Side projects are one of the best ways to improve your skills. The best thing about them is that you don't have to rely on anyone but yourself to get them done. Not to mention, you have complete creative freedom in this type of work, which is nearly impossible (and not always appropriate) for most paid jobs.

This is not to say that side projects are easy. In fact, around this time last year I was really struggling with staying on top of my personal work...

I knew I wanted to put in the time and focus on the work, but I didn't like the idea of sacrificing my precious summer sitting indoors at my desk. After all, in my region the beautiful weather only comes around for a brief window of time.

Every time I would go out to enjoy the weather, I would feel a bit guilty because I knew I was going back on my commitment. On the other hand, these adventures were necessary to inspire my creative work in the first place. It was quite the catch 22.

Instead of trying relentlessly to find that perfect balance of work and relaxation, I came up with the idea for a new series that would strive to blend the two seamlessly.