TOO OLD to start a career in drawing? Advice for artists over 30.

[@EkaterinaSTADNIKOVA]

Baby, I'm almost 40. And I enjoy doing solo game development ) Never betray a dream.

[@Set8Jams]

Love that attitude keep at it 💪

[@robgilbert408]

Did you start later in life or have you been in it for a while?

[@EkaterinaSTADNIKOVA]

@@robgilbert408 I'm the writer of Disciples III Resurrection. But I always wanted to try to make the game the way I want it, despite all the difficulties, even from sticks and acorns.

[@MrDarling1502]

I needed to see this

[@ben5154]

@@EkaterinaSTADNIKOVA so you're a writer and not a visual artist?

[@charleshenribernier]

I started my career as a 3D artist at 42 and have been doing well for 8 years now.

[@simonebernacchia5724]

I TRIED to be a 3d artist, using tools in the 90s like Lightwave but did not fit my forma mentis so if i want to restart have LOT of technical debt to recover

[@sunraiii]

Could you go more into detail as to what you do? I'm interested in finding out about different applications of 3D art :)

[@BeylMay]

@@simonebernacchia5724 I'd say "debt" is a wrong way to look at this. If anything, modern 3D tools are probably way more intuitive and easy to use, and it gets easier literally on a monthly basis. I started learning less than a year ago, and even I feel like I'm cheating sometimes because of all the awesome features that weren't widely accessible just a few years back. So give it a try!

[@kolacao8134]

Did you work in the industry?

[@Vartikas.illustrations]

Thank you! This helps me so much! I just turned 30 have no art background and really wish to make a living doing art ❤

[@Maryna_MV]

I'm 32 and I got my first art job just this winter after being an accountant for more than 8 years. My parents and almost everyone around told me "it is not serious" and "you don't need it" but I still kept going to my dream and now I'm a concept artist and making my own comic book in my spare time )) We can do many things and achieve a lot as long as we don't give up and keep going forward.

[@changemymind06]

Oh that's awesome! I'm 33 and always wanted to pursue art but my upbringing didn't support that...so glad you got there! Gives me hope - I wish you the best!!!

[@Maryna_MV]

​@@changemymind06 Thank you! I believe you can make it too. There are so many ways and opportunities. And age doesn't matter. Good luck!

[@AndyMatrixTV]

You quit yoy six figure salary job for art. Inspiring

[@iluvyunie]

thankyoufor sharing this

[@kangtheconqueror8359]

I'm 33 and have no idea where to begin. Where and how do i develop the skills when I have none? also congrats on obtaining your dream and being awesome :)

[@venkateshgovindaiah5826]

I am 46 just getting started wish me luck. 😇

[@nomad_actual]

Good luck mate :)

[@artofgarduno]

I failed till I was 35 now im a full time artist with my own publishing company. Stay consistent and focus on your goals.

[@kangtheconqueror8359]

I'm 33 and have zero art skills. Where do I develop and learn the skills?

[@artofgarduno]

@@kangtheconqueror8359 plenty of content on youtube for learning

[@medianikophotography]

How’s that going for you?

[@stevendoty9408]

I am 61, started doing comic art in my late 40's, have not alot, but 40+ out there plus 6 novels of illustration. and I do not even hunt for it, they find me!

[@TrentKaniuga]

You're doing awesome! Hell yeah.

[@TheReverendJonnyNemo]

thx... i get really frustrated sometimes,,,,

[@ONshowON]

That is awesome! Did you started it as an hobby or were you already a professional artist? I am asking this because I have some drawing and painting skills but this was never my main focus, this was always an extra. I have studied to be a biologist but now with almost 35 years I have all this doubts about my future and all this artistics ideas starting to boil up on the back of my mind.. but I don't know if I should try and give birth to this thoughts and ideas.. it is a mix of excitement and fear at the same time. By the way how can I find your novels online?

[@jimmianimates918]

im 39 and just starting a new career as a freelance illustrator and animator, mind i was a tattoo artist for 20 years so still in arts but its a different way of thinking about drawing. ive gotten jobs and been doing great, its never too late

[@TrentKaniuga]

You're crushing it!

[@ArtbyGalen]

Bro, hi five! I'm 38, tattoed for 13 years (and a ton of other art side jobs), and finally started doing my own thing chasing illustration and comics! Granted I don't make a killing from it, but I do pull some money each month now, 100% self employed.

[@nettlethorn2014]

Nice to see fellow tattooers here!

