How to Start Your Creative Career | Ingrid Nilsen

[@buffywalnut]

I started my handmade jewelry business as a side job at age 41. I quit my day job a couple of years later and did it full time from home for 5 years. Two weeks ago at age 47 (I’m gonna be 48 in August), I opened a cozy boutique to sell my jewelry. It’s never too late to start 😊

[@maitesoto1953]

Do you have a Web page, Instagram, or anything for your business? I'd love to check it out!

[@TheFeliciwhale]

That's amazing! Congratulations!

[@DalexVlogs]

omg, so awesome, congratulations !

[@noovernightguests]

Congratulations!

[@JasbirSingh-fk4wj]

Bless you..

[@GretchenHasTheFloor]

I'd love for this to be a series! As someone who often second-guesses my career choices and feels old and "way behind" on my goals, it's very reassuring to see these types of conversations happening.

[@TheAutumn1176]

I have never believed in the too old fear, so for anyone who has those fears: I am 43 & I have gone to school for three different majors throughout my life. I have followed my passions & interests. Whenever I’m really inspired to try something, I do it. Whether it’s a new vocation or hobby. Either this year or next, I am planning on taking art classes at the local community college while working full-time & being a single mom. My daughter will be 18, so it’s a bit easier. However, I did take college courses online, while working full-time as a single mom when she was young. Do it! Do what you love. Lead with that love & passion & interest. And things do get better with age. I love myself now more than ever. I love others. I love my community. Love conquers fear, so focus on love.

[@gennalee]

The point of "ideas that won't leave you alone" is SO important. I've had ideas that stay in my brain for years and do not leave until I do, try, whatever them. No matter the outcome, I am happy I did them. Such a great point for this video!

[@elenaadler4633]

'Doubts are lies. They appear as facts, but they are not'. THANK YOU.

[@iamdominiquewill]

The best advice for us creative souls !

[@notasdemy]

Silent follower from many years here: This is a great video, Ingrid! I love how genuine, mindful and thoughtful you are when it comes to giving advice. I would advice you to, indeed, turn this into a series.

[@DalexVlogs]

I believe you can do it at any age, as long as you motivated and have that fire inside of you still going forward and achieving things...

[@LuchiLaughLiveLove]

Anyone else keep watching Ingrid videos even though she wont post anymore? Just because she just heals your soul? So raw, vulnerable, insightful, fun, creative 😍 Just me? Ok , I mean Ive watched her for years and Im not just a fan, I admire and respect her work and her as a human being.

[@reckonerwheel5336]

I’m doing the same! Gonna put together a list of vids by her to keep me in a good headspace. Some of the topics she covers will always be relevant to my life. :)

[@beatagarczynska9890]

You are so encouraging, Ingrid. I was watching you while you were in your 20s, its amazing what a mature, intelligent woman you become! Sorry for my English, wish you all the best from Poland! ❤️

[@eHeroine]

"viewing creativity through the lens of youth" wow wow. I wasn't expecting to hear anything that struck me from the video, so thank you 😌 I got into KZbin 11 years ago as a kid, with my dad's camcorder, but it fell by the wayside after a few years. I felt a little disappointed in myself but knew that the film industry was tough and that computer science was a smarter path. Now I've had a job for a bit Im ready to dip my toe back in the water of being creative ❤️

[@virsumashell]

Silent viewer and fan for years here... Just wanted to express my gratitude for this video, expressing your thoughts and motivating me so much you don't even know!!! Proud of you Ingrid!

[@MeganAcuna]

I love what you said about needing some creative processes for just myself. Ever since I started to monetize my channel I’ve felt so much pressure around capturing EVERYTHING for content. I’m just now starting to cultivate more off-camera hobbies again after two years!

[@laurengonzalez4892]

I definitely needed to watch this video. I have been in the worst creative rut! I doubt myself so much that I'm letting it hold me back. I see others work and tell myself that I'm not good enough or won't be. Doubts are lies!! Thank you so much for this 💜💜

[@MariannaInari]

Never too late, NEVER! Age is never the main obstacle, it may be a little harder but it's never impossible ❤️

[@sachikok9656]

"Lie may be loud but they crack under the light of truth" - My heart was pounding when I heard this powerful words. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation Ingrid. This is one of my favorite videos you have ever made!

