Midlife Creativity | Short Documentary

The short documentary film tells Tom's story and shows his journey towards becoming a successful artist, in the years beyond his youth. Tom is an inspiration to those who believe it's never too late to use the gifts that God has given them.
Tom's Website: tommatousek.com/
Tom's Facebook Page: / matousekart
Soul Original Media: souloriginalme...
Directed and Edited by Corey Besmer
Produced by Soul Original Media
Featuring Tom Matousek

[@TomMatousekArt-j9h]

I just would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has watched and commented. What you have said has lifted me more than you can possibly imagine. When I started this journey it was really about me trying to be what I was created for. I had no idea that it might resonate with so many people and I am so humbled and inspired now. There is definitely so much more to the story and I hope to share more in the future. Shout out to Corey and Soul Media for making me look way better than I am. I wish I could respond to every comment, I’ve read every one of them and they all mean the world to me. Blessings on all of you.

[@benyantovisuals]

Just turned 50 and finally quit my 9 to 5 job to pursue my dream as a full-time photographer. I'm so much happier now .

[@ThisDesignLife]

Great to hear

[@mylifepart2]

how cool is that....happy 4 you

[@dragonspitch4rk]

Congratulations! Thats a big deal. I’m 50 and just sold my first photos this year.

[@MakeBetterStuff]

Awesome.

[@mordekaipalms]

Amazing!

[@ArmTheCreative]

RETIRE is such a corporate word. Great story. Listen to your body more. It will tell you when you are doing the right thing. Also, always do what you loved as a kid!!!

[@agomodern]

My dad always said he was never retired, just tired. He could work harder with 40% of his heart functioning than me in good health.

[@JasonJalivay]

I'm 48 and quit my job two years ago to be a digital artist and it feels so good to be working on my graphic novel. Can't wait to finish so I can start the next.

[@Chasingsolace]

We all have something to contribute and leave behind. Congratulations to everyone in the comments who've found the courage and found the piece of them they'd like to leave behind. Pursue your passions!

[@HereWeAre__01]

53 year old artist here. Just started my art path 2 years ago and loving every minute of it!

[@ChristopherDecker]

WOW - I am very inspired by this video thank you for sharing. I also noticed he had the verse 1 Peter 4 10-11 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

[@willhelliwell]

This is a reminder that I need to make more music. I took a break when my daughter was born. Now after 3 years I'm itching to get back to it. This time, without an agenda of trying to "break into the industry".

[@nomadvideomachine]

I’ve worked as a creative free lance / entrepreneur for almost 15 years and only recently - when I was 43 - took a job working for a government archive! I love it… my free time feels much more free and I love the financial stability. So that’s an option as well! ❤

[@amandaoneal440]

I've had a very similar experience to yours. I pursued a predictable and financially stable career in healthcare to avoid the poverty that I grew up in. Then I got very sick for a couple years and it changed my perspective on life. I realized I had been neglecting my creativity throughout whole adulthood because I thought the "stability" was more important. I realized that life is short and if you want to do something, you just have to do it. I recently left my career in order to start something new in the creative field. I'm very optimistic and excited to see where it goes and I feel freer than I've felt in a long time.

[@Turtlpwr]

As a guy a couple years away from his 40s who is finally coming back to music after quitting it professionally almost ten years ago now, this is so inspirational

[@NewGottland]

Love that portrait of Mary Blair in the background. What an inspiration!

[@bblaze9952]

Im 44 as I watched this...just started putting my artwork out there about a year and a half ago....An inspiring story to sat the least.

[@nobodyfamous]

use your gifts up, that's real.

[@topsykrett8]

Truly an inspirational story

[@tito.tarantula]

Such an inspirational mini documentary, well done. Glad you're still with us Tom, the world's a brighter and better place for it. Stunning artwork.

[@bm5466]

This video it's pure hope for me, thanks..

[@WeAreSoccerShow]

Really well done video. Honestly, impressive how it was shot, the music chosen fits so well, and it keeps you tied to the end. Love this.

