I’ve spoken with many individuals who, once they discover that I’m an artist,
share the fact that they “used to be” an artist or “used to draw” as well.
A Nearly 30 yr. old Illustration of Mine
Many of these individuals sound (understandably) disappointed as they seem to almost confess that they once walked with this great gift, but no longer possess it. Usually time and busy lifestyles are what led these” former” artists toward ceasing to operate in their God-given talent.
But I don’t believe that they’ve seen their last sketchpad or paintbrush, and that if they desire to, they can make a creative comeback.
The bible teaches us:
“For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. (He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.)”
Romans 11:29 (Amplified Bible)
This tells you that God does not change His mind about giving you your gift. Yes, it will become rusty or even dormant if you’ve put in on the back burner, but it is still there…somewhere!
4 Steps In Reviving Your “Lost” Talent:
1. Acknowledge your gift and the fact that although buried, it is still there. Although the skill may be rusty, it still can be revived.
2. Reflect on works you’ve done in the past. If possible, pull out old works as a demonstration of what you were capable of. This should serve as motivation and a testament to the skill you formerly put to work.
3. Practice, practice, practice. Start small and simple, yet consistent. Grab a sketchpad and sketch daily or keep a journal and sketch inspirations that come to mind.
4. Set Goals determining what creative accomplishments you’d like to pursue. Mine was to do a certain number of digital paintings over a period of time. This allows intentional progress. The goals can be simple, but they must be present.
Do you think you can lose your talent? Share your feedback by posting a comment:
September 2, 2008 at 12:49 p
Man,
You were dead on this week. I have come across the same and even with myself, I hear the statement ” I used to…”. I used to airbrush and really well, but kind of gave it up. Thanks for your encouraging words. I am going to revisit my “glory days” of drawing and airbrushing. I am sure I have still got it.
September 2, 2008 at 3:09 p
Thanks John.
I look forward to seeing what you end up creating!
TS-
September 2, 2008 at 7:14 p
I think it has to do with words. They are so hurtful to a young artist and old. We just need to watch what we say . We are all like children inside with our art and fragile at the same time.
September 2, 2008 at 11:27 p
I don’t think you can lose it. Every now and then work requires so much of my time that I stop drawing for a month or so. I’ve actually found that I come back a little better than when I ‘left’ as in my normal day to day doings I try to visually and mentally analyze my surroundings.
My mother ‘used to’ draw. Every now and then she would bust out a surprise manga character from her childhood, and her hidden talent was always a joy for me as a child as I could make any decorative request for a birthday cake that I wanted and she would whip up a perfect disney character or ninja turtle. It always saddened me a little that she never kept up with it though.
September 2, 2008 at 11:53 p
Maki-
Having a mom that can do manga characters HAS to be cool!
September 4, 2008 at 2:57 p
Thanks TS-
As a teen in high school I thought I would go into the art field but was advised against it. And have had my regrets. I have tried a few things since (middle age crisis?) and would like to give it a go but I doubt myself. I am trying to set up an art studio and hope to get myself to practice frequently. Thanks for the encouragement!
September 18, 2008 at 12:21 p
Hey Brother,
Good morning, just want you to know that I’m link this message to everyone who tells me those same words.
This message is really encouraging and deserves to be shared.
God Bless you and your ministry brother,
with love,
James
September 18, 2008 at 1:30 p
Hey James-
Thanks for the kind words and for getting the word out.
Be Blessed!
September 23, 2008 at 6:48 p
Amen Brother!
You are especially right when it comes to being consistent and sketching every day…thats what used to really keep me on point!
I feel very inspired, and know that another thing that personally I need to do is get back into life drawing classes….the bodies I dare to draw now-days are SO sloppy!
James
November 24, 2008 at 9:35 p
Wow. I wish I still had it in me, I get discouraged so easily when I look at my artwork now. I was excellent as a child, but art was an escape from reality for me, and watching my father constantly destroy my drawings made me quit. I was always yelled at for drawing, never complimented abot how good it was…now i put myself down. Think an art class would help?
November 25, 2008 at 12:40 p
Heather: I believe that you DO have it still in you, you just need to start over and begin exercising it.
An art class can help, but you don’t have to wait until then.
May 20, 2010 at 7:19 p
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