[@nettlethorn2014]

@GraySaurus well.. What career is easy? :P

[@jimmianimates918]

@GraySaurus yup, well its easier now then its ever been, i started in 2000 when you need a real 2 year apprenticeship and actually had to make needles. now everything is just made in china and no one cares about apprenticeships and just do crappy trends. to me the industry is dead, its not as creative as it once was and the money isn't the same because there's too many tattooers. but im also salty and reason im leaving that industry.

[@Joyceline]

I'm almost 40, just finished art school, and got a mobile game studio artist position (my very first studio position, as a senior!) last year. I had no previous studio experience before, just my portfolio to back me up. It's not too late!

I switched from graphic design to game development at 34. I'm starting AAA concept art at 41. Just keep at it and work your ass off, nobody will reject you if your stuff is good enough.

[@wilfredopk3080]

How?...i was told by someone making undie games (and now works for ubisoft) that graphic design doesn't help for game development ;_;...is there something in graphic design that AAA value the most?

[@Mr.McWatson]

Very cool, thanks for posting. I'm 35 and switching now :D

[@MarcSantana]

Yo Trent Im 27, I was a full Lawyer at 24, but decided to take 3 years to try to pursue my dream. I had this privilege and I hope it works out at the end, doing my best 🙏

[@Melanie-Elisabeth]

27 here, at the end of my studies in design thanks to which I get more skilled and well-prepared to enter this world. I had to choose another path after laws released and made my teaching career almost impossible (France). It's really reassuring to hear this and read all the comments below.

[@Lazuritspirit]

@@Melanie-Elisabeth Almost exactly the same story...

[@robdog114]

27 here also, we got this

[@Gogooranger]

27 here, currently working at McDonald. Self-study to be a comic book artist.

[@GHOSTRIDER373737]

I gave up this path 2 years ago (been learning art since 16) and became a system analyst, I hope I can get back at doing art someday even though I didn't have what it takes, I lack the talent to figure things out quickly, and there wasn't many people to give me personally instruction, not even when I was in school.

[@Metacious]

32 here, NOT LATE. You have a different perspective of things AND your lifetime experience which helps make art that only you can create :) Its always worth a try

[@akumafuhen]

That's I how I'm feeling for sure and I've done all the partying and early 20s to mid 20s shenanigans, so that stuff is outta my system and I'm full steam ahead to building something of my own without those distractions. I always wonder on how some ppl just know what they're going to do so early in life. Like it took lots of experimentation for me to come up with the answer for myself and it happened when I turned 28. And now 30 I see the goal all I gotta do is head towards it even if the path is blanketed in fog.

[@brodriguez11000]

More patient?

[@MillywiggZ]

“Best time to plant a tree was 100’s of years ago, second best is today.” Good advice but don’t know where that’s from I found it on a Korean Basket Weaving forum.

[@TsulaAngenati2292]

Wise words

[@EckosamaGhostTsushima]

Its an ancient chinese saying, so thats how it got there :)

[@diidimeh]

Beautiful saying. ♡

[@newchangeunlisted_viewer5594]

Chinese proverb I think

[@karokaro7162]

30 and trying. This video gave me both good advice and anxiety. By anxiety I mean it really is harder when you're older because you know time is not unlimited anymore and it all depends on you and what YOU will do with your skills/money/time.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Its funny because young artists will also claim that "its harder when you're in your 20s" :) You can overcome those challenges at any age!

[@Paopao621]

As an amateur (I still am) I made the mistake of setting up a deadline, I said to my self " in 4 years i will become good at are and start making money " it did not end well for me and I was so devastated and disappointed to my self that I stopped doing art for several months. Please use me as a reference so you don't disappoint yourself if your deadline isn't met, now I totally removed any deadline and just keep making art, I have a stable business so I kind of not think about the going pro route but I'm not totally gonna remove that possibility. Keep making art you guys.

[@Ashtarot77]

I'm 43 and in a leadership role at work with people reporting to me. One is younger, and the other older. There are also other members in the team who don't report to me, and younger than me, and I will always ask everyone's opinion on anything on ways to improve processes etc. If there's something to be learnt from someone, I'm all ears. I take this approach because there have been numerous occasions where my 15-year-old son has taught me something new. You're never too old to learn anything.

[@uberdragonflu]

I'm 31 and hearing this has been encouraging. thank you so much for making this video.

[@anthonywyndham]

Im 33 finished my art school degree and am moving into teaching as a means to fund my efforts in art its the perfect balance because my practice is my work and i get to teach kids really cool stuff too and go home to work on more cool stuff to show them and for my portfolio

[@changemymind06]

That's awesome! Did you just finish art school? If you don't mind me asking, how long was the program? Just wondering because I never thought following the path you outlined....but I am now! My only concern is that I have a well paying stable job now and I won't let myself leave it until I save some money for a career switch... I'm also 33. So glad for you!