[@raymond8897]

Thank you so much. I needed this from the Universe.

[@TjVoelkerArt]

This hit me in the feels really hard!! I walked away from 40k a year to do my art. This just felt like confirmation that I was right to do it. Thank you so much!

[@andreaszircher]

So inspiring! Thanks! ❤💪🥳

[@tapeexperiments]

If you love it, do it.

[@RyanCalavano]

Wow needed this video right now. Thank you!

[@s.a.carpenter22]

Inspiring!

[@JedediahTombstone]

I recently crossed over. Art is a way of being, work is a means of surviving.

[@Quantrills.Raiders]

same thing happened to me with my father, i used to draw when i was a kid and my dad said "why dont you draw something that will make money" so i thought i should only draw things that i could sell so i spent years focusing on things i had no interest in only because it made money

[@suzanneboily5224]

I love arts everything arts! But I am very negative at times hard on myself. But getting there.

[@LONDONTEASKATE]

Damn this was beautiful

[@tapeexperiments]

Enjoyed the short doc! Where did the music come from?

[@Victor-Rojas]

Great story! I love the color grading. too. What did you shoot this on?

[@souloriginalmedia]

Thanks Victor! I shot this on the Blackmagic Pocket 6K.

[@JackSashArt]

I'm 51 and just started my new life. Here's to the next 50 years doing what I love!

[@gustavbrinkel5489]

All power to you!

[@flatcamerafilms307]

I wrote and illustrated my first book at 67.

[@sharifbenyisrael6493]

Congratulations

[@libramoon9968]

That's awesome

[@virgilpillay]

Well done

[@souloriginalmedia]

Congrats! What's the title?

[@goingwalkaboutnow]

Very inspiring

[@Angels-3xist]

Creation is the affirmation of life. Whether you succeed or not, the reward is being alive.

[@djr3386]

Love your comment. 🙏🏽

[@andrewchambers9752]

Amen to that!

[@frankflores151]

So impactful with only a few sentences.

[@tibbss111]

To add to that, I would say there is no succeeding, only doing, and that is what you should enjoy.

[@tshobe7833]

I would have watched a full 2-hour version of this....thank you.

[@ratheepindia]

Hi where is it available? Iam nearing my 40..😂

[@annemangan415]

I’m 57 and I just discovered I love drawing with graphite pencils and I’m getting better at it everyday.

[@TjVoelkerArt]

keep going!

[@gustavbrinkel5489]

Love it

[@bikepathstudio]

I'm 38 and quit a full time job that sucked the life out of me and opened a home recording studio. I needed every word in this video so much. Thank you.

[@eb3219]

What next after quitting your job?

[@jackedkerouac4414]

49 year old voice artist here after 12 years of marketing. Still broke but happy lol. Thank you I needed this.

[@souloriginalmedia]

Hey everyone, thank you so much for watching! I never thought Tom's story would reach this many people. This mini doc was a passion project birthed out of my love for art and the opportunity to tell artist's stories. It's so cool to see how many of you have been inspired by Tom. It's evident that his perseverance and drive in pursuing his dreams has made an impact. So, I plan on highlighting more artists in the future. I have an idea of who I'd like to feature next. However, if you know of any talented artist that has a powerful story, feel free to reach out and let me know. Thanks and enjoy the show! -Corey Besmer, Soul Original Media

[@davidcahan]

I've never heard that.

[@GLOBEX-PLORER4K]

on the contrary, thank you !

[@Ronnie_S]

Thank you so much for this video! I found it inspiring!

[@christineturner2964]

Overall it's a lovely short and I enjoyed it! On the other hand I am disappointed that the Mary Blair piece was not mentioned in the interview. He sat in font of the painting during the majority of the clip. Obviously, he painted it and it's the largest of his work shown. I know the interview was about Tom, but Mary Blair obviously she ment something to him. You didn't ask about the elephant in the room -- why not?

