NationStates Jolt Archive

In your opinion: which of these, in general, requires more talent if you were to be good at it?

Musician
Artist
Actor
Author
Poet
Photographer

Doesn't artist cover all of the other options?

Doesn't artist cover all of the other options?

You know what I mean ;)

None of them require any skill whatsoever. Why don't they get a real job and not just some sissy job? For example, joining the army or becoming a small businessman is more difficult.

None of them require any skill whatsoever. Why don't they get a real job and not just some sissy job? For example, joining the army or becoming a small businessman is more difficult.

Bullshit. To get good at some instruments may take all your life with much discipline and training. It is a very difficult skill for many instruments. Not to mention sight reading.

And composing takes massive amounts of creativity, grasping very complex music theory etc.. I'd like to see you compose a 12 minute jazz instrumental. Or a peice for a symphony orchastra.

Oh and as for the other jobs, wouldn't know ;)

I personally feel that a musician is the most talented, because they not only have to conceive their music in their mind but then translate it in to a structured form so that it can be played by others as well as the original composer. It combines both the creation of ideas as well as putting those ideas in to a logical, structured form of inherently high complexity.

Authors. If you're already a talented author, you've probably got a deadline to keep up with, and you have to write a story thats intresting, fresh, and, if in a series, doesn't conflict with the previous storyline. I hope to become an author someday myself.

As for the OP, it's a moot point. Being a musician requires more musical talent. Being an artist requires more visual talent. Being a poet requires more literary talent. Etc.

None of them require any skill whatsoever. Why don't they get a real job and not just some sissy job? For example, joining the army or becoming a small businessman is more difficult.

Ah yes, another trollish post by MTAE.

I know it's a trollish post, because you are sadly, too intelligent to believe something as lame as "none of them require any skill whatsoever." Therefore the only point you had in making it was to piss people off.

None of them require any skill whatsoever. Why don't they get a real job and not just some sissy job? For example, joining the army or becoming a small businessman is more difficult.
You say that because you lack eloquence. The art of writing is one best left to those who have allowed the pen to become one with their body; for their minds to be one with paper, so the words freely flow from the tip of the fingers, the ink ebbing gently down as the prose takes a life of its own...

You say that because you lack eloquence. The art of writing is one best left to those who have allowed the pen to become one with their body; for their minds to be one with paper, so the words freely flow from the tip of the fingers, the ink ebbing gently down as the prose takes a life of its own...

A rather eloquent passage...are you suggesting that you possess such talents?

If musician includes composer as well as performer, then I'm going with musician. Musical composition is incredibly difficult.

If musician includes composer as well as performer, then I'm going with musician. Musical composition is incredibly difficult.

Yeah, that's what I was also going for. I assumed that "musician" implied both performer and composer.

"Mu." You have asked the wrong question, Grasshopper.

I wonder what MTAE thinks about Hannity, Coulter, or O’Reilly’s books…

A rather eloquent passage...are you suggesting that you possess such talents?

Such talents are found within the heart of those with a desire to tell a tale; to bring to live stories that capture the fancy of many. Do I possess such talents? Perhaps I do, perhaps I don't; I am but a modest weaver of fantastical tales. I reserve judgement to my readers.

I'm thinking actor. Acting requires both body language and tone of voice. One must master both of these to be good. In other words, both the visual and the aural. The others only have to master one of these.

I'm thinking actor. Acting requires both body language and tone of voice. One must master both of these to be good. In other words, both the visual and the aural. The others only have to master one of these.
There are some actors who are just plain terrible and lack the very qualities you say are required. They simply are kept around because of their looks...

There are some actors who are just plain terrible and lack the very qualities you say are required. They simply are kept around because of their looks...Certainly. They aren't very talented, either. ;)

There are some actors who are just plain terrible and lack the very qualities you say are required. They simply are kept around because of their looks...
There are some truly shit musicians. Do a search on MySpace for "emo".

There are also really crap writers.