[@SophieCountsClouds]

It's so easy to tell that you've fallen in love with making videos again - you seem so much more genuinely happy to be talking about what YOU want and what makes YOU happy rather than what 'is popular' and will 'gets views' - this Ingrid inspires me SO MUCH to dig deep to find what I love

[@nomytheone]

_100%_ agree with giving something that “won’t leave you alone” a shot as a way of finding a path you would want to follow. Having always been into video games and admiring a parent who worked in IT when i was a kid, i am now working on my second academic degree and have decided to go into game development instead of law practice - it literally took me years to finally get here. I’ve never been the “nerdy” type who spends all of their free time coding and whatnot, but even starting fresh and just learning everything in my 20s i still feel like it’s the right thing for me. Very intellectually challenging and makes me super excited about the things I’ll be able to build with these tools. DON’T BE SCARED TO SWITCH! (i personally do see a lot of room for creativity in software development and computer science in general due to its wide applicability and law just wasn’t for me, there is no room for that imo.)

[@marshmm]

Your words are immensely profound, Ingrid! I have pages of notes taken just from this video alone...so many sacred words, and so much light from you! Thank you! A series would be incredible. Also, an honest video on making money from a creative outlet is 100% needed...

[@belladancerella09]

This is one of my most favorite videos you have ever done. I’ve watched it 2 times!!

[@misajaymes5499]

I recently graduated college and I've been in my head about what to do now and how to start my creative path and this showed up and was incredibly helpful! THAAANK YOOOU!!

[@Rita-ib2qo]

Ingrid, thank you. I can't get over how much I appreciate your work here and how you've taken this whole KZbin thing to another level. A whole league of your own. Well done.

[@ItsAmandaRed]

Have I just skipped 10 years of therapy watching this video??? Yes, I did. You’re so great with your choice with words is inspiring!! Thank you so much for doing it!

[@danifio89332158]

Can you talk in the next video about how you procure health insurance and other benefits in a creative career when you wouldn’t be joining a large company? Thank you Ingrid this was really inspiring and everything I needed to hear. Keep up the great work!

[@zillamandy]

This is motivating. I’m in my 50s and not starting a new career, but looking for a new job (after being laid off.) I just love how you talk about doubts being lies. I think it works for a lot of us, in different fields. I’m an exec/personal assistant! But I still felt it. Thank you! 🥀

[@chi0u]

So excited about this series. Thank you so much for taking the time to share all this advice!

[@michamielle6307]

You have a way or saying things and making things look so real that you help me every time. I mean this sincerely: you are a huge inspiration to me.

[@anastasiaova]

OMG Ingrid, thank you SO much for this. You really have a great way with words and expressing your thoughts that feel deeply personal yet concise. The question about 'too late' hit home. Here's to celebrating of not being 'good.yet!'. Let's keep getting the creative bruises along the way, everyone! WE CAN DO IT!

[@kaleywerebeauty]

Ingrid, I hope you know that your presence on KZbin is so sorely missed. I often go back and watch your old content because it's so comforting, especially in these turbulent times. This video was the therapy session I needed - after years and years of contemplating, I've finally started making beauty videos and I get overwhelmed sometimes by how saturated the market is and how amazing and professional everyone else's content seems to be. But this reminded me to continue creating simply for the joy of it. Miss you, Ingrid.

[@iamemilytrevor]

This is my favorite video you've created so far! I needed to gear what you said about anxiety building the longer you take to put your work into the world & that it's a gift you deserve to give yourself to release it. I'm so grateful you made this video & love the series idea ❤❤❤❤

[@xoangievergara]

I‘ve been a subscriber since 2012 & it’s honestly so humbling to see how down to earth you still are. I really appreciate this video & glad it’s now a series!!💗

[@amberjudd4498]

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." ~C.S. Lewis. There really is no deadline for any kind of path you want to take in this respect. I have a friend who's mother just graduated as a nurse at age 60. I just turned 35 two days ago, and seeing the things she's achieved late in life has encouraged me so much. Then I look at other people like Lynn Slater a.k.a. the "Accidental Icon." Her fashion & creativity are so fantastic. Don't let your age limit you. We're always growing throughout our lives...keep striving for that creative passion/joy, and just go for it! :)

[@ourportuguesehomestead]

I only started watching you recently and am loving this very grown up content, looking for self development. ❤️

[@paigedel1961]

You should definitely read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, on living a creative life. It's amazing!

[@kasiowelove1]

Thank you for recommendation! :)

[@Loriloya]

I believe that part of my path is coming across this video. I too go from a to z and immediately tell myself no. Its a process. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@eliseclopton5824]

Excellent video - looking forward to the next one. The truth exercise you describe seems really in line with Kristin Neff’s work on self compassion.

