Creating At Any Age + Stage
Coloring Outside The Lines Isn't Just Child's Play
Lately, I’ve seen one too many stories about “genius” kids who are turning the art world upside down with their work. I’m happy for anyone finding success, but where are all the stories about “everyday” people who create for fun and/or profit?
A friendly reminder: Creativity doesn’t have an expiration date. So whether you're 8 or 80, artistic expression is available to anyone and everyone. With or without training or permission.
Creativity is a lifelong playground, not a rigid path with age restrictions and rules.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
Pablo Picasso
Children create with fearless abandon, scribbling outside the lines without a second thought. But somewhere along the way, many of us internalize the idea that creativity is only valid if it’s "good enough," profitable, or fits neatly into a box.
The truth? In my experience, creativity thrives in imperfection, in exploration, in trying something new just because it sparks joy. It’s never too late to pick up a paintbrush, a camera, a pen, or whatever tools you prefer.
Whether you’re rediscovering a passion from childhood or diving into something completely unfamiliar, every stage of life offers new perspectives to bring to the creative process.
So, on this Studio Saturday, I would like to encourage you to let go of the idea that you’re "too old" or "not talented enough" to have fun and make something.
Doodle in the margins, write that story, take that class, experiment wildly.
Creativity isn’t just child’s play—it’s a lifelong invitation to color outside the lines.
Have a great day, y’all!
Clint 🌈✌️
P.S. If you’re over 40—like I think most of us here are—and are interested in starting a YouTube channel, I recommend tuning into these new-to-me creators: Kevin Kolbe, Kirk Nugent, and Steven Thompson.
ON THIS DAY = MARCH 15
BIRTHDAYS
270 = Saint Nicholas = Greek bishop and patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, toymakers, unmarried people, and more. His legendary gift-giving gave rise to the folklore of Santa Claus ("Saint Nick") through Sinterklaas.
1867 = Lionel Johnson = English poet, essayist, and critic 🌈
1886 = Gerda Wegener = Danish illustrator and painter 🌈
1921 = Madelyn Pugh = American television writer and producer
1926 = Ruth Simpson = American activist and author 🌈
1933 = Ruth Bader Ginsburg = American lawyer and judge
1935 = Judd Hirsch = American actor
1940 = Phil Lesh = American bassist
1941 = Mike Love = American singer-songwriter
1943 = David Cronenberg = Canadian actor and filmmaker
1943 = Sly Stone = American musician and record producer
1953 = Frances Conroy = American actor
1955 = Dee Snider = American singer-songwriter
1959 = Renny Harlin = Finnish filmmaker
1962 = Terence Trent D'Arby = American singer-songwriter
1963 = Bret Michaels = American singer-songwriter and tv personality
1964 = Rockwell = American singer-songwriter
1968 = Mark McGrath = American singer-songwriter
1975 = Eva Longoria = American actor
1976 = Amir Ohana = Israeli lawyer and politician 🌈
1982 = Kwame Harris = Jamaican-born American football player 🌈
1985 = Kellan Lutz = American actor and model
1988 = Lil Dicky = American rapper, comedian, and actor
1990 = Brandon Sklenar = American actor
EVENTS
44 BCE = The assassination of Julius Caesar takes place on the Ides of March.
1917 = Tsar Nicholas II of Russia abdicates the Russian throne, ending 304 years of the Romanov dynasty.
1965 = President Lyndon B. Johnson, responding to the Selma crisis, tells U.S. Congress "We shall overcome" while advocating the Voting Rights Act.
1972 = The Godfather premieres in NYC.
1977 = Eight Is Enough premieres on ABC.
1977 = Three's Company premieres on ABC.
HOLIDAYS + OBSERVANCES
PORTRAITS + SONGS OF THE DAY
“Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”
By Sly & The Family Stone
“Wishing Well”
By Terence Trent D’Darby
Clint, the good aspect of being old is that I can finally do things I have wanted to for decades. As a teenager, I wanted to draw, enrolled in an art school, but that lasted only about a year and a half when somehow I ended up in a technical direction that resulted in a good career, a great family, some teaching and then retirement. So now in my eighties I am finally back to doing art, sketching mostly, but photography also. My point: never give up on what makes you happy. Be patient, though, because sometimes it takes a lot longer than expected to be able to do those things.
No, it's never too late to tackle the dreams of your youth as long as you don't expect to have the energy of your youth. That's my big downfall, lol.
Years ago a friend dragged me to an all male life model drawing group. I warned him I'd flunked stick figure drawing in kindergarten but he insisted. By the second or third session I was modelling! I went for years.... Problem is it used to be on my way home from work. Now it's a three hour round trip for a four hour session. I can't do that after a day's work anymore.