To be honest, everything takes skill. Anyone here tried to plaster anything before?

It's a whole lot harder than it looks - that takes a great deal of skill also.

I wouldn't really say any of these takes more talent than any other, because they do all require the same amount of practise and natural talent as the others to make something good.

None of them require any skill whatsoever. Why don't they get a real job and not just some sissy job? For example, joining the army or becoming a small businessman is more difficult.
So... umm... have you ever actually tried any of these things.

Try a two year stint as a painter, a musician, a soldier and a small businessman.

Because the first two will require genuine talent to make any money with.

The army just revolves around people doing what they're told. Not much actual talent in that.

Being a small businessman really varies in difficulty depending on what you want to go into etc.

The art of writing is one best left to those who have allowed the pen to become one with their body;

You mean they shoved a pen up their ass? Please, steer clear of ambiguous metaphors -- this isn't some liberal poerty contest. You could easily have said that the art of writing should be left to those who are eloquent, but instead you opted for a passage replete with pretentious statements. While writing does require a modicum of skill, those who write contribute nothing at all to society. The same applies to anybody who practises any of the "liberal" arts.

I wonder what MTAE thinks about Hannity, Coulter, or O’Reilly’s books…

That's an entirely different proposition -- they are not writing fiction books and the like, but rather trying to persuade people to join the correct political party. I would classify them more as "politicians" than "writers" in terms of the connotations of the words.

Performance artists. A painter or a writer has time to write, re-write and revise. A live performer has to deliver in a direct immediate fashion.

You mean they shoved a pen up their ass? Please, steer clear of ambiguous metaphors -- this isn't some liberal poerty contest.
Teeheehee.

Kryo wasn't putting any kind of ambigious metaphor at all - they were talking about letting your own views and emotions out by writing.

Nothing inferred anything sexual to me. I might be wrong, mind.
You could easily have said that the art of writing should be left to those who are eloquent, but instead you opted for a passage replete with pretentious statements.
True, it was extremely pretentious, but it did also show that you're amusingly stupid.
While writing does require a modicum of skill, those who write contribute nothing at all to society.
Writers contribute a great deal from time to time by their works. Can you honestly say that you think the works of Shakespeare, Orwell et al have had no effect at all on society today?
The same applies to anybody who practises any of the "liberal" arts.
As opposed to the great contributers to society - those who will shoot a man for living in their own country and looking a bit shifty?

Performance artists. A painter or a writer has time to write, re-write and revise. A live performer has to deliver in a direct immediate fashion.
Ah, but they'll have rehearsed a hundred times. That's no different to the writer or painter.

They all require talent. Authors are the most useful to me.

Such talents are found within the heart of those with a desire to tell a tale; to bring to live stories that capture the fancy of many. Do I possess such talents? Perhaps I do, perhaps I don't; I am but a modest weaver of fantastical tales. I reserve judgement to my readers.

It is a wondrous talent to possess, indeed. Few can weave the ephemeral thoughts which drift within the mind's ether in to a tangible cloth of sublime beauty.

None of them require any skill whatsoever. Why don't they get a real job and not just some sissy job? For example, joining the army or becoming a small businessman is more difficult.

Or both!

It is a wondrous talent to possess, indeed. Few can weave the ephemeral thoughts which drift within the mind's ether in to a tangible cloth of sublime beauty.

Unfortunately, those who can can't seem to shut up about it.

Or both!

Indeed, although it would be quite difficult to manage both simultaneously.

Indeed, although it would be quite difficult to manage both simultaneously.

I think it would be best to do your duty in the army, then help the American economy.

At the same time, might be a bit too much, but Americans can do it!

Indeed, although it would be quite difficult to manage both simultaneously.
No it isn't.

Get gun. Sell gun to enemy. Stay at back of squad. Pick up guns of the fallen. Sell them to the enemy. Repeat.

Worked beautifully for the capitalists of the White Russian Armies, but they spent their money on coccaine and prostitutes.

