Simple. Better. Best. Artist.
I stumbled onto an absolutely fantastic artists work named Howard Lee. To be rather honest, sketches , tattoos, and charcoal sketches are not really my thing. I’m just not going to lose my mind like a toddler that found the sugar stash. That being said, what's so absolutely profound about his work, is the nuanced changes from each level of Basic, Better, Best, and Artist.
These pieces of art provide a user friendly compass and a visual map of skill evaluation. From there, we can find the mentors or guidance we need.
We've all been there – beginners fumbling our way through a new skill. Maybe it's cooking, playing an instrument, or learning a new software program. Maybe it's free shaping behaviors with your puppy, or starting IGP tracking. The early stages are humbling, even frustrating. But with practice and persistence, something magical happens – we level up.
Let's break down the progression of skill development into four distinct levels:
1. Simple: When It Stops Being a Disaster
This is where survival kicks in. You've followed the recipe closely, and hey, the food is edible! You might play those first few hesitant notes on the guitar. Or you manage to complete a simple task in that confusing program. It's rough, needs help, but a tiny spark of potential starts to glow. The Dog can do a puppy circle. In some of these art pieces, we actually see something that resembles a dog! It's a discernable piece of art!!! I mean, sure the dog we drew in this example looks like we had a successful breeding between Elmo and Grimace. But hey… it's art.
2. Simple: Doing the Thing, Plus a Little More
Here's where things click a bit smoother. You can follow the recipe without constant crosschecking. The guitar chords flow a little easier, and those software tasks start to feel familiar. There might even be a flourish – a slightly fancier plating, a simple riff, or a shortcut you discovered. Your Dog can perform a focused heel for a few steps.
In the pictures, we see well drawn objects with solid detail. To me, they look like the Mona Lisa. I draw in stick figures. We almost have Tramp from Lady and The Tramp. Go US and Go Team.
3. Best: Where Skill Starts to Shine
The 'Better' level is where you gain confidence. You don't just cook the meal, you adjust the seasoning on the fly. You improvise a melody over those chords. You troubleshoot software problems and maybe even teach a coworker a trick. Your obedience would receive better than 80 points at trial. You're able to teach a retrieve that looks exact and precise. People looking at your output will recognize the quality and appreciate the dedication to your craft. In our pictures, they take on a three dimensional appearance and personality.
4. The Artist: Mastery Meets Innovation
This is the pinnacle we all aspire to. Execution is effortless because the basics have become second nature. Now, you add something of yourself to the craft. That dish you create has your signature flair. Your musical compositions carry echoes of your unique voice. You're not just fixing software issues, you're streamlining workflows and designing new tools. It's where the work becomes an extension of the creator.
Others can look at the characteristics of your dog and immediately know who did the training by small details of the dogs performance. In this picture, we've graduated beyond simple drawings. We see a man with his dog, and we begin to wonder and think about bigger ideas than just the simple drawings. When you get to this level of any field, you begin to wonder if you really ever understood at all. You're mindset has the experience and sharpness of a guru, yet you know enough to know that you are only just beginning to scratch the surface. You started your journey as a novice knowing very little only to return novice again with a deep perspective and understanding. Guru and Fool at the same time.
Why This Matters
Understanding these levels helps in a few ways:
* Setting expectations: You can't jump from 'Basic' to 'Artist' overnight. You appreciate all steps of the process and appreciate where you are and what you are doing(to quote Yoda).
* Appreciating mastery: Next time you see truly exceptional work, recognize how much went into reaching that level of work. Realize that the opportunity for “better” is always there and can have a very different depth and meaning.
* Targeting growth: Where are you now, and where do you want to be? This can help Understanding the levels helps you build a practice strategy. It can help you find the right mentors to get you to the right places.
In closing, I want to mention Simon Sinek's book, "The Infinite Game," which I highly recommend. It discusses the concept of an infinite game, one that you continue playing throughout your life. That's what makes it infinite – you get to keep playing. This framework has helped me through both successes and crushing failures. While I might grumble about it not being about the wins but rather the journey, it's a tool I personally use to stay focused on my main goals and enjoy the ride. I hope it offers you the same benefit.
