Why Practice, Not Talent, Unlocks Your Creative Potential
Have you ever stood in front of a blank page or canvas and thought, “I’m just not talented enough to do this”? You’re not alone. Many people feel this way, convinced that creativity is an elusive gift handed out at birth to a lucky few. I’m here to tell you a different story.
My name is Irene Ruby. I’m an artist and illustrator, originally from the Netherlands, now living in the UK. But I haven’t always been an artist—at least, not in the way many people define it. I believe you can be an artist without making your living from art. These days, I’m lucky enough to do both, but my journey here wasn’t straightforward.
My Journey Back to Art
When I moved to England in 2012, I left behind a life rooted in international criminal law and human rights. My career in the City of London was exciting. I thrived on the challenges, the fast pace, and the personal growth it brought me. I met incredible people and gained invaluable experiences. But somewhere in the background, my creative self was whispering to me, asking to be let out again.
Like many of you, I didn’t grow up believing I could be an artist. I enjoyed painting and drawing as a child, but at some point, life got in the way. For years, I put my creative pursuits on hold. When I finally picked up a paintbrush again, it was after a long gap, and my skills were... well, rusty. But as I began to practice regularly, something amazing happened: I improved.
Building confidence through art
Talent Is Overrated
One of the most common things I hear from my students is, “I wish I had your talent.” But here’s the thing: talent is overrated. I don’t say that lightly. Talent might give you a slight head start, but it’s practice, dedication, and a willingness to learn that truly make the difference.
Think about learning to play a musical instrument. If you asked someone, “Can you play the violin?” and they said no, you wouldn’t assume they’re incapable of learning. You’d understand they haven’t practiced yet. Art is no different.
Drawing and painting are skills that anyone can learn. Some people may have a bit more natural aptitude, but that only means they might progress faster in the beginning. Ultimately, consistent practice levels the playing field.
The Power of Daily Practice
When I started making art a daily habit, I noticed how much easier it became. Each day, my hand felt steadier, my eye sharper. The once-daunting blank page began to feel like an invitation rather than a challenge. The more I practiced, the more I enjoyed the process.
Daily practice doesn’t have to mean completing a masterpiece every day. It can be as simple as making a few sketches in a notebook or experimenting with colours. The key is to show up regularly. Over time, those small efforts add up, step by step building confidence through art.
Sketchbooks: Your Creative Playground
Did you know that many famous artists kept sketchbooks? These weren’t polished, perfect works of art. They were spaces for experimentation, for trial and error. Sketchbooks allow you to explore ideas without the pressure of creating something “good.”
One of my favourite things to do is revisit old sketchbooks and paintings. It’s fascinating to see how much I’ve grown. Sometimes, I even try recreating an old piece to measure my progress. It’s a wonderful reminder that learning is a journey, and every step—no matter how small—moves you forward.
The Difference Between Skill and Style
Another misconception about art is that you need to have a defined “style” right away. But style develops naturally over time. It’s a reflection of your experiences, preferences, and the techniques you’ve mastered. Before you can find your style, you need to build your skills.
Imagine you’re learning to cook. At first, you follow recipes to the letter, learning the basics of flavour and technique. Over time, you start to experiment, adding your own twist to dishes. Eventually, you develop a signature style that’s uniquely yours. Art works in much the same way.
Embracing the Process
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the process matters more than the outcome. We live in a results-driven world, but art offers a refreshing alternative. When you focus on the act of creating—on the feel of the brush in your hand, the play of light and shadow, the joy of mixing colours—you tap into something deeply fulfilling.
Creating for the sake of enjoyment, rather than perfection, frees you from the fear of failure. Whether your work ends up displayed on a wall or tucked away in a drawer, the important thing is that you enjoyed making it.
Art as Mindfulness
There’s a reason art is often used in therapeutic settings. It has a unique ability to ground us in the present moment. When you’re deeply focused on creating, the noise of the world fades away. You enter a state of flow—a place where time seems to stand still, and you feel fully immersed in the task at hand.
This meditative quality makes art a powerful tool for relaxation and self-care. It can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and even improve your overall sense of well-being.
Confidence Through Creativity
Many people feel vulnerable when sharing their art. They worry about what others will think or whether their work is “good enough.” But confidence in art doesn’t come from external validation; it comes from within.
As you practice and improve, you’ll start to trust your abilities. You’ll learn to embrace imperfections and see them as part of your unique creative voice. And most importantly, you’ll develop the courage to create for yourself, not for anyone else.
Revisiting Your Creative Roots
If you’ve been away from art for a while, I encourage you to revisit your creative roots. Dig out those old sketches or paintings and take a trip down memory lane. Try recreating an old piece with the skills you’ve developed since. You might be surprised by how far you’ve come.
This exercise isn’t just about measuring progress; it’s also a celebration of your journey. Every line, every brushstroke, every failed experiment has led you to where you are today.
Final Thoughts
I firmly believe that every person is creative. Art isn’t about talent or perfection—it’s about practice, exploration, and self-expression. Whether you’re just starting out or returning to art after a break, know that you have the potential to grow and thrive.
So, pick up that pencil or paintbrush. Allow yourself to play, to make mistakes, and to enjoy the process. Because at the end of the day, art is less about the final product and more about the joy it brings to your life.
Happy creating,Irene
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