Creativity, or artistic talent, seems to be such a unique skill; a skill that you either have or you just don’t. But is this artistic flair simply in an artist’s genes, or is it learned by some other way?

In actuality, this debate is one which is very subjective. Yes, it’s true that there are many artists who are born with innate talent. But there are also those whose interest and creativity ignite a fire inside their belly that leads them to hone the skill.

Of course, the word ‘art’ itself is a broad term. Therefore, it would be too restrictive to be simply associated with a mere painting on a canvas hung in a museum - albeit a traditional form that’s been appreciated for centuries. Yet, technology has allowed us to realize that there’s so much more to art than that. It has afforded people the chance to broaden their horizons. Case in point, if one takes a look at the jobs pool worldwide, the demand for graphic artists and designers is increasingly on the rise, which tells us one thing: art comes in many shapes and forms. For example, iGaming companies specializing in online casinos and gaming are snatching these creatives up. Similarly, for particularly talented artists, there will be strong skills across several arts, such as music, design, and poetry.

Nature vs nurture

Like many arguments about a particular talent, skill, or attribute, we have to consider both nature and nurture in artistic talent. Was that person born with it, or have they learned their heightened abilities through their environment?

Do genetics play a part?

The field of genetic studies has come a long way in the past couple of decades. So much so, that we’re now digging into specific genes and what they mean for people. For example, a study in 2014 found implications for music perception, memory, and listening on gene AVPR1A. Another study notes seven different genetic polymorphisms associated with artistic gymnastic performance.

What about environment?

Environment perhaps plays a larger part than genetics in whether a person has an artistic flair. For instance, a study (Genetic and environmental influences on the phenotypic associations between intelligence, personality, and creative achievement in the arts and sciences) showed that between different people, the artistic creative achievement was influenced significantly by a shared environment. Similarly, in the study of Genetic and environmental determinants of musical ability in twins, musical ability was more determined by a shared family environment than genetics themselves.
While genetics can influence creative abilities, these are then magnified by a supportive environment.

How to nurture artistic flair

Now that we have determined that artistic flair is determined more by environment than genetics, we can start to influence these abilities by setting the right scene. Socioeconomic settings can obviously play a large role, but beyond that, there are various ways to nature and train artistic flair.

School setting and classroom

Some schools and classes are developed specifically to help nurture children’s artistic abilities, depending on the type of arts the school is focused on. These can ensure the best formal education setting for artistic cultivation.

Outside classes

Growing artistic abilities can be done at any age, although learning early can certainly get someone off to a good start. Extra art classes, workshops, or online learning activities can help grow artistic skills for willing participants. Full-on studies in the arts can lead to a wider appreciation for the most aesthetic pieces beyond what a person is naturally drawn towards.

Physical environment

The right surroundings can help inspire the artist. For greater creativity, consider the following:

• A complex visual environment with fewer cool colors
• View of the natural environment and use of natural materials surrounding
• Less use of manufactured or even composite materials surrounding

For those looking to gain inspiration, heading out into complex natural settings can spark new ideas that lead to more creative pieces. Switching up environments can be the difference between a good piece of art and a great one, so give it a go.

Emotional environment

Openness has been named as a trait that both exists in people who have an artistic flair, as well as in an environmental factor: parents who have openness as a trait tend to have more artistic children. There can also be a dark side to emotional and artistic flair, too. In fact, when people are presented with negative emotional stimuli, they often produce more creative artwork. While you don’t want to do this deliberately with children, if you are an adult trying to produce your own creative works, it can pay to lean into the darker emotional side.