say “talented”. Sometimes it really is a gift
I’m 42, an artist. When people say I’m talented or gifted. It actually makes me feel like an imposter. Because I’ve worked so hard for so long to get here. And for the majority of the time I was terrible. I still always only see mistakes when I finish things. If anything makes me “talented” it’s for some reason I’ve always wanted to get good at art. It’s the only thing in my life I continually fail at, but always want back in ti prove I’m good. I’ll add, I see artists, like we are all climbing this cliff together. Some are higher up and some are below you. The ones ahead have found their routes and the hand holds. The ones under you will find theirs if they look for them. When I look at art I can pretty much tell you the time that artists has sat alone drawing in their life. I could tell you their age. There’s no secret other then it takes time.
I this might be off topic lol he said that as I wrote it but im glad I met jameswithee your channel and your character very relateable for me I want talent in TH-cam but Work gets in the way I've always had a passion for TH-cam just uploading videos, but I've realised I'll never be talented at this or not going to hit my goal mark of being talented because I'm a retail worker and I never get spare time, plus I don't have the right equipment I have big goals towards just making videos and editing learning more and more, and moving onto the topic of tattoo art I was never good at art in school I would love to learn art but it's not my strongest talent and I say I'm thankful for james sharing this video because if I never had tattoos I would have never found this channel plus my aunt passed away a few weeks ago it's just a nice break to chill and watch his content. There are soo many topics to talk about and I love listening I have had people say I'm talented at climbing I have a hobby for rock climbing which I am but all people have different talents and we always build towards our talents but no matter how talented you are you never end up breaking the goal. When I first heard about a tattoo I thought that's awesome how it works put art on someone's body that is serious skill the whole process of tattooing amazes me but I'm a person who would like to learn about a variety of things I always think other people are talented but I feel I'm not but I don't have the time to aim for my talent would love to learn how to tattoo myself but I'll never get there thankyouu for sharing this video you take care man ❤❤
I agree. Except for my buddy nick berry. Dude was talented. He was whipping out stuff in third grade that let me know I wasn’t crap. Having to be in his shadow always made me work harder but I could never get as good as him. Once I started tattooing he decided he was gonna tattoo n it was over for me. He stole all my clients before he ever laid a line. I made a deal w him that I’d teach him to tattoo if he would teach me to draw. He did his first tattoo on me, prob the best first tattoo anyone has ever done. Everyone was so excited and they all agreed he would tattoo everyone using my equipment. Luckily nick berry was smart. He told everyone that had it not been for me holding his hand n walking him through the tattoo like a baby, he wouldn’t even know where to start. He gave me my credit for the first time ever n said he had to give me this one and retired from tattooing. He never learned to tattoo. I never learned to draw, but continued to tattoo! Lol still have the unfinished biomech tat that he freehanded on me cause he liked guy atchison stuff on my leg as a reminder that nick berry could have kicked my ass at tattoos n stole everything from me but he let me have that one. He makes tons of money designing toys and doing real cool shit while I still over charge for crappy tattoos! Never give up on your dreams! Even if u suck you can always not suck as much and sometimes that’s just good enough!
I've always considered the term talented to be disingenuous to the person, like James said it makes it seem like the person didn't try as hard and undermines their efforts and goals. Personally I don't use the word talented to categorize people in a subject of good versus bad but rather use it to describe a person's ability to do something, Example is James has a talent of tattooing and charcoal painting etc. and I have not learned that talent. to me that mindset is not only healthy to myself because it suggests that if I put the effort in I could learn it as well but it also shows a person that you are sincere when you compliment them if you go past just using the one word of talented.
I'm extremely good at my job, I've worked extremely hard to become so but I also realize 6 months after starting I was better then people who were working in the field for 10+ years.
