It all adds up

I recently accepted a commission to do a floral illustration. The image alongside this post is a sketch I made while working on the commission. Although plants have been my main subject matter for my photographic work and I enjoy doing the occasional illustration project, It’s not really in my main area of expertise. But for me it’s a great opportunity to get outside of my comfort zone. And besides, it all adds up.

The money, of course adds up, but I will learn something too. When you embark on any different artistic pursuit, you call on the experience that you have gained from all of your other work. A lot of the skills that you really need to master go beyond the scope of an individual medium. It doesn’t have to be part of your portfolio, but working on a commission that compliments your main area of work without overlapping it entirely can also be a a great use of goal chaining.

Learning photography will make you a better painter. Learning to paint will make you a better photographer.