One of the most common questions I get is “Am I too old to become an illustrator?”
Sometimes it’s not even a question but rather a statement, which is always heartbreaking for me to hear. If you’ve already decided that you’re past your art making days this is a sure way to kill any creative ambitions. Having a limiting mindset means you’ve already closed the door on your dream of becoming a full time illustrator.
And I say this upfront because the biggest obstacle between you and your goal is your mind. It’s not the ONLY obstacle, but it’s definitely the most influential.
Below are some insights into my journey that I hope will help encourage you to pursue your dream which is entirely possible!
My first two years of illustrating full time were a mixed bag of extreme emotions.
I was elated to be finally living my dream but fraught, and sometimes tortured, by the a nagging feeling that I was too old to be starting a new career and that I was seriously “behind”!
I was 40 at the time.
Ten years on and my emotional landscape is very different. Having waded through the swampy waters of self doubt, I’ve learned so much about the three powerful factors that influence this journey:
The state of your mind and attitude combined with hard work can change your life.
If you find a way to manage the first two and put your back and heart into the work part, I am of the belief and walking proof, you can indeed become an illustrator at any stage in your life.
Besides encouraging you, I wanted this article to be a collection of thoughts and lessons I’ve learned along the way, hoping to give you that kick up the butt if you need it, or remind you to keep going if you’re just starting out.
You’re in the right place
Although logically I knew that I could improve my illustration skills and learn to be proficient at executing work, I couldn’t shake that paralysing feeling that I was desperately “behind”. My husband would constantly ask me “Behind what?” I felt that I was behind everything and everyone!
The truth is you’ll always be behind someone, but you’ll also be ahead of someone else. That leaves you, well… exactly where you are! Not ahead, not behind but in just the right place in your personal journey.
The quicker you let go of the idea that you’re behind and tame the frantic energy of trying to catch up, the faster you’ll allow the journey to unfold naturally and witness the miracle of your skills evolving and developing into your own creative voice and signature style.
Your skills will start matching your taste level and the ideas you have in your head will actually translate well onto the paper (or iPad!) in front of you. You begin to realise that time as we measure it is irrelevant when it comes to expressing our ideas in a creative way. The quality of the journey and body of work is what counts.
Your age is an advantage
Having had a couple of decades of work experience under my belt before shifting careers has served me well. The skills I’ve acquired which have nothing to do with Illustration have silently been supporting my journey without me even realising.
A good example is understanding the value of client relationships and having the ability to nurture them well which translated into more paid work making art and loyal customers.
Or the work ethic I established years ago while working for that demanding corporate job. Getting out of bed to put in a good day’s graft with pride and passion is now second nature, a quality needed when running your own art business.
Another bonus is how I draw upon my emotional maturity when dealing with difficult aspects to my job like copyright infringement, or website crashes which I know a younger me wouldn’t have dealt with very well.
So what advantages do you bring to the table that others may not have? I’m pretty sure you already have skills that others need to learn. Use them to your benefit, you’ve earned that spot!
Limiting beliefs kill the dream
Even with a background in graphic design, I was still intimidated by all the available technology and the latest “hot” new app younger illustrators were using at the time. I felt overwhelmed and quite frankly incompetent when it came to digital drawing. All that uncertainty was fodder for my inner critic.
This is where my “can do” attitude served me well. I made it my mission to find a way to use my preferred medium which was pencil on paper, in my preferred app Adobe Illustrator.
So I went to work, spent hours testing and experimenting to find a workflow that suited me and my preferences.
To my amazement this turned out to be the “birth” of my signature illustration style which made my work recognisable.
Since then, I’ve developed a workflow to include Procreate with Adobe Illustrator. Both of these techniques have been so successful for me, which is why I wanted to teach them to others. I share my process step by step in courses for both pencil to Illustrator, and Procreate to Illustrator. It’s an incredibly versatile workflow that I even use for my surface pattern design work I licence.
