Am I Too Old for Illustration?
Art by Analise Black
Is ageism a problem in the illustration business? Jake Parker, Will Terry, and Lee White discuss how to stay relevant as older illustrators.
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SHOW LINKS
Lee White’s art show at Valkyrie Gallery in Denver, CO
Lee White’s Effortless Watercolor Workshop signup
KEY TAKEAWAYS
If you want to work with a gallery, find one that focuses on illustration. You’ll sell better there than at a traditional fine art gallery.
Master studies of artists you admire can rewire your brain to approach familiar problems with new solutions.
No matter how experienced you are, never stop experimenting and growing artistically. Staying relevant has nothing to do with your age and everything to do with your ability to evolve.
QUESTIONS
Eric asks, “What must I do to get an agent?”
The first step to landing an agent is a killer portfolio. If your current portfolio isn’t attracting any interest, it’s probably time to reinvent it. Commercial, airbrushed work is out and shape-focused, textural work is in. Seek inspiration from Caldecott winners and other illustrators who are finding success.
Before you tackle your portfolio, look for work you like and make master copies of it. This will teach you to problem-solve differently and will open your mind to new ways of approaching familiar subjects.
Bridget asks, “What are your opinions on ageism in our industry as creatives? Have you experienced it at different points in your career?”
Ageism is as much of a problem as you make it. Sure, it might be harder to find a studio job when someone younger, less experienced (read: less expensive), and more tech-savvy is available, but generally, clients don’t care how old you are as long as you create good art.
That said, some illustrators age themselves out of the business by not staying ahead of current trends, updating their style, and improving their skills. You can avoid this by continuing to experiment with new tools (especially modern tools like Procreate), taking workshops, and monitoring what’s popular in the industry. Allow your tastes to evolve, never stop playing, and you’ll age like wine: better and more desirable every year.
LINKS
Jake Parker: mrjakeparker.com. Instagram: @jakeparker, Youtube: JakeParker44
Will Terry: willterry.com. Instagram: @willterryart, Youtube: WillTerryArt
Lee White: leewhiteillustration.com. Instagram: @leewhiteillo
Daniel Tu: danieltu.co.
Lily Camille Howell: lilycamille.com
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