Eventually the Allies just gave up on them - Lloyd George said "I would rather see Russia Bolshevik than Britain bankrupt".

Anyway, that was irrelevant, sorry.

Okay, I just have to shay this once:
PHILISTINE!

None of them require any skill whatsoever. Why don't they get a real job and not just some sissy job? For example, joining the army or becoming a small businessman is more difficult.
Ha! I doubt any of the successful authors, actors or musicians are complaining, either doing what you love or doing what you love and rolling in more cash than you can shake a stick at.

When you can compose Moonlight Sonata, perhaps you might be in a position where your criticism might hold some weight.

You mean they shoved a pen up their ass? Please, steer clear of ambiguous metaphors -- this isn't some liberal poerty contest. You could easily have said that the art of writing should be left to those who are eloquent, but instead you opted for a passage replete with pretentious statements. While writing does require a modicum of skill, those who write contribute nothing at all to society. The same applies to anybody who practises any of the "liberal" arts.
Are you some sort if illiterate Neanderthal? Writing forms the cornerstone of civilised society. Until relatively recently, in terms of the history of the human race, writing was considered a privilege and an honour deserving respect among the majority that couldn't.

That's an entirely different proposition -- they are not writing fiction books and the like, but rather trying to persuade people to join the correct political party. I would classify them more as "politicians" than "writers" in terms of the connotations of the words.
So, if I were to write a book on space travel I'd therefore be an astronaut?

So, if I were to write a book on space travel I'd therefore be an astronaut?

That's just silly. I like you when you're silly. :)

None of them require any skill whatsoever. Why don't they get a real job and not just some sissy job? For example, joining the army or becoming a small businessman is more difficult.

You totally pwned Ny Nordland in Trollishness with this post.

That's just silly. I like you when you're silly. :)
Don't skirt around the issue.

Clearly you are a bit thick and do not understand the beauty of what the written word can acheive.

Do some actual reading. None of that Coulter stuff.

It's improving.

That's just silly. I like you when you're silly. :)

I'm only applying your logic, MTAE.

Don't skirt around the issue.

Very well. One who is well-versed in English will recognize that "politician" does not only refer to someone who is actively seeking a political office. It can also be used to describe someone who is active in party politics (ie, Coulter).

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/politician

MeansToAnEnd
Superior Gamer


Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 879

If the next generation have your opinions on anything I will fear for the human race.

I'm only applying your logic, MTAE.

That's the "only" thing you were doing? :D

If the next generation have your opinions on anything I will fear for the human race.

At my school/college, many of my fellow students share my views or have even more extreme ones. I do hold an inconsequential "political" office at my school/college based on my viewpoints.

That's the "only" thing you were doing? :D

Well, doesn't that sound kinky...:eek:

Well, doesn't that sound kinky...:eek:

I'm cool with kinky, baby. :)

Very well. One who is well-versed in English will recognize that "politician" does not only refer to someone who is actively seeking a political office. It can also be used to describe someone who is active in party politics (ie, Coulter).

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/politician

So, if someone who is involved in politics is a politician, someone who is involved in writing is...?

I'm cool with kinky, baby. :)

:fluffle:

Well, doesn't that sound kinky...:eek:

It's open for interpretation. I recommend you take it in small doses.

and on topic, its musician in my opinion because it takes skill, time, and dedication to learn the instrument(s). Then you have to learn and understand music theory or at least have creative talent out the butt(most likely both) to write music. Then you have to be able to perform it well otherwise noone will look at you twice.

So, if someone who is involved in politics is a politician, someone who is involved in writing is...?

I'm not disputing the fact that they are writers. However, I think a more accurate label would be "politician" based on the purpose of their writing. They are political writers, not Shakespeare or Rousseau.

and on topic, its musician in my opinion because it takes skill, time, and dedication to learn the instrument(s). Then you have to learn and understand music theory or at least have creative talent out the butt(most likely both) to write music. Then you have to be able to perform it well otherwise noone will look at you twice.