Well said. I'd add that: even something like creativity is mostly learned through knowing your stuff and practice. For tattoo artists, I can tell that if you know how to manage placement, developed your technical skills and have experience with consultations/dealing with deciphering what people want, then you can leverage that hard work into a easy looking but intense brainstorming session and come out with what outsiders would think of as an innate creativity. It's what I've learned from being a designer. You can't come up with a great idea, not to mention implement it, unless you have all the technical "basics" down. Knowing shortcuts and secret routes supposes you've taken the long road before.
sometimes people think your earlier drawings are still considerable or decent because of where you are now, so it would be nice to see a visual representation to give more of a perspective, alot of people when they see someone talented would never believe they were bad or used to draw like someone or themselves which they deem "untalented" which is not always the case, so you say "you suck at drawing in the beginning" i feel it would be nice to see your earlier drawings and see your progression
To those you’d have to dig up my old high school “notes” that are just squiggly lines (literally just moving the pen around randomly) and crude weed leaves and misshapen transparent cubes. All my shitty drawings are in the landfills cuz they were so bad it would be silly for me to keep them. The lines looked hairy and the paper was indented from pushing too hard, just like every other beginning artist.
I rap and produce and was honestly thinking about this inside my head about music even before you mentioned lil Wayne (and by the way bling bling is a god damn masterpiece). But at least for me I know all the shit I sucked at that I worked really fucking hard to get good at (namely my flow for rapping and everything about producing) look effortless for me now because after honing those skills, they did become effortless. So I’m just wondering if it’s kind of the same with tattooing or it’s something that stays hard even when you’re good enough to make it look easy?
Art and creating is different from other things in that it’s kinda an endorphin rush when you’re “working hard”. I work long and hard on my drawing but I wouldn’t define it as hard work. To me hard is when something is unenjoyable. I don’t mind putting effort. I just hate being miserable😅😂
Very well said bro, this is something I’ve been telling people for a long time. I may have an interesting angle on this, I’m actually a magician and I perform all the time to random people. I do often get the “wow you’re so talented” line and have always felt the way you expressed in this video but the interesting thing about magic is that often times people do believe that what’s going on is actually magic/supernatural/some strange powers that I have. Spoiler: magic isn’t real haha, you’d be surprised how often I have to tell people this because chalking it up to “just magic” really takes away from the year of practice I’ve put in to get the skills I have. Anyway I thought I’d share a unique angle on this, great video James, thanks for this!
I call it a gift. Talent is a lazy word to me. A gift is something special that was given to you and you need to take care of it. Regardless of if it starts with ability or passion, grit is a must to success. So much goes into success but it starts with a gift.
When people see the portraits ive drawn they say,”oh your so talented. I say, you should see my first 250 heads when just learning. Ive saved all my work. Or i say, no not talented, ive just put in the work and 1000’s of hours of practice. (And the desire to learn is the most important).
As a writer who has been called talented by both friends/family and strangers, I found this video quite useful because it always felt like they were dismissing my practice and hard work. I'm so glad you've put it into words. I think that calling artists talented is very harmful, because it dismisses hours, days, even YEARS of practice and hard work that we've put into our craft.
Sure, anyone that excels at something had to do a certain amount of reps. Talented people get more, get further of those reps than others though and they also have the passion to do more reps than others. So, yes, I agree with you!
Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson and Prince were all talented and blessed artistically or athletically. Yet, they all practiced every single day for years, even after being famous. There are several stories about Kobe Bryant that emphasize the very thing you're talking about. It's not enough to be talented. You still have to practice, put in effort and do the work. That is what makes the greats "great."
Interesting take on the matter. Some children are naturally gifted at stuff like playing chess. Having no prior knowledge. Somehow, they are able to beat adults with decades of experience. That little extra inside of those human beings. The ones who are able to pick up guitars and play past everyone who took music lessons. That’s the magic of the one. Instead of saying that stupid shit we just say “talent”. But the common folks misuse the word.
I definitely believe in ‘natural talent’ but I view it a little differently, like it may be genes, intellect, or skills developed in other areas that translate well to a particular activity. I think this is where the ‘gifted and talented curse’ comes into play, as it’s really hard to understand the foundational skills in any given area if they are “natural” or on “autopilot”. I understand from research on expertise, that most experts/professionals etc have difficulty communicating their skills as some of these skills are operating instinctively, and teams of scientists literally need to be called in to help break down and evaluate these processes to make them understandable and replicable for others....basically it’s really hard to understand, let alone value something we can’t perceive, which may place “naturally talented” people at a disadvantage as the challenge increases, particularly if what couldn’t be perceived is a foundational skill
Before I even watch the video, I don't believe in talent. It's an excuse to not put in the work. I surpassed most of the talented people that I was jealous of 3 years into art school. They're all working normal jobs and I'm a tattooer.
