Prepare yourself for a shock: I'm 45! I didn't make art my full-time career until I was 33, and my life has been full of disruption since then. I split up with my partner of 12 years, moved back in with my mum, started a new relationship and was happy for several years but then lost my dear partner Leon to cancer. I literally had to rebuild my life after that devastating situation which still affects me to this day, but then I met Dominic at 42 (he was 40), and to be honest I still feel as if I'm finding my feet in the illustration/art world. 34 is so young, and you have years to figure it out. It can often feel like there are so many young (in their 20s) illustrators who are doing so well, and I often compare myself to them in my more doubtful moments. I wish I'd been able to concentrate on my art fully at an earlier age, but I don't come from a rich family and had to work to earn a regular income, so I worked in various jobs including retail for years. I hope this encourages you! x
Natasha Newton thanks for sharing Natasha. It’s really helpful to know that not everyone’s path is the same. I’m sorry you lost your old partner to cancer. I’ve lost some loved ones in my family too and still really miss them.
True! General professional skills are super important. I actually think that getting an 'ordinary job' is the best thing an artist can do at the very beginning of their career.
This is such a great video, thank you for making this! I’ve always taken the long way around with everything. (I’m also 33 😊) I started university later as well, and then had quite a few years without art. It took awhile to find the right path for me, but I finally came back to art. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now. Thank you again for all of the wonderful art and content you put out into the world!
Adrienne Anderson sounds like we’ve taken a similar route to art. I’m glad you’ve found art again. I’m the same right now I couldn’t imagine my life without it! And thank you for the kind comments. It really encourages me to keep making videos 💕
Hi Emma! This was really inspiring, thank you! I am guilty of comparing my beginnings to other people’s middles so will definitely keep that quote in mind! I have had a career in retail but have, over the last five years, tried to get back into my passion which is painting- but am always worrying that I am too old so I really appreciated this chat. Take care 😊💕
I have been in the thick of mothering my seven kids for the past 14 years and as I want to be a children's book illustrator/author, I do think my experience with children (and hundreds and hundreds of children's books😂) has given me a better understanding of what makes a good story than I would have otherwise!
did you say hello? No I said ello, but that's close enough. Thank you so much for your honest videos. I'm 32 and finally feel I'm ready to commit to pursuing my love of illustration and make a little business of it. Life isn't always as linear as you hoped it would be, but as you say it's never too late! 'you shouldn't compare your beginning to someone else's middle' perfect mantra! p.s. I adore your wallpaper!
Feeling old is a very familiar feeling for me lately (I'm 37) but at the same time, I feel and also know for sure that age is nothing and you can follow your dreams always! What matters is our state of mind and health. I used to have an office job that wasn't related to art in any way. Then my cancer happened and had to quit my job and went back to drawing. I haven't stopped since. I have no idea what I'm doing though but it definitely feels right :)))) I read 'Big Magic' By Elizabeth Gilbert and if you still haven't read it I highly recommend you to check it out. Good luck on your art journey dear.
Mia Hobbes Arts thank you Mia and thanks for the book recommendation 😊 I agree mindset and health are so important; physical health and mental health too. Good luck with your journey too 💕
Thank you so much for bringing this up, Emma! I have lots of insecurities and blockages including being conscious about my age (39). So glad I discovered your channel. Looking forward to watching you more!
You're welcome 😁💕 I've finally realised that age is just a number! And I've noticed there always seems to be people younger and older who say they're too old for ..."insert goal/hobby/dreams here"....I say if you want to do something go for it! 😁💪
Hi Emma I've just come across your channel! I know this is quiet an old video, but then I'm very old! Lol! I didn't take up art in any form until I was in my fifties around 11-12 years ago!! So, naturally I have to agree with you that it's never too late to take up art! I like the way you come across and present yourself so I have rung the bell to see more of your lovely content!!👍😀💯
I was 34 when I quit my job to pursue a freelance illustration career... I also thought I was too old. In some ways, I still do, but as time has passed, I definitely don't care as much now. We are all on our different paths, and that's what makes this career so cool! Different ages, experiences, mistakes, wins, personalities... it's all good! I think the only thing I don't feel at all comfortable with is getting my face in front of my audience, that's where insecurities pop up. It's hard not to feel a bit old and past it in a sea of beautiful youthful exuberance :)
Thanks for your comment Laura; and congratulations for following your dream 😊 It's funny how we view age sometimes isn't it. Especially when people older than us will think we're bananas for saying we feel old 😂 It took a while for me to feel comfortable with putting my face "out there" too. I practiced on Instagram stories first because I knew that would disappear, so it was a good way to test it out. Also I love seeing other artists and creators behind the scenes, I always feel like I know them a bit if I know what they look like.
