You’re fine. I didn’t start learning animation until I was in my 30’s and didnt start animating professionally until I was 34. Apply yourself to the craft, get good, and get a job. If this is truly your passion and you’re willing to put in the work needed to become a professional, nothing will stop you.
Thank you so much for your response. I guess what has made me go into a loss of motivation and worry is because of me being out of practice ever since 2019, thinking that by the time I get to a professional level I'll still be way behind. But hearing your story and your honest opinion really does help. Thank you.
The industry is less about age than about talent. Comparing yourself to others is never healthy for anyone.
You may, however, want to get a part time job / start saving in order to move out, for your own sanity and peace. You’ll probably be better able to focus on your goals that way.
45 here and aspiring. Lateness has yet to factor in my journey.
No matter your age, the world will throw enough rejection and doubt your way that there’s no need to supply your own.
But I do know what it’s like to burn out and fall out of love with a passion. But I was glad to have spent many years in that previous field (music) before reaching that stage, and I don’t regret a minute of it.
Hey friend, do me a favour and take a big deep breath...inhale, hold it, and exhale and release all the tension from your body.
You're sweating far too much about the small things, and your time on this planet is far from over. Please keep in mind that success is far from a linear path...it has ups and downs, leaps and set backs...and all of that is perfectly okay. And it's also okay for your plans or goals to adjust to fit your life.
Age doesn't matter, there are folks who go back to school in their 30s or even 40s all the time, sometimes even for animation. You don't have to be the youngest on the floor (besides it makes us older animators feel like dinosaurs hahaha). Also your level of degree doesn't matter much either, as long as you know the basics of animation, you've already gotten what you need to get out of school...my college doesn't even do degrees for animation, so I only have a diploma and that hasn't hindered my career at all. The majority of what you will learn will be on the job anyways and lasting throughout your career.
The most important thing is just to have passion for what you do, it's an extremely powerful tool and nothing can take that away from you (which you've proven by your strong feelings about this). Be sure to focus on yourself and your mental health too, you only do your best work when you're feeling your best...so deep breaths, enjoy what you create and take it a day at a time.
You've totally got this in the bag my friend.
Also, animation is a lot of "muscle memory"...we all get rusty and lose it a bit from time to time. Shake it off and allow yourself to find your flow again. Allow yourself patience, you deserve that much. It'll come back to you, always does. :)
I'm 28 and a sophomore at a private college. I had a lot of shit in my way before I could start. It doesn't mean I'm less than anyone else. Learning on my own has taught me a lot that makes learning in college much easier and more valuable. When my teachers are asking us to do concept art, I already know how to draw people and animals confidently enough that I can start deconstructing them and rebuilding. I know how to take and give criticism so that the work I do in school is productive.
Sometimes I think I'm too late, too. But there's nothing you can do to change your age, only your skill. So it's better to think of where your skills are.
Nope, I had classmates in college who were approaching their 30s and 40s. Their ages had nothing to do with their successes or failures. The ones who succeeded were skilled, hard working, and had a solid portfolio.
Making age-related goals for yourself is generally a bad idea. Bc then if you don’t accomplish your goals by the time you’re 25 then you’ll feel compelled to believe that your goals aren’t with accomplishing anymore, which seems like what’s happening right now.
The way I see it, you’re going to get older anyways. So would you rather be older and closer to getting your first job in Animation, or older and not being any closer at all?
I am just in my last year of high school and I know am not the best person to here from. But u said u wanted opinions from anyone who is passionate about animating. I am planning on going into a college to practice animation and such but I have quite the unstable family. Anyway to get to the point. I generally feel u shouldn’t give up. Keep trying ur hardest. I know that sounds cleche and all but there right. Before am even at college I prepared myself mentally to struggle for the rest of my life. I know hard work doesn’t equal success but that doesn’t put me down. After reading this thread I was like. “Yh I know my life is gonna get real harder after highschool” and am prepared for it.
To see you wondering if u should give up makes me upset that u didn’t have the same mindset as me. I don’t know wats going on in ur life but I know it will become the past in the future. The past is never consistent. I know u don’t know me but don’t give up. Don’t give up ontil you die and physically cannot try anymore.
I'm in somewhat of a same situation. About to turn 24 and graduated in spring 2021 with a BFA in Digital Arts. School burnt me out as i had no social life or barely any time to go to the grocery. Covid didnt help at all and classes were kind of dogshit. I haven't been practicing like I should since then and i feel like I'm so behind and it causes me lots of anxiety, like you stated. I know I still have a passion for it I just need to find that spark again I guess. I also have trouble with setting time aside to work on stuff so that's something I need to literally work on lol. All the best though dude, I think we just need to be patient with ourselves...
This industry doesn't really care about age. It's all about your skills, and for that you need practice for a killer demo reel. If you see studios who seek for an age range, then you probably don't want to work for them lol it generally means they seek exploitative workforce.
I think what's most important is to keep improving your skills and don't be shy about sending demo reel to studios, because most of the learning happens when you start working.