If I had given in to the destructive thinking of “this is too difficult” and hadn’t focused on how I could adapt technology to suit me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Don’t let technology dictate your success. With dedication, you will become proficient at whatever might be a hurdle for you now.
If you’re faced with needing to learn a new app from scratch, like Adobe Illustrator for example, you must tackle the challenge with gusto. If you can keep that inner critic in check and know that you can figure this out, achieving your creative aspirations is possible!
Nobody cares about your age
Apologies for the blunt headline, but it’s true. If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this article, it’s this:
People buy your art because it resonates with them. They don’t buy your art based on your age!
The same is true for art directors. They’re judging your body of work based on the quality, consistency and style. Not on your age. And if you can bring a mature, reliable professionalism to the table that comes with age, they’ll love you even more.
No regrets
In closing I wanted to remind you that as petrified as you may be to venture into new uncharted waters, that fear will pale in comparison to the regret you’ll feel if you don’t give it a go.
We only have a limited amount of time and everyday it gets shorter. Don’t wait. Make a commitment to yourself and your dream and give it your best shot! You can only win from taking that step.
Remember to go easy on yourself as you navigate the journey, but don’t allow yourself to make excuses. I know you can do this!
PS. If you’re thinking about creating and selling work in a passive income approach, you may find this article useful.
Hi Lisa. I LOVED your feature on the TwoTap art summit and this article has given me new hope!
I love what you shared about NO REGRETS. Thanks for the reminder and encouragement.
Great pleasure Lisa! It really makes my heart happy knowing that the article spoke to you. Keep going, I believe in you!
Yay!! So happy this article gave you new hope, Michelle! And I’m thrilled you enjoyed the TwoTap art summit feature too. Big hugs! xx
Lisa, I have watched a number of digital artists videos etc. IMO you are the most talented I have seen. I know from personal experience your talent hasn’t changed the fact you are so very helpful to others wishing to learn.
I also can relate to the wonderful feeling of delight when what you created becomes sort after. Some years ago in a very small way, I experienced this also.
As far as age goes. I will be 78 this year. My internet knowledge is extremely basic. I adore Procreate. However I am a person who has never been able to STOP and learn the steps. I ALWAYS just jump in rather than learning the basics.
I wish I could bottle your knowledge in finding my way around Procreate. Drink it in and away I could go.
Jumping in is always the best way to learn! Keep jumping! Starting with what some call “basics” is what convinces us we can’t do things. It’s like never getting to freely write or dive into anything creative without firs learning all the “steps” that someone figured out by pulling apart a creative activity. It’s the things like spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc,—all those nasty red marks!—without periods of time to just write that convince us we can’t do something. I’m guessing you wouldn’t have ever touched Procreate if you had to learn the basics first. Learn what you need as you go. You got this. We all got this if we remember that we do!
YES Deb! Jumping in is always the best way to learn! You’re so right, it’s all about embracing the process and letting creativity flow without worrying about the “steps.”
So encouraging! Terri I will be 72 this year and I found myself delighted to see your comment and age. I am fairly proficient at Procreate and i can say without hesitation you are right around the corner from “away I go”. I recently took a short course from Kelly Rae Roberts and it was a very helpful (and fun) way to get started again after a lengthy hiatus for me from Procreate. Good luck on your journey!
Hi Robin, I have just checked on here ( to see if Lisa has answered ) Finding your comment has made my day ! Thank you
I love your encouragement Robin! You’re amazing xx
Thank you so much, Terri! Your message truly warmed my heart. I love how you shared your experience, and it’s a beautiful reminder to keep going no matter how daunting learning new tech can be. And wow, you’re 78?! That’s incredible! Thank you for the kind words, I so appreciate your loyal support over the years, you’re amazing. Keep embracing the joy of learning and creating!
OMG! I absolutely love this article – it could also be you’re never too old to start anything! I started my own business at 50 (after far too many years in a corporate 9-5 with crappy bosses, workplace bullying etc).