[@anthonywyndham]

@@changemymind06 Yeah I greaduated from CDW/Flinders University in 2019. For me the desire to teach came from the fact that I would see many first year students (freshmen) struggle with he basics so wanted to help middle school and high school students to comprehend these before moving into University. And yes I saved 66k inorder to pursue university full time. Good luck!

[@ancientvaults]

While I have drawn solidly since I was 5 or 6, almost daily, selling art here and there it was never a career choice due to life in general until I was 43, then art and writing became basically what I could do because of life circumstances. I will draw and write now until I die and I am 51 now. Nothing stops you except you.

[@lorgarmor5886]

I'm 31 with two kids and still pursuing my dream of creating my own games, despite a completely different dayjob. That's why I'm currently learning to draw and paint to create my own assets someday and though time is sparse I found the most important thing is to keep doing it consistently every day, even if it is only for less than an hour. Not giving up.

[@Ashtarot77]

I'm 43 and only started studying towards a degree in Graphic Design part-time last year. I'm on a break now till next semester starts so I'm catching up on other courses and my sketching and art which I didn't have time for while doing my modules. Don't give up. Too many people throw the towel in when they don't get results quickly.

[@rohithandmadeartworks8424]

Sir iam 29 and just curious about what is your day job to get your perspective

[@lorgarmor5886]

@@rohithandmadeartworks8424 I'm a PhD in engineering. It gives a bit of 3D-modeling experience but that's of no use until quite a way into a project. I want to envision the world and setting of my potential game before creating anything for it, to ensure its cohesive.

[@rohithandmadeartworks8424]

Your work is actually overwhelming i guess working ours must be very long in your country its commendable that you kept your creative aspirations alive

[@EckosamaGhostTsushima]

Im in my 30s. I needed this. I know you read the comment on the last video though haha, alot of us are in the 30s or near it :D

[@te9591]

I have a feeling most of this guys viewership is in their 30s and are former art/media school attendees.

[@chaoswolf7976]

Damn right you are ^^°

[@AndrewMaksym]

He brought back the original intro music, yes!

[@paulmckay7787]

Love this video. I'm 47 and not so interested in getting hired any more for all of the reasons you talk about. Making my own stuff though? Potentially more fun and maybe even more lucrative. Thanks man, loving your work and advice.

[@europa7775]

i started doing comic books/sketchcards/art commissions when i was 38... i'm now 50 years old still enjoying & loving what i do

[@HalfWarrior]

Appreciate your time and advice Trent! My situation is not too uplifting; I am hemiplegic and spending most of my time in a wheelchair.I was pushing hard with pursuing art up until 2 years ago;then boom, I had a stroke which left me half paralyzed. Shitty part is that I was left handed; and that’s now my paralyzed side. Thank God my right hand / side still works. I am still trying my best to do art with my right hand on an iPad; and I have a Cintiq 21UX on my PC. Learning to walk again is really much larger of an issue now than creating art. My passion for art survived. Enough about all that depressing stuff. Your insights and positive advice really helps! Thank you sir!

[@TrentKaniuga]

You're a fighter! keep drawing!

[@yohiioni1973]

Keep going bro.

[@EkaterinaSTADNIKOVA]

About training. Once in my youth, I met a shaman (a representative of the indigenous peoples of America). He told me a simple thing-always draw knowledge from any source, whatever it may be. Only knowledge is important.

[@pronoydutta614]

You need practice in art. Knowledge helps, but it works in conjunction with that practice.

[@robdog114]

I'm 27 and doing what you mentioned at 12:30 Setting my finances and career in order so I can pay for courses, attend an Atelier, and strive to make art at a high level not for some company, but for me.

[@loganmoyers9412]

Most of these talk videos don’t relate to me but I watch anyways because I freaking love his art

[@Nyareth]

Turned 30 this year, just started learning how to drawing over the summer of 2020, this was a very informative video

[@Germania9]

Problem isn't just age, but attitudes in the current industry regarding age. Current illustration & comics industry overestimated younger talent for their youth & 'flexibility' while looks down on older rookies & veterans for being 'rusty' despite the experience they can bring to the table. Btw, just turned 40 this year and is now in the middle of practicing drawing. It's never too late to start a career. Just be mindful of the risks that career will bring.

[@LihimSidhe]

41 veteran, father of 2 kids, and ux designer who grew up drawing comic book art. recently i realized i could use 3d art to aid 2d art and started the slow process of learning blender and unreal to do grayboxes for 2d underpaintings. also getting an ipad/procreate to dive into the pure digital side of art.

