Many people believe that pursuing a career in the arts is a young person's game. However, the truth is that it's never too late to become an artist. In fact, many successful artists didn't start their careers until later in life.
For those who are considering a career change or simply want to explore their creative side, becoming an artist at 40 is a viable option.
Later down this post I will share with you my personal story about how I became an artist when I was 38... not quite 40 but almost!
While it may seem daunting to start a new career at 40, the benefits of pursuing a career in the arts are numerous. Not only does it provide an opportunity for personal growth and creative expression, but it can also be a fulfilling and financially rewarding career.
With the rise of online platforms and social media, it's easier than ever to showcase your work and connect with potential clients and buyers.
It's important to note that becoming an artist at 40 may require a different approach than starting a career in your 20s. It may take longer to establish yourself in the industry, and you may need to balance your art practice with other work to support yourself financially.
However, with dedication and hard work, it's possible to build a successful career as an artist at any age...
SPECIALLY...
if you take advantage and implement the tips and resources that I will share with you here!
Why Become an Artist at 40?
Many people believe that pursuing a career as an artist is only for the young and inexperienced. However, this is not true. In fact, starting a career as an artist at 40 can offer various benefits that younger artists may not have.
Here are some reasons why becoming an artist at 40 can be a great idea:
- Life Experience: At 40, you have likely accumulated a wealth of life experiences that can be used to inspire your art. You may have traveled, raised a family, or had other life-changing experiences that can be incorporated into your artwork.
- More Time: By the time you reach 40, you may have more free time than you did in your younger years. This can allow you to dedicate more time to your art and hone your skills.
- Financial Stability: Many people have established their careers and achieved financial stability by the time they reach 40. This can provide the freedom to pursue a career as an artist without worrying about financial stability.
Additionally, becoming an artist at 40 can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose. It can be a way to express yourself creatively and leave a lasting impact on the world.
Overall, it's never too late to pursue a career as an artist!
At 40, you have the advantage of life experience, more time, and financial stability, which can all contribute to a successful career as an artist.
Challenges You'll Face
Lack of Time
One of the biggest challenges of becoming an artist at 40 is finding the time to pursue your passion. At this age, many people have established careers, families, and other responsibilities that take up a significant amount of time. It can be difficult to carve out a few hours each day or week to work on your art.
However, it's important to remember that even small amounts of time can add up over weeks and months.
Try to schedule in time for your art, even if it's just 15 minutes a day. Use your lunch break at work or wake up an hour earlier in the morning to work on your art.
It may take longer to see progress, but every little bit counts.
Financial Constraints
Another challenge of becoming an artist at 40 is the financial constraints that may come with it.
Starting a new career in art may require investing in supplies, equipment, and education. It can be difficult to justify these expenses when you already have financial obligations such as a mortgage, car payments, and children's education.
However, there are ways to minimize these costs.
Look for free or low-cost art classes online or at local community centers.
Buy supplies in bulk or look for deals at art supply stores.
Consider selling some of your artwork to help offset the costs of supplies and education.
Self-doubt
Finally, self-doubt can be a major challenge for anyone starting a new career, especially in the arts. It's easy to feel like you're too old to start something new or that you'll never be good enough to make a living as an artist.
However, it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. It's okay to make mistakes and to not be perfect at first.
Keep practicing and learning, and don't be afraid to ask for help or feedback from other artists.
Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your abilities.
Remember, becoming an artist at 40 is not impossible. With dedication, hard work, and perseverance, you can achieve your dreams and create a fulfilling career in the arts.
Benefits of Becoming an Artist
Increased Creativity
Becoming an artist at 40 can lead to increased creativity. As we age, we tend to become more open-minded and willing to take risks. This mindset can lead to new and innovative ideas that we may not have considered earlier in life.
Additionally, having more life experience can give us a unique perspective that we can bring to our artwork. We can draw on our experiences and emotions to create meaningful and impactful pieces.
Improved Mental Health
Art has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, and becoming an artist at 40 can provide an outlet for self-expression and stress relief. Creating art can be therapeutic and help reduce anxiety and depression.
Furthermore, the act of creating art can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. This can be especially important for those who may be going through a career or life transition at 40.
New Career Opportunities
Becoming an artist at 40 can lead to new career opportunities. With the rise of online marketplaces and social media, it is easier than ever to showcase and sell artwork.
Many artists have been able to turn their passion into a full-time career later in life.