You can say the same thing about any artistic endeavour, part of becoming good in any art field always involves huge amounts of learning. Ask any painter what he/she had to learn to do before they were able to create an image on that chunk of canvas. Ask a videographer or animator or writer the same question. Everything you said applies equally to anyone in the many and varied artistic fields.

I tend to rate them all equally, more or less.

Of course, working in CG is the hardest. And most important!:D

There are some truly shit musicians. Do a search on MySpace for "emo".

There are also really crap writers.

To be honest, everything takes skill. Anyone here tried to plaster anything before?

It's a whole lot harder than it looks - that takes a great deal of skill also.

I wouldn't really say any of these takes more talent than any other, because they do all require the same amount of practise and natural talent as the others to make something good.

Even if it's unpleasing to you, it still shows talent and skill.

Even music you really, really hate. Even Anal ****.

im stuck between a musician and author.....those two and poetry are the worthy ones

None of them require any skill whatsoever. Why don't they get a real job and not just some sissy job? For example, joining the army or becoming a small businessman is more difficult.

ALL of the arts require skill, and more importantly TALENT to be done well. Joining the army does not require either. Becoming a successful small businessman requires skill (which is acquired through training) but not talent (which is innate).

Just because you don't understand art (and here I include all the arts) is no reason to run down what artists do. If you don't have any talent or skill then YOU cannot do the real job that artists do.

I'd say that to be a truely great musician you requer the most skill and visual has more to do with practice then anything else (although they all do to a huge extent), and artist allows the most oppernuity for creativity and showing your skills in different ways but anyone who is good at any of those has my respect even if it's not my personal taste.

I'm not disputing the fact that they are writers. However, I think a more accurate label would be "politician" based on the purpose of their writing.
So, would you count Tolkein as an entertainer, and not a writer, since the purpose of his books were to entertain?

They are political writers, not Shakespeare or Rousseau.
Rousseau *was* political.

I'd say that to be a truely great musician you requer the most skill and visual has more to do with practice then anything else (although they all do to a huge extent), and artist allows the most oppernuity for creativity and showing your skills in different ways but anyone who is good at any of those has my respect even if it's not my personal taste.

I have to disagree. All the practice in the world won't help for shit unless you have the talent for it to begin with. If all it took was practice, then every 5-year old with a crayon and a drawing pad should be able to put out a Mona Lisa by the time they are 6.

Speaking as someone who's tried her hand fairly extensively at all of the above, my answer is, in fact, "all of the above." It takes just as much talent to be a really good singer as it does to be a really good composer as it does to be a really good poet as it does to be a really good actor as it does to be a really good painter, and so on and so forth.

However, it could perhaps be argued that some of these professions are easier to "BS" than others, and that it does not, in fact, take as much talent to be a halfway-tolerable actor as it does to be a halfway-tolerable poet, or as much talent to be a halfway-tolerable photographer as to be a halfway-tolerable cellist.

You mean they shoved a pen up their ass? Please, steer clear of ambiguous metaphors -- this isn't some liberal poerty contest. You could easily have said that the art of writing should be left to those who are eloquent, but instead you opted for a passage replete with pretentious statements. While writing does require a modicum of skill, those who write contribute nothing at all to society. The same applies to anybody who practises any of the "liberal" arts.

There was nothing ambiguous about the metaphor, it was both clear and poetic, and answered the question in a way that allowed us to see that the author had put to use some of his or her talent.

Artists contribute nothing to society? I am so very glad that you are completely wrong on that one. To my mind, an artist (of any sort) is someone who sees the world in a unique way and through his art shares that view with others. Without art, we might as well be unthinking animals, existing only to exist. With art, we can imagine and learn and grow and expand beyond what we are and dream about what we might become. From the earliest humans (painting in their caves) art has been a vital part of who we are. Natives dancing around a campfire, religious ceremonies of all sorts, the beautiful paintings hanging in museums around the world, the tune you hum after hearing it on the radio, the design of the fork you used to eat your lunch, all of these things were accomplished by artists. Art is what makes us human.