Feeling a bit silly for thinking that i am too old at 27 to become an illustrator. Especially because when you were telling your story I didn't think 34 was old at all, and actually any age is great to start. And I wanted to add that the older we get, we have more stories to share and more illustrating ideas! So I guess that's an amazing advantage. Thanks for sharing this!
thank you Ana 😊 I think we're always hardest on ourselves and maybe we think we should have done x or y already, but if we look at somebody else and have an outsiders perspective and we view things differently. Good luck on your journey too! 27 is not old at all 😁
@@EmmaCarpenterIllustration ahah thank you! but that is so true, that's why having a community I think is super important! I am soo very thankful for youtube on that one ;)
I just came over here after my last comment, bc I really related to this video~ ❤ So many similarities (even my boyfriend's name is Tom!), I also majored in art but never really made it a "real" career until recently. (it's still not a real career but at least I'm focusing on it now 😅) I'm in my early 40's so starting really late in the game, trying to build a presence on IG and also testing out TH-cam... all these things can be a bit scary but then again, these times I'm sure there are lots of "late bloomers" out there who can relate I hope! It's so inspiring to watch your journey as an artist and it gives me hope and courage, so thank you Emma! Keep up the good work~~ 😘
Hi Haana thanks so much for your lovely comment 😁 I think you'll do great at TH-cam, I've just subscribed to your channel! I love finding new artists 😊 Your work is so beautiful and magical too 💕
I feel like this all the time, that I should be more accomplished by now! But I tell myself a lot that this art business thing is a marathon, not a sprint. It's supposed to be a journey and not a quick thing. We need to enjoy where we are at right now and know it'll take more time than we expect or want! :)
Too true 🙌 I love listening to the creative pep talk. I remember Andy saying on one episode that if there was a story where a man wanted a pizza and then instantly got it that would be really boring 😂 The milestones and accomplishments feel more monumental if we have really worked for them.
Haha don't worry about the novel, I like to read 📚 I know what you mean about wanting to do everything creative. It sounds like you're finding something that really inspires you again so that's great!
@@EmmaCarpenterIllustration Thank you, nothing like taking the long way around haha. Not sure what I'll decide on, thinking to go with illustration. We'll see how that goes I guess! Looking forward to your videos. x
Hi can you please send me the link or add the link to the video that you were talking about at the end of this video. I really enjoyed your content, you inspired me, thank you! I'm starting a TH-cam channel and I don't know where to start, but I'm trying to find my voice, and you inspired, me so thank you!
Aw thank you so much 😁 so pleased you enjoy my videos. The video series I did is here bit.ly/2OpwZ1A I also recently filmed a video about how to make Studio Vlogs that might be helpful if you're starting your own channel th-cam.com/video/LX09XnxLFNg/w-d-xo.html Hope they help, and good luck! 💕
Prepare yourself for a shock: I'm 45! I didn't make art my full-time career until I was 33, and my life has been full of disruption since then. I split up with my partner of 12 years, moved back in with my mum, started a new relationship and was happy for several years but then lost my dear partner Leon to cancer. I literally had to rebuild my life after that devastating situation which still affects me to this day, but then I met Dominic at 42 (he was 40), and to be honest I still feel as if I'm finding my feet in the illustration/art world. 34 is so young, and you have years to figure it out. It can often feel like there are so many young (in their 20s) illustrators who are doing so well, and I often compare myself to them in my more doubtful moments. I wish I'd been able to concentrate on my art fully at an earlier age, but I don't come from a rich family and had to work to earn a regular income, so I worked in various jobs including retail for years. I hope this encourages you! x
Natasha Newton thanks for sharing Natasha. It’s really helpful to know that not everyone’s path is the same. I’m sorry you lost your old partner to cancer. I’ve lost some loved ones in my family too and still really miss them.