One of the things I do now (including helping business owners create their social media graphics, ebooks etc) is to mentor new business owners and mindset is the biggest thing by far.
I always say I’m never growing up – I’m almost 56 and still believe in the MAGIC!
As always, thanks for the inspiration, the guidance, the amazing illustrations and more. Big love and sparkles, Jo xxx
Jo, you’re truly amazing!! I love hearing your story of starting your own business at 50—it’s so inspiring! I’m sure you’re helping so many people which is wonderful. Big hugs back at you! xx
You have inspired me to take off my worry / I can’t pants and put on my creative / you can do this pants .. allow myself to just draw, make mistakes and grow from them… who knows where it may lead.
We often (well I know I do) develop self doubt after watching drawing videos that create these beautiful polished pictures but what we don’t see is the full creative process of rough sketches, erasing and recreating that goes into each piece before the video is even recorded. I love your honesty and generosity of allowing us into your creative process … thank you Lisa
Thank you Lisa for this articule! It helps a lot because many people (including me) have those thoughts in our mind to better stop because we have milions excuses.. I wish you all the best!!
So glad this article helped you, Magdalena! Don’t let those doubts hold you back—take small steps forward and trust the process. You’ve got everything it takes to keep growing! xx
I love that you’ve put on your “you can do this” pants, Becc!! It gave me a little giggle! You’re absolutely right—making mistakes and learning from them is such a big part of the creative journey. Keep going, you’ve got everything it takes to achieve your goals!
Dear Lisa,
thanks for your words of sharing and for passing on your experience. I too believe that this is a journey and that it will come back to you in some way. I have learned so much just by watching the way you work. And your digital brushes are the best I know, they totally resonate with me and are what I have been looking for for a long time. They have pushed me so much in my own work. And I resonate with this article as well. The creative journey never ends. And it’s okay if you go on it later. We all come from a different place and the only one worth comparing ourselves to is my former self. And if I see a shift, then I know I’m growing. It took me realizing this and also really accepting it. But since then, my creative journey has gotten easier.
Thank you so much for sharing that, Magda! I love how you’ve embraced your creative journey, and I totally agree—comparing yourself only to your former self is such a powerful way to measure growth xx PS> I’m honoured my tutorials have helped so much!
Thank you so much for this post, it comes at just the right time for me. I’m in the process (at 54) of setting up a side business with surface design. And although I also struggle with doubts, I have already realized that my previous profession (I work in the sales team for some trade magazines), although it has nothing to do with creativity, is very valuable for my further professional journey. So now I’m going to work on my mindset and see where it takes me. 🙂 P.S. I’m a really big, big fan of your work and very glad that you decided to take the full-time job as an illustrator. 🙂
Wooohooo! I’m so proud of you for pursuing your passion, Dina! Your background in sales will totally help you with your side business, and I’m so excited to see where this creative journey takes you. You’ve got this at 54 and beyond!!
Hi Lisa,
I just wanted to say how grateful I am that you wrote this article. It couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I’ve been struggling with coping in my full-time job, feeling torn apart between responsibilities and dreams, and your words really resonated with me. Reading this gave me a sense of hope and reassurance that it’s never too late to pursue creativity.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and encouragement—it truly means a lot!
Thank you so much for this! definitely needed to hear that!
I want to be like when I grow up! 😀
Like you* i meant!
beautiful article- I started drawing when I was 40 – I never thought I could improve as much as I did. It’s made me believe you can do anything if you focus and commit. I self-published my 1st illustrated book when I was 45! Thank you for your brushes. I love them and use them all the time – ‘Lisa’s pencil’ – legend!
thanks for sharing, Lisa! Simply inspiring.
