Bet on Hard Work Over Talent

“If I’m going to be in this industry, I’m going to want to be the best at it. And yet I couldn’t guarantee is that I was going to be the most talented in this business. But one thing I could guarantee is that I was going to work harder than anyone else.” -David Droga, Founder of droga5 Agency

Creative talent has always been a wispy thing, although you may know exactly where you fit in along the ‘talented’ spectrum. If you’ve got “it”, then–of course–enjoy sleeping in and waiving your magic wand. Seriously. I’m jealous as hell.

If, on the other hand, you’re like the rest of us and unsure if your talent alone is enough, don’t bet on it. My suggestion is to work your ass off. That way, whatever talent you’ve got under the hood will be amplified and you’ll at least have a well-earned chance at success. Hard work is where the rubber meets the road.

The video snipit from where I snatched the above quote, plus a couple of other tasty streaming bits from Droga and friends over at Black Bag, Diary of a Creative Director.

25 replies on:
Bet on Hard Work Over Talent

  1. Oh so true, and "The harder I work the luckier I get" is a quote that constantly bands around my head.

    Cheers for a great post Chase,
    All the best to you,
    Glyn

  2. What advice might you have for entry level photographers, who have just graduated college for photography, with little experience in "commercial" jobs? I can work as hard as I want, but nobody in this city will pay full rates, leaving myself working for next to nothing, unable to pay my bills, let alone a meal.

    I can work as hard as I want, but they will always hire the photographer offering the cheapest rates, who has a better camera, set to "auto" with no skill.

    Is it just the city I am in?

    Very confused on what my next action should be, as I have students debts to pay off.

  4. I agree 100%. I would just like to add one thing. Indeed you must work hard, harder than you ever imagined. I do believe that you also need to work "smart." Hard work for years, doing the wrong thing may hinder your success.
    A body builder example comes to mind. You know those guys that work out super hard everyday, but all they do is bicep curls. Their arms are huge, but they look like freaks in my opinion. Sure, they can rip a telephone book in half, but honestly, who uses a telephone book anymore. Success comes to people who do the things other people aren't willing to do.
    Work Hard and Work Smart.

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