Is It Ever Too Late To Make A Career Doing What You Love?

by Leah
(Wisconsin)

Mixed Media Art Questions for Milliande

Dear Milliande..

I had to do a full install on my computer and lost your website that gave me so.. much inspiration.. you are living how I want to live.. and doing all I dream of. I am 45 .. still single.. no kids. I have considered myself to be an artist since ten. I was never encouraged.. but did very well. I am considering going to College to get a BFA and maybe be an art teacher.. or both. Is it too late? I have a passion for it.. but also would like to pay my bills and buy a home. Is it possible alone to do all this with an Art Degree?

Thanks Milliande..

Leah

Mixed Media Art Questions answered by Milliande

Hi Leah,
that is an interesting question.
I personally have never had any formal art training as it were, am mainly self taught with a variety of attended arts and craft classes etc .. but the rest just sort of evolved naturally .

As for making a career out of it ... it depends on where your interests lie ..

I used to own an Art and Craft Supplies store for 10 years .. having switched from making things to teaching others how to as the market for homemade products at that time did not support a living ..

I know today that many people successfully embrace selling their art and crafts online, in various art fairs etc and can make a living with it .. with discipline, hard work and patience.

For me, the art part is a hobby, I have learned so much that I like to share what I know , and facilitate our Art Community for Women on a voluntary basis ..

I earn an income from my main job with is being a Webdesigner ..

As for going to College .. I dont believe it is ever too late .. I have recently signed up to study lifedrawing classes with is hard .. but at the same time rewarding as I see progress each time I attend .. Art College can be demanding , can force you into a box you may not want to enter but it could also be the opportunity that makes you find your wings ...

These are very personal decisions and depend on your lifestyle and expectations but overall I would say , find that which makes your heart sing and follow it with determined passion .. and the rest will follow naturally

:-) milliande