A professional gets things done, serves others, and is compensated for that service. They approach their work with the mindset of “serve”. A professional’s work is art - not just anybody can do it; a professional is not just anybody.
A commercial musician is a form of professional musician. They are skilled at playing all forms of music in all kinds of settings. They get compensated for that work. Their work is art because not just anybody can do it - they truly serve.
Somewhere in the commercial musician’s wardrobe you’ll find black pants (typically black jeans) and a black shirt. It’s our blue collar uniform. Black-on-black, or “all blacks”, plays two important roles.
It reminds the musician that it’s not about them, it’s about who they are a part of.
It keeps the audience’s attention on the star.
I started wearing this outfit years ago when I desired to be a commercial musician. I would see touring Broadway shows and spend most of my time watching the pit orchestra players - who wore all black - and imagined myself doing that work. It wouldn’t be about me, it would be about what I was a part of.
You can wear your “all blacks” any time you want. You can approach your work and life like a commercial musician. Music is not self-service, always play the gig you were hired to play. Serve the show.