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My thoughts on "talent"
On Talent, Skill, and the Child’s Mind
As an artist, educator, and observer of how people learn, I’ve spent years reflecting on the beliefs we carry about creativity. Especially the ones planted early, in childhood. One of the most persistent and damaging is the belief that talent is something you either have, or you don’t.
Children’s brains are wired for patterns and meaning-making. From a young age, they notice what’s praised and what isn’t. They hear the word “talented” applied to certain kids — and not to others. And even if no one says it outright, a quiet message forms in the background: “If I’m not called talented, I must not be. Maybe I never will be.”
That belief doesn’t stay in childhood. It follows us into adulthood, shaping how we think about our abilities, how willing we are to try new things, and whether we see ourselves as creative people. But here’s what the science of learning and psychology shows us: skills are teachable. Creativity is a practice. And confidence is built through experience.
At Bright!, we deliberately counter this fixed mindset by focusing on skill-building and intrinsic reinforcement. We recognize that a student’s belief in themselves is directly linked to their learning experience. It’s not just about what they create — it’s about how they feel while creating it.
We take time to understand how each student learns and what motivates them internally. Through positive, process-based reinforcement — celebrating effort, curiosity, problem-solving, and perseverance — we help students develop not just technical ability, but the courage and confidence to see themselves as artists.
Because when a person, child or adult, believes they can — they will. And that belief will follow them for life.