[@ayeesharakimah]

Just turned 28 so not quite 30 yet, but still very helpful advice! I’ve got a day job now but my plan is to get an actual career in the animation field and then after gaining experience I’d like to run my own studio one day and make my own merch/products

[@undeadlegion6678]

I'm 17 and I'm still gonna take notes

[@edcamejo5380]

My dude, hey trent I have been waiting for this video since you did the one in high school, I am from Venezuela and I have just turned 30 and I have spent a lot of time being a graphic designer, almost 7 years and do not misinterpret me the career has helped me in many aspects, but my passion is lustration and finally I managed to get a gig in illustrating a children's story and get paid for it, it is a magical experience, thanks for all the videos you do really help me to be motivated, follow the good work brother

[@ChrisVandenheuvel]

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” It's never too late to start something new.

[@dandrums82]

That's my case after 20 years in oil and gas industry. It's not easy, but completely feasible, especially when you have enough savings to pursue an art career with no rush. Since I took my decision Trent's videos have been helping me a lot to adjust my plans🙌🙌🙌🙌 it's never too late!😊

[@ryanjamesart]

I needed the comment section on this video! Well done everyone!

[@felipe5512]

you are never too old to start doing what you like to do.

[@wickedarctiinae4132]

Trent, you've been decades in the industry and constantly producing something new. What do you do to avoid hand, arm and back injuries? Did you tackle this in another video? Thank you for your time and words for all the inspiring artists.

[@WC3fanatic997]

I know this comment is kind of old, but for others seeing it today I can in fact say to get a good, quality chair, and practice good posture while doing things at a desk either while sitting or standing. Steelcase and Herman Miller chairs are fantastically made, and while expensive, they pay for themselves ten times over. They also come with 12-year warranties, and being rated for 24/7 use, that says a lot; I've heard people who ended up with problems with them having everything paid for by the company to fix it, and that includes everyday wear-and-tear. You are basically guaranteed a chair for at least 12 years, which is where you see that it pays for itself instead of spending a meager among of money on a lesser chair every 1-2 years that you'd be miserable with in short order; I got a Steelcase Leap chair early last year and after an entire year sitting in it every day for many hours, it's still basically brand new, whereas other chairs I've had in the past would start breaking down to the point of immense discomfort. As long as I am practicing proper posture (it's a constant battle to keep it up, trust me), I never have any aches or pains. Also exercises and stretching. As comfy as your chair may be, dont sit all day long. Get up and move around, and make sure you are limber all the time. I stretch my hands and forearms constantly throughout the day. Depending on how you do your art your shoulders might also need lots of attention, if they bear a lot of the weight; some art styles require you doing a lot of shoulder movements.

[@Harounu_35Dz]

Draw why you sleep on your bed i do that

[@lennoncaires6513]

Long story short, 29 years old, graduated in chemistry and finished my master's degree in health, during the lockdown last year I started drawing as therapy, now I want to start from scratch with the art industry and boom your video appeared, that is a sign I think. LOL

[@miketwotwenty]

I’m 24, and I love drawing cars, race-cars, and some cartoons I really want to pursue my art!

[@CousinPaddy]

As an older artist with some different experience in the professional world, I approve this message.

[@chrisrakkestad]

Aw yiss! Been waiting for this for a week! I've been thinking like crazy after your last video, and building something of my own is definetly the path for me. When I finished my animation degree 10 years ago I actually allready had a business plan to make a graphic novel, but it wasn't solid in the financial department and I didn't have the confidence to go through with it, and my family was pressuring hard for me to start earning a living fast. I ended up freelancing in web/graphic design for 10 years, because I kept meeting people who needed that, and I needed cash. I just kept following whatever opportunities were handed to me, and in the end it took me away from my passion, and whatever I planted in that soil didn't grow. After watching your videos, I'm starting to realize the obstacles I had after I graduated aren't there any more, and shit is probably more aligned than ever for me to create my own thing! I've even dusted off my old art book for my graphic novel. Starting to feel excited again! I wish I could double-sub.

[@avocadopower86]

Thank you, I needed to hear this. I work my ass off daily, now I just want to do that but doing something I love.

[@bluetea1400]

Thanks for the video for all us 30+rs. Keep speaking that truth!

[@chromo48]

In my experience, it can take some artists literally decades to get serious and figure out how to utilize their skills to make a living. So many talented artists are just barking up the wrong tree.

