It’s Never Too Late to Learn Something New

The first day of a new course always comes with a mix of nerves and excitement. Recently, I enrolled in Bonnie Christine's Surface Design Fast Track Workshop — something I’ve wanted to dive deeper into for a long time. I was ready to sharpen my skills, learn some new techniques, and explore how to bring my illustrations into the world of repeating patterns.

What I didn’t expect was to be inspired before we even got started.

Our instructor began class by asking everyone to share their age. As the responses started rolling in, I saw numbers from the 20s, 30s, 40s… and then one person typed:

“83 years old.”

It stopped me in my tracks.

Here I was, in a room (albeit a virtual one) full of creatives at different life stages, and this reminder came shining through: there’s never a wrong time to learn something new.

Creativity is a Lifelong Journey

So often we tell ourselves stories about why we can’t start something — “I’m too old,” “It’s too late,” or “I should have figured this out by now.” But the truth is, creativity doesn’t run on a timeline. It evolves with us, and it’s always waiting for us to show up.

That moment reminded me that whether you’re 23, 43, or 83, there’s always room to try something different, to chase curiosity, and to expand what you thought was possible.

My New Adventure in Pattern Design

For me, this class is a chance to push myself outside of my usual creative comfort zone. I’ve spent years building brands, designing identities, and creating illustrations — but pattern design has always fascinated me.

One of my first projects is an illustration of a Shelby Cobra (yes, the classic car!) that I’m experimenting with turning into a repeating pattern. It’s playful, it’s unexpected, and it’s something that excites me enough to keep me sketching long after the kids are in bed.

That’s the beauty of learning — it reignites a spark you didn’t even realize had dimmed.

The Takeaway

The 83-year-old in my class may not know it, but their simple comment was a gift. It was a reminder to stop hesitating and start creating. To chase the things that light us up, regardless of age or stage.

So if you’ve been sitting on an idea, a project, or a passion you’ve always wanted to explore — consider this your sign. It’s never too late. The only wrong move is not starting at all.

Here’s to always learning, always experimenting, and always staying curious.

👉 If you want to follow along, I’ll be sharing more of my pattern design journey (yes, including that Shelby Cobra!) here on the blog and on my social channels. Stay tuned!