Becoming an Artist at 50 and Beyond: Why It’s Not Too Late

It’s never too late to begin making art. Whether you’re just starting or returning after years away, your age does not disqualify you.

The timing is perfect!

Well into my fifties, I made the decision to return to school for formal training in botanical illustration. I had already worked as an artist for years, but I wanted to build stronger technical skills and refine my craft in a focused way.

More importantly, I was ready to confront something that had held me back: the quiet belief that I wasn’t good enough For a long time, I thought I had missed my chance. That if I didn’t “make it” in my twenties or thirties, then I wasn’t meant to call myself an artist. I now know that wasn’t true. What held me back wasn’t age—it was fear. Fear that I had waited too long. Fear that I couldn’t catch up. Fear that I didn’t belong.

But art doesn’t care how old you are. It responds to time, attention, and practice. It grows when you commit to learning and stay curious about your own potential.

Begin today!

There are real advantages to starting or restarting your art practice in midlife. You’ve developed focus and discipline. You know how to follow through. You understand that progress takes time. These qualities support growth in a way that age alone never could.

It’s common to feel like you’re behind. I did. You might compare yourself to others and question your place. I’ve been there, too. But those doubts are not reasons to stop. They’re signs that the work matters to you.

If you’re considering starting art at 50 or beyond, I encourage you to begin now. Build a daily sketch habit. Take a class. Learn something new. You will improve with practice, and confidence will follow.

If you want a structured place to begin, my Procreate 101 course is built for beginners and returning artists alike. It’s a gentle, clear introduction to digital art that helps you create without pressure. Click here to enroll in Procreate 101.

You’re not too late. You’ve just in

time. Invest in yourself in this season!