Unfortunately, those who can can't seem to shut up about it.

And equally unfortunately, some of those who CAN'T (and by this, I mean specifically YOU) can't seem to appreciate it. Fortunately for humanity, the rest of us can.

I'm not disputing the fact that they are writers. However, I think a more accurate label would be "politician" based on the purpose of their writing. They are political writers, not Shakespeare or Rousseau.

Their political opinions do not sell the books. It's their writing skills (mostly).

Speaking as someone who's tried her hand fairly extensively at all of the above, my answer is, in fact, "all of the above." It takes just as much talent to be a really good singer as it does to be a really good composer as it does to be a really good poet as it does to be a really good actor as it does to be a really good painter, and so on and so forth.

However, it could perhaps be argued that some of these professions are easier to "BS" than others, and that it does not, in fact, take as much talent to be a halfway-tolerable actor as it does to be a halfway-tolerable poet, or as much talent to be a halfway-tolerable photographer as to be a halfway-tolerable cellist.

Thats an interesting way of looking at it. Musician is probably the hardest thing to bullshit as not many people can just sit their and "bullshit" a good solo.

Even if it's unpleasing to you, it still shows talent and skill.

Even music you really, really hate. Even Anal ****.
No, there are really terrible bands who just sound like they're twatting around with their instruments as something to do, before writing horrendously self-indulgent crap. That doesn't really take skill.

I've been in bands before, and some people are clearly in it for the money / groupie options and nothing else, they don't really have anything to contribute to the world.

None of them require any skill whatsoever. Why don't they get a real job and not just some sissy job? For example, joining the army or becoming a small businessman is more difficult.

how many symphany compositions, art shows, poetry readings, photo exhibits, etc... have YOU pumped out lately? anyone is capable of creating art, but only a few are gifted enough to enable their thoughts and ideas to be witnessed in their full glory, by the world.

In your opinion: which of these, in general, requires more talent if you were to be good at it?

Musician
Artist
Actor
Author
Poet
Photographer

Why not ask what requires more intelligence - doctor (M.D.), lawyer, professor, veterinarian, successful businessperson, stand-up comic. Each requires something different.

A neurosurgeon.

:D

Or a cardiovascular surgeon, like what I want to be!

Oh I so love making my own options.

Musican. Followed closely by actors. All the rest are just liberal hippies that modern society has no use for.

So, I guess MTAE would rather we live in a soulless world of numbing work and mindless hedonism, devoid of art, music, and creative thought? Sounds peachy.

I swear, has this rube expressed any opinion that was not completely asinine?

So, I guess MTAE would rather we live in a soulless world of numbing work and mindless hedonism, devoid of art, music, and creative thought? Sounds peachy.

I swear, has this rube expressed any opinion that was not completely asinine?

Well, if you read his "Become a millionare on 15k a year" thread, you'd realize how dead you are.

Art is important in every society, all forms of it. It is a way of not only conveying emotions and ideas, but has more emperical value as well. It was used as a way of "binding" a society together, a way of giving an identity to a particular nation or country. It allows the telling of stories, and expressing that which is important to society, as a way of strengthening it.

Also, enternainment value is very important. An unentertained people is a restless people. To entertain people is to keep them happy and content, which is vitally important.

As to which requires more skill, it is impossible to say, as each area requires skill in different areas. Nobody can be a brilliant artist/author/musician/etc, as it requires lifelong devotion to a certain skill.

Well, if you read his "Become a millionare on 15k a year" thread, you'd realize how dead you are.

Art is important in every society, all forms of it. It is a way of not only conveying emotions and ideas, but has more emperical value as well. It was used as a way of "binding" a society together, a way of giving an identity to a particular nation or country. It allows the telling of stories, and expressing that which is important to society, as a way of strengthening it.

