Pursuing an art career in my 50's. Figuring out my niche and streams of income. How did I get here?

Not an artist, but I just got to say that it delights me to see a woman who is a little bit farther along the path of life than me pursuing her dreams. Helps me keep believing in myself and my future future. Really appreciate that you're putting this out there. It's always good to know that they're still good things to come down the road. ❤

Hi!!!! OMG - You could be telling my story. In 2018 I was in my 50’s, newly divorced after 23 years of marriage, had a job that paid more than I had ever even thought possible, and bought my dream home. By 2023 I was completely burned out and felt like I’d spent my entire life as a robot. I quit my job, sold my condo, and took a gap year. (Yes, everyone thought I was crazy) Recently, I started creating digital art for junk journals and am in the process of starting my youtube channel. I’ve no idea where this is headed but I’m never going back to corporate America. After watching your video and reading the comments, it appears we are all part of a movement to shed the old rules and truly live our lives as we feel they were meant to be. Big Hugs XO

I’m so happy YouTube recommended you to me! I don’t want to shade anybody, but I was getting really tired of getting advice from artists who are younger than my driver’s license. It’s just not terribly relatable for someone in my position.

I turned 70 last month and I want to have an art business selling my drawings. I like drawing musicians, especially Jazz musicians. I'm a musician. I play piano/Keyboard. I presently play at the church I attend. It's a Band like situation: with guitar, bass, drums and vocals. One of my favorite music to play is Jazz. I have a son, who turned 48 and lives in another State. I can be a intimidating trying to find my target audience. Thanks Michelle, your video is very helpful. From Kingsville, Ohio ( 60 miles northeast of Cleveland)🎨❤😊

Hello Michelle and you other youngsters 🙃 I'm 62, a british born female living in France and teetering on putting up my first YouTube video. It's truly inspirational to be led down the YouTube rabbit warren and popping up to find so many strong and independent Gen X or baby boomer women doing it for themselves and building fantastic communities. 👭👭👭👭 Bravo.

I am sometimes fooled by the “it’s too late” lie for myself. I’ll always tell people of all ages that it’s never too late to reassess and start something that you care about. But not myself. This made me realize I need to say that to myself as well. Thank you ❤

I truly appreciate the brave women who're coming forth to teach and show us what to do and to give us some real life experiences. I'm 49, and am also a creative. Lets do it together.

I’ve been divorced since 2019. Now my kids are grown and being truck driver is losing its luster. I’m 51 and started back to drawing again back in November for the first time since about 1997. This video is inspiring. Thank you.

I've been full-time for 7 years now..still watch these videos for the motivation...I'm 48.

I started my return to art at 47 and I will be 50 next year. I loved stickers growing up in the 80's, collecting, trading..all of it. I took a chance and started a cute sticker business after working retail for 24 boring years. I am now happier but struggling. I occasionally get grief for not doing what others consider an adult job. My business has been slow lately and I'm trying not to give up. I am so happy to find your channel and wish you all the best!

New sub! 🎉🎉I’m trying to fund my tribe of Gen X creatives. I’m 47 and took my love and skills of sewing back ❤❤❤

Thank you! I am 66 and I am going to be seeling my artwork as prints, making scented candles, I will be decorating the jars and making glass beads and making glass beads and embellishments.

I love finding other women over 50 finding their creative selves again! I discovered community theatre in my 40s and had a great time doing plays and musicals with my kids. Through that, I got back into dance, sewing (costumes), and singing. Now I have a channel exploring creativity through makeup. Your new direction sounds so exciting!

I am SO glad I stumbled onto your page! I'm the same. 58. Always wanted to just make art and wake up happy to work, but still earn enough to live. I grew up with "don't do art, you'll live in a box in the park". My parents weren't mean about it, but refused to let me take art in college and encouraged a "real job". I still get told by most people around me that art is playing and worthless. I want to live off creating but have been so demoralized. It's wonderful to see someone near my age doing this. Thank you! (I'm currently doing the sidehustles)

Wow...I could have written this myself, you are so relatable!! Burn out single mum having worked in Soecial Needs Education for years, sold my house & bought a van to live in, travel, recover & develop develop my art practice into something I can create an income from ❤ thanks so much for sharing your journey, it gives me hope!! And good luck with all you do 🎉😊

I'm 68 and caring for a mate. I'm very isolated and draw solace from my art. It is a passion. I have sold some pieces, but need to bring in more income. I can't work outside the home, so I want to learn all the income streams. My best wishes to you and all the commenters here. ❤

This is lovely! I am going down the divorce path right now. I'm living in the world's smallest space but it's cute. I found my passions again and removed ALL the roadblocks to pursuing those things. I've been hiking a great bit, yoga and curating my life to what I want now. My son is off to college and it was the perfect time. I've moved 3x, downsized even more, took an unplanned 7 weeks road trip, curated some more, spent a summer working with the National Park services and that pushed me back into my art- I am mostly watercolors, drawing, jewelry, some fiber art, pottery, photography. We are very similar- loved working the Gap in the 90's I wish they would bring that clothing back. I am also almost 50. It's funny how we come full circle! As immature as it may sound out loud, I say "I don't wanna!!!" to so many things in life, societal expectations, people who judge, etc.

I'm in the same place as you. In my 50s, wanting to start a (small) business as an artist: graphic designer and jewellery maker. I'm in a full time job, which I'd like to change, but I can't because I'm the sole breadwinner. I'm a very creative person and I recently rediscovered that part of myself, and I don't want to let it go now. I'm self-retraining and listening to your experience and future plans gave me such good ideas and motivation. Thank you. And I hope to join your community.

It's so refreshing to see someone closer to my age and experience talking about this for a change! Very inspiring, thank you!

I’m 59 and retired. I went back to school for art. I enjoy it. I’m figuring out what I want to do with my art. I’m glad I came across your channel.