[@dragonspitch4rk]

Hey Corey- First, great work on this. Had me engaged from start to finish. Thank you. Second, I’m what some would call one of the Wu-tang Killa Beez. I’m now the founder of @gryskll, a group of “midlifers” who came together via Instagram Reels in 2021 to make music and podcasts about topics like mental health, brotherhood and more. I founded the group as I was clawing my way out of a debilitating battle with depression, anxiety & more. I’m working on learning to tell my story via my Patreon (gryMatter) and I just launched the Patreon for the group (GRYSKLL) this week. I’d love to talk to you sometime if you’re interested.

[@MrMycoolwright]

Hey Tom, thanks so much for sharing mate. As soon as I saw the title... I thought "The algorithm has really nailed it this time." I never write comments, but I had to for this. 20 years taking care of people with disabilities, then I had a stroke at 37. they discover a massive tumor on my heart and gave me months to live. Treatments make me sicker than cancer but seemed to work until I started suffering full blown seizures and discovered I have 3 brain tumors 😬 long story, short... 3 brain surgeries later and a whole lot of soul-searching / hospital visits. I am now in furniture design. I have always loved creating. And now I do it, You just gotta start doing it and keep doing it, the rest takes care of itself

[@TomMatousekArt-j9h]

I have no words. This is amazing!!! I have a friend that works in furniture design. A creative path that I never would have even thought about. Now I see furniture design differently.

[@stevenharms488]

What a beautiful and heartfelt documentary. I'm actually lucky enough to have this guy as my father in law. One of the most genuine people I have ever met.

[@TomMatousekArt-j9h]

Thanks son. Love you.

[@my_sideproject3815]

"You've had a whole lifetime to do something special and you didn't even try..." NO ONE should have to tell themselves this. Life is beautiful and short. God created us, therefore, we are inherently creators. Get out there and create something amazing today!

[@Lasuperzambi]

Thank you.

[@eb3219]

I mean, isn’t raising a family something special? Seems like he downplayed that part of his life, also was his career choice something that wasn’t fulfilling ? I know the feeling, I quit being a journalist (boring) in my 20’s to become a special Ed teacher and it’s helped me feel more meaning and purpose in my life

[@etheriherself]

It has been a year since I left my highly paid career in IT. My heart began to fail due to years of stress and corporate bullying. 💔❤‍🩹Because of my job, I lost friends, relationships, health, and almost my life. 😔 I haven’t been on a date for 4 years (I am not ugly at all). Time flies behind the computer screen, and no one can give it back to you. As a 36-year-old woman, I am starting from scratch as a professional artist. 😶‍🌫I am scared, but on the other hand, I don’t have much to lose. And for everyone who fears competition - be authentic and have your own style, then you are safe. Remember, authenticity and uniqueness are powerful assets. Best of luck on your journey! 🎨✨

[@stevewithers5317]

Thanks for sharing. Good luck to you too. Take care 🙏

[@836dmar]

Someone gets it! God created us for so much more than to be in a hurry to amass more junk.

[@thedailydigs6195]

Everyone tells us that art isn’t good for us. That’s because, most of them are incapable of following their own dreams, due to fear or some other force. They don’t understand the power of ART. It’s innate. Loved this.

[@bjornlinsin4570]

Amen!

[@AlecBoyd]

As kids we’re told not to bank on being an athlete or an artist for a living. There’s a lot of recreational beer softball league players, but not enough recreational artists. People are too worried about being ‘bad’ at art, but that’s really not a thing.

[@thedailydigs6195]

@@AlecBoyd I agree, and “bad” and “good” art is subjective.

[@JonDunnmusician]

All true except for your first statement everyone tells us is completely untrue there are many people that support art fully & with gusto, thoughts & words including

[@thedailydigs6195]

@@JonDunnmusician that was figuratively, but I agree, some do support.