Additionally, there are many art-related careers that do not require formal training or education, such as art therapy, art education, or art administration. These careers can provide a fulfilling and meaningful way to use one's artistic skills and knowledge.
In conclusion, becoming an artist at 40 can have many benefits, including increased creativity, improved mental health, and new career opportunities.
It is never too late to start pursuing your passion for art.
Steps You Need to Take
Identify Your Goals
Before you start your journey as an artist, it's essential to identify your goals.
Consider what type of art you want to create, what kind of audience you want to reach, and what level of success you hope to achieve.
Once you have a clear vision of your goals, you can start working towards them with a sense of purpose and direction.
Develop Your Skills
Developing your skills is a crucial step in becoming an artist. Take classes, workshops, or online courses to learn new techniques and hone your craft.
Experiment with different mediums and styles to find what works best for you. Dedicate time each day to practice your skills and create new art.
Invest
Don't be afraid of investing in art business courses that will help you sell more art and cut down your success time in half or even more!
This is one of the things that I should have done earlier in my art business journey.
I can't emphasize this enough! If you are serious about turning your hobby into your full-time job, then invest in art business courses, workshops, mentorships, and 1-on-1 coaching as soon as possible!
You will feel like you can't afford it, but if you don't take the plunge, you will be putting your success at risk!
If you don't want to invest, that is okay. Just know that you will need to put in double the effort, keep reading and learning everything business related, and wait a few more years till you start seeing some success. So don't give up!
Build Your Portfolio
Building a strong portfolio is essential to showcase your talent and attract potential clients. Include a variety of your best work that represents your unique style and skills. Use high-quality images and consider creating a website or social media page to display your portfolio online.
Network with Other Artists
Networking with other artists can help you gain exposure, learn new skills, and find opportunities to showcase your work.
Attend art events, join art groups or organizations, and participate in online forums to connect with other artists and build relationships in the art community.
Market Yourself and Your Art
Marketing yourself and your art is crucial to gain recognition and attract potential clients.
Develop a brand and create a consistent visual identity for your art.
Leverage social media for artists, websites, and other marketing channels to promote your work and reach a wider audience.
Consider collaborating with other artists or businesses to expand your reach and gain more exposure.
My Story
Hey Enchanting Friend.
I was raised to be a perfectionist.
My parents' plan for me was pretty simple:
- go to school
- get good grades
- get a steady job w/401k + benefits
- work there for 30 years
- then retire
Now, like any parents, I've come to realize they just wanted what was best for me.
BUT...
they had a VERY old school way of going about it...
And more importantly...
they had a VERY different vision than what I wanted for my life!
Anyway, I followed their advice for a while...
Got A's in all my classes...
Busted my butt to get a Bachelor's in Genetics and Biotechnology...
Accepted a job in a research lab...
... but inside I was a rebel dying to break FREE!
I wanted to do something I LOVED...
something that made me Truly Happy.
So when I finally decided to start pursuing my dreams of becoming a full-time artist...
They were SHOCKED.
"What... you want to become an ARTIST??!?"
They (and my husband) were die-hard believers in the myth of the starving artist.
That's partly because they don't understand the technology, the many new tools available to us today, and how we can leverage them to sell our art online.
It's never been easier to sell artwork!
Gone are the exhausting days of hauling your art to go to art shows to only make your booth fee back!
Anyway, I took the leap.
During the day I worked at my research lab job...
At night...
I was an artist working on my artwork, learning marketing strategies, working on my website and growing my email list...
Hundred's of sleepless nights went by where I was working relentlessly trying to prove myself to my parents and husband.
Years later, I am finally proving to them that I can do what makes me Happy and ALSO make money!
Are YOU doing what makes you truly happy?
So...
I'm sharing this story with you because, If you're thinking about getting serious about building an art biz...
I guarantee you'll have people in your life who doubt you too.
They love you and mean well...
But they can tear down your dreams if you let them.
It's so important to filter the advice you get as you begin your entrepreneurial journey...
Because even the most well-intended advice is often shaped by fear.
And even if you have the spirit and courage to endure...
not seeing results after putting in all the work for months or years can break you!
99% of the most high-spirited entrepreneurs give up within 5 years before they get a chance to see their dreams come true!
I was not willing to accept this as my fate...
And you shouldn't either!
So what is the SECRET to make it into the 1% of successful art entrepreneurs?
That is what I am excited to share with you here>> Artist Marketing Formula
It's something that has been revolutionizing my business lately and I want to make sure I share it with you tomorrow.
For now...
Keep your dreams alive! Go create some magic! Be happy!