[@MichParker]

This video is so beautiful and inspiring, honestly I felt really insecure about making a KZbin channel but at the end I said “so what? It’s something that I really want to do, so let’s give it a try” and I don’t regret it! I may not have a big following or anything, but I feel so happy with what I’ve done so far and it’s something that I really love and enjoy doing ♥️ Please make this into a series! 🙌🏻

[@charlierewilding]

This is so inspiring to read Mich, good luck with your channel! I've just started, and feel exactly the same way! Charlie x

[@stasykendel1265]

I will just join the comments below. This video came out at the right time and was very helpful and reassuring. You saying, that the idea which keeps popping up is worth paying attention to, nudging me to actually go for it and give it a chance. Sometimes I feel like I'm purposly trying to find exuses not to start something creative just because have too many fears that I'm not good enough, that it's not gonna work out, that my attempt is gonna be so miserable and worthless... but in fact nothing's holding me back except from myself. And your video helped me realise it even more. Thank you!

[@ninnush]

Thank you Ingrid. I’ve been your subscriber since like 2010 so I have watched your journey and you’ve always been an inspiration. I recently started my own creative path, I opened my ceramics studio and I feel very hopeful. Everything you say is SO true. Especially allowing yourself to be bad, which is a very liberating thing.

[@m.thompson3919]

I would love this as a series! ☺️❤️ Can you talk about the importance of reliability and communication in a creative career? I think a lot of people get caught up in the fantasy of being recognized as an artist, but they don't realize that being an artist is still a job with deadlines, paperwork, and emails. They think it's going to be a grand experience where people put you on a pedestal for your talent, and you get to spend all day every day just doing your craft.

[@katie4623]

This is much better content than videos about armpit hair.

[@MaggieFromm]

Ingrid, I absolutely LOVED this video. So many points hit home for me, especially the phrase: "doubts are lies." I'm going to do the lie/truth exercise because I know it will help me with my own creative journey.

[@Wildmetalhead]

This was actually really needed to hear!! Thank you so much for this because this is what I want to do when I'm older. I want to provide art therapy to people who have or struggle with any mental, physical, social, psychological, behavioural and cognitive disabilities. I've been also painting lately out now where every time I see myself stressed out. It's so Therapeutic! 🙌🥰

[@mslcarmon]

Thank you so much for this video. Yes, please make this a series. Thanks again for sharing and being so open. This has really helped me so much at this time in my life and career. 💛

[@TheFeliciwhale]

Wow this was so helpful for me. Thank you Ingrid!

[@annajoie700]

Ingrid, you truly have such a way with words and that last part that you touched on regarding the lies we tell ourselves was so powerful and can be applied to multiple facets of life, in general!! Thank you for continuing to share all your wisdom and insight with us!! Light and blessings to you!! 💛🙏🏼❤👏🏼

[@euniceyoonjioh]

This video could not have come at a better time. I had planned throughout college and a little after to pursue a career in the health field, but something always felt off. A few months ago, I decided to take a risk and allow myself to pursue creative career (fashion/jewelry/luxury) and it has been a battle. SO many times I want to just give up and go back to the health field bc I have the experience and credential to show it.. but my desire to work in a creative field is so much stronger. Thank you for making this video Ingrid. It was simultaneously an insight and encouragement :)

[@rssll90]

Ingrid, I have followed you for many many years and I love every video you post - but this... wow, it was another level. Thank you for this! I found it really inspiring and informative, hope to see more of this series soon. :)

[@kutelilkanga]

Oh my gosh yes this series is everything thank you I’m so excited to see you continue with this this is these are such important topics for so many people and I hope it helps a lot

[@williamwhite1036]

@20:55 Ingrid,you have answered that question very well. I love how smart you are.

[@Olivia-qu2tj]

Such a great video! I have been thinking about starting a lifestyle blog for YEARS now but just haven't gotten round it. It is however definitely a reoccurring thought throughout my whole life. I also limit myself a lot though and think "I'm 26, I'm too old now" or "it's all been done before, so why would MY blog be any different?". I recently finally created my own Wordpress account but haven't moved any further because "I don't have any good ideas on what I could name my blog". So silly, right? But in the end we are the only ones standing in our way. Really enjoyed this video, thank you. Maybe a video on how to motivate yourself and manage time better on the side of a full-time job? Thanks Ingrid for the inspiration!