[@psychoactiv]

Tom, thank you for this inspiring video. I'm 43 and been an artist my whole life. I recently quit my day job a month ago to pursue art full time. Taking that step was scary. But I couldn't go on living with the idea that I'd regret not going for it. This past month has been incredible. The thought of knowing I work for myself. Not having to clock in and work for someone else. The freedom of making my own schedule. I've gotten more work done in 4 weeks than in the last year. I hope more artists and creative people can find it in themselves to make a plan and set forth working for themselves. And share their gifts with the world. Cheers sir.

[@etheriherself]

🤗 another one "reborn" artist here! 🍒

[@TomMatousekArt-j9h]

It’s such a hard way of life, but as my buddy says, prosperity comes in many flavors, like Baskin Robbins. What flavor do you like the most? I’ll never be rich but I wake up, make coffee, walk the dog and paint Mickey Mouse. I love it.

[@TonySwaby]

A journey many of us have made. My pivotal moment was cancer when I was 60. Now I make portraits everyday and have done for the last 4 years (3000 to date)

[@lightintheart]

my dad passed away and left me two digital keyboards. the last portion of this video was reaffirming to continue using them and to follow my heart and passion for music. I thought it was interesting how Tom developed heart problems when he wasn’t following his heart. Then, once he healed from it he decided to follow his heart and pursue being an artist. It’s both real and surreal when we suppress things in our lives and how over time our body will manifest that into something that shakes and awakens us to choose a different direction. It’s as though we were born to follow that path and the universe gives us consequences when we refuse to heed to its calling.

[@digdrivediy]

Great job on the video. Very inspirational and makes me want to break away and go full time at KZbin. I made a video about my similar story (Follow Your Passion), but I'm still doing my regular job along with pursuing these creative interests. This video makes me want to rethink and go full tilt with TY and creative pursuits. Thanks!

[@chantingscorpius]

Same story as me… always known I was an artist, became an engineer to please my parents, survived a major heart attack in my forties, started painting recently… at 56… don’t want to leave this world without trying out what resonates with my true nature…

[@agomodern]

Luckily you pleased your parents so that now you can afford (pun intended) to follow your dreams.

[@RobShaffer]

Wow, are you Tom? Haha. Kinda crazy coincidence. Go follow your heart!

[@Ironwill_Games]

I’m 46… maybe it’s not too late!

[@Pom88pom]

Never too late!

[@GLOBEX-PLORER4K]

im 45, and just had my art awakening. I right there with you, man !

[@rendomfilms]

I'm 46 and just returned to art. I put it down in 2015. The past 8 months I've been at it again. Over the past couple of months,, I've been pushing out way more than I ever have. It's never too late. Let's go!

[@sergiosandoval7955]

I wish my parents would have pursued what they love so I would have memories of them being happy.

[@dminns]

I can't even begin to tell you how serendipitous it is to have this video recommended to me. This gives me so much more hope that I'm doing the right thing by going for what I love to do. It's a hard battle, but if it's well-fought, you won't regret the battles. Thank you.

[@souloriginalmedia]

Thanks Drew! Glad you were encouraged by Tom's story.

[@peterjensen1455]

Bravo

[@piercefiction]

Here I am 29 thinking it was too late. This is so inspiring. Thank you.

[@MacomberArtProjects]

wow. what a great video to watch the morning of my 44th Birthday. Soli Deo Gloria

[@rhondamoore9842]

Happy birthday!

[@souloriginalmedia]

Happy belated birthday, David! Soli Deo Gloria indeed.

[@lumoborteidoku]

Thank you Tom for sharing your story. You're one more person I get to add to my list of people who have inspired me during this 'midjourney'... and thanks Soul Original Media for capturing Tom's story so beautifully.

[@creativestrategyintersecti6268]

So wonderful. I’m 53 and on an artistic journey after 30 years in business.

[@jackiblair7932]

Good heavens. My Mother recognized my ability but told me over and over that I couldn’t make a living as an artist. It has rattled around in my head for nearly 80 years. I’ve dreamed, begun and stopped. So lost. I nearly didn’t read this and I’m glad that I did. Congratulations to you for breaking through that brain barrier and making contact with your heart.

