I hate it when people tell me, “You are talented.” The word “talent” implies a natural gift. As if there is a miraculous superpower that helps an artist produce decent work. Some people probably do have an aptitude for drawing or writing, and that makes it easier for them to create, but even this is worthless if you don’t hone your skills through years of practice. If there is any kind of talent I would consider relevant, it would be natural enthusiasm, which keeps you going despite the difficulties and frustrations that are inevitably part of creative work.
Christoph Niemann, Abstract City.