Too late to start?

[HD_Decker]

Hey all, nice to join this site. Might as well tell you my small back story. I'm 24 years old, and a IT grad/Bartender. Art was one of those things that I always wanted to become really good at, but I never seemed to get it right. To put it bluntly, I personally believe I have the statistical skills of a 7 year old.

A long story short, I was pretty much discouraged for awhile to try to pursue working on my skills. Though I am getting the basics down, I still have a long, long way to go.

My question is, am I a day late and a dollar short? Or can I still develop and actually one day become professional?

Anyways, feel free to link any guides and tutorials, I'll be scanning through the forums to gather all the info I can due to the fact I'm an info .

Peace out! :yayca:

[RogerAdams]

Hey HD_Decker,

I personally have been where you are and I can tell you that it can be done. I didn't start drawing until I was 25 and working as Internet Tech Support. My family pretty much told me that "I can do art as a hobby". It's taken me 6 years to get to the level that got me a job with a game developer doing concept art full time.

When I tell people that I started drawing at 25, they say "bullshit". But it's the truth. Yes, I would doodle and sketch but I didn't have the knowledge or the skills to get my ideas across. I could copy a Disney character but I couldn't paint or even be able to draw the same thing twice.

What you need is a little knowledge and a lot of practice. Keep doing your day job and take every spare cent and invest it in books and dvds and practice your ass off. If you play WoW, cancel it. Take every free minute to practice.

Some people would say, "just draw from life", for me that didn't work. I needed the knowledge from books and dvds and then to apply it to drawing from life to get things to click. It's not going to happen tomorrow or it might not happen in 6 years but for me, I'm 32 now and officially have my first year in the game industry. You can do anything if you work hard!

good luck!

[HD_Decker]

Thx Roger, that pretty much tells me that it can be done. For some reason, I also have a hard time drawing from life as well (must be a thing with us techs :P ). Anyways, I've seen a bunch of tutorials that have helped as well. I'll defiantly be keeping up at it now.


BTW, I laughed when you mentioned WoW, I actually quit awhile back due to how much time it consumed.

Anyways, thanks for telling me your story, now I at least know that it CAN be done. :yayca:

[Izzie]

For a killer round of inspo check out MindCandyMan's sketchbook thread, it's what I go to when I'm feeling down on myself.

[HD_Decker]

For a killer round of inspo check out MindCandyMan's sketchbook thread, it's what I go to when I'm feeling down on myself.

I took a good look at his journey sketchbook, and damn that was impressive, much thanks for that info!

[kosta]

Man, I´m 23 and I'm pretty much in your situation and feels good to know I'm not alone in this struggle. Roger, your story was exactly what I needed to hear to get motivated and keep pushing forward. Let's keep improving our skills to achieve our dreams

(Sorry for my english - I'm from Portugal)

[Ivory_Oasis]

You can do eet!! I started when I was 24 (to make some pictures of my MMO character while waiting for a new patch to come out). At first it was just now and then, but slowly got more serious about it (was still in school for accounting, so wasn't really "practical" to do art).

I been drawing for 2 years now and just moved out to take classes at gnomon. I don't think it's too late. Sure I am "behind" a lot of artists my age, but it just means I have to work harder.

The way I figure it, you have the rest of your life to think about. Wouldn't you rather spend that time doing what you love? What you think is FUN and would make you happy to go to work to do? I think it's worth "starting over" and going after...as long as you are serious about it and really are ready to put in the effort and don't let small bumps in the road make you give up.

[LORD M]

Never too late, better late then never. Check this thread out:

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=870


Edit:

Damn, didn't see you posting about it, Izzie. :P

[Liffey]

Make a sketchbook thread, HD_Decker. Commit to doing studies and updating it, take in people's advice, search CA high and low for all kinds of information... you'll get there. :)

[dcorc]

Dead is too late to start - but if rigor mortis hasn't set in yet, I'd say go for it - the longer you sit around dithering, the older you get :)


Dave

[slig665]

Never too late, better late then never. Check this thread out:

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=870


Edit:

Damn, didn't see you posting about it, Izzie. :P

HOLY SSSSHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIII.....................!!!!

I'm 31 and just getting serious. If you're too old I'm screwed.

The advantage of starting now and not being able to draw is you can learn properly from the get go instead of developing bad habits you have to break.

[Elwell]

To quote an old SVA subway poster:
"At 35, Paul Gauguin worked in a bank. It is never too late."

