6 WAYS TO SPOT AN ARTIST IN YOUR HOUSE

I want to write a quick article today to talk with you about spotting the talent in your child. All of you parents out there will know why I’m writing this, but those of you who might not have any children may be confused. I have had the privilege of raising three boys with my wife, Lindsay. That certainly doesn’t make me a clinical expert, nor even someone who is qualified to give out advice. However… this is the internet, and everyone is an expert on all subject matters. Of course, I’m joking with you about that; but I do think I have some valuable perspectives to share because of my 10+ years of experience with the 402 Arts Collective, since the time of its launch. Over the years, many parents have asked me questions pertaining to age, instruments, education methods and more in regards to art and music education for their children. The one question, however, that I find the most interesting is the one in the title of this article: “How can I tell if my student is an actual artist?”

Hmm… this is such an interesting question for a number of reasons. But before I address the question as it looks on your screen, I think I need to address what I believe the parents/legal guardians are actually asking when they present me with this question. Maybe I’m wrong, but this is what I believe they are actually wanting to know:

1. Is my child worth the investment? Should I spend the money on private lessons?

2. Is this just one of those things that my child is “into” right now, but that will fade in time?

3. Do I actually have a child who has a special ability given by God from above?

4. I know my child is good… but is he/she “really” good?

I know I may be reading into their questions a bit…but you get the point.

First off, I would like to make note of the difference between someone with great talent versus someone who is an artist. A person can develop great talent through hard work, rudimentary exercises, and practice. Artistry, however, is something you are born with - much like someone is born with a particular eye color or shape of nose. So, what I want to do is address the fundamental question on the table with the following:

Six things to help you spot an artist in your home:

1. They are drawing and coloring at a young age

   One great method of expression which takes place in the early development of every child is the ability to draw or color. This is a primary ability which marks growth in all humans. We begin to draw stick people, write our name, draw shapes, etc. However, I have many times witnessed a transition take place in this manner of expression with potential artists. That is the transition to mental illustration. They begin to use the tools around them to “write down” stories and visions in their imagination. These are the beginnings of something great, if fostered and not squelched.

2. They are mesmerized when listening to beautiful music or looking at something beautiful

   Your child is able to spot “beauty” from a mile away. Confucius said, “Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” You may begin to see your child point things out in their day-to-day experience and call it “pretty”. These may include sunsets, cityscapes, mown grass, and just about anything else they see.

3. They are able to mimic other artists
   This one might seem odd, but this is incredibly telling for spotting a budding artist in your home. The ability to mimic or copy another artist is actually a key part of an artist’s development. This demonstrates that they are able to function within their skills to produce examples of what they see. This ability is vital to being able to recreate what they “see” in their mind. Example: if someone gifted in singing isn’t able to sing like other singers, they will have a difficult time expressing all of the sounds that they are hearing inside of their own mind.

4. They are okay with standing out in a crowd
   A key quality of an artist is being comfortable in their own skin. This means that they are not afraid to allow others to see or hear what is taking place inside their minds. Of course, this ability to share of themselves needs to be gently and lovingly nourished in order to serve them in life in a positive way. However, you will notice that they are, perhaps, not as worried about the clothing styles of their peers; instead, they are excited to wear something eccentric and not so “normal”. For example: my child always wanted to go to school wearing swimming goggles. Unfortunately, as much as it pained me to do it… I told him he had to keep those at home.

5. They are great storytellers
   Keep an eye on your student’s homework assignments in English class. You may notice that they have a unique ability to convey a story. Details given to characters, special colors, and other notable features will be an indication that they might have the special gift of creativity within.

6. Finally, they will have PASSION
   Passion is a funny word these days; but I hope you know what I mean. You will notice that your young one does everything with gusto and fervor. They don’t let anything slow them down. Passion can be an amazing attribute when channeled in the right direction. It can also be something that can cause certain challenges in life if left unchecked. As a parent, you must learn to come alongside your child as one who has been around longer, and show them how to wield their ability wisely.

So, there is it. My “comprehensive list”: foolproof and perfect. Just kidding… these are just some suggestions that I hope will help you along the journey.

Here’s a strategy that I tell parents, which will NEVER fail…. Love your child unconditionally. Whether they are an artist or a math teacher when they grow up. Whether they play sports or play chess for a living - your impact is exceptional. Let’s make our impact be one based upon love. Your child must know that you are rooting for them, investing in them, teaching them, believing in them, and loving them no matter what.

Signing your student up for guitar lessons, piano lessons, or painting lessons? That’s AMAZING! We’d love for you to do so; we can help your young student grow in many different art forms, and that’s a huge part of it. But please, reader… Love that child.

— Ben Shafer, Executive Director