"To be a true artist you must focus on one art form and master it."

Working in different disciplines, I have struggled with this idea. The "Jack Of All Trades, Master of None" adage has weighed heavily on me. But recently I've realise this is actually my super-power.

Here's why:-

Point 1 - A bunch of keys

If you only have one key, you can only open one door.

Working with different art forms is like having a massive jailer-style bunch of keys. Every project is the opportunity to unlock what I am trying to express using these different keys.

Written word, photography, movement, audio, video, provide different ways of interrogating whatever subject I'm grappling with and provide different view points.

From this kind of multi-disciplinary approach a more immersive experience is created.

Point 2 - all rivers lead to the sea

It is naïve to think that one takes away from another.

Using one discipline informs the others. By becoming a better writer I strengthen my directing skills. Taking a photograph I'm honing my writing skills.

All these creative outputs fill the artistic well that exists within each of us.

Point 3 - more skill sets more work

The more skills you have to offer, the more employable you are.

Finishing on a practical but necessary note, we cannot escape for the reality of needing to get paid. I would rather get paid delivering a creative project than expending my energy on a job to subsidised my creativity.

These different disciplines enable me to be a full time creative - I don't have to clock in to a call centre or wait on tables while waiting to be given permission to create.