[GrimRabbit]

I'm not sure if this belongs in this thread, but I'm in a similar position, except I have no job at the moment. I'm 21, I have an animation diploma, studied graphic design also but just stopped because it isn't what I want to do. Realistically speaking I don't believe I have much to show from either.

I want to dedicate my spare time studying art but of course need something to support myself for 6 years or however it takes to be at a professional level while I do so. Is this a no-brainer? Should I just bartend or something? http://www.conceptart.org/forums/images/ca_smilies/normal/anj_eeh.gif

[Natzuur-JK]

If you really want it, it should be no question at all. Taking risks is what leads to rewards, but realisticly , you'll need a job while trying to get good at art. =)

[RogerAdams]

I'm not sure if this belongs in this thread, but I'm in a similar position, except I have no job at the moment. I'm 21, I have an animation diploma, studied graphic design also but just stopped because it isn't what I want to do. Realistically speaking I don't believe I have much to show from either.

I want to dedicate my spare time studying art but of course need something to support myself for 6 years or however it takes to be at a professional level while I do so. Is this a no-brainer? Should I just bartend or something? http://www.conceptart.org/forums/images/ca_smilies/normal/anj_eeh.gif

I think the key to training yourself is all about making choices. Do you go out Friday night or stay in and draw? And what do you draw? Some nights it's from imagination and other nights it's studying the muscles of the arm.

Find any job that will allow you to support your goals. If you are like me, by the time you are 25 you will have had several jobs. And if it has stress find a different job. No amount of money is worth the toll stress does on your body and mind.

[alffla]

hey well im just slightly younger than you but pretty much in the same situation :) many artists started 'late' (20 something) and they're all friggin awesome now.

i decided to pick up art last year, but had to finish up my law degree first...yea i'm ditching law for art! O__O but art is so much more inspiring and interesting to me..so yeah. i'm gonna fuckin do it man.

gonna work hard and draw every day.

oh took a look at DirtyC , bumskee, algenpfleger (although the stupidly fast rate of improvement algenpfleger had is a bit of a put off sometimes :P), and some other artists around CA.. you'll be amazed at how people can improve in a few years!

good luck dude!

[edit] forgot to mention tha dirtyC i think started aruond 25..or 27 or something. bumskee around the same, 24 or wahtver. and now they're INSANEEEeee.

[GrimRabbit]

I think the key to training yourself is all about making choices. Do you go out Friday night or stay in and draw? And what do you draw? Some nights it's from imagination and other nights it's studying the muscles of the arm.

Find any job that will allow you to support your goals. If you are like me, by the time you are 25 you will have had several jobs. And if it has stress find a different job. No amount of money is worth the toll stress does on your body and mind.

Thanks that makes complete sense. The only problem for me is figuring out what jobs would be the least stressful.

[soul-core]

GrimRabbit, you got me out of my lurking mode...

For the job, if you can... find something that can give you "free time", like security at night or something. That way, you can sketch at your job :D

[maths82]

Decker !
it's nowhere near too late for you to start. honestly, that fear of it being too late, of thinking you wont be good enough in time to make a life out of drawing, it just steals more time off you. you're young, put loads of effort in and you could be coming out with cool images very soon.

[Ian Miles]

Hey.
I´m coming to my 27´s and I´m starting to litoff. :D

[Leonor]

Is there prejudice against older people being hired in the industry? Such as: "Kick ass portfolio but too old, sorry." Just curious. :P

[Spiderlok33]

Is there prejudice against older people being hired in the industry? Such as: "Kick ass portfolio but too old, sorry." Just curious. :P

Yes there is a limit to how old you can be, no one wants to hire someone who looks like there dad, plus everyone knows that younger people are WAY better at motor skills and creativity, and it withers with age, and age 30 is the cut off after that if your not already a pro you have no chance of ever being able to draw/what ever you want to do.
Plus after 30 your portfolio is never as kick ass as it could be.


