I saw this question online recently:

Can a talented Graphic Designer be an equally talented Web Designer?

I believe this is the wrong question. Printed design or Web design is a solution to a communication need the client has. Talent is about seeing the need of the customer and offering the client as the solution.

This is what I replied to the question:

Talented designers have good ideas. Pixels or ink have to communicate the message of the client, and creates customers.

Print and web chops are skill sets that can be acquired. I can teach someone how to use alpha channels efficiently or write better CSS. Talented designers know how to ask the right questions, see hidden needs, and present specific solutions to specific problems.

Talented minds solve problems, the right tools execute the solution.

What do you think makes for a talented designer?