The Surprising Key to a Child Prodigy’s Artistic Greatness
I came across musician/singer Ethan Bortnick on TikTok. He performs these insanely impressive pop/rock piano songs. I liked his work so I looked him up. He’s in his early 20s now but turns out he was a child prodigy. When he was a kid, he played complicated classical pieces on loads of talk shows like Oprah and the Tonight Show. All this is to say, he is freakishly skilled/talented.
More important to me is that I like his songs. Yes they showcase his virtuoso ability but they are also catchy and well crafted. I really wanted to see him play live, so when he came to town, I went. He made a point toward the end of the show to call out his co-performer, crediting him as the producer and co-writer on all of his songs.
As impressive as Ethan was on his own, he knew that working with someone else elevated him.
By contrast, the opening act did not appeal to me. Though she could certainly sing and play well, none of her songs did anything for me. She then proudly mentioned that she writes all her own material.
But what if you didn’t?
There is this self-taught/self-made notion some artists seem to wear like a badge of honor. You’re telling me you figured out the principals and how to draw in perspective without reading a book or seeing how someone else did it first? Uh, OK.
Is it a defense mechanism? Is it ego and wanting sole credit? Is it an excuse for lack of success? “So and so went to art school, that’s why they got their job.”
The notion of being self-made is detrimental. One, it’s not true, and two, the absolute best artists, performers, and athletes have coaches and teachers. Tiger Woods still has a coach.
When I was younger and would watch award shows. The winner would get up there and invariably go on and on gushing and thanking people. Back then,I thought it would be funny to just say “thanks” and walk off. Now I realize how douchey and dishonest that would be.
If your art or writing isn’t at the level you aspire to, find the help you need to level up. That absolutely doesn’t have to mean going to school. The internet is filled with tutorials, courses, and resources. Find others to collaborate with.
What is the goal? To say you did it all on your own or to create something meaningful that will resonate with others? You can do this! Just probably not alone. Now go find that extra bit of help to elevate your work.
Favorite Thing I Drew This Month
Is it the best thing I drew this month? I don’t know but it is page 100 of Woodland Hills and I’m pretty psyched about that.
Family Stuff
Halloween! I saw a video on TikTok of a woman who made a porcupine costume for her kid and I decided to make one for River. (TikTok for the win this newsletter!) She used stirring straws, white tape, and hot glue. She just made it for the back but I decided to add a hat for the head too. Glad I did, it really put the costume over the top. It was a ton of work though. Almost 1000 straws for the final piece. We’re doing store bought next year.
Sophia tackled Penny’s costume. She was the cutest flying squirrel ever. And to round it all out, Sophia and I were zookeepers. Not sure how much longer River will let us pick his costume, so we are making the most of it while we can.
On a side note, I’ve stopped putting my kids’ faces on the internet. Not sure if it matters but I’m erring on the side of caution.
See you next month!
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