Lol jsut kiding there is no age, but you might feel that way because there are are so many young people that are so good at drawing that it seems like you would be to old.There is no age limit so if you want to do it go and do it NOW don't let that little fear control what you want to do, if you want it bad enough you can get what you want and then some

[pat@hpnc.com]

Sure you can do it. It all depends now on if you put in the hard work needed to get better:)

[PxelSlayer]

Hypothetical situation -

How cool would it be if you`re 60 and working as a CA with a bunch of kids? And every one of them goes "Man, when I`m old, I want to be a cool old geezer just like him!" And, I don`t know about you, but I`d constantly shake my fist and go "ah, you youngsters, in my days...! When I was young...! Kids nowadays...! Respect your elders!" Oh, and a must have - "Kids, be careful which plug you pull out around me, K?"

http://foolstown.com/sm/old.gif

[Enydimon]

Unless you're on your deathbed and with your last breath you were like, "OH CRAP! I FORGOT TO GET INTO ART!" it's never too late. ;P

[Leonor]

unless you're on your deathbed and with your last breath you were like, "oh crap! I forgot to get into art!" it's never too late. ;p

:D

"Oh crap! I forgot to get into art! Quick, bring me a penc..."

[Kay B]

You are 24 years young and you are worried if it's too late to start drawing? Wow! I'm 45 years old and hadn't been drawing since High School (decades ago), but it wasn't too late for me. I only struggle with starting a drawing. Once I have the basic proportion and measurements of objects, which is really the most time consuming for me, personally, the rest is fairly easy, as long as you really pay attention to every detail you see. Check out art-related books at your local library as well as online resources, especially YouTube for help.

Best of luck. :-)

Kay

[OmenSpirits]

Is it too late?

...yes. To start upon a thankless journey, that will be painful, embarrassing, fraught with anguish, despair, self-doubt, and moments where you question your very existence?

...yes. You are too late.

Because if you haven't been doing that before taking up the pencil or brush, wacom or pen, then you are too late.

Let me help you along. YOU SUCK!

Now, you can begin.

:yayca:

[NeecHMonkeY]

I started taking art seriously 2 years ago.

I have been (officially) working in the industry as a Concept Artist for video games since April this year.

I turn 34yo in 2 weeks. :D

[Sascha Thau]

A German saying goes like this: "It's never too late". Pure an simple.

Although I did draw comics roughly 10 years ago, I did do nothing the last 6 years and now start to paint digitally. I would never bother to think if it is too late for me and I'm turning 36 early next year.

On another note: Isn't fun to draw and paint? That's all that counts. Oh and at least for me it is always fun to learn what makes fun.

[alyssa milano]

i used to work with a 42 year old guy, a 3d charact modeler, who started modeling few years ago... and he is killer.
all you need is a good sharp eye and the work capacity to support it. a young spirit helps i guess, but body wise i`m not sure there`s any limit

[crdf]

I really thought that I am the only one here at that (over 20) age, without any art education or knowledge. I work at the day and train in the evenings so i have little time to do anything about drawing, graphics, etc. I just got my tablet, and there is so much info that i don't know even where to start from.

So i say if it makes you happy you can do it :)

[kure-ong]

I started drawing when i was very young (like most of us) but dropped it when i was like 15~19? Not that i totally dropped it, but I wasn't very serious (doodled like once in half a year?)

now I'm 20, going 21, and I've just graduated with a diploma in digital media. But problem is, my foundations in drawing sucks! Most of my school time is spent on making videos and doing 3D work, not much focus on 2D and never did I touch the basics of drawing in school.

So now I'm pretty lost, and a tad scared. But seeing all you guys out here gives me the courage to move forward.

Let's do this together aite? =D

[Xitu]

Wanna hear about too late to start?

I'm 30.

(Incidentally, this is my first post after registration. Being reminded of the above fact has made my life a bit unpleasant in the last months, so this topic is extremely relevant to me.)

[Irishdrunk]

Don't sweat it. Craig Mullins didn't get into art till he was 23.

The length of road doesn't make a man, it's the size of his engine.

[AestheticMachine]

i think that one of the more painful things is the feeling of regret. i've been drawing most of my life, but never really took it seriously until about my third year in college where i was like, 'holy shit, now i finally know what i want to do.' except, the school is pretty much unrelated to what i want to do, but i've come so far i might as well finish it O_O and because of finances, it would be suicide to try to go to school again for art.

soo, i started painting last year. at first, exaltation - wow, painting! i know what i want to do with myself. then distress of failure, and then agony of worrying and feeling like you're being ignored. desperation of trying to catch up to 'where you should be,' then weird little moments of happy, the rare self-satisfaction or revelation. after wangsting and bitching for a while, we pick up the pieces and begin again. there's also the time constraint - we're always told not to make excuses, but shit happens. there are only 24 hours in a day, and i have to choose between studying art or doing homework. well.. these classes are expensive, but sometimes its hard to resist painting a little.. then more.. then the day is lost, and i get berated for not doing my work.

