I got a little nostalgic after watching an uneventful NBA finals recently. I forgot just how good Jordan was and how much Kobe wishes he could play like him. Doh!!!! JK.

Jordan was focused and determined. If people tried to box him into being a “dunker,” he focused on his jump shot. When he was labeled as only being an offensive threat, he was determined to improve his defense (and won defensive player of the year). My point is this, focus on different aspects of “art,” whether it’s traditional techniques, web, print, video, apparel, etc. Don’t be boxed into thinking you can only do one or the other.

It would be extremely rare for us to follow after Jordan’s footsteps and be able to master all aspects of our craft. More often than not, Dennis Rodman would be a better comparison. If you’ve tried it all and found your sweet spot (rebounding in Rodman’s case), run with it. For most of us, it’s hard to find that one thing we excel in. Focus in on the different mediums of art over time. Learn vector art for a season, take time to learn more about photoshop at some point in your career, maybe it’s time to revisit traditional techniques and brush up on those skills. Often, it’s time to try something new. In the end, you’ll find that your knowledge of web, print, media, etc… has only caused you to grow and have additional outlets to express your creativity.

I snapped an iPhone shot of this pencil piece I drew over 12 years ago!!!! It is a portrait of my dad that is hanging in his office. I don’t touch traditional drawing techniques anymore. I might need to refocus for a while and get that back.