From the time we were young, we often heard phrases like "Oh, you're so talented" or "You must be gifted". These remarks, even well-intentioned, often reduce the complexities of creativity to a magical spark, ignoring the countless hours of practice, dedication, and setbacks that underpin true mastery. What does it mean to be creative in a world that celebrates innovation but often downplays the hard work behind it? How do individuals navigate the balance between natural talent and acquired skill, especially in a society obsessed with quick results and instant validation? Through the insights of seven visual artists—Vanessa Van Meerhaeghe, Aimee Zia Hasan, Nina Fedotova, Yaroslav Leonets, Hayam Elsayed, Ayuna and William Reinsch—this article explores the interplay of innate creativity and learned skills, unraveling the complexities of the creative process.

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Is Creativity Shaped by Natural Talent or Built Through Practice?

Creativity often carries an aura of mystique, seen by many as an innate gift possessed by a fortunate few. Yet, the reality is far more nuanced. Ayuna reflects on this interplay, stating:

“Creating is a process of observation, thinking about a subject in many ways, and repeated practice. And this almost disciplined process is not the opposite of discovering your own uniqueness, your own innate creativity. Rather, even in the process of honing your skills, you can come up with new ideas by changing your perspective and thinking differently. This can lead to a work with a new perspective.”

Ayuna highlights the fusion of innate creativity and the disciplined effort required to nurture it. This raises deeper questions about the forces shaping creativity in today’s rapidly evolving world. Platforms like social media provide unprecedented access to inspiration and ideas, yet they also come with challenges. The constant barrage of curated perfection and viral trends can stifle originality, making creators question their worth and direction. Creativity, in this hyperconnected age, is not just about generating ideas but about filtering the overwhelming noise to find clarity and authenticity. Historian Yuval Noah Harari’s warnings about the decline of imagination add urgency to this discussion. Harari argues that as society relies increasingly on artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making, the human capacity to dream, imagine, and innovate may erode. The future, he suggests, could see a devaluation of the creative processes that make art profoundly human, making it all the more important to sustain and nurture this irreplaceable trait.

What about Ambition and Patience?

Aimee Zia Hasan provides insight into these aspects, stating:

“The skills that look most effortless and ‘natural’ are actually a product of hard work, training, numerous failures, and endless practice. As a child, I drew from memory and imagination. I drew what I thought things looked like, rather than what they really looked like. There were many failed attempts at desperately trying to capture reality, knowing something was wrong but not being able to identify what. This kind of frustration was, and still is, a great motivator.”

Aimee’s journey—marked by persistence and evolution—underscores the transformative power of dedication, where frustrations and imagination clashed with technical ability echo the universal challenge of reconciling vision with execution. This reflects a broader truth: creativity is often a battle between ambition and patience. Philosophers like Nietzsche have spoken about the "will to power"—a drive to overcome limitations and transform potential into reality. Aimee’s experience mirrors this idea, reminding us that embracing imperfection and striving for growth are essential parts of the creative process. The story highlights the resilience required to align human aspiration with the realities of effort and limitation, a theme deeply relevant in a culture increasingly driven by instant gratification.

If Practice Builds Mastery, Where Does Innate Talent Fit?

Many argue that creativity begins with a natural inclination—an innate ability to perceive the world differently. Nina Fedotova reflects:

“Innate talent and love for art have great power. It gives inner potential to stand up to challenges in a thorny creative way. Education and practice are no less important than innate talents. Without knowledge, practice, and improving skills, it is difficult to satisfy the needs of fastidious surroundings and let the artists show and implement their creativity.”

Vanessa Van Meerhaeghe adds:

“From my perspective, navigating the balance between innate creativity and the skills developed through education and practice is a dynamic journey. My innate creativity is the driving force behind my artworks. It's the unique lens through which I perceive the world and translate my thoughts and emotions onto the canvas. However, creativity alone isn't enough to bring my vision to fruition. Education and practice provide me with the technical skills and knowledge needed to effectively communicate my ideas. For me, the key to finding balance lies in integrating my innate creativity with the skills I've acquired through education and practice. Rather than viewing them as opposing forces, I see them as complementary aspects of my artistic process.”

Their insights call attention to how raw talent and learned skill are deeply intertwined. Imagine a child with a gift for art, encouraged at home but later confined by standardized curricula prioritizing rote learning over creativity. Education systems often fail to nurture creativity, focusing instead on rigid assessments. This creates a pressing need for approaches that foster exploration and slow growth, enabling artists to transform potential into sustained achievement.

Can Creativity Thrive in Isolation?

Creativity thrives in environments of collaboration and exchange. Yaroslav Leonets emphasizes:

“Every person is creative inside. In some, it is expressed more strongly, in others it is weaker. But of course, in order to create something at a high level, as a professional, you need to study, and creative practice is very important. If there is an opportunity to study at art universities, it is great, but a lot depends on the teachers, the team, and one’s own desire to work hard. If you don’t have this opportunity, you need to learn from other people, for example, at residencies, where you work in parallel with other artists and can learn a lot about their practice.”

William Reinsch offers another perspective:

“Like with everything, I think there should be a balance. As much as I initially detested the idea of attending art school, I think some of my biggest and most important changes happened as a result. You want to be free and follow your own unique path, but at the same time, you could be clouded by your own stubbornness and actually be going backwards when honing your skills completely alone.”

In today’s interconnected world, collaboration takes many forms, from online communities to virtual workshops. However, this ease of connection raises deeper philosophical questions: What is lost when creative dialogue moves into the digital sphere? Does the convenience of virtual connection dilute the authenticity of face-to-face exchanges? Both artists highlight the importance of intentional collaboration. Virtual tools expand access and break geographical barriers, but they also risk homogenizing unique voices. True creativity lies in balancing connection with solitude, finding spaces where individuality can flourish without losing the benefits of collective growth.

Passion for Liberation and Self-Actualization

For many, passion—a love for the craft—is the key to persistence and growth. Hayam Elsayed captures this sentiment, stating:

“Dedication and passion are the two main factors for any artist to grow. Passion is the driving force that will fuel your dedication and motivate you to pursue your art calling. When you paint with love, your talent and skills will always seek abundance and never settle in one place. That love will lead you to the right places and tools that will enhance you as an artist and intensify your art message.”

This idea aligns with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of "flow"—a state of deep focus and immersion where creativity thrives. Flow occurs when passion and skill align, creating a timeless engagement in the creative process. This state sustains motivation, fosters innovation, and allows artists to push boundaries. Erich Fromm’s perspective adds another layer, viewing creativity as a form of liberation and self-actualization. Through creating, individuals transcend the mundane and connect with their authentic selves. In a world often driven by external validation, this grounding force is vital for artists to reconnect with their purpose and produce work that resonates deeply.

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The debate about whether creativity is innate or shaped by external factors isn’t easily resolved, but it underscores an essential truth: creativity is rarely static. It grows, adapts, and evolves through exposure, effort, and the freedom to explore—qualities that blend the natural and the nurtured in unique and powerful ways. Innate creativity provides the spark, but education, practice, and passion fuel the flame. This symbiotic relationship ensures that creativity continues to evolve, adapt, and inspire in a world of rapid change. For us, creativity it is a reflection of the human spirit’s capacity to innovate, connect, and imagine. It is in this balance—between the personal and the collective, the natural and the nurtured—that creativity finds its most profound expression.

- Danai Papadimitriou, Founder of Artit