This video has popped up for me at the perfect time, because this is the mindset that I took on when I decided I wanted to draw (I was about 13 at the time). I am now a tattoo apprentice at 25 and have been feeling a little discouraged sometimes because the tattoos I have made just… suck. Thanks for the reminder that this will pass, as long as I keep working hard and practice as much as possible
The thing about talent. People think talent is a magical thing you are born with. You can be born a moron and work your ass off studying math. At the age of 15 you can be a very talented mathematician.
Sooo you speak for all talented people.. Wow.. People like you crack me up. Ill never understand how an individual thinks they're so special and important that everyone else in the world thinks and wants everything you want. Seriously dude. Get over yourself, you're not a God no matter how much you think you are.
Sure, anyone that excels at something had to do a certain amount of reps. Talented people get more, get further of those reps than others though and they also have the passion to do more reps than others. So, yes, I agree with you!
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Talent is basically the ability to pursue a specific goal over a long period of time.
It makes your hardwork seem cheap when people say talented. You are an artist and Craftsman.
When I was looking for my apprenticeship. There was Something someone said to me that to this day sticks w me. ‘The difference between someone that becomes a tattooer and someone that didn’t make it is that the person that made it never stopped trying
I've been "doodling" for months on a dry erase board I use every day at work for my clients, doing doodles & writing inspirational quotes. I recently stopped because I got so discouraged thinking "I'm just NOT an artist... Quit embarrassing myself & put the marker down". ..... You just said it in this video. "You have to work hard to make it look easy". Thanks man, I feel like I needed to hear this. ❤️ Great video btw!
Keep doodling!
finally!!!! i swear, i have been doing art for 16 years, consentantly working and working. staying up nights trying to get a technique right or trying to understand a specific medium. then i would have new artist, especially now that i have been in college for a little while. there would be so many who would give up automatically just because they didnt understand it right away. i get it but it takes patience and practice. tones and tones of practice. the only thing that i have noticed that truly makes any kind of artist is the need and desire to create. i have studied the masters and even myself to get to where i am. just be patient and work at it. young artist, your art is gonna get rejected and rejected but its all part of it. part of the sould and heart you put in it. you got this!
That’s a very interesting perspective. As an Asian female, it’s very embedded in me to seek praise and approval. To filter all of that out, it’s like thinking to be from the bottom and working my way up. It’s easier said than done, but I understand where you’re coming from. It’s a matter of perception and allowing it to be my own limitation. You’re very wise and outspoken, which I applaud these videos for, so thank you again!
Speaking as a person with dance and music experience, talent or aptitude exist but will only take you so far. Like you said, to get good at something you have to work at it and to work at it enough to get really good you have to have a passion for it to sustain that level of work. I really love this video. It's reminding me that the people I look up to sucked too and that if I work on it I'll only get better. Thanks!
Thats just common sense. Nobody can be so gifted that they never have to put effort into anything, but you're never gonna make it to the NBA at 5'5", no matter how much passion you have.
@@urgandma Mugsy Bogues did it at 5'3" so it's possible
@@_ZeroQueen_ during what time period? You know the point I'm trying to make, and that doesn't invalidate it.
@@urgandma 🤭
Came back to this video to read the comments instead of my more popular vids dominating my feed and thus my perception of what my channel is about. This comment made my day. And also the mugsy reply cuz I was literally about to say the same thing 😂
dude i didn't even think of it this way. like at first i was questioning the title but almost immediately what you're describing makes sense.
Do more videos like this. Talks that both relate to your career but also apply to general areas in life for others. I like how real you are.
Your videos give me a whole new appreciation and perspective for tattoo artists. You guys are absolutely amazing.
Omg!!! All you said is so true. The mindset is to get better and better and you can do what you put your mind to and be consistent.
Great message!!!
Can you do a tattoo tour of your tattoos ? That would be cool !!
Works the same way for academics. Kids are put into honors or gifted classes and then they feel like they are doing fine with minimal effort. Then you hit high school/college and are unable to properly study or cope with the work load.
Excellent video, I wholeheartedly agree
just made the decision to pursue drawing/becoming a tattoo artist about a month ago and this video gave me the reassurance I need. Been practicing and studying about 2 hours a day 5 times a week which doesn't sound like much but in my mind its a start. focusing specifically on anime... either way thank you for this video, added onto my motivation!