there's also this obsession with age that i notice a lot, maybe i'm mistaken. sometimes i wonder if it's mostly social pressure, the obsession with youth and the idea of talent. but, really, while i have seen many young artists who have had the time to really hone their skills, i don't think i've ever seen one with an interesting imagination. this isn't a bad thing, they just haven't had the time or experience to see the world and beyond it. and, some people lack imagination but are brilliant artists in their own right - others can't draw a circle, but their creativity is unrivaled.

to be fair, by creativity i don't mean anyone should be 100% creative and unique snowflake all the time. anyway, its only my opinion since we are all stimulated by different things. what is boring to me is certainly very interesting and unique to another, and vice versa. a very young person's creativity tends to simply be limited rather than absent, i think (this all makes me sound like i'm ancient)

rambling now, but was relevant to interests ~

[soulexposed]

It's never too late! I'm 23 and just decided this year that I don't want to do tech support anymore (I went to community college for two years to study it and now work for the government)... I'm saving my pennies while the hubby finishes off his engineering degree, and in two year's time I will be applying to art school! I'm sure everyone will think I'm bonkers for leaving a high-paying job, but I am super miserable right now and can't wait to get out. I don't want to be stuck behind a desk for the rest of my life doing something I've grown to hate.

I'm using the two years I have to draw, sketch, paint, or do something artistic every day. I figure after two years I'll have a decent enough portfolio to get into school without issue. Art is something I used to do all the time in high school, and then when I went to college I had to ignore it in favor of homework... not fun. I've been trying to get back into it for the past month and found some evening courses to hold me off until I can go to art school full-time.

Let's do this, homies. 8)

[QueenGwenevere]

My Dad started learning 3D modeling and industrial design a couple years ago when he was 58 years old, and he was barely computer-savvy before that... Now he's a professional industrial designer and SolidWorks guru and doing quite well at it. Heck, now he's designing trucks!

It's never too late 'til you're dead! Go for it. :)

[QueenGwenevere]

I'm not sure if this belongs in this thread, but I'm in a similar position, except I have no job at the moment. I'm 21, I have an animation diploma, studied graphic design also but just stopped because it isn't what I want to do. Realistically speaking I don't believe I have much to show from either.

I want to dedicate my spare time studying art but of course need something to support myself for 6 years or however it takes to be at a professional level while I do so. Is this a no-brainer? Should I just bartend or something? http://www.conceptart.org/forums/images/ca_smilies/normal/anj_eeh.gif

If I was you, I might try to get work from whatever connections you have in graphic design and/or animation as a "day job" while spending as much time as possible trying to pursue the kind of art jobs you really want (practicing and working on portfolio + marketing/networking.)

At least that way your day job is maybe tangentially related to what you want to do, and could help you segue into it, whereas if you did bartending or something it might lead you too far astray.

Though it sort of depends on what you want to do, exactly.

[jrstebbins]

These "am I too old?" threads make me chuckle. Usually I see them on weight lifting websites "am I too old to gain muscle?".

I am 46, a Creative Director (advertising) and when I was in my early 30s I gave up a great job in the biotech industry to become an illustrator. I had only painted as a hobby prior to that. I am not an illustrator now, but my professional journey lead me into advertising.

You are never too old. NEVER. The biggest asset you can develop is persistence and dedication, whether you are 24 or 50. Just. work. hard.

(this applies to both art and weight training)

j

[iron_guy]

okay. i am 26 and same position as the starter of this thread and many others....
here is the problem, everyone is saying that its never too late and start now and practice hard and draw more and more in order to be perfect etc etc.. but where to start, read books,, what books,, what tutorials.
btw this is an amazing site and my God artists here are like ultra talented. they draw so clearly and so realistically using just a pencil and white paper...i wish i could draw like that :(
any way plz reply to my question on what books to read, what dvd's to watch.. thanks you all.

[Amarok]

OP and other 'oldies,' I share some of the same fears and know exactly what you mean. I'm 22, and it seems like one of two things:

Everyone who is my age or younger is on their way to or already in art school.

Everyone who is my age or older is a graduate from art school or a professional.

And I feel like I've fallen so behind because I didn't have the opportunity to get an art education and I'm no good at learning enough on my own. :(


I try to look at it this way, though:
If I don't take a chance, or I tell myself it's too late, it's 100% guaranteed failure. However, if I work my hardest, there's a chance that I can show that perseverance counts for something, even if it's not as good as having talent.

