Age ain’t nothing but a number

Let me take a moment to thank you and the team at ImagineFX for such a wonderful magazine. I look forward to reading it every month, and always learn something new. It inspires me to continue my studies and improve my skills.

Which leads to my question: is there such a thing as “too old” to break into the illustration business? I’m 48 years old and contemplating a change of career back to my first love of art. I wonder how difficult it will be at my age to get established in the field, though. I’d like to think the quality of the art would be more important than my age, but I’m curious what your opinion is. Any insights would be appreciated.

Thanks very much! Maalus Malefecti, via email Beren replies Wow! It must be the positioning of the stars and moon – people are itching for a change into the art world! My first impulse is to say, “Hell no!” Age shouldn’t be the basis of an art director saying yea or nay to employing you. That’s the principle. The reality is a little more murky. Truth is, it depends. It depends on where your skills were at before you originally changed career. It depends if you have an absolute burning passion to do art, going back to sharpening your drawing skills if need be, studying all hours of the day and night. Ultimately, it depends on the standard of your art right now. Speaking of which, send it in – I’d love to see it!