[@BenHeffernanArt]

Noooo! I'm so sorry! Thank you for commenting. In Australia I met a guy named Jack Absalom. He ran tours in the outback. He used to take art tours where artists used to go into the outback and paint the stunning scenery. One day he asked one of the artists if he could have a go. He was 44 years old. He said he never even knew he could paint lettle own come to love it. Just paint, just paint....

[@erin3292]

And little by little, doors started opening ✨🙏✨

[@andrea_bohemianscrapsody]

This made me cry! I'm so glad I found it. Very inspiring. I'm 58 and this was a great kick in the ass for me. I make quilts and have been wanting to make more art quilts and do something more with it, but I've been using my full time job as an excuse to not do what I want. Thank you for this video.

[@fredventure]

Lovely video! This is how you "Don't die with your art still inside of you"!

[@aledmb]

i'm 44 and i learned this year that i love sculpting in VR.

[@aussieanne6812]

Retiring isn’t the end … it’s truly the beginning of a new chapter of life. I’ve always loved drawing and leaving work at 60, not by choice, gave me the opportunity to do more drawing and a more social life. So embrace change and make the most of it.

[@NathanWind99]

I wonder how many talented artists were discouraged by parents and teachers, solely because it's perceived as not financially lucrative? Then you hit your 40s or 50s and realize you wasted so many years chasing the dollar but you were never truly happy.

[@RespireOfficial]

Great video. The kitchen area at 01:40 looks just like Jesse's duplex in Breaking Bad, amiright?

[@PetersonJoseph]

"You can’t be an artist, its too competitive. You’ll never make it, be an engineer, make your $30,000 a year." OMG his dad sounds just like my inner dialogue.

[@souloriginalmedia]

👀

[@biocykle]

Guess where that inner dialogue originates from...

[@dottiebaker6623]

I just talk back to my inner negative voice, out loud, and say "Oh yes I can. Watch me."

[@TomMatousekArt-j9h]

I don’t hold it against my dad. It was solid advice. But I think now he knows now.

[@karacoldmusic]

This is beautiful and I think more of us (artists in/entering midlife) need to see this.

[@souloriginalmedia]

Thanks Kara!

[@robinstratton2204]

I am 60 now. I always as a child thought about, dreamt about and did art. I knew I wanted to be an artist as young as four. When it came time for college my dad Encouraged me to do something else to make money. Stopped doing my own art work. I became a therapist and worked with children and teens and encouraged them to do art as therapy. When I turned 50 I woke up and stated I had lost to many years not having my own art life. I still work as a therapist because I love it. But art helps me survive the stress this job has attached to it. Weekends, days off and after work I am painting. I once again dream of art and never stop thinking through my artistic mind.

[@BenHeffernanArt]

Beautiful! Thanks for commenting! I try to tell people that it's therapy. It transports you to another realm. All your troubles seem to disappear for a little while. Maybe because we are bending our minds to other things? All I know is it works. Someone once said to me, have you noticed in kindergarten that all kids love to paint. It's only as they get older they put it aside.

[@robinstratton2204]

@@BenHeffernanArt I believe art takes us to another place. rather we call meditation, spiritual realm or connection to our inner child it can be very healing. Art allows us to assess the deeper feeling part of the brain, the less logical thinking place to quiet or turn up the volume of the unconscious parts of the true self. Kids just know how to do this and are expressive, excited and proud of their art. They have fun. The young child hasn’t yet learned to listen to the noise in your head that shuts down older brains by being critical and fearful.

[@samashby8203]

My mother is an Art Therapist. Best of both worlds!

[@stevehare9783]

This came up in my feed as well this evening. Wow, I can so relate. I also picked up a brush for the first time at 44. Those voices in your head that you were referring to, the ones that leave you questioning why we do this…… they’re real. I had hit a wall and needed your message tonight. Thank you for the inspiration. Your work is incredible. As you can tell from all the comments, your message was part of our path and we are all grateful. Onward.

