You're Not Too Old To Be An Artist
The Call happens in little nudges:
It’s the dim glow of a museum hall, the hushed tones of visitors, and a painting that seems to breathe life, every brushstroke telling a tale that resonates deep within your soul. It's watching a friend, fingers smeared with paint or hands molding clay, beginning their own voyage into the world of creation. It’s seeing a set of crayons at the grocery store that you look at every time you shop- but never purchase.
Such moments are transformative. Where art in its many forms, touches our lives. It’s as if time stills, and in that suspended moment, a spark is ignited. A whisper that says, "You too can create. You too can breathe life into canvas, mold stories from clay, and stitch dreams into fabric."
For many, this is the pivotal instant, the turning of a new page, where the desire to create isn't just an idle thought but a fervent need. The realization that art isn't just something to be admired from afar but a journey to be embraced.
If you've felt the Call, this magnetic allure towards creation, but have hesitated to receive it’s instruction because you’ve thought “I’m too old to start something new”; this post is for you.
If you've ever gazed at a blank canvas with yearning but stopped due to a nagging voice in your head- this post is for you.
And If you’ve ever bought art supplies and ended up leaving them in the closet for a decade or more and thought “Well, I never did it then, why would I do it now?”- This is for you.
Age is just a chapter in our life's story, but creativity? It's the very essence of our narrative. Let's dig into why it's never too late to start making art.
The Evergreen Nature of Creativity
Let's dismantle a myth: “creativity has an expiration date”. The truth is quite the opposite.
Your brain is really cool. Throughout our lives, our brains remain adaptable and malleable. This characteristic, called neuroplasticity, ensures that we can form new neural connections and pathways at every age. That 'aha!' moment when inspiration strikes? It doesn't have an age limit. In fact, your ability to use that connection will get stronger the more you say “Yes” to creativity.
As we age, our reservoir of experiences, memories, and learned wisdom only grows. Your age gives you a deeper understanding of emotions, by simply being a human on this planet, you have a unique well of emotional themes that can be used to make art.
This repository becomes a fertile ground for artistic expression. The stories you can tell now are richer, more nuanced, and layered than they might have been a decade ago. Your heightened emotional intelligence can translate into art that resonates deeply with your future audience.
The best time to make art is right now.
Say with me: “I want to be an artist”
You know that moment when you are handed a piece of paper and a pencil, and are given the opportunity to draw, but you quickly blurt out “Oh no, I can’t even draw a stick figure!”
That feeling when you walk past a pottery painting shop and see a group of girls chatting away making cups and bowls. That feeling that says ‘I want to do that’, but you keep walking by because you’ve got errands to run?
When you are on a walk with someone and you see a fence that’s been decorated with Paper Mache flowers and you think ‘that’s so cute’ but your walking buddy says “That’s so tacky." and you agree just to agree?
These are the creativity killers. These denials, excuses, and shut downs are opportunities for you to overcome. The death of creativity comes when you continue to say ‘no’ to the possibility of your ideas.
Instead of saying “I can’t even draw a stick figure”, what would you do?
Instead of walking past the pottery shop for that afternoon of errands (which always turns into years of errands), what could you do?
Instead of letting your walking friends comment slide, how else could you react?
I’ll tell you my answers at the end of the post. 💕
Navigating the Naysayers
Every artist, whether novice or seasoned, faces the challenge of doubt. Sometimes, it’s our own inner voice, but often, skepticism emanates from others. I find that people often criticize my work when the truth is, they also want to be creative.
Here’s how to fortify your spirit and belief amidst doubters:
By Bureau of Engraving and Printing - U.S. Post Office; Smithsonian National Postal Museum; Image enlarged and rendered for tone, clarity by Gwillhickers, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12766458
Affirm Your Worth: Remind yourself regularly of your journey and intention. An affirmation, such as “My creativity is encouraged” can act as an anchor when faced with skepticism. Check out my list of 100 Artist Affirmations!
Find Your Artistic Tribe: Surround yourself with creative communities. Whether through local art classes, online forums, or social media groups dedicated to budding artists; surrounding yourself with understanding and encouragement is crucial. I created an Art Book Club just to have a regular group of artists in my life.
Seek Inspiration in “Late Bloomers”: When you face doubt, look to those who started their artistic pursuits later in life. Artists like Grandma Moses not only began her journey later but achieved remarkable acclaim. Her story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late.