Most artists I know are actually quite modest. Not all. Repetition is the word of the day. Every career I've had the reps + time will generally get you very proficient. When you've arrived however, you must perform to the best of your ability always! People will see that and take notice. Good one James!
THIS! There’s a huge difference between talent and skill. Talent is great and for me
personally, I think that my talent is what jumpstarts whatever I’m interested in. Talent helps me learn the basics, skill is what keeps me determined and what makes me "good" by my own standards.
Love your videos bro, you really motivate me to keep getting better at art and tattooing, ive been an apprentice in bamboo and machine tattooing for 2 years now, and sometimes when i compare my skill level to other artists it make me feel like its impossible to achieve that, your outlook on things makes me feel alot better at where im at and makes me wana keep working hard and learning and levling up my skill set, anyways thanks again, much love from chris in vancouver bc
This is great advice. All artists could benefit from this video
This is some good talk thank you!
Discipline outworks “talent”
Hey bro was looking thru ur work the other day and wanted to say I greatly enjoy how you take classic tattoo designs ideas like I believe there was a reaper and praying hands and I believe a couple other things but they way you take them and render them further and just your style I really very much enjoyed man
i am so glad u spoke on this💯
Thank you I needed to hear this ❤
Dude I LOVE these sit down talks of yours!! I’m really getting a sense of your world view and intelligence.
I completely agree with you. Throughout my life, I have been heavily involved with basketball. After I stopped playing, I almost immediately began coaching. On both sides, I’ve seen the most talented people get complacent due to the immediate success, but the ones that get criticized put in more time to their craft. Those after hour sessions are the most important. Great video James!
I’ve always increased the challenge level for people that have shown “talent” (which in my experience seems to be just a greater proficiency in skills developed in another area that translate well to the activity) to find the weak spot that could reveal where they lack some more basic skills. It takes extra time but communicating the benefits of strengthening this weak spot helps engage them better. For example, Something as simple as time management for a session could show a problem in math ability, which at a higher level of challenge could throw off the angle of a shot, or mean that their slightly under timing singular gym exercises that they enjoy but aren’t getting the most out of (the alternative may also be true and they may actually be more efficient than my current routines considered and better placed in team leader builder roles for certain activities).....Sorry for the long preface, but I did want to ask given your coaching role, if something like this approach is much harder to achieve in a group context, as I often work with individuals one on one and I don’t know if this approach could translate over into a team environment?
Ye, you are just right , so many fears
Thinking of someone being talented can also lead you to think ‘it doesn’t matter how hard I try as won’t be able to catch up’
But that's just true in tons of cases. Why aren't all olympic athletes medalists? It's can't be that the medalists just 'put in more work', they've just got a higher skill ceiling or learn faster or whatever.
@@suplexed ask a gold medalist if that’s the case and I guarantee they will tell you that it isn’t. Kobe shot more shots in the gym than every teammate he ever had, and they admit it constantly. That’s just one example. How many great people have you discussed this subject with? I’ve talked to a LOT of high level tattooers about it, ppl way better than me, and they all have a similar viewpoint.
Thank you so much for your videos. Because of ideas I’ve adopted from others I’ve seen my artistic side as something to look down on and as something frivolous, but seeing how seriously you take your craft and how much effort you’ve put into it has really motivated me to get back into the things I love. Thank you thank you thank you ❤
Creative professional ... love it... I'm a nail artist and I'm going to be trying my hand with tattooing now thank you
Passion! Once you have it for real you’ll know it.
can you do a video where you show your sleeves / do a tattoo tour ? they look so rad !
I always hated the word “talented”. I know people mean well when they use it but just like you said, it feels like disregarding my work.
I’ve ripped up too many drawings and cried myself to sleep about too many tattoos to get where I am. A vast majority of what I create is only seen by me. I spend hours looking at pictures to study contrast and value. I’ve given up my social life to learn how to draw something I’ve never drawn before. It’s haaaard work, and I’ll always have plenty ahead.
This makes sense to me most my life I have felt I wasn't good enough. I'm going ro really try to build my skill of drawing. I have had my tattoo stuff ready and not sure why I have not started doing yet. This is something I may be really good at!
Totally agree. Well said.
Talent can only take you so far, true, but if you practice something for ages and still aren't as good as people who have barely just started, you won't continue. If however you try something out and without any concerted effort, you show off some ability, you'll continue to put in the effort. No one becomes a master through talent alone, but if you start off as an intermediate, where as others have to put in months or years of practice to get to that level, you're pretty talented.