[@Waxadisc]

where he talks about his mates retiring at 60 and he feels bad about that. Retirement is massively over rated and a BS catch phrase to make people believe they are now going to enjoy life . Look at the art and music worlds. They are full of people who keep creating until they drop. He is a good guy and this is a good film, I hope he keeps going until the end and never retires.

[@ruthjames9278]

its never too late to do anything that you love doing, you are here for a good time, not a long time!

[@paullondon9972]

Nice story. Am very happy for this guy. I'm 62 and planning to give my job up for a few months so i can build a website for my photography. Let's see where the unknown takes me. Thanks for the video.

[@basmatine]

At 51 I recently returned to painting after 4 years off after a devastating spinal cord injury. I am fricking PUMPED about my new work- any time away from the studio feels like I’m wasting time. I can’t even look at my older work even though I had a solid collector base. They might not embrace my new work but I don’t care, my goal is to fill a void, not repeat myself.

[@JonDunnmusician]

Outstanding short story: yet, what struck me was him sitting reflecting that in the middle of the night he may consider himself a loser?? those thoughts are all subjective what a ridiculous thought- to me, the losers are the people with no late-life ambition driving around in golf carts with money in the bank trying to hide being miserable- I've worked for them I've seen the reflection of their small minded petty existence behind the scenes- don't delusion yourself with that fantasy you're an amazing creative human being & success. Period.

[@pascalecerdan2761]

What can be better than retired doing art ? Your dedicated mission was given to you and you sure embrace it .

[@CC-vw1cs]

O so timely, love these stories ! 62 retired architect after an accident no longer able to use my dom. hand, after years of struggle to get back on my feet and practicing with my left hand ro draw, life is worth waking up for. battling those demons, I say, life is brief, time to do what I enjoy despite the money issue.

[@lancelotlink6545]

I've been 30+ years as an artist and making a very good living. I never starved and I've always had a job I loved. The reason is that I loved art as a kid and when I told my parents I wanted to be an artist they supported me even though they had no idea how an artist could make a living. I am so grateful to them that they never doubted me, and that allowed me the confidence to never doubt myself. (BTW- true artists never retire. They just keep creating things as long as they can. Leave the golf to those with nothing else to do.)

[@jamesmolleur2196]

That's awesome! Glad to hear you stayed true to yourself. I had a gift of being able to replicate any picture or design to scale just by looking at it and free handing it at a very young age. I painted, did photography etc. and was always told how good I was from everyone.....but was told to go to college and work in corporate in order to play it safe. I did that, and now at 44 years old have decided to resign from my IT job and pursue what I have left behind for so many years. What type of art do you produce and what kind of advise would you have for me?

[@JasonLorette]

This was really cool...inspiring for someone like me in their 50's who always had that 'regular' job.

[@ClarePatrick-Creative]

Wow. Just came across this. It resonates so much with me. As a 50 (cough) something making a life change and finally pursuing my creative dream, I totally get this. It's never too late. I'm so excited for the next stage of my life.

[@filmismorefun]

Tom's story resonates so much. I've always dabbled with creative endeavors since I was a kid, but worked in construction all my life. I had an epiphany last year (I'm in my mid 40's) that if I didn't pursue art more seriously I would die with regret, and that hurt moved me into action. Like Tom, I'm currently working on my art every day in my spare time putting in the hours to make things happen. Better late then never.

[@bkochbakke]

Inspiring. Thank you! I'm pushing 60 and finally stretching my creative muscles. Hoping to publish a book this year. It's good to hear stories like this of those who have tried and succeeded later in life :)

[@Cor333y]

Great video! You hooked me at the very beginning because I turned 50 in July and have been hesitant to put my story/creativity out in the world. Thanks for the inspiration! Your artwork & story is amazing! Sub’d

[@teresawilder2604]

Thanks for sharing what our hearts are saying. ❤ Inspiring!

[@VanGoghs_LeftEar]

Thank you for this, my creative friend. I’m about to go on this same journey myself (as a 42 yr old). Out with the corporate, in with the creative! I wish you all the best on this creative path!