[@kayaeki]

hell yeh the opening is backk! now his is what I call a og trent intro. Amazing advice man! even tho I'm 21 and got some time, IM GETTTINGGG INTOOO THIS ANYYHOW

[@DavetutsAcademy]

Read through the whole comment while listening to Trent. It's quite interesting to know it's never too late. Have been following the advice of these great minds like Trent, Stephen Silver, Eric Anthony, Marco Bucci, Proko, Jazza, etc. Covid-19 was the straw for me on 9-5 in the ICT sector. Now very much interested in my own gig and path and knew I want to rejuvenate the art I've dropped over 20 years ago. I was 18 then and a degree in Engineering in the higher institution distracted me from art. Want to start back at the fundamentals of stuck figures to character design and then digital painting. Hopefully, will check back in say 5 or 10 years to share the testimonies and the experience along the way. Thanks Trent. Grateful all the way from Lagos, Nigeria.

[@SariniyaKiyu]

Thank you. I am working towards my goal.

[@earthdragonart9242]

As inspirational as always Trent! Thanks from an amateur Concept Artist and Illustrator who was once a hobbyist only. I know now that's possible.

[@alexielmarquay]

We dreamed of it, Trent did it! I'm going to turn 40 soon so thanks a lot for that video.

[@4orkast]

THANK YOU Trent! I love your videos so much.

[@artfreakguy]

Aaaahhh, THE intro is back! Love that music

[@akumafuhen]

I've decided that I don't wanna work in at my current job or in that field anymore (well I don't want to work for someone else). So taking what I've learned from lifting weights in that it took me 2yrs to get all the basics and muscle memory down, now I just focus on getting stronger without the hindrance of not knowing how to hold the bar or not having developed muscles. It easier then ever know. So with that experience I've been working everyday since March 1st 2021 to get better and improve my skills. That's how it's going to be for the next few years, as I believe that's how long it'll take for me to get the basics down before it becomes thoughtless and I can focus on creating art. So by age 35 (I'm 30 atm) I want to combine my current job and my art into one entity. I'm really excited to struggle and fight for this dream as I have when building my body with weights.

[@fullnerd7975]

42 and started doing Design due to illness kicking my arse out of work. Planning to get in to motion graphics and video editing by 2025. We've been going for a few months and already starting that transition. Age helps me because the ego's already out the window and doing what the customer wants, whether I like it or not, doesn't affect me the same as it did when I was a kid. Those that let me have a bit of creative freedom I work more with, but just pump out what other clients need. Also picking trends is much easier when you have life experience, you can predict what's up next a lot easier.

[@unknownplayer45]

Thank you for the video and advice I might not be in my 30's yet but by the time I finish school I'll be in my late 20's. I plan trying your classes when the semester id over in a couple of weeks to help me improve and better improve my concept art.

[@bluebanderhaitartist]

Thank you so much Trent

[@ThePir869]

Golden advice as always. Good one mate

[@cadef1738]

🥺 thank you for this video!!! Need this kind of pep talk every so often as a reminder that it is possible!! 💪🏻

[@moosleygirl]

Your videos are such a joy to listen to.

[@SM-xy6py]

DUUUUUDE!!!! You brought the funky trumpet intro baaaack!? I love it! 💜 -Crow

[@brunomedeiros4533]

I worked for 6 years developing casual games. Some for local enterprises and some personal projects (all hypercasual and puzzles) and i can't wait to make my first indie game with my own OCs! I'm better with game development and art now than i was when i started to work with games. And i'm feeling i can develop now a good indie game with characters made by myself. I'll just finish my last hypercasual indie game from my studio and start this project. Thank you for the advice and inspiration, Trent! :D

[@anthonycarter1528]

Dude, I save each of these talks in my Art Guide Section. These are some amazing points!

[@snowrexilium]

I have been almost jobless since COVID started in 2019, just doing freelance stuffs by helping friends in their projects and commissions. this year I turned 30, and just taking drawing seriously about two years ago (I am actually, mainly, a writer (comics, games, and gaming journalism) tho, but become a writer in my country sucks, so I need to broaden my skills by drawing). trying a lot, but still didn't get much job and stable income, but I still keep drawing and doing my best until today. and I found your video about concept art because there is one company here that is hiring concept artist and I need to know more about concept art because I usually draw illustrations and some assets for my friends project. thanks for the video man! your videos is so informative (and a little bit depressive, lol jk), it keeps my spirit high, motivated me, and inspire me. wish me luck!

[@visandartheunliving4913]

Hey Trent haven't seen all of your recent vids, but this is the first one i saw in a while and i am very glad you got the old tune back :D, i really like the vibe of it and it feels muhch more peppy. appropriate for your presentation i would say. I hope you have a glorious day my dude!