Oana Illustrations thank you 🙏 good luck with your journey too
@Oana Illustrations well done, you can do it!
True! General professional skills are super important. I actually think that getting an 'ordinary job' is the best thing an artist can do at the very beginning of their career.
Holly Dunn Design Yes definitely. I just wish my past self had known that I could have an ordinary job and still work on my art skills and portfolio.
I love the Labyrinth 💕 This is a great video
Me too, the Labyrinth is amazing. And thank you!😁
This is such a great video, thank you for making this! I’ve always taken the long way around with everything. (I’m also 33 😊) I started university later as well, and then had quite a few years without art. It took awhile to find the right path for me, but I finally came back to art. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now.
Thank you again for all of the wonderful art and content you put out into the world!
Adrienne Anderson sounds like we’ve taken a similar route to art. I’m glad you’ve found art again. I’m the same right now I couldn’t imagine my life without it! And thank you for the kind comments. It really encourages me to keep making videos 💕
Hi Emma! This was really inspiring, thank you! I am guilty of comparing my beginnings to other people’s middles so will definitely keep that quote in mind! I have had a career in retail but have, over the last five years, tried to get back into my passion which is painting- but am always worrying that I am too old so I really appreciated this chat. Take care 😊💕
So glad you enjoyed it 😊 you're never too old to paint, especially if it's something you really enjoy, all the more reason to do it!
I have been in the thick of mothering my seven kids for the past 14 years and as I want to be a children's book illustrator/author, I do think my experience with children (and hundreds and hundreds of children's books😂) has given me a better understanding of what makes a good story than I would have otherwise!
Brilliant video Emma!
Thanks Holly 😁
did you say hello? No I said ello, but that's close enough. Thank you so much for your honest videos. I'm 32 and finally feel I'm ready to commit to pursuing my love of illustration and make a little business of it. Life isn't always as linear as you hoped it would be, but as you say it's never too late! 'you shouldn't compare your beginning to someone else's middle' perfect mantra! p.s. I adore your wallpaper!
You're welcome, so glad you enjoyed this video. And sorry for my late reply! 💕 also I love that quote from the Labyrinth
Feeling old is a very familiar feeling for me lately (I'm 37) but at the same time, I feel and also know for sure that age is nothing and you can follow your dreams always! What matters is our state of mind and health. I used to have an office job that wasn't related to art in any way. Then my cancer happened and had to quit my job and went back to drawing. I haven't stopped since. I have no idea what I'm doing though but it definitely feels right :)))) I read 'Big Magic' By Elizabeth Gilbert and if you still haven't read it I highly recommend you to check it out. Good luck on your art journey dear.
Mia Hobbes Arts thank you Mia and thanks for the book recommendation 😊 I agree mindset and health are so important; physical health and mental health too. Good luck with your journey too 💕
Thank you so much for bringing this up, Emma! I have lots of insecurities and blockages including being conscious about my age (39). So glad I discovered your channel. Looking forward to watching you more!
You're welcome 😁💕 I've finally realised that age is just a number! And I've noticed there always seems to be people younger and older who say they're too old for ..."insert goal/hobby/dreams here"....I say if you want to do something go for it! 😁💪
Hi Emma I've just come across your channel! I know this is quiet an old video, but then I'm very old! Lol! I didn't take up art in any form until I was in my fifties around 11-12 years ago!! So, naturally I have to agree with you that it's never too late to take up art! I like the way you come across and present yourself so I have rung the bell to see more of your lovely content!!👍😀💯
😁 thank you for your lovely comment! I'm glad you decided to take up art, definitely never too late!!
Thank you for this video, I saw it and I did need it in a very good timing 💜
Hi Alicia 😊 You are so welcome! Hope it helps 💕
Love that C's Lewis quote thank you!
it's a great quote isn't it 😊
p.p.s your hair colour looks gorgeous!