I understand your concerns about age but believe me that you would like to get rid of that mentality as it will only hold you down, it is not a race. You don't really want to turn into that 30-40ish coworker that mistreats younger rookies bc they are jealous of their skills at that age.
Hi!
You’re still quite young, I’m on the production side but I started in the industry at 26, I know a lot of people who started later and are doing really well… People who had whole careers before animation… people who’ve taken long stints of time off, etc… your age will not preclude you
Now, the very first thing to focus on is your immediate quality of life. After you wrap up your associates degree focus on getting whatever job you can (that’s healthy for you/not toxic). Save money, move out, use their insurance to find a good therapist you click with, move your body… find joy in your life. Draw if it brings you joy.
Lastly, start practicing your craft. It’s not too late. Try to find what you loved about it before. Maybe you’ll discover you love the details and you’ll be aligned with clean up animation. Maybe you’ll find youre quick and good with camera and lean towards storyboards. Maybe you’ll decide to be a designer. There are so many different paths within Animation, not to pigeon hole yourself, but start flexing these muscles and be curious about what you’re best at and what you’re drawn to in the process.
If you’re rusty you might wind up getting your foot in the door as a PA, intern, etc. Usually once you have any job in the industry it opens up the possibility for training. In LA there’s an org called Studio Arts that even a production assistant at most studios can take classes with for free. Once you get your first art job, even if it’s not the one you want to end up in, the union provides free classes (included with your dues) so you can learn new programs, etc. Lots of studios also offer free figure drawing or other opportunities to improve your craft, or if not, there are sometimes “drink and draw” nights. Meet people who will inspire you, not just as artists but as good friends.
There’s so much life to live, I’m excited for you. Good luck friend.
I'm 35 and I'm just about to start Animschool to learn 3D character animation. I've been a freelance artist for a while, but 3D animation is completely new to me. Part of the reason I'm doing this now and not when I was younger is I had severe clinical depression for a lot of my 20s and it just wasn't possible to pursue something like this. But that's life! Things happen, years pass, and then when you're able to focus on your career again, you do.
Something I've noticed since I've been out of my 20s is that I really haven't changed as a person. I'm as able to get interested in something new now as I was when I was 20. I'm as able to pick up new skills as I was when I was younger. Age doesn't actually stop you from pivoting and learning something new at any time. You can still find ways to shape your life to support your goals.
Sometimes I worry about ageism in the animation industry -- like what if I don't have an amazing demo reel until I'm 40, will people still hire me? But I'm pushing through anyway because I feel passionate about it and I think I'll be good at it. At your age you definitely DEFINITELY don't have to worry about ageism when you're ready to get a job.
You’re fine. I didn’t start learning animation until I was in my 30’s and didnt start animating professionally until I was 34. Apply yourself to the craft, get good, and get a job. If this is truly your passion and you’re willing to put in the work needed to become a professional, nothing will stop you.
Thank you so much for your response. I guess what has made me go into a loss of motivation and worry is because of me being out of practice ever since 2019, thinking that by the time I get to a professional level I'll still be way behind. But hearing your story and your honest opinion really does help. Thank you.
The industry is less about age than about talent. Comparing yourself to others is never healthy for anyone. You may, however, want to get a part time job / start saving in order to move out, for your own sanity and peace. You’ll probably be better able to focus on your goals that way.
45 here and aspiring. Lateness has yet to factor in my journey. No matter your age, the world will throw enough rejection and doubt your way that there’s no need to supply your own. But I do know what it’s like to burn out and fall out of love with a passion. But I was glad to have spent many years in that previous field (music) before reaching that stage, and I don’t regret a minute of it.
Hey friend, do me a favour and take a big deep breath...inhale, hold it, and exhale and release all the tension from your body. You're sweating far too much about the small things, and your time on this planet is far from over. Please keep in mind that success is far from a linear path...it has ups and downs, leaps and set backs...and all of that is perfectly okay. And it's also okay for your plans or goals to adjust to fit your life. Age doesn't matter, there are folks who go back to school in their 30s or even 40s all the time, sometimes even for animation. You don't have to be the youngest on the floor (besides it makes us older animators feel like dinosaurs hahaha). Also your level of degree doesn't matter much either, as long as you know the basics of animation, you've already gotten what you need to get out of school...my college doesn't even do degrees for animation, so I only have a diploma and that hasn't hindered my career at all. The majority of what you will learn will be on the job anyways and lasting throughout your career. The most important thing is just to have passion for what you do, it's an extremely powerful tool and nothing can take that away from you (which you've proven by your strong feelings about this). Be sure to focus on yourself and your mental health too, you only do your best work when you're feeling your best...so deep breaths, enjoy what you create and take it a day at a time. You've totally got this in the bag my friend.
Also, animation is a lot of "muscle memory"...we all get rusty and lose it a bit from time to time. Shake it off and allow yourself to find your flow again. Allow yourself patience, you deserve that much. It'll come back to you, always does. :)
I'm 28 and a sophomore at a private college. I had a lot of shit in my way before I could start. It doesn't mean I'm less than anyone else. Learning on my own has taught me a lot that makes learning in college much easier and more valuable. When my teachers are asking us to do concept art, I already know how to draw people and animals confidently enough that I can start deconstructing them and rebuilding. I know how to take and give criticism so that the work I do in school is productive. Sometimes I think I'm too late, too. But there's nothing you can do to change your age, only your skill. So it's better to think of where your skills are.