Engage Constructively with Doubters: Sometimes, people's doubts stem from misunderstandings or misconceptions about the art world. Here's how to handle them:
Educate: Share stories of others who have begun their artistic journeys later in life. By hearing success stories that creativity knows no age, their perspective might shift. You get inspired to make, they get inspired to get off your back.
Open a Dialogue: Instead of getting defensive, ask them why they feel the way they do. Is it because they want to make art? Is it because you don’t have a history of creating? Fish it out of them.
Set Boundaries: If someone consistently undermines your creative endeavors, it's time to set boundaries. Politely but firmly let them know that your artistic journey is personal and, while you respect their opinion, you'd prefer if they kept such thoughts to themselves. This will probably upset them, but it will also give you space. When people are often critical of my own creations, I like to take a moment to think about where else they are being critical of me.
Seek Feedback, Not Validation: Make art for YOU. It's beneficial to seek feedback to grow, but remember, your art doesn't need validation. You're creating for yourself first, and if it resonates with others, that's a bonus.
It’s not about proving something to others, but expressing and discovering yourself.
Six Engaging Exercises to Ignite Creativity
To help you embark on or reignite your artistic journey, here are some exercises designed to stimulate creativity.
Nature Walk Sketching: Immerse yourself in the sensory delights of drawing with a sketchbook. As you walk, let the colors, textures, and scenes guide your hand in doodles, sketches, or watercolor work. This practice enhances observation skills by A LOT.
Mindful Coloring: Beyond the confines of child's play, coloring can be a meditative act. The patterns and color choices can prime your mind for more complex artistic projects. Get yourself an adult coloring book, pick up a tasty drink, and get coloring!
Expressive Journaling: Use mixed media, collages, or abstract art to capture your emotions and thoughts in your journal. It's a beautiful blend of art therapy and personal diary that is a real joy to look back on.
Blind Drawing: This isn't about creating a masterpiece but about letting go of inhibitions. Without sight, you're forced to visualize and engage with the paper in a new, tactile way. Pick a subject and try to draw it for 5 minute sessions.
Art from Words: Dive into the realm of literature for inspiration. A poetic line or a powerful quote can be the genesis of a visual masterpiece. Pick a quote you like, write it out and then decorate the page in relation to that phrase.
Go on an Artist Date: Need more? I’ve got a list of 75 Artist Dates for you to explore! Visit my list of artist date ideas and pick one to do each week. It will change your life with an abundance of creativity.
Here are my responses to the earlier questions:
Instead of saying “I can’t even draw a stick figure”, what would you do?
Take the paper and make a mark. Take the paper and be silly. Take the paper and make mess. The excuses you make when you say “I can’t even draw a stick figure” is really saying, “I’m embarrassed by my ability. I don’t want to be made fun of.” Those might be true, but by saying the stick figure line, you are giving negativity more power over your creative self. Gross. We are artists! We must make!
Instead of walking past the pottery shop for that afternoon of errands (which always turns into years of errands), what could you do?
Every time I find a place that Calls my creative self, I make a note in my calendar for that evening to research it. Or I go inside if I have a few min to spare and see what it’s all about. Just by opening the door, you open the possibiltiy to yourself.
Even if you don’t end up taking the class or doing the activity, the act of opening the door or researching the place expands your creative mind. It expands your neuropathways into developing new ways to say ‘Yes’ to creativity.
Instead of letting your walking friends comment slide, how else could you react?
Shove them into the bush- I mean say you like it! Ask them why they don’t like it and then counter with why you do! Did it remind you of something from your childhood? Did it bring a smile to your face? Do you just like the colors. Then challenge them to do something creative with you. We don’t have to like the same things as our friends and I know it’s hard to disagree, even over something trivial as a decoration. Try anyways.
It’s never too late to make art. Now is the best time to embrace your creativity. Your unique experiences, wisdom, and perspective make your creations invaluable. Age is a testament to endurance and growth; it's not a barrier. Pick up that brush or pencil, and let your soul dance on the canvas of life. Your artistic journey has just begun just by listening to this episode, no matter your age.
Host and artist Stephanie Scott breaks down the practicality of the art career with topics including: sustainable creative practices, social media skills, and the mindsets that keep it all together. New episodes every Tuesday!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniescott.art/
Website: http://www.stephaniescott.art/brushwork
Music by @winepot https://www.instagram.com/thewinepot/
Podcast Cover photo by Maryna Blumqvist https://instagram.com/picturemaryna