This is such a hard thing to explain to people who have never tried to get good at something. It really does look like magic to them. I didn’t start learning to draw until I was 32, and i was as bad as someone could possibly be. But after a few years of sticking with it, I’m actually starting to get pretty okay at it. To the point that I get those “wow, you’re so talented.” And “I wish I could do that!” Comments. It’s really awkward for me because it doesn’t feel like the compliment they think it is. I worked really fucking hard just to not suck at drawing lol. I usually just tell them they’d be just as good, if not better than me if they put in as much work as I did.
I'm reading "Dear Theo" right now, which is a collection of letters Van Gogh wrote to his brother, and he thought the same thing. He also had trouble transitioning from drawing to painting. I think you'd enjoy it.
I'd say you are very SKILLED !! 🙏
The reason we say this to certain artists is as such. We’ve heard many artists say they’ve done their sets and reps but they never broke through. Their work is still sub park despite it being better than average. It’s missing the sharpness and smoothness. The 3D element and wow factor. They can’t make their work jump off the skin no matter how many years they plug in.
Certain artists have a different flair to their work. This is the talent we refer to. Work you can see clearly from a mile a way and know it’s theirs. Unique and unadulterated. My artist dannylatourtattoos is an example of this, evilkolors/greg Nicholson also is, luka Lajoie. All different styles but all cream of the crop. Didn’t take them long to get there either, from the jump they were miles ahead of the bunch. That’s talent. Feel free to check these guys out so you know what I mean.
I completely agree. This is what I was thinking the entire time, some people are literally just born with artistic ability and a creative mind. Others can achieve that by practicing day and night for years and make mediocre art but certain artists just see the world differently than everyone else and can interpret that into an art piece the exact way they envisioned it in their mind. A lot of people don’t have that type of skill but It comes so easy and natural to some, from the moment they could pick up a pencil or crayon it is clear. I think that’s what “normal” people mean when they say “talented”. Sometimes it really is a gift
This is a really great perspective James! Thanks for sharing, will defenitely start applying this and trying it out.
spot on!!
Great video bro 🙌😤🔥
You should do a video on tattoo placements
I’m 42, an artist. When people say I’m talented or gifted. It actually makes me feel like an imposter. Because I’ve worked so hard for so long to get here. And for the majority of the time I was terrible. I still always only see mistakes when I finish things. If anything makes me “talented” it’s for some reason I’ve always wanted to get good at art. It’s the only thing in my life I continually fail at, but always want back in ti prove I’m good.
I’ll add, I see artists, like we are all climbing this cliff together. Some are higher up and some are below you. The ones ahead have found their routes and the hand holds. The ones under you will find theirs if they look for them. When I look at art I can pretty much tell you the time that artists has sat alone drawing in their life. I could tell you their age. There’s no secret other then it takes time.
Well said with the rock climbing analogy dude u hit it right on the head
celle est brought me here. I am glad she did! Great content! Thanks!!!
I this might be off topic lol he said that as I wrote it but im glad I met jameswithee your channel and your character very relateable for me I want talent in TH-cam but Work gets in the way I've always had a passion for TH-cam just uploading videos, but I've realised I'll never be talented at this or not going to hit my goal mark of being talented because I'm a retail worker and I never get spare time, plus I don't have the right equipment I have big goals towards just making videos and editing learning more and more, and moving onto the topic of tattoo art I was never good at art in school I would love to learn art but it's not my strongest talent and I say I'm thankful for james sharing this video because if I never had tattoos I would have never found this channel plus my aunt passed away a few weeks ago it's just a nice break to chill and watch his content.
There are soo many topics to talk about and I love listening I have had people say I'm talented at climbing I have a hobby for rock climbing which I am but all people have different talents and we always build towards our talents but no matter how talented you are you never end up breaking the goal.
When I first heard about a tattoo I thought that's awesome how it works put art on someone's body that is serious skill the whole process of tattooing amazes me but I'm a person who would like to learn about a variety of things I always think other people are talented but I feel I'm not but I don't have the time to aim for my talent would love to learn how to tattoo myself but I'll never get there thankyouu for sharing this video you take care man ❤❤
Sweet neck piece! Just subbed. Your work seems LEGIT
I’ve gotten 9 tattoos at Dark Horse. This place is legit. Highly recommended!
