Am I Too Old to Be an Artist?
As someone who embarked on my art career a little later (and by later I mean in my upper 20’s), I asked myself: am I too old to be an artist?
Short answer: definitely not!
Now, if that very fast question and answer is all the boost you need to go for your creative dreams then congratulations! But if you are anything like me and need a little more meat than that, read on!
Don’t Let Social Media Fool You
A few years into my career as a full time artist, I find it funny now that I wondered if being in my 20’s was too old to start. Seems a little ridiculous right? These doubts began to brew thanks to social media, seeing young creatives with thousands of followers, seemingly succeeding at what they love to do and they’re only 22.
Two things wrong with that:
Social media is merely a snapshot of a their lives
A large following doesn’t necessarily translate to financial success.
There are PLENTY of successful artists of all ages that have very little social presence or perhaps even no social presence! In the Creative Endeavour Podcast, Andrew Tischler interviewed his father who is a successful sculptor and hasn’t update his website in 15 years (or something like that). He is just one example of how social media can fool us into thinking that if you’re not a 20 year old taking selfies with art and sharing it with 100,000 people, you’re never going to make it.
Truthfully, my limited exposure to a specific demographic of artists on Instagram is what led me to the crazy notion that being 26 years old was too old to start. I eventually got over that but man, that type of thought pattern can actually hold one back and slow down progress.
Actionable Tip: Learn to let go of the notion that Instagram followers equals success and self worth as an artist.
Career vs. Hobby
So you want to create art as a hobby? Then it is very easy for me to tell you, you are NEVER too old to enjoy creative activities and make art!
You want to be a professional artist? Then let me tell you this: you are never too old to pursue your passion and, with hard work, dedication and a solid plan, you will succeed!
It Comes Down to Commitment and Planning
Like any career path, it takes time to build a creative career. It is completely normal to have another job or source of income while you build your skills. Instead of asking yourself, “am I too old,” ask yourself this: “am I committed to this career?”
If you want to be a doctor, you need to go to school and maybe you have a part time job to provide some money while you study. It’s not that different with the arts. There will be a period of time where you study and grow your skills. However with the arts, you don’t need to be in school for nearly 10 years before you can officially call yourself an artist.
There are so many different paths to take as an artist that pinning down a timeline is nearly impossible. The most important thing you can do is practice your art, narrow down your direction then make a plan. Research successful artists in that field and read their stories. Get to know your dream industry and figure out what you want to do with your art.
While yes, successful artists produce work (paint, draw, illustrate, sculpt, etc.), they also spend a large portion of their time running their creative business. They have strategy and goals that guide their work, moving them towards their idea of success. They have a road map according to what they want their career to look like.
Actionable Tip: Let go of the romanticized version of the artist that paints all the time and embrace the admin/business side of creativity.
Social media doesn’t show this side of the creative career but there are many hours of work behind the scenes that has nothing to do with the actual act of making art. This business side of creative careers is just as important as building your creative skills.
So long story long, you are never too old to start. Ever heard of Lisa Congdon? She made a career change and began illustrating at 40 years old. My uncle decided to switch paths and become a doctor in his 40’s. What both of these people had was the drive and commitment to their new path and both are extremely successful.
To Sum It All Up…
You are never too old
Don’t be fooled or discouraged by social media
Be okay with a transitional period
Practice your art and get comfy with business strategy
Design your creative roadmap
Launch without fear
The best thing you can do for yourself is just begin.