[@ericagoehring1089]

Yes, a series PLEASE!!

[@marinadoss3618]

Thank you so much for making this video. As a high school freshman who wants to pursue a creative career, this video helped me in so many ways. I am constantly being told by my parents that I cannot pursue art or other creative careers because it’s important to have a stable income and not rely on someone else for money later along the line. So I gave up, and abandoned my idea and story and my goals. But then this popped up in my recommendations so I watched it, and I cried because I realized that I should keep developing my story and ideas, because I CAN make my creative career a reality. Thank you :,)))

[@jatvirginmega]

I can't wait for this series. I have already started jotting down notes in my journal for this! Grateful for you :)

[@jillianmclaughlin25]

by FARRRRRR my favorite video of yours you have EVER made! i am inspired and optimistic and bahhhhh holy shit i love you!!

[@monicam7980]

Thankyou so much for the video, this is everything I always worry about, the emotional side of starting a creative career is something that's not talked about enough so thankyou for being so honest! 🎨🙏💛

[@morticia129]

Allowing myself to be bad is so important. Thanks ♥

[@megstarbright]

You should do retreats on this stuff lol you clearly have a calling for sharing your wisdom in an approachable way

[@MariekeMelchers]

This came just in time for a project that I've been wanting to start but am too afraid to actually do. Thank you for giving me a lil push in the right direction. I needed that!

[@MarielaMerino]

I felt like it was too late to start making videos here but I did it anyway and I’m so happy I did 😁 it’s never too late!! Remember that ❤️❤️❤️

[@Teaslippers]

Thank you for this. This has been really helpful and freeing to listen too. I’ve always had the fear of starting, now I’ve the frustrations of growing older having never done it. It’s time to put that aside and just be me. 🙂

[@townsendstephen]

Oh my days. You are me in a younger and a female form. I really enjoyed this vlog. It is going to help a lot and I look forward to the others for creatives.

[@alexmcginness8859]

Omg girl, me too with cooking! I NEVER want to lose my love for it, so I’ve never tried to monetize it. My least favorite part about monetizing food is having to document it.

[@looksidewalkpenguin]

I love this so much. Honestly really needed this. I've just finished my degree and have been feeling super lost. This really hit close to home and I'm going to sit down and make list. I dont know if I want to be in the creative field or not but your video has motivated me to explore and find out! Can't wait to see more from you Ingrid!

[@rachelevans9906]

What a beautiful video with so many uplifting messages. Bravo Ingrid.

[@xreadingsolacex]

i really appreciate this series. i'm at the age where i have to start thinking about my future, and i know i want to do something creative, so i'm really thankful for this series.

[@ericagoehring1089]

Dear Ingrid, I loved this so much! I am a writer at heart, but other responsibilities have pushed my writing time aside. I am 40, and coming out of "retirement." 😄

[@kimlaroutis8996]

Thank you so much Ingrid for putting out there such quality content. I love the way you speak, describe and explain.

[@MissyRosieeful]

I love this, and I’m so excited for the next video! I own a small business as an artist, so I’m super interested in these topics and appreciate your insights and encouragement ♥️ Please make this a series!

[@AmandaWeldon]

So much love for this video! I love being a creator and in this day and age there are so many ways we can all share our creativity. Even if it doesn't feel like it we are all creative beings. Thanks for the inspiration Ingrid! Just adore you and your energy! (Ps. such a cut top hahah had to say it!)

[@stephaniecook93]

This video just came at the most perfect timing 💕My girlfriend and I have been thinking for a while about starting a KZbin channel and myself an Instagram page for my photography. This video just addressed a lot of the thoughts going on in my mind right now and helped me refocus. Thank you 💫

[@kareesem324]

Wish you good luck and abundance on your business 😊

[@ganmudan]

that is totally me I have an idea and I take it from a simple thing to what it could be and it gets so big and overwhelming.

[@atsirhccindro89]

Thank you for this! I needed to hear it! Especially that you're never too old.

[@weatherby551]

Love this! So many good points and reminders. I'm getting inspired!

[@Pandalovesleopard]

Hello Ingrid! I haven't commented in years but I'm still a loyal subscriber 😊 I love the idea behind this new series. I also found that as your channel evolved towards more heart to heart talks... Your words reached me more. This episode gave me a lot to think about. Thank you for sharing your insights. Best wishes for 2020!

