#1 Starting an Art Career after Becoming a Mum at 35

I'm about to pursue art as a career from scratch after turning 35 whilst being a mum.
It's Feb 2023 - This is the first video that marks the start of taking my art seriously. I'm right at the beginning and at this point, I have quit my 9-5 job to start working on becoming a professional author - illustrator for children's picture books. When i'm not working on this goal, I'm a mum ( convenient for research :D ). Is it too late to try to change careers at 35 with a 1 year old baby? I don't know but I'm giving it a go and sharing my candid art progress every week to hold myself accountable. I'd love for you to join the journey, if you're also pursuing art too, please leave your stories below, we're not alone, I'd love to egg you on and see us improve our art together!

❀ SUMMARY
1. Being clear on my why & what I want to do (dig deep)
2. Start saving, set a goal & have plan B
3. Talk to closest family. It'll be easier for them to be on board.
4. Quit the 9-5 job
5. Develop my creative voice as a stay at home mum

✎ MENTIONED

☞ WATCH NEXT

✉ ABOUT & SOCIALS
● Hiya I'm Jenny, welcome to Spotted Journal, aka. my accountability journal sharing my candid art progress towards becoming an established author illustrator for children's picture books. It's been such a bonus to connect with similar minds and open real conversations about the progress. If you fancy joining the fun, please share where you're at in your art journey and/or your goals, i'd love to hear your story in the comments and improve our art together!

✄ I MADE THIS VIDEO WITH
● Lighting: Sunlight

[SpottedJournal]

If anyone has been through this or going through it too, I’d love to hear your story!

[KrishAeolusBhalla]

Restarting life/ Starting a new career as an artist at 36. With you on this journey and wish you all the best!!!

[jiaofelia]

Love it! Im a mom too. We are around the same age. Just took a leap to be a full time artist. So nice to know that I am not alone <3

[alisonbarnes]

Hi Jenny! So glad you said that we are not alone in this journey! I am also a mom and pursuing art as a career as well. Im currently working on illustrating some pieces and working towards a cohesive style. Wishing you all the best in your journey! Thanks for your vulnerability and for putting yourself out there!

[sharellethompson]

I am 34 turning 35 soon mom and also just took the leap into being a full time artist. I appreciate this content and its has inspired me to make my own youtube channel.

[hazelanson]

I love how vulnerable and honest you are Jenny - it is so inspiring to hear you talk about these topics that are so relatable. I feel compelled to get up and start creating whenever I watch your videos or talk to you 🙌

[artsyfartsymagic]

I’m right there with you mama! I love this video. It definitely inspired me ❤

[illustratingchristy]

I immediately subscribed before watching the video because I am also a new mom (I have a 2 year old son) and I just finally decided to start a small art business while working full time so I really feel like I was meant to find your channel lol. YouTube KNOWS!!!

[Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

Its great to meet other Artist parents living in England UK. 😊😊😊

[CaraStar]

Loved meeting you Jenny - enjoyed watching you here, honest and raw. I'm actually at a fresh start in my life, new city, new home and new job - trying to find my feet in all this newness.

[NovaNeau]

Love the editing in this video, Good luck on your journey!

[conor_olo]

Lovely to see you back Jenny! Very excited for how this new journey goes, I hope we get a chance to catch up soon :)

[KatieMoody]

Such a lovely video Jenny, I love your editing style! It's a really interesting point about existing as a mother AND wanting/having a different title too - whether that's an artist or an author or otherwise. Motherhood is so all-encompassing but it's important to hone in on what you need too. I'm not there yet but I appreciate hearing your thoughts in this video! I'm excited to watch and follow along on your new chapter as you re-connect to who you are and your growth along the way ❤

[Subhechhabhatta]

Hi.. Finally I came to a video where I can so much relate to your world and story. I too have a mannequin placed beside the window, lot of stationary and drawing and painting materials. I’m 34 half and a mother of 16 months older toddler. I took a career gap ( 5 odd years+ 1 year study) after 6 years working in corporate. Lol, a snippet to my resume. Anyways your video shade light to my current situation and I do look forward to becoming an artist. Thanks a lot.🎉😅❤

[ScientistPlans]

Hi Jenny!! I love this video! As a mom I couldn't agree more! I did change jobs after my son was born. Still in my field but with flexible hours and now in a hybrid mode. I think I can still change some more, and your video was very inspiring! thank you :) also, hi to your baby 🥰

[mizhou]

Great to see your update and reflection. My little one is the same age and it's a challenge and blessing to define who I am all over again. Look forward to seeing your journey x

[luke_moloney]

You've absolutely got this! We're all here supporting you ☺

[paperandmilk]

Aww great to see you here again Jenny! Excited for your journey

[barpcalypse]

It's so nice to see you! Keep strong and creative <3 Change has always been spooky but every time I've taken a jump, it's always a blessing in the end. I've stopped art due to burnout and the pandemic, but I'm finally settling into a healthy change in career and life. Doing art again slowly and I'm feeling much better about who I am and what makes me happy. -ZingBear

[moonmama]

Hi! I just found your channel and I’m so excited! From one artsy mom to another trying to pursuit something beautiful and creative, I’m proud of you and feeling encouraged to keep going and working towards my goal of practicing consistently (while also homeschooling 😅). Thank you for this content. ❤