Hi Lisa thank you for the lovely article. I was a pastel artist in my younger days and also dabbled in watercolour but then I unfortunately got arthritis so my hands were too bad to do very much art. As the years have gone on I’ve never lost my excitement and love of art so I dipped my toes into digital art and I absolutely love it . I find it gentler on the hands . I am still learning so much and new things on procreate but really enjoying it and I have always had a passion for illustration. But kept thinking I’m too old like you said in your article but now I feel after reading it ,it’s never too late and would be a shame to miss out so thank you so much. Although I am 62 I’ve never lost the passion to create
Hi Lisa thank so much – I’m such a fan old lady! I didn’t even know I could draw until 6 years ago and now I am 63 and doing all sorts of illustrations. I always think that if I had known my talent at a younger age that maybe my children would have grown up a bit more neglected :D. I feel that this is part of my second life and rather than feeling old, I can look forward to my future as an illustrator. Love everything you do and so inspiring
Mi querida Lisa… ¡¡¡ GRACIAS!!! Desde que te conocí hace ya un par de años, eres para mí pura inspiración. Tu trabajo es un regalo, la frescura con la que lo compartes, tus clases, tu estilo que amo profundamente… El próximo 15 de abril, cumpliré 45 años y hubo un día en la pandemia (casi recién llegada a un pueblo nuevo, donde no conocía a nadie y trabajando en una oficina de seguros, donde llegaba cada día llorando a casa), en el que me vi sentada delante de mi ordenador, con Photoshop abierto (lo uso desde 2008 para fotografía) y un lienzo en blanco… Comencé a dibujar con los pinceles que tenía el programa y simplemente ¡fui feliz! Desde ese momento, no dejé de dibujar, de aprender cada día (ahí apareciste tú, como caída del cielo). El caso es que después de unos 20 años trabajando por cuenta ajena (empleada) de cara al público… Pensé que no quería quedarme con la espina de pensar: “qué hubiera pasado si…”. De modo que hace un par de años que trabajo creando mi página web, mis productos, impresiones… Y ya ha esta llegando el momento de tenerlo todo listo, de lanzarlo e intentar emprender. ¡Me vivo de ganas de probarme a mí misma, de ser autónoma (como se dice aquí en España, darse de alta legalmente), pero también estoy con muchísimo miedo, precisamente por esas creencias limitantes, que comentas en ese correo. Y no paro de querer hacer más cosas, perfeccionar esto o aquello, porque lo que realmente me aterra es dar “el paso”. De modo que GRACIAS de nuevo, por darme impulso y alas a mi ánimo, por tu compañía, por tus palabras… Porque aunque tú no me conozcas, no sepas quien soy, me ayudas infinitamente. ¡Un millón de besos!
Thank you Lisa! You have no idea how much I need to hear this.
Thank you Lisa for sharing this, you are always so generous. Your words resonate with me, I started drawing again on Procreate two years ago and even though I’m progressing well with this medium, there’s always this little voice telling me it’s too late, not good enough. I think I’ve heard this voice all my life and hearing someone like you talk about it is so reassuring, your article does me so much good. You are a wonderful illustrator and your tutorials have taught me so much, so I want to say thank you for who you are, I wish you all the success you deserve
Oh Lisa, thank you for this article. I’m 46 and and have the “I’m behind” attitude. This article is my “little push” to believe in myself. I’m a big fan of your creations.
What a brilliant post! As someone who left my corporate job after 34 years I can fully relate. I started building up my business in my mid-forties and took the leap 6 months ago in my mid-fifties! It has honestly been the best decision I’ve ever made! It was the mindset that really helped me. I went from thinking it may never happen to thinking and writing when it happens…and it finally did!
Thank you for this Lisa. I struggle with this all the time. I always use the I am to old excuse to get started. Reading this has been very helpful. Thanks again!
Today I turned 58! This article was so helpful. I loved it and the best birthday present! I loved your Two Tap demonstration and you are one of my favorite teachers. Bunny (I was born on Easter and loved that you demonstrated a rabbit)!
Lisa I can’t thank you enough for continuing to share your wisdom, and for showing us all what is possible! Sending good vibes and gratitude to you!
Thank you, Lisa!
And to all of you who’ve responded – especially those in your mid-fifties and beyond – WE CAN DO THIS!!!
