Why Artists Must Break Out of Creative and Skill Bubbles

Jack of all trades, master of none. But better than being master of one.

Or so the saying goes. Is it really true, though?

The Artemis II mission captured the hearts of people globally with steadfast commitment and bravery. But did you know the astronauts also received photography training? This was so that they could better capture the moon for scientists to see. And we get to enjoy the photos from home as well! Without the proper training on how to best utilize aperture and shutter speed and so on and so forth, the astronauts would not have been able to capture such stunning photos. These new photos show details of the craters of the Moon that had never been seen before, something that is very useful and exciting for scientists.

This is just one example showing that we cannot afford to stay in our bubbles. Having a holistic approach in our craft gives us an edge that many fail to consider. It gives us new perspectives and new techniques that we might be able to fold into our artwork.

Humanity needs to go beyond our bubbles. In a literal sense, we need to be able to leave the orbit of our own planet. But in a personal sense, we need to be able to overcome our personal biases and go beyond what we think we can achieve. Going outside our comfort zones is always a learning experience, and you can often come away from it having learned a new technique or factoid. 

As an artist, you cannot constrict yourself to one technique or medium. It’s good to learn more than one, and to have a flow between your mediums. A technique in one medium might translate well to another. Another might not, but you might learn something through the experience of trying. It’s all experimentation, and it’s all part of the process of becoming a better artist. 

When we at TERAVARNA look at our artists, we always appreciate those who show a wide range in their medium and techniques. We feel that this shows flexibility in modes of thinking as well as a lack of reliance on one medium as a crutch. It shows that as an artist, you are open to change and experimentation. 

So again, pop that bubble! Challenge yourself. Try something new. And maybe it’ll change the way you do things.