I was talking to my Dad on the phone earlier and he asked what I was up to. I told him I had started working on an art commission: a friend wanted a painting of her cats. Dad was impressed by the fact that someone would give me money in exchange for a picture.

We talked about it a bit, and just talking to him about it reminded me that even though what I’m doing as freelance work is, well, work, it’s still a luxury, in a way. And that’s a really humbling realization.

I admire my Dad. He’s a hard-working, honest guy, and I’m so glad I was brought up in a working class family. I was taught the value of hard work and money at a young age, and am reminded of it even now as an adult. We never had much and still don’t, and we don’t even really need much.

So when someone says, “Hey, Carla, can you paint me a picture? I’ll pay you,” not only is it humbling, but damn, it’s a nice little honor to have. 

At your service.

-C. Scott