"Talent"

Talent.

I hear it all the time.

"You're so talented"

"I wish I had that talent"

"Talented people don't have to worry about working"

"That's because you're talented."

I'm sick of it.

Let me tell you a story.

I used to want nothing to do with art. I wanted to pursue some kind of wildlife biology/zoology career. I loved animals. I still do. All I did was read about animals, their habitats and natural lives.

I also loved Japanese comics and this one video game called Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles. This is important, because one day I drew my little character from this game. I was pleased with the way it turned out. It took me practically forever - especially for a 14 year-old in this day and age, but I liked it.

I was also surrounded by a bunch of art lovers from school. Please keep in mind that all of these artists have been pursuing art since they were in elementary school. I was incredibly far behind. However, I liked the challenge, so I decided to continue drawing.

Art soon became my obsession. A way of living. A way of seeing. A way of breathing.

All I did was draw. And draw. And draw. I did not just pick up a pencil and have the magical worlds of my imaginings appear on the paper on my lap.

That's just not how it works. I worked for that ability. I WORKED for that so-called TALENT.

Yes. I am talented in art. I worked my butt off for it.

I'm no better than the person next to me, though. He/she is definitely better than me in many different fields.

I'm tired of people thinking that I was born with the eye for art. I wasn't. I was born with the ability to grow and learn. Just like everyone else.