[@Uta-gz7jm]

this is everything that i really need to hear rn, thank you.

[@ARTYCOATY]

Beautiful artwork‼︎ Thanks for sharing‼︎

[@Sheppard2030]

After years of creating architectural rendering, my path has lead me into illustrating kid aged books. Currently working on completion of book number two with a third in production and a few more in line. NEVER too late (unless you’re taking that dirt nap). 🤣

[@vikcassar]

Just subscribed! Thank you for this, I was actually going to quit trying but this vid helped me not to. Keep up the good honest content, I will check out the workshops now!

[@matthewbarker511]

Thanks Trent for the encouraging video! I picked up some of your workshops, very useful resources. Now to put it into to practice!

[@M_harch]

I’m 41 and won’t stop.

[@oamioxmocliox8082]

;)

[@M_harch]

@@ghost4439 will do!

[@RukileinchenChan]

Thank you,Trent! :) That was really motivating! I also really love the paintign you did for this video! It has such a nice traditional vibe and beautiful colors. :D

[@Mobirin]

I'm 32 , Filipina and a nurse ( because every filipino family needs one LOL). It has been a lifelong dream to draw and make art. This yr I finally decided to live for myself and my happiness. Thank you for this video. Love your humor too bro. 😊❤

[@masterthreeok]

I am 51 . I am 2d artist and i like it.

[@doryahdoryah8114]

Question is, when did you start tho. Like, start learning, not start being a professional in this field.

[@masterthreeok]

@@doryahdoryah8114 , I was astonished by a beauty of photoshop drawings ( not mattpainting) in 2008 and i memorized , that i used to draw when i was kid. I decided to try it again. Those were my first steps in PS3. No tablet only mouse was used. But i liked the matter that drawing process was so pleasant for me. Do you need the special grade for this? I guess not. If you like it you'll do everything to continue and progress. That's probably it .

[@henrysk3tchez]

I am in total need of this type of advice... Thank you, Trent. I am 23 Years Old, married recently, paying for my new home... And work with engineering nowadays, and still haven't concluded University... But my heart keeps appoint to me to leave all of this and swim in the artistic ways, though I guess social and status aspects keep me in doubt. But now I'm thinking in how can I make profit of my art and illustration, appointing to work in a game studio in the future, and make all that go right.

[@buffal0bilious]

I'm not a professional artist, am just an art dabbler, but one of my friends did the whole career change thing at 30 (31?), and even though it took 3 or 4 years of very concerted study and practice (juggling with a job), they made it and have been getting consistent game studio (mostly EA) work for a few years now. If you follow a good curriculum and study for a few hours every day, you can make big, big progress in a few years.

[@Hanemisu]

I'm 30+ just recently started trying to do /something/ with art, it was always just a hobby, but it's really hard to get even started! But still giving a try :D Trying to develop my skills as I never really /studied/ art before, so trying to start there, but it still nice to know there MIGHT be a chance! haha

[@impishlyric]

I'm 20 and still feel lost, but I'm persisting and I think that's what counts

[@An.Unsought.Thought]

I think the great thing about art oriented industries is that.. you gotta love it. Like if you don't love drawing in general, (or whatever the artform is), then you absolutely aren't gonna love it as a job. But if you do love it, there is a fair chance that you will love at least one of the many options available to you, for what you would apply that skill to. So because of this I tend to think, if you get in the game later than most people... You will probably still get many years of a career out of it (if you stick with it and are able to adapt with the times). Like if you start at 50 (assuming you have drawing skills and talents and you just need to apply them to a specific career path and develop a portfolio) you may be working for the rest of your life but it might at least be something you love rather than working factory jobs until your back gives out on you and you are stuck on disability for the rest of your life. But say you get 20 years in, your at 70-75.. you could still live to 80-90 so maybe you did enough and can retire. Maybe you switch gears and do a slow paced freelance sort of job, living off of a retirement fund and letting the freelance job pay for anything else. So I agree that in general, I don't think age is that big of a factor. There are much bigger factors that everyone at any age deals with. Motivation, preparedness(skills, portfolio), willingness to learn and adapt, for example.

[@brannongoodyear4896]

Thank you! In my 30s and needed this.

[@brodriguez11000]

It's interesting you talk about modern design when a lot of indie games are retro, favoring simplistic design. Usually top-down, isometric, or side-scroller.

[@TrentKaniuga]

I think I was mostly referring to folks applying to big studio jobs. But yes. i agree with you.