Also, enternainment value is very important. An unentertained people is a restless people. To entertain people is to keep them happy and content, which is vitally important.

As to which requires more skill, it is impossible to say, as each area requires skill in different areas. Nobody can be a brilliant artist/author/musician/etc, as it requires lifelong devotion to a certain skill.

Indeed, indeed.

As far as poorly skilled artists (note to OPer, you ought to have made clear your poll options - perhapse painter in place of "artist"), yes they exist - in all fields.

As to those who are saying that soldiering or operating a small business require skill but not talent, you are sadly mistaken. Both require a great deal of talent as well.

You mean they shoved a pen up their ass? Please, steer clear of ambiguous metaphors -- this isn't some liberal poerty contest. You could easily have said that the art of writing should be left to those who are eloquent, but instead you opted for a passage replete with pretentious statements. While writing does require a modicum of skill, those who write contribute nothing at all to society. The same applies to anybody who practises any of the "liberal" arts.

Like Davinci, the worthless piece of shit.

Anyway I have to go with "artist" cause of my parents and their struggle to live any kind of worthwhile life after earning *gasp* fine-arts degrees.

:rolleyes:

You say that because you lack eloquence. The art of writing is one best left to those who have allowed the pen to become one with their body; for their minds to be one with paper, so the words freely flow from the tip of the fingers, the ink ebbing gently down as the prose takes a life of its own...

I've noticed that my greatest motovation and inspiration for writing is the realization that I've got approximately 6 hours before the 8 AM deadline for the assignment passes. But that's not "art" I suppose. Still got good grades though.

As to those who are saying that soldiering or operating a small business require skill but not talent, you are sadly mistaken. Both require a great deal of talent as well.

Indeed they do. For instance, a good infantryman would need at the very least a good talent with a gun to be any good at all. It is down right impossible to teach someone who has not shot a gun before to shoot well. Not only that, but a talent in tactics is vitally important to any decent soldier, as the field of battle always changes, and one must correctly assume what to do, to ensure a successful mission.

As for business men, talen is needed in the sense of how to move product. Artistry is actually quite important to any business, as that is what draws people in(Picture, mascots, themes, etc) in the form of advertisement. Without artistry involved, almost every small business would undoubtedly fail.

So really, there are many important talents, and different people possess them differently.

Also, I would like to point out, and emphasize greatly, that artistry is vitally important to any society.

In your opinion: which of these, in general, requires more talent if you were to be good at it?

Musician
Artist
Actor
Author
Poet
Photographer

I would break this down differently

Musician : both performer and composer, also more recently studio technicians ( they must have musical talent even if they can't sing or play an instrument)
Artist : painter ( includes painting and drawing) sculptor and photographer
Actor : both live, film and voice
Author : All writing including poetry

All require talent, all can be improved with training and practice

All require a non-explainable love of the "art" involved, even when done for a living

All have a tendency to crossover with others:
A talented musician also acts (has a stage presence watch any successful musician live).
A talented actor uses his/her voice as an instrument ( how else does the "character" of the character come out).
Any talented artist "writes" (tells a story) with visual image (a picture is worth a thousand words).
Any talented writer paints a visual with his words (when you read you "see"the story in your mind

Please note that I said Talented in front of all of these, (there are hacks in all fields)

And by the by Why do you not include Dance in your list?

One name: Townshend. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0yVYl6iDNs)

Musican. Followed closely by actors. All the rest are just liberal hippies that modern society has no use for.

Wow, that easily has to slot in under MTAE's as the most simple minded statement on this thread.

I for one could happily do without the majority of musicians. The music industry of today churns out total crap most of the time... total crap that sells for some ungodly reason.

The true question should be "what requires the most talent to be successful?" with my opinion being authors. In fact both questions could be answered with authors.

And by the by Why do you not include Dance in your list?

Hmmm, fogot I suppose.

I'm an artist, so I'm biased.