[Nightfalls]

OP and other 'oldies,' I share some of the same fears and know exactly what you mean. I'm 22, and it seems like one of two things:

Everyone who is my age or younger is on their way to or already in art school.

Everyone who is my age or older is a graduate from art school or a professional.

And I feel like I've fallen so behind because I didn't have the opportunity to get an art education and I'm no good at learning enough on my own. :(


I try to look at it this way, though:
If I don't take a chance, or I tell myself it's too late, it's 100% guaranteed failure. However, if I work my hardest, there's a chance that I can show that perseverance counts for something, even if it's not as good as having talent.

Heh, I'm sure people who are 20-30 are much quicker learners than younger people. I know someone who did his high school degree in a single year, that would be impossible for anyone under the age of 18 because they simply lack the ability to learn as fast / effective as an adult. I just think the rate is different and people learn quicker once they reach 18-20, so it's not really a problem I think.

People also tend to exaggerate what someone who is very young can do. The people I see who are able to draw / paint well at a very young age are always limited to 1 specific field, they couldn't draw anything else and they were only able to use 1 medium.

[iron_guy]

People also tend to exaggerate what someone who is very young can do. .

This actually is very very true, however back to my question that where to begin, i live in very small town and it doesn't have any art school. How to begin. youtube, google books, dvds..... anything???

[ianthegeek]

Not sure what I can add to this thread but here goes. I am not a professional. I was an enthusiastic amature. I was recently made (by choice) redundent from my horrible civil service day job.

My thinking was "screw it, what have i been doing these past years". I'm now starting the, probably, long journey to making some money out of something i enjoy doing. Worse case scenario is that I end up homeless and hungry but most likely worse case scenario is that I end up having to do another crappy job I have no passion for. I have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

I'm 33 in september. (a young 33 mind... :))

[iron_guy]

Worse case scenario is that I end up homeless and hungry but most likely worse case scenario is that I end up having to do another crappy job I have no passion for. I have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

I'm 33 in september. (a young 33 mind... :))

ohh man..dont put ideas in my head every once a week i think for an hour if i had made a wrong carrier choice.
but drawing/sketching/animating and getting paid for it, it would be like working in a hollywood or playing in NFL. *dream job*

[Twan]

i've a friend who is 25. He attended to an art school a year ago so he is with people who can be 17 from 30 in the first "art grade". He told me oldest were the best at drawing eventhough they started study art very lately. Why? because they know they have no time to waste, they work their ass off because they want to find a job while the youngest spend their time going to parties. so you age can be an asset as it force you to work more and more

[Ivory_Oasis]

He told me oldest were the best at drawing eventhough they started study art very lately. Why? because they know they have no time to waste, they work their ass off because they want to find a job while the youngest spend their time going to parties.

Yup, this is sooo true.

While younger people are physically able to learn faster... they don't take advantage of the ability and do all kinds of other things instead. When you get older things become more serious and you really dedicate yourself.

Learning art becomes more of something you REALLY want, instead of just something that is fun to do.

Though, like any work... when you really dedicate yourself to it, everything else suffers. Social life dies, entertainment time dies... pretty much everything dies as you become an art zombie drawing all day >< But you can't argue with the results that has on skill! wwooott!

[SavageGoldfish]

You're never too old to get into art. There have been artists out there who don't start seriously into the art world until they're in their 60s and retired. Just depends on how bad you want it, and how much time you're willing to invest in it--and how stubborn you are. Do you throw up your hands and go "I can't do this, I SUCK" when you draw something that turns out badly, or do you go "Damnit, that blows, but I know I can do better!" and go right back at it? (One of my Top Ten Rules of Art--Never be afraid to do bad art. Everyone does bad art at some point. Even the most amazing artists in the world doubtless have moments of "CRAP, that's terrible!")

(Me personally, I'm 22, entirely self taught, been drawing nonstop since I was old enough to hold onto a crayon.....currently working on a way to break into the conceptual design industry myself. haha!)

[ENNEX]

What does age matter? If getting into art will make you happy, shouldn't you go for it regardless? :D I would bet you most of the people here aren't drawing because it's something they've always done, but because it's something they really enjoy.

[George Abraham]

It's kinda rhetorical.. It's allways to late to start.

[Black Spot]

I wasted 30 years, but am now back heading where I want to go. I'm hitting the big 50 this year and challenge anyone to tell me it's too late.

[Laurice]

Well, it's never too late to start at all! :) everyone sort of "matures" at their own pace and we all come to a point where we get the revelation of what we really want to do in life. And if you feel like doing art right now, this could be your revelation.