I was 34 when I quit my job to pursue a freelance illustration career... I also thought I was too old. In some ways, I still do, but as time has passed, I definitely don't care as much now. We are all on our different paths, and that's what makes this career so cool! Different ages, experiences, mistakes, wins, personalities... it's all good! I think the only thing I don't feel at all comfortable with is getting my face in front of my audience, that's where insecurities pop up. It's hard not to feel a bit old and past it in a sea of beautiful youthful exuberance :)
Thanks for your comment Laura; and congratulations for following your dream 😊 It's funny how we view age sometimes isn't it. Especially when people older than us will think we're bananas for saying we feel old 😂 It took a while for me to feel comfortable with putting my face "out there" too. I practiced on Instagram stories first because I knew that would disappear, so it was a good way to test it out. Also I love seeing other artists and creators behind the scenes, I always feel like I know them a bit if I know what they look like.
Feeling a bit silly for thinking that i am too old at 27 to become an illustrator. Especially because when you were telling your story I didn't think 34 was old at all, and actually any age is great to start. And I wanted to add that the older we get, we have more stories to share and more illustrating ideas! So I guess that's an amazing advantage.
Thanks for sharing this!
thank you Ana 😊 I think we're always hardest on ourselves and maybe we think we should have done x or y already, but if we look at somebody else and have an outsiders perspective and we view things differently. Good luck on your journey too! 27 is not old at all 😁
@@EmmaCarpenterIllustration ahah thank you! but that is so true, that's why having a community I think is super important! I am soo very thankful for youtube on that one ;)
I love labyrinth ❤️ great video
It's such a good movie isn't it! 😁🐛
@@EmmaCarpenterIllustration one of my very favorites 😁
I just came over here after my last comment, bc I really related to this video~ ❤ So many similarities (even my boyfriend's name is Tom!), I also majored in art but never really made it a "real" career until recently. (it's still not a real career but at least I'm focusing on it now 😅) I'm in my early 40's so starting really late in the game, trying to build a presence on IG and also testing out TH-cam... all these things can be a bit scary but then again, these times I'm sure there are lots of "late bloomers" out there who can relate I hope! It's so inspiring to watch your journey as an artist and it gives me hope and courage, so thank you Emma! Keep up the good work~~ 😘
Hi Haana thanks so much for your lovely comment 😁 I think you'll do great at TH-cam, I've just subscribed to your channel! I love finding new artists 😊 Your work is so beautiful and magical too 💕
I feel like this all the time, that I should be more accomplished by now! But I tell myself a lot that this art business thing is a marathon, not a sprint. It's supposed to be a journey and not a quick thing. We need to enjoy where we are at right now and know it'll take more time than we expect or want! :)
Too true 🙌 I love listening to the creative pep talk. I remember Andy saying on one episode that if there was a story where a man wanted a pizza and then instantly got it that would be really boring 😂 The milestones and accomplishments feel more monumental if we have really worked for them.
I LOVE this!
Haha don't worry about the novel, I like to read 📚 I know what you mean about wanting to do everything creative. It sounds like you're finding something that really inspires you again so that's great!
@@EmmaCarpenterIllustration Thank you, nothing like taking the long way around haha. Not sure what I'll decide on, thinking to go with illustration. We'll see how that goes I guess! Looking forward to your videos. x
Oops! Some of your links are broken Emma. I just found your channel and was going to check you out on Instagram and Etsy 🙂
Thanks for letting me know Alex! They should be all fixed now. 😊
Hi can you please send me the link or add the link to the video that you were talking about at the end of this video. I really enjoyed your content, you inspired me, thank you! I'm starting a TH-cam channel and I don't know where to start, but I'm trying to find my voice, and you inspired, me so thank you!
Aw thank you so much 😁 so pleased you enjoy my videos. The video series I did is here bit.ly/2OpwZ1A I also recently filmed a video about how to make Studio Vlogs that might be helpful if you're starting your own channel th-cam.com/video/LX09XnxLFNg/w-d-xo.html Hope they help, and good luck! 💕