[@greg1reed1]

I hate to tell everyone but 50s is not middle age. Average life span of an American male is 77. That makes middle age 38.5. Go get after it. It’s later than you think.

[@robertgold2643]

Thanks for sharing this, I somehow stumbled into songwriting which turned into almost 200 songs last year 🤷‍♂️ who knew… I’ve always felt a bit unsettled by how and what pours out of me but it’s something I can’t not do so I keep doing it. There’s some ease that comes from knowing I’m not the only one to find this later in life

[@mylifepart2]

you r correct....i too make videos...for my enjoyment...if someone else sees and likes...then thats great...if not..thats fine too.... i always asked myself how come i didnt get into movies...which i love....now i find i have a little time...and so i am pursuing it...learning it...shooting shorts... and totally loving it....i hope everyone finds something they love to do...so they can enjoy and be happy...creating...

[@TripodSnowskate]

very special, thank you for making and sharing

[@TheDoomWizard]

Yea I created a channel to express my thoughts on the greatest threat to face all life on Earth.

[@bjornlinsin4570]

Retirement is not in an artists vocabulary. Glad you went for it and are still at it! You're work is amazing!

[@alejandrotarangolearns1969]

There are two types of people in the world. People who are scared of retirement and people who look forward to retiring. Do what you love and be happy now not just when you retire.

[@beyond_travel]

Love it!!! I think so many of us can relate to Toms situation… doing things in life that are not our calling just because we were told to by our parents or society in general! Amazing he managed to turn the thing around 👏👏👏👏👏

[@romeocastor]

My son wants to be a comedian. I have his back. As for me? The music is coming.

[@basuramanya]

Got to meet Tom and his wife the other day. Very nice people and really cool work.

[@NarrativeSolace]

This was an absolute joy to watch! Great video!

[@souloriginalmedia]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@VDA194]

I'm 49 and not doing sh#t creatively. It's nice to know it's never too late. Thanks

[@csc-photo]

It's never too late - start today 🙂👍🏻

[@vanblairs4322]

I started taking myself seriously right around my 48th birthday (a few years ago), and I am so much happier for it! I'm not making the big bucks, but my world is much more complete now that I am honoring the thing that makes me the happiest. I can relate to the inner voices telling us that we are far behind others who have been doing it longer- but, we have to remember that we are on our own timeline, not theirs. This was inspiring to watch!

[@peterjensen1455]

Having a Dream is great; however, you have the Artistic Talent.

[@bradyartstudio]

Always make are for yourself...be true to your unique vision...love this!!!! thanks

[@souloriginalmedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@souloriginalmedia]

Making art for yourself is indeed important. Never stop enjoying the process or you will burn out quick!

[@nafizrashid5365]

This video gives me hope ❤ Great documentary guys

[@theartisanrogue]

I don't know how the algorithm works at times on KZbin, but I'm glad I had this recommended to me. I sincerely needed to see this. I have been doing art and design for the last 30 years, and am nearing 50 years of age, but feel that my career is both changing and stagnating in ways I had never anticipated. This was a really wonderful mini documentary to watch, thank you for making it, and for Tom sharing his story!

[@JibberJabJones]

a lot of what he says resonates with me, too. i started with music a little earlier than tom-at 23-but i have had a constant battle to keep working on my art, suffering as i do from severe mental illness and chronic fatigue. at 44, i am only just about to finish my first album. those voices in the middle of the night are real. i keep expecting this era to offer up a whole slew of artists who started much later. there must be a ton of us. hopefully stories like this help provide some of the courage needed to take up the banner.

[@thomascarter8690]

Thank you so much for this. I started playing guitar at 28 and started writing original lyrics this year at 34. You're an inspiration to keep pushing forward.

[@JibberJabJones]

@@thomascarter8690 for god's sake keep going. that bloody voice that tells you it's hopeless is a menace. you're a one-man-miracle.