[@liisaliisa13]

Thank you for this video! I am an MA Production Management student for TV and Film and it is so hard to get into the industry 🤦‍♀️... Also now I feel like I dont really have a creative hobby

[@amandaasr16]

Ingrid thank you so much for this video. It was surely a gift at the right time for me. I am 29 and just recently had a baby but have been creative all my life and even though I'm still young, being a mom has made me feel it's too late for my creative career and I put it on hold and you have officially pushed me thank you so much!!! I know you said this will be a series...I would love it if you could do a video on how to remain motivated and push yourself even on days when you have creative block or dont think you can go through with it

[@admirbarucija2018]

Your videos always give me something to look forward to, Ingrid I hope you have a great weekend!! 🥰❤️ I need to work on my own creativity, it’s not my strong suit

[@Michelle-uq8dw]

There are so many things I want to accomplish, but I tend to get really discouraged when I feel like nobody acknowledges the work I put in with the projects I do share. I blame the algorithms for making it harder to gain that recognition, because I know that my work is good. Focusing on creating work I'm happy with rather than the numbers/likes is not always easy.... Anyway I can't wait to see the nest video in this series.

[@etoeneudorf]

Amazing video Ingrid! Thank you so much for channeling your eloquent communication skills and compassion for helping others in making this series. I’m looking forward to rewatching this video to really soak it up this week! I’m so excited your making this series as I look up to you and the way you’ve grown and learned through the years :)

[@robynperry387]

LOVED this video!! Can't wait for the rest of the series!! Love from an aspiring classical singer.

[@lalalauren247]

this hit home with me and where i’m at in my life right now, thanks for making this vid! can’t wait for more in the series

[@emmacauvin]

It's my third time watching this and everytime I find it more helpful, insightul and inspiring! I love your approach towards creativity and how authentic, original and honest your content has become. I'm not going to comment every insight shared here as I am reflecting about them in my time of creative self discovery, but I just wanted to thank you for sharing, Ingrid! ❤ P.S. I would love for this to become a series!

[@gabriellejackson1034]

I loved this video! I’m so excited for the next one!

[@mschrisfrank2420]

I was really able to start writing when I let go of the idea of the end result and focused on the process.

[@liferever]

it took me a few weeks to finish watching that video, each one of your responses is so true. I needed to be ready to hear it)

[@the.soup.troupe6192]

So glad I watched this!! We're a new food blog aiming to grow. I similarly realized how much I love cooking. I didn't cook a whole lot, so I started going out of my way to cook a meal at least once a week. It has helped me save money, lose weight, find a hobby, and now I am aiming to film it & see if it can gain some traction :) This advice was really great, lots of new tips or things I hadn't thought about & in many ways reaffirming. Thank you!

[@SageMarie72]

I needed to hear a lot of this. Thank you Ingrid!

[@allisonnorton5670]

I feel like I’m going to rewatch this video a lot as I’m working on my goals lol

[@sarahnancy]

The most amazing inspirational video for starting a creative career

[@agentkoopa6129]

You have really helped me with my career decision in so many ways. Thank you thank you so much.

[@melissac897]

This is the therapy session I didn’t know I needed. ❤️

[@michelamcdonagh8494]

Please makes this a series! Will you make a video about social media and creative careers? As a musician, I'm really struggling because I need to have more presence on Instagram. I'm allowing myself to experiment with content that makes me feel like I'm bringing an authentic image. But sometimes I feel like I'm fighting against the IG algorithm "rules" (like any image or video with my face in it always gets more engagement than something without, I have to post constantly, I have to use hashtags). How do I balance authenticity and quality with quantity in numbers, likes, and KPI?

[@IllustratorSariah]

I loved this so much! I can’t wait to see what comes next 💛

[@bubbleworld279]

This has to be my favourite video so far !!! Thank you Ingrid ☺️

[@nrod499]

Thank you so so much for this video I recently started my KZbin channel and I am very excited for it I actually just posted my 3rd and favorite video I've posted so far wish me luck 🥰🤞🏽

[@nanchulis6298]

Goodluck on your channel! 💕

[@nrod499]

@@nanchulis6298 thank you 🥰

[@emmaadshakeel1529]

I am not much of a commenter on videos but this time I just could not help myself to not to say this ..... you are very good .... and very well said ....

[@williamwhite1036]

This video really helped me Ingrid

[@daniellecallendar6057]

Awesome video Ingrid! This is such a great reminder that the process is the reward. Thank you for sharing!

[@erinmarie840]

Amazing! Please make this a series! ❤️