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Young Talent
🕑 Added 2022-02-04 15:57:00 +0000 UTCThis is not the first time that a friend comes to me and tells me that « he/she has a kid who’s very talented in art » and they want my opinion on his/her son/daughter’s drawing (some would even go further and ask me if their kid has a future in the artistic career). Well, let’s just say that parents are often very biased when it comes to their kid’s talent. This situation often left me with two embarrassing options:
One, tell him/her the harsh truth and it basically makes myself sound like an asshole.
Two, say nothing offensive and let the awkward silence linger until someone changes the subject.
There’s also a third option that is being a fake ass person and tell him/her what he/she wants to hear, but I always refuse to do that. If you were in my shoes, what would you do in this situation?
Comments
Kaye Wairau
🤭🤭🤭
Chad M Forshee [ReivaxLEGO]
*Genie’s Voice* TELL THEM THE TRUTH!!!!!!!
Sam A Milazzo
Yeah, that can be a bit awkward to answer in this dilemma. Not too bad for a 19 year old, there's some good shading not usually common at that age, but trying to follow manga is a very difficult style and easy to not get right ... so practise is definitely good and hopefully encouraging enough. I hope the real situation wasn't too stressful for that real life moment. After the last DeviantArt post, it's good to see Joe again!
Lu
oh yeah. If they are 9 I’d say there’s potential but 19. Same face
Dominick
The truth is always the best. Blunt is good but you don't want a confrontation. If you see potential talent, let them know. Suggest possible art courses to take or at least look into.
Tammy Dasti Fisher
I feel that!! This wasn't even a friend, it was a guy doing work on our house! No! NO! Put your shirt back on!! 😵😵
David Proby
As someone who’s working on his veterinary medicine degree, I had a Lyft driver ask me questions about their dog and I’m like, I’m only a veterinary assistant, go see your local vet about that 😬😬😬
stratavos
You can be honest that what they have done is a hobbiest level, and not something that would be able to earn $60+ comissions in under an hour.
William Deutsch
You can be truthful without being harsh, how I don’t know, it’s possible.
Adam Lunter
Sound advice, Lolo
Maksim Bolonkin
Yeah, agree with others, there's always a way to mention something good about the work. Even if it is something vague like "it does show some promise". And be honest in other aspects, like "he needs to practice more, take some classes, but being an artist for living is very tough so that will not necessarily pay off". Kids will eventually loose interest if they are told they need to study and practice more. I mean, if there's nothing good to say about the drawing you can always say "wow, that's a very very good phone you are showing me this picture on".
Stanford M. Brown
Recommend art lessons :)
Tammy Dasti Fisher
"Well, it's a bit rough still, but it definitely shows talent and he should keep working to improve. Here's a book/website/video he can consult for tips and suggestions about how to improve." I have no idea how that would work, but at least it's not totally negative and not gushing either! (I told someone I was a doctor once and he asked me to look at a rash he had! 😳😳 Dude! I have a PhD, I'm not THAT kind of doctor!)
Bunnywolf
oh yeah, i understand this situation so much. especially being asian where your family constantly ask about your job, lovelife, house or planning to have kids. I combine 1 and 3. Tell them the truth, but also encourage their kids to continue drawing, BUT not to force them into it as a high-paying job.
Danny Robbins
Just keep things subjective. Compliment where it's due, like linework or shading and just be careful about critiques. "Great line work and shading, proportions aren't half bad." Just be subjective and answer honestly.