[@treshaqareen8396]

My GOD i needed this

[@PeterPalmiotti]

I started working/ inking comics when I was 28. I drew for fun since very young but didn't take it serious until I started working 'professionally'. Almost 30 years later I still have plenty to learn.

[@pablocampos7029]

Man I can't help visualizing David Lee Roth on a 80's tv show when I hear your voice :D , love the video bro. Keep it up

[@indoor-adventurer]

thanks for this Trent! I'm a software developer in my early 30s and bored to death with the job. Doing an art program that takes up ALL my free time, so that eventually I can transition into games. If it falls through I'll take your advice and start my own art biz :D thanks for the vid man!

[@UWdashMADtown]

Awesome video! Sick art, great advice, and the return of the up-beat intro music! Thank you Trent!

[@oscarchavezart]

3:01 "this is going to put me out of work" No, it will not put you out of work, you can give the masses the secrets and the keys on how to get what they want, and only a handful will have it because of action, discipline and a fire storm of desire inside of them to achieve it. Don't beat yourself up Trent, you will always have work and blessings.

[@aglcomics]

Right on! It's never too late to create art and comics. But we have to be marketable in order to get hired by an established company or we can publish our creations ourselves.

[@trynegoesmad]

Still learning thy Ways Trent! Love how you does art! 2nd Comment and Second Like!

[@travelingartistchannel4503]

25 and watching this 😅 Covid kinda messed me up, ended up in a media marketing/ graphic director job. Needed to make money for lots of reasons and now looking back and feeling caught between choosing financial stability or pursuing the thing that I got my BFA in (illustration) and was super passionate about. Oof hard decision in the making here.

[@spartan.falbion2761]

I was 22 in an adults' Art and Design class, and they had more enthusiasm and hunger to improve than the average young art student, not to mention I who had become disillusioned. I heard 'to be a great artist you need to sleep with a known artist' far too many times, and sadly it's true. The top art colleges teach nothing but are a key to getting into the circle of established artists.

[@matthews2715]

Thanks for the video I know I'm late to the party. Was literally thinking about this question before seeing the video. 32 and trying to break into the industry.

[@nichols4520]

52 and I got nothing to lose, but try!

[@MikianF]

Do you have a tutorial on how to do these backgrounds? They look really good

[@ffuhro]

Holy sh how I missed that theme!

[@sifzapata93]

I love your salsa intro!

[@Jaeden.]

I'm 16 so this video is mostly not meant for me, but I always like watching them anyways too see what Trent says and if I could apply it to my work. And what I can gather from watching all of these videos is that. It's never too late ! unless you are physically dead, you can always keep on improving and working towards your goals

[@slurp3194]

Hell yeah man great mentality

[@yakuzaslostjudgement8317]

right on. keep going. I was 15 to 17 when I quit because someone hated on my art. I picked it up 5 6 years ago, and I missed alot of time haha

[@zamis769]

Great talk :) My biggest issues are that I have been freelance for about 12 years now and though I have applied to every studio in my city, I can't get my foot in the door. It's either rejections or crickets, and I don't really know what I'm doing wrong but "not marketable" probably rings true - although my biggest grip is when I apply to a studio that almost quite literally has the same style and requirements that I fill near perfectly, and I get rejected. Heck, I even talk to the already established concept artists at this studio to get pointers and reviews of my work and they have helped a lot to point out flaws that I can work on, but even after improvement... rejected again. It's getting hard to have any optimism at this point. I can't get entry level jobs either in order to increase my experience so it's been a vicious circle.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Hey Sam. Firstly you should always have a link to your portfolio on EVERY social media platform. I'm hiring right now and I can't even look at your artwork to see if you're a fit. You're not presenting yourself as if you're looking for work. (Yes, even on a youtube comment). I can't see your art in any videos either, so I don't know if you're fast, or efficient, or if you're one of those artists that draws once a month, and its something not useful to game development. I recommend that you go through all social media that you're on and add a link to your profile on all of them. Also watch some of my videos about how to present your portfolio. 95% of "concept art" portfolios contain no useful concept art. I made a workshop about it that's gotten several artists hired. Check out www.gumroad.com/trentk

[@zamis769]

@@TrentKaniuga I didn't realize youtube would be a good place to post portfolios - Thank you for pointing that out! www.artstation.com/samuska I draw daily to keep myself fluid and have been known to be particularly quick with full designs an iterations - most of my professional art has been freelance for private clients - I'm not making a living off it yet but am eager to join a studio, even if remotely. Thanks again for your response and I'll definitely check out the gumroad too. :)

[@TrentKaniuga]

@@zamis769 Your work shows that you want to be a creature designer. That's the job with the most competition. (i.e. you will have to be very, very good) If you want to design creatures you have to work on your illustration quality. I recommend doing deep studies of traditional painters like Brom. My advice would be to turn your portfolio toward environments/props OR pivot and do lots of material and anatomy studies if you;re going to pursue your current trajectory. you're employable right now if you apply to the right studio (small studio or a relatively lesser known studio). But you're coming up short against the rendering quality of the big AAA studios like the Riots and Blizzards. The ideas are strong, but the presentation and rendering is under the level of expectation that they have and that your competition (other applicants) are bringing.