It's one thing to have a revelation, it's another thing to keep the "fire" inside burning and turn that revelation into success. :D so just keep investing your time in what you value most and on what you're really passionate about because nothing beats the work fueled by passion. :)

[elda4759]

I turn 20 next month and ive only been drawing for maybe a year? (very on and off mind you)
I'm still terrible, but finally decided that its what i want to do with my life. It feels a little to late, but wishing i had started an art degree and not a commerce isnt going to change it lol.

[sanya]

You know, recently I made friends with a super cool artist at a convention I was attending. We spent the few days of the convention chatting about this and that, and I couldn't help but observe that he was incredibly talented, if lacking in confidence. Finally towards the end of the convention we talked a bit our road to the art world and he confessed that he'd spent his entire life in a totally unartistic field and, at 39, decided to abandon it all in the pursuit of art. He's come a frightening distance in those few years (he's now 42) that made me look back at my last ten as though I'd been crawling when I should have been running laps.

Anyway, long story short, you're never too old if you have DRIVE.

[patram]

As long as you've got time and desire, it isnt too late. Educate yourself, surround yourself with people as minded as you are, enter competitions to challenge yourself, practice, practice, practice, don't let any one make you believe you can't do it! Oh one more thing.... Perseverance, determination, patience, self discipline, will power, positivity have to be your compasses to reach your goal.... (Easier said than done)

Where am I at today?? same as you but almost 14 years older, married, two children, flat tenant, account clerk....If this ain't enough to motivate the crap out of you!

[sone_one]

if its your desire to draw and paint, thats exactly what you should do. next year youll be even older and the question, if you should have tried it, will still be the same.

[Alex Eh]

My opinion is it's never never nevvvver to late to start anything.

(Whoa necro thread)

[BirdBirdBirdX3]

It's never too late to nerco post or do art?

[biomanz]

I'm 25..and a half. I graduated with an Economics degree (lol) and just learned I really wanted to draw. Learned Photoshop and practiced a little for a few months, only to lose focus and motivation along the way (self-teaching with nobody else felt so lifeless...). 3 years later doing nothing and working full-time, I'm getting back into it. Time is a real constraint, but that's just bad time management on my part. Half the work really is mental - shoving off doubts, fears, regrets, and taking in healthy criticism. Then there's the feeling that you aren't going anywhere while you practice and practice, the fear that you're wasting time for nothing. There's really only one way to go, though, and that's up; you can't get worse by drawing more! BUT, the sad reality is IF you do spend 5-10 years and aren't going anywhere at ALL, then you'll need to refocus on how you're learning and spending the time.

[dpaint]

Really; I started to seriously pursue art at thirty, before that I painted for myself. I spent five years learning on my own, working hard at drawing and painting. I would take jobs and save my money and then quit and practice some more. Got my first job with Baen Books then St Martins press then landed a job at Lucasfilm as an artist in the games division. So if you want it go get it. Wasting time posting in forums won't help you.
Make a decision and cut out tv, games and your social life and do it or don't. Who cares what other people think or say about what you want to do. Everybody told me I couldn't do it but I did it anyway. Now they are telling me I still can't do it cause the markets are different, the economy is bad, blah blah blah, its next gen, future gen, whatever. But guess what? I'm still working. I think of it like this- its not how will I become an artist and make my living, but rather who will stop me from doing it. No one except me. So get busy.

[DSiwek]

I often get these guilt pangs that I didn't spend enough of my teens and early-twenties focused on art, and that somehow I had irreversibly damaged my potential by not having several years of experience under my belt before I turned 25.

It's nice to be reminded that I'm just being silly and irrational :)

[Conniekat8]

Sometimes, the older you are the faster you can learn specific skills. When you are younger, you are learning a lot more then just a skill, you have general knowledge, work habits, discipline and few other things you are learning along the way.

I'm 42, and did a lot of amateurish tinkering with art over the years, and finally in last year or so I made a conscious decision to switch careers and do art more seriously, and started taking a few foundation classes to start with. We have people of all ages in the classes.

The only time it's too late is when you're dead.

[Syle]

This question used to bother me, especially when I first started working hard on this. But, I've become too busy and focused, that the issue just doesn't crop up anymore.

Because of the simple fact that I've cut everything that I used to think was fun (video games, TV, movies, etc) out of my life, drawing and painting has now taken over as "the fun thing that I do", and it has made all the difference in the world in regards to my happiness and quality of life.

Just my 2 cents.