It’s exciting to be at a place in my life where I have the opportunity to pursue my passions and creativity. Learning new digital skills makes me feel young and energetic – even a little giddy. And even though time is flying by, I have MORE time available to devote to my practice.
Cheers to aging with confidence and curiosity –
Thank you again Lisa for your encouragement.
When I first submitted a manuscript, I got a rejection, which I thought meant I couldn’t write. I didn’t submit again until 25 years later, when I was 40. That’s when my career started! Now I’m almost 70 and plan to start illustrating some of my own books. As a creativity coach, when I call on participants in my workshops to share their misbeliefs with the group, and to raise their hands when they hear someone else say one of theirs, “I’m too old” is the one that is always the most universal—and some of the participants are decades younger than me! And yes, we work on that inner critique part of ourselves. Mine is what sent me to get creativity coaching training! Listen to Lisa. She knows what she’s talking about!
Many thanks from a 62 yr. old for this wonderful and insightful article. Massive squishy hugs!
Hi Lisa!
Wonderful and timely read!
I recently took your Skillshare class on drawing a cute bear, (I drew one with the arm floaties, swim ring and tiny shirt)
I mentioned to you in comments that at 58 I’m reinventing myself again – I do worry I’m too old, or too far behind sometimes- I’m not sure WHAT I’m behind but perhaps as we age we know that time is a gift not a promise.
I’m working hard to level up my work and as I told you your brushes are so fantastic – it’s like looking at what I used to draw on paper!
I’m looking forward to being able to tell you some time in the near future that your work and advice helped me get licensed !
Thanks again
Back to researching hand positions for saxophones so my jazz musician alligator only looks silly because I want him to and not because I didn’t know how people play the saxophone lol
Thank you so much! I found it so helpful. Such an interesting read. I am 54yo starting this stage of my life. I’m all in and going to give it my best shot.
Wow, I really needed to hear this right now. I find myself thinking I’m too old at 51 to keep evolving and learning new things. I really don’t have a choice so I can keep my business going. Thank you! Side note: I’m a former South African (from Durban) living in the USA.
Clearly this message resonated with a LOT of people, including me. I’m 71, and am in the early stages of figuring out my “style”. What I do know is that you have been an enormous influence on me. When I got my first iPad/Apple Pencil (actually it was still on order) I did a Google search on learning Procreate and found you. I bought a bunch of your brushes right off the bat, and I proudly own them all now.
I do not know where my journey will lead (I fantasize about illustrating children’s books), and your encouragement helps so much. I seem to get easily discouraged, and struggle with imposter syndrome and the belief that I will never be “good enough”.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your ongoing generosity in sharing your process, continually posting little tutorials, and sharing longer tutorials on ways to use your brushes. One of my favorite sayings goes like this: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” And you are doing that. ❤️❤️❤️
An inspiration as always, thank you Lisa!
This!! Lisa you are not only an ispiration with your creative talent but also with your words from the heart. Look at all these comments! Your words resonate and defintely encourage me at 63 to continue this journey. I have been drawing for years but only seriously the past few years and am working on taking it to the next level – selling my artwork. I am in the process of setting up shop (digital) and thank you for the timely encouragement and advice. I thoroughly enjoyed your TwoTap tutorial and continue to learn so much from you. Your brushes and tutorials are at the top of my favorites. Thank you again.
Thank you so much, Lisa! Your words are truly inspiring! Could you please share the name of the font you used for the heading? I’d really appreciate it!
Hi Lara, So glad you enjoyed the article!
For the font, do you mean in the text or the image?
Text is Roboto Slab (if I’m not mistaken)
Image is Kocha
Hope that helps!
such a great article Lisa! and I needed to hear this. thank you for writing it! you are THE BEST!
Hi Julie!! So lovely to see your comment! I’m so happy the article resonated with you! You are super talented xx
Oh my goodness! Your art is so delightful!
Awww! Thank you so much Pamela, really appreciate that xx ❤️