I agree. Except for my buddy nick berry. Dude was talented. He was whipping out stuff in third grade that let me know I wasn’t crap. Having to be in his shadow always made me work harder but I could never get as good as him. Once I started tattooing he decided he was gonna tattoo n it was over for me. He stole all my clients before he ever laid a line. I made a deal w him that I’d teach him to tattoo if he would teach me to draw. He did his first tattoo on me, prob the best first tattoo anyone has ever done. Everyone was so excited and they all agreed he would tattoo everyone using my equipment. Luckily nick berry was smart. He told everyone that had it not been for me holding his hand n walking him through the tattoo like a baby, he wouldn’t even know where to start. He gave me my credit for the first time ever n said he had to give me this one and retired from tattooing. He never learned to tattoo. I never learned to draw, but continued to tattoo! Lol still have the unfinished biomech tat that he freehanded on me cause he liked guy atchison stuff on my leg as a reminder that nick berry could have kicked my ass at tattoos n stole everything from me but he let me have that one. He makes tons of money designing toys and doing real cool shit while I still over charge for crappy tattoos! Never give up on your dreams! Even if u suck you can always not suck as much and sometimes that’s just good enough!
Yo nice video keep post James
Thank you. People use the word talented to excuse their lack of practice.
Whole video summed up in one sentence lol I’m a failure
@@JamesWithee Haha still a good video
I've always considered the term talented to be disingenuous to the person, like James said it makes it seem like the person didn't try as hard and undermines their efforts and goals. Personally I don't use the word talented to categorize people in a subject of good versus bad but rather use it to describe a person's ability to do something, Example is James has a talent of tattooing and charcoal painting etc. and I have not learned that talent.
to me that mindset is not only healthy to myself because it suggests that if I put the effort in I could learn it as well but it also shows a person that you are sincere when you compliment them if you go past just using the one word of talented.
You can work hard and still have talent, some people are just born able to do things most people can't.
I'm extremely good at my job, I've worked extremely hard to become so but I also realize 6 months after starting I was better then people who were working in the field for 10+ years.
Well said
Well said.
I'd add that: even something like creativity is mostly learned through knowing your stuff and practice.
For tattoo artists, I can tell that if you know how to manage placement, developed your technical skills and have experience with consultations/dealing with deciphering what people want, then you can leverage that hard work into a easy looking but intense brainstorming session and come out with what outsiders would think of as an innate creativity.
It's what I've learned from being a designer. You can't come up with a great idea, not to mention implement it, unless you have all the technical "basics" down. Knowing shortcuts and secret routes supposes you've taken the long road before.
sometimes people think your earlier drawings are still considerable or decent because of where you are now, so it would be nice to see a visual representation to give more of a perspective, alot of people when they see someone talented would never believe they were bad or used to draw like someone or themselves which they deem "untalented" which is not always the case, so you say "you suck at drawing in the beginning" i feel it would be nice to see your earlier drawings and see your progression
To those you’d have to dig up my old high school “notes” that are just squiggly lines (literally just moving the pen around randomly) and crude weed leaves and misshapen transparent cubes. All my shitty drawings are in the landfills cuz they were so bad it would be silly for me to keep them. The lines looked hairy and the paper was indented from pushing too hard, just like every other beginning artist.
I rap and produce and was honestly thinking about this inside my head about music even before you mentioned lil Wayne (and by the way bling bling is a god damn masterpiece). But at least for me I know all the shit I sucked at that I worked really fucking hard to get good at (namely my flow for rapping and everything about producing) look effortless for me now because after honing those skills, they did become effortless. So I’m just wondering if it’s kind of the same with tattooing or it’s something that stays hard even when you’re good enough to make it look easy?
your neck tattoo is sick!!
Art and creating is different from other things in that it’s kinda an endorphin rush when you’re “working hard”. I work long and hard on my drawing but I wouldn’t define it as hard work. To me hard is when something is unenjoyable. I don’t mind putting effort. I just hate being miserable😅😂
Very well said bro, this is something I’ve been telling people for a long time. I may have an interesting angle on this, I’m actually a magician and I perform all the time to random people. I do often get the “wow you’re so talented” line and have always felt the way you expressed in this video but the interesting thing about magic is that often times people do believe that what’s going on is actually magic/supernatural/some strange powers that I have. Spoiler: magic isn’t real haha, you’d be surprised how often I have to tell people this because chalking it up to “just magic” really takes away from the year of practice I’ve put in to get the skills I have. Anyway I thought I’d share a unique angle on this, great video James, thanks for this!