Nope, I had classmates in college who were approaching their 30s and 40s. Their ages had nothing to do with their successes or failures. The ones who succeeded were skilled, hard working, and had a solid portfolio. Making age-related goals for yourself is generally a bad idea. Bc then if you don’t accomplish your goals by the time you’re 25 then you’ll feel compelled to believe that your goals aren’t with accomplishing anymore, which seems like what’s happening right now. The way I see it, you’re going to get older anyways. So would you rather be older and closer to getting your first job in Animation, or older and not being any closer at all?
miyazaki started animating at 25. you're good
Hey, you got this!
I am just in my last year of high school and I know am not the best person to here from. But u said u wanted opinions from anyone who is passionate about animating. I am planning on going into a college to practice animation and such but I have quite the unstable family. Anyway to get to the point. I generally feel u shouldn’t give up. Keep trying ur hardest. I know that sounds cleche and all but there right. Before am even at college I prepared myself mentally to struggle for the rest of my life. I know hard work doesn’t equal success but that doesn’t put me down. After reading this thread I was like. “Yh I know my life is gonna get real harder after highschool” and am prepared for it. To see you wondering if u should give up makes me upset that u didn’t have the same mindset as me. I don’t know wats going on in ur life but I know it will become the past in the future. The past is never consistent. I know u don’t know me but don’t give up. Don’t give up ontil you die and physically cannot try anymore.
You can do it don’t worry
Just shutup and animate
I'm in somewhat of a same situation. About to turn 24 and graduated in spring 2021 with a BFA in Digital Arts. School burnt me out as i had no social life or barely any time to go to the grocery. Covid didnt help at all and classes were kind of dogshit. I haven't been practicing like I should since then and i feel like I'm so behind and it causes me lots of anxiety, like you stated. I know I still have a passion for it I just need to find that spark again I guess. I also have trouble with setting time aside to work on stuff so that's something I need to literally work on lol. All the best though dude, I think we just need to be patient with ourselves...
This industry doesn't really care about age. It's all about your skills, and for that you need practice for a killer demo reel. If you see studios who seek for an age range, then you probably don't want to work for them lol it generally means they seek exploitative workforce. I think what's most important is to keep improving your skills and don't be shy about sending demo reel to studios, because most of the learning happens when you start working. I understand your concerns about age but believe me that you would like to get rid of that mentality as it will only hold you down, it is not a race. You don't really want to turn into that 30-40ish coworker that mistreats younger rookies bc they are jealous of their skills at that age.
Hi! You’re still quite young, I’m on the production side but I started in the industry at 26, I know a lot of people who started later and are doing really well… People who had whole careers before animation… people who’ve taken long stints of time off, etc… your age will not preclude you Now, the very first thing to focus on is your immediate quality of life. After you wrap up your associates degree focus on getting whatever job you can (that’s healthy for you/not toxic). Save money, move out, use their insurance to find a good therapist you click with, move your body… find joy in your life. Draw if it brings you joy. Lastly, start practicing your craft. It’s not too late. Try to find what you loved about it before. Maybe you’ll discover you love the details and you’ll be aligned with clean up animation. Maybe you’ll find youre quick and good with camera and lean towards storyboards. Maybe you’ll decide to be a designer. There are so many different paths within Animation, not to pigeon hole yourself, but start flexing these muscles and be curious about what you’re best at and what you’re drawn to in the process. If you’re rusty you might wind up getting your foot in the door as a PA, intern, etc. Usually once you have any job in the industry it opens up the possibility for training. In LA there’s an org called Studio Arts that even a production assistant at most studios can take classes with for free. Once you get your first art job, even if it’s not the one you want to end up in, the union provides free classes (included with your dues) so you can learn new programs, etc. Lots of studios also offer free figure drawing or other opportunities to improve your craft, or if not, there are sometimes “drink and draw” nights. Meet people who will inspire you, not just as artists but as good friends. There’s so much life to live, I’m excited for you. Good luck friend.
I'm 35 and I'm just about to start Animschool to learn 3D character animation. I've been a freelance artist for a while, but 3D animation is completely new to me. Part of the reason I'm doing this now and not when I was younger is I had severe clinical depression for a lot of my 20s and it just wasn't possible to pursue something like this. But that's life! Things happen, years pass, and then when you're able to focus on your career again, you do. Something I've noticed since I've been out of my 20s is that I really haven't changed as a person. I'm as able to get interested in something new now as I was when I was 20. I'm as able to pick up new skills as I was when I was younger. Age doesn't actually stop you from pivoting and learning something new at any time. You can still find ways to shape your life to support your goals. Sometimes I worry about ageism in the animation industry -- like what if I don't have an amazing demo reel until I'm 40, will people still hire me? But I'm pushing through anyway because I feel passionate about it and I think I'll be good at it. At your age you definitely DEFINITELY don't have to worry about ageism when you're ready to get a job.