So, I guess MTAE would rather we live in a soulless world of numbing work and mindless hedonism, devoid of art, music, and creative thought? Sounds peachy.

I swear, has this rube expressed any opinion that was not completely asinine?

As someone said earlier, we're talking about the same person who thinks that people can live on $6 an hour, that emergencies never come up, and that people just don't like to have fun. So you're right about numbing work; you're not too right about mindless hedonism. That would be replaced with more numbing work.

Umm isin't talent just another word for practice?

Is it not true that we(human kind) can actualy do any thing we want to do, just by starting to do it, practicing until we get good at it, more practice until people call us talented?

Sorry I just don't really belive in it, do you want to be a great artist? Show me one then who didn't become great by practice and was instead born with this ability, hehe talent ssshhhhmalent.

In your opinion: which of these, in general, requires more talent if you were to be good at it?

Musician
Artist
Actor
Author
Poet
Photographer

I don't think you can answer this type of question. It's all subjective apples to oranges comparisons.

I'm a musician so I'm biased. To anyone that says there is no skill required why don'tyou go pick up a guitar and play Jimi Hendrixs Voodoo Child? I'm guessing you can't because guess what, it does take skill. But for all the others they all take time to learn and skill to master as well so it depends on how you look at it.

I'm a musician so I'm biased. To anyone that says there is no skill required why don'tyou go pick up a guitar and play Jimi Hendrixs Voodoo Child? I'm guessing you can't because guess what, it does take skill. But for all the others they all take time to learn and skill to master as well so it depends on how you look at it.

Can you play Jimmi Hendrix Vodoo Chile? Ohh and skill is not talent.

Show me one then who didn't become great by practice and was instead born with this ability, hehe talent ssshhhhmalent.

W. A. Mozart

The term is child prodigy. Of course, practice is a key part of developing the talent, but some are certainly naturally talented at some things.

Can you play Jimmi Hendrix Vodoo Chile? Ohh and skill is not talent.

No I can't but I'm not using me as an example. I was using Hendrix. Plus it depends on skill and talent. Talent is if you can pick up a guitar and perfect or you have talent after developing on it and skill is when you start from scratch and keep practicising until you reach the level where you are hihly skilled at playing the guitar. Thats just an example

Wow, that easily has to slot in under MTAE's as the most simple minded statement on this thread.

I for one could happily do without the majority of musicians. The music industry of today churns out total crap most of the time... total crap that sells for some ungodly reason.

The true question should be "what requires the most talent to be successful?" with my opinion being authors. In fact both questions could be answered with authors.

anyone can be an author, they aren't special.

anyone can be an author, they aren't special.

But not everyone can be a good author. Talent is an intangible something that makes one person's work product more interesting than another person's. Measuring it is wildly subjective. For instance, many people think Stephen King is a talented writer, while many others think he's a no-talent hack. Many people have talent, but only a few are SO talented that the majority of people agree that they are talented.

Skill is what allows the talent to be presented in its best form. It is worth developing to be able to express one's talent to its fullest potential, but it is not the measure of talent.

As for the OP question, it is unanswerable and rather pointless. The arts cannot be compared in this way; they are not competitive in this way. ("Competitive" isn't quite the word I'm looking for, though.) There is no way to determine levels of talent for each art, because the talent is unique to each person doing the art.

Now, skill -- that might be a comparison. All the arts you list require a lot of skill -- more than many who would like to practice them realize -- but point for point, I'd have to say musician is the hardest work in terms of what you have to know, how long it takes to get good at it, and how hard you have to work to stay good at it.

By the way, I'm an artist, but I don't mind giving credit for work to those who do it.

The author. One must not only be aware of linguistic devices, but also be rich in life experiences, have a creative mind and an a wide-ranging pool of knowledge. That said, I believe each kind of artist requires a different kind of talent, and one should not be concerned superior to the other -- such is idiocy.

Poets also require an immense amount of talent IMO. Especially those who are using strict forms of verse.