Photography Doodles
I’ve always been more of a doodler. I tried drawing comic book characters and realistic sketches of my favorite heroes growing up, but I didn’t have a natural talent. Maybe I could have practiced enough to get good, but I didn’t have the patience.
Instead, I came up with a doodle style that’s all my own. My drawing style and abilities haven’t changed all that much since the fourth grade. I can draw a decent newspaper cartoon character, ala Peanuts or The Far Side, but Erik Larsen-style Spider-Man is a step too far.
And that’s fine. I worked hard to get where I am, and I’m comfortable with where I landed.
We can’t be good at everything. Some of it is down to practice, and some of it involves our natural talent. The combo of practice and talent can lead to expertly-developed skills. Think Eddie Van Halen on guitar, or Ann Patchett with writing – skills take both an innate ability and an obsessive habit.
For hobbies, I think that the doodle mentality is just fine. It’s okay to work up to a certain level of skill, and then learn anything extra if needed, but only if needed.
