As the project progressed, so did my methods. I realized my questions were not provoking the thoughtful answers I was expecting from my sample of interviewees. I began asking questions aimed to greater challenge my participants, resulting in mixed outcomes. Some felt the subject was too vague, while others enjoyed the openness of discussion. Some answered with fervour, some with difficulty, while some altogether refusing to answer on the grounds that they felt unqualified.

It became obvious that many found discussing talent arduous. This was surprising as the interviewees were picked from areas of the creative industry where 'having talent' seemed necessary to progress. While some interviewees tried to push the definition of talent as far as it would stretch, others simply referred back to the common understanding that talent was something you were born with. By that rationale, talent would have to exist as a concept beyond human experience. This belief both empowers and debases artists' talent. On the one hand, their talent has the opportunity of being labelled otherworldly. On the other, the origin of that talent is no longer the result of their own efforts. Furthermore, the idea that talent could be 'divinely entrusted' at birth has severe implications for those who seek to learn and progress, but without the 'natural ability'.

For someone who disbelieves in a deity, the current definition of talent is peppered with contradiction. Beyond a liberal belief in the idea of 'spirituality', our definition has nowhere to turn. One might argue that skill is a suitable replacement for the word. A person can hone a skill to an outstanding level through a number of factors including upbringing, interest, grafting, life experiences and a fresh, clear-minded approach. What this doesn't account for is how one's technical abilities can be adept, while their ability to produce something original and thought-provoking lacking.

I feel this conclusion is just the tip of the iceberg, and that the subject of talent will continue to intrigue me beyond the scope of this project. I will be using the talent manifesto website to continue my investigations, and hopefully get people involved in discussing it.