[@zamis769]

@@TrentKaniuga Wow thank you so much for the helpful critiques! I'll definitely check out Brom and some other illustrators. Although creature concept is my end goal, I'm not so stubborn I won't be happy to start work in more employable areas first in order to get the experience. Also I'm not against working in smaller studios. I'm wondering what's coming up short on rendering, but it's something I'll have to get mentorship on I guess, since it's hard to see my own work objectively and the flaws in it. Do you know anyone I could hire to help me work on where I'm lacking in rendering or do you have a specific workshop that I should purchase? I'm open to any resources I can get my hands on! Work on presentation makes sense though - I'll have to organize better and more uniformly. (I'm getting your portfolio workshop on gumroad now soon for that) Again thank you so much for your insight! Getting useful feedback is one of the hardest to get and most valuable asset!! :)

[@pronoydutta614]

You'll actually need to paint and get a lot more familiar with animal anatomy and drawing. If you want to do humans in the mean time, human anatomy and CLOTHING is a must. Most characters aren't naked. The renders lack form and tonal structure. Right now, there's a lot if flat colouring and thick lines with simplified form. Painting is going to take you time and practice. Look at Greg Ruthkowski, Anders Zorn and Brom as well... Etc.. You'll need to really start painting and structuring your forms well. Your presentation is fine. It's quite neat and relatively organized. I'd just recommend you consider using dark backgrounds more. White is very distracting.

[@ricardopadilla7490]

You and your action nior voices😂 thank you!

[@casualgabbi3143]

Thank you for making this video, I was really wondering if your going to make a similar kind to the other video. Im in that age gap where I'm not 20 or younger anymore and am getting closer to 30s so I really needed to hear this. Currently, I'm studying animation, however the course also involves classes like modeling and texturing and I'm more into those (surprisingly), but I also like to draw (when it comes to animation more in a 'natural' kind of way rather than rigging the characters within the animation). However, I thought that despite finally learning something I wanted for all these years I might be too late as appealing to companies with your art/projects can take a lot of time and by that I mean lots of years, but your video has put my mind in a bit of an ease. While it would be nice to work in a gaming company I would also like to start a small business of selling my prints.

[@DonWippo1]

If you enjoyed creating 3D Art more than Animation you might want to brush those skills up and only continue with Animation as a Side Gig. You are mad valuable to studios if you have those Skillsets no matter what you specialize in. Gonna be a modeler? Cool you already know how to create Good Topology that will bend the right way when animated. Gonna be an Animator? Cool you can fix up smaller problems in the mesh yourself. Gonna be both? Yeah, Jobs exist where you do both modelling and animation. This will rarely be the case for Big Companies, so look out for smaller studios. In General Big Studios tend to need specialists, while smaller studios tend to need generalists. If you are going solo dev or starting your own company that knowledge about different disciplines will be useful as well.

[@casualgabbi3143]

@@DonWippo1 3D modeling always seemed scary to me since there are so many functions about how to model and second I had the fear since before I did rigging for 3D model and I didn't enjoy it at all which all the more made me distance myself from 3D not to mention I'm more of a 2D person. But yes, having these skills no matter how small I believe will be useful in the future if I decide to improve myself after I finish my studies. And yes I do agree that it's always best to start from small and go towards bigger goals (however the fear is still there that it'll take lots of years before I reach a point where either I'm satisfied with my own skills or they satisfy someone else and thus get hired), I believe there was a video that OP posted where they also mentioned it's best to start from a smaller studios.

[@DonWippo1]

@@casualgabbi3143 I believe 3D is a lot easier to get into at least jobwise because the market is way more crowded in 2D. However do what you enjoy most and you will eventually get there.

[@casualgabbi3143]

@@DonWippo1 Thank you for replying!

[@Black-cq7cm]

Personally? I'm TOO COLD to start a career in drawing. Ice cold, baby. 😎

[@TrentKaniuga]

;;;insert vanilla ice meme;;;;

[@zhulikkulik]

Ice ice baby 😎