Talent is just invested interest... Gifted is something that comes naturally... That's how I always viewed it..
Well said
I'm a simple man, I see a James Whithee new video, I instantly click, like, give a positive comment.
Do a after care products that you like video 👍🏻love your vids
I call it a gift. Talent is a lazy word to me. A gift is something special that was given to you and you need to take care of it. Regardless of if it starts with ability or passion, grit is a must to success. So much goes into success but it starts with a gift.
When people see the portraits ive drawn they say,”oh your so talented. I say, you should see my first 250 heads when just learning. Ive saved all my work. Or i say, no not talented, ive just put in the work and 1000’s of hours of practice. (And the desire to learn is the most important).
I really related to that thank you
As a writer who has been called talented by both friends/family and strangers, I found this video quite useful because it always felt like they were dismissing my practice and hard work. I'm so glad you've put it into words. I think that calling artists talented is very harmful, because it dismisses hours, days, even YEARS of practice and hard work that we've put into our craft.
You were my g.e.d tutor............
Also this guy is so hot!!!! 🤩 And more importantly such a kind and beautiful heart 💙
Sure, anyone that excels at something had to do a certain amount of reps. Talented people get more, get further of those reps than others though and they also have the passion to do more reps than others.
So, yes, I agree with you!
Absolutely!!~*
Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson and Prince were all talented and blessed artistically or athletically. Yet, they all practiced every single day for years, even after being famous. There are several stories about Kobe Bryant that emphasize the very thing you're talking about.
It's not enough to be talented. You still have to practice, put in effort and do the work. That is what makes the greats "great."
Interesting take on the matter. Some children are naturally gifted at stuff like playing chess. Having no prior knowledge. Somehow, they are able to beat adults with decades of experience. That little extra inside of those human beings. The ones who are able to pick up guitars and play past everyone who took music lessons. That’s the magic of the one. Instead of saying that stupid shit we just say “talent”. But the common folks misuse the word.
I definitely believe in ‘natural talent’ but I view it a little differently, like it may be genes, intellect, or skills developed in other areas that translate well to a particular activity. I think this is where the ‘gifted and talented curse’ comes into play, as it’s really hard to understand the foundational skills in any given area if they are “natural” or on “autopilot”. I understand from research on expertise, that most experts/professionals etc have difficulty communicating their skills as some of these skills are operating instinctively, and teams of scientists literally need to be called in to help break down and evaluate these processes to make them understandable and replicable for others....basically it’s really hard to understand, let alone value something we can’t perceive, which may place “naturally talented” people at a disadvantage as the challenge increases, particularly if what couldn’t be perceived is a foundational skill
🙌
Before I even watch the video, I don't believe in talent. It's an excuse to not put in the work. I surpassed most of the talented people that I was jealous of 3 years into art school. They're all working normal jobs and I'm a tattooer.
This video has popped up for me at the perfect time, because this is the mindset that I took on when I decided I wanted to draw (I was about 13 at the time). I am now a tattoo apprentice at 25 and have been feeling a little discouraged sometimes because the tattoos I have made just… suck. Thanks for the reminder that this will pass, as long as I keep working hard and practice as much as possible
Where are you from? Or actually, where are your parents from?
The thing about talent. People think talent is a magical thing you are born with. You can be born a moron and work your ass off studying math. At the age of 15 you can be a very talented mathematician.
Lil Wayne the best rapper alive… I got him tatted on my back
No BS found here
Idk why you’re still making videos after the last one…
this very video, is my biggest downfall
Sooo you speak for all talented people.. Wow.. People like you crack me up. Ill never understand how an individual thinks they're so special and important that everyone else in the world thinks and wants everything you want. Seriously dude. Get over yourself, you're not a God no matter how much you think you are.
Hater alert 🚨
Excellent video, I wholeheartedly agree
Sure, anyone that excels at something had to do a certain amount of reps. Talented people get more, get further of those reps than others though and they also have the passion to do more reps than others.
So, yes, I agree with you!