In bringing up this talent issue it might appear that ego was a big part.



Personally speaking this is not the case - there are many many more that

possess more talent, ability, dedication (etc) in their little finger than

in my whole body.



The point is any 'latent' talent nurtured and backed up by hard work seems

to be better equipped for the long run. (Chuck's post on background).



Not wishing to bore the list further, I came across a great interview with

Eddie Van Halen - the lead guitarist - who has been voted the most

influential since Jimi Hendix's death. Not a fan- but his invention of many

'techniques' is reminiscent of a child prodigy.



Music and poetry are often voiced as analogies on the list - and one could

argue that the electric guitar has been the most influential component of

the last 50 years of contemporary music. (Alas not the accordion).



It also is featured in this month's family magazine of choice (thanks

Rosan) - Guitar World.



 to paraphrase.



In response to a question about talent....



“I knew from a very early age , my father, a professional band leader told

me I had it. “



“He said - some have and some don't have it. “



“Even if they don't have it, they can get it down - so its pretty good. “



“I listened to Debussy by two guys on piano, one sounded beautiful and the

other like fingers made out of lead. “



he didn't have it.



In some of the previous posts dismissive that talent is not a valid concept

and that sheer labor is sufficient - I have to ask why Walt Disney, Paul

Rand (yes, Eddie Van Halen) and todays' industry Design Chiefs argue the

exact opposite.



Just google 'design talent'.



Spiderman, etc ?



Is that what design talent means to this list?



In the cross discipline utopia of the future where we all get in on the

design action .....



Where the user gets to design his eco friendly socio aware knick knack to

give a friend - something meaningful and emotive - an 'experiential' multi

dimensional 4D product touching all.



A product that simultaneously provides social benefits, improves life in

general and lasts beyond a year.



Where we get to tell the designer his brief, what he should do, how he

should think about it, contextualise.



The designer even sketches it for us - cos he's so so nice. And not an

egotistical talent freak.



In fact it is so seamless - we are all designing our own products - and the

sausage machine designer'operators' are sourcing it for us.



Is this what the list wants?



We will be dreaming for some time.





Meanwhile - we are drowning in design based land fill and advertising -

wondering why designers just won't listen.



Well maybe it works both ways.



EoM



GJ







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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld