How YouTube Changed My Life In My 40s 

How timely this video is for me. Two days ago I posted my first YT video. It's simply a flip through an art journal which I'd just completed during a 100 day challenge. I'm 73 and although always a creative, I've only been painting for about 4 years. I have no illusions about being a regular RU-vidr but I am pleased to have just done this and put my art out there. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and who knows...maybe I'll actually put another video out there.

Extroverted RU-vidrs are tiresome. Thanks for being yourself.

Some of my favorite RU-vidrs are 'older' women-anywhere from their 40's (which is still young!) to their late 70's. Just love how much more comfortable in their own skin they seem, and more authentic. Even though their first videos were still a little awkward or unpolished, no one seems to care-they have hugely loyal followings because they kept on making videos, got more comfortable with making videos, and just seemed to have a 'heck with it' mindset and jumped into sharing who they are and what they love. I love your channel, Natasha, and am so grateful that you share your authentic self with us.

I'm in my 40s and have wanted that sense of community, but have a tendency to shout down that desire with negativity ("What if no one likes your art? You can't even afford your next sketchbook. What you have to say isn't interesting."). But this video has been so inspiring, so reassuring. Thank you.

RU-vid is not just for the extroverts! Us shy introverted wallflowers need entertainment too! Thank you Natasha for being YOU.

It all began with me clicking on a video YT recommended to me - that's Mel's video. I subscribed to her, found out that she has a podcast and listened. I enjoyed your Creative Catch-up so much that I decided to check you out here! I agree 500% with authenticity being the key. It is only through by being our authentic selves that we find kindred spirits.

This is so very heartening Natasha. I’ve been a lurker on your channel for several years and I finally feel like there’s a tiny light ahead for me too. I’m 43 and have been trying to reinvent my introverted self after a major mental health breakdown leading to me leaving a career of 20 years. I’m so desperate to share what o know about art and dare I say it, sell some of my pieces too, but it genuinely feels like I’m screaming into the void. Instagram is showing less than 1% of my followers the reels I make and post daily. My substack has 29 subscribers! My shop has been visited by like 50 people this year. It’s not that I feel introversion has held me back from becoming a RU-vidr so much as my imposter syndrome has totally messed with my self esteem. I’ll keep on screaming into that void and hope that like you, I find my people on here and finally get to open my own patreon…

Dear Natasha, I’m an italian artist, I have a little channel of art, mainly illustration. This fantastic video encourages me to continue. Thank you so much ❤

That was so fun to re-live the early days, remembering conversations and see how far you've come. Glad to have been a part of your RU-vid journey Natasha 😊❤ here’s to the next chapter 🎉🎂🎈 xx

What an inspiring video Natasha! I felt you were speaking from the bottom of your heart, may this video reach more people! I'm definitely going to watch it again. I am so thankful for RU-vid recommendations and that I found your channel. Also no way you are in late 40ties, I thought you were in early 40ties,, you look so young!

A fellow introvert here, mid-40s! Took years to finally make that first video at the end of 2020,.but it's been SO rewarding mentally, emotionally and creatively. And I've met so many wonderful people through this!! 💛

Hello Natasha. This very intimate video shows how much trust you put in your viewers. Thank you so much for sharing !

Thank you, Natasha. I’m 55 and have sometimes thought of starting a channel…but that’s as far as I get! 😀 I love your videos, they’re so calm, down to earth and understated. Thank you for sharing you story.

Thank you for sharing this. I’m a jewellery maker and artist, I’ve been researching how to do RU-vid for years and I’ve worried I’m too old, too shy, too uncool. I’m going to do it!

Thank you for this video! It's a light call to get back to creating videos :)

I have a rare disorder and have founded an international support group. It’s differentiated, but the wonder of people of like mind is beautiful. Best thing about the internet.💖

Although I am not an artist, I am considering setting up a channel mostly documenting my "trip to get fit" at 53y, a mum of teenage boys and an interesting but sedentary full time job. Thank you for the inspiration to give it a try and also for your lovely art. 😊

thanks for that, from a brazilian mid-forties artist that never thought about youtube, but loved to hear that things can still change.

Very honest and sincere words reminding us all that we can achieve if we persevere with our passion.

Thank you very much Natasha!

I really enjoyed the video Natasha. In my 60’s I sometimes toy with the idea of starting a RU-vid channel but don’t feel I have enough to say. My passions are art, particularly watercolour, and fountain pens - which I sometimes use in my art. Who knows, that may change, but in the meantime I enjoy my favourite content providers, including yourself and Kriksis 🙂

Totally agree with you! I started my channel at 63 and I always say, it’s really just for me. I’m not a professional and will never claim to be but I enjoy it so much! Is that Ocean paper paints? Love them so!

Thank you for this content Natasha, I so enjoy your content, and have flirted with the idea of a channel myself. More food for thought. As an early 60-ish, with our generational career regrets ("art doesn't give you an income") I'm rediscovering the fulfilment of art, and Id really like to explore the journey. Your honesty and self reflection is so refreshing and relatable.

Thanks for the encouragement, Natasha. I've been mulling this over for a while. As always, I enjoy your content!

Thank you for sharing your story Natasha. Early 40’s here and I am enjoying building my channel up. You are right, never too old to start anything, as I have literally started playing football as well, and why not!

Wonderful advice, thank you. I'm 58 now, and still hugely self conscious. I'm finally starting a serious, yet playful, journey into my passion of sculpting. My kids say to start a channel, but I don't feel like I have "new" information to pass on to others. I'm still considering it, but my age does hold me back. Thank you for your channel and sharing your beautiful art 😊

Such a wonderful video ❤ I completely agree, the beauty of RU-vid is that it is for everyone. So grateful for the lovely community I’ve gained through my RU-vid channel. I do contemplate quitting, this was a helpful form of encouragement x

Thanks, Natasha. Your work certainly inspires me, and I'm so glad you're experiencing the good times!

I must have been watching you from near the beginning. I have watched you change so much ( in a good way). Your work has improved and your voice has changed tremendously. Your confidence level has grown. Your voice is much stronger. It is great to see someone blossom. 😊

Like you I also took a long time to start as I also thought I wasn’t extrovert enough, or didn’t want to share too much personal stuff. I’m so happy I tried anyway, as I have had the chance to meet lovely people who are very supportive. I totally agree there is space for everyone, and I appreciate your encouragement. By the way, I also started on my early 40s and I thought I could never get to a point where I knew what I was doing. I had to learn everything about editing, animating, music… I many times thought of giving up but like you, was pushed on by my passion about art and wanting to connect with people.

I can't believe youre over 40! I totally though like early 30s. And I want to thank you for creating this channel, not to get parasocial here, but i do often feel like you represent people like me, who are artsy and introverted but open with people you know best. I love your art and i hope you get even more success on here!

Hi Natasha, over the years I have been so inspired to do more art, thanks to your channel. I remember you were the first person I came across that loved muted colours as much as I do, so that got me excited to do more and feel less 'weird' about the things I love. I subscribed to your channel back when you didn`t like to use greens in your work.!! ( apart from the blueish greens) so that is quite a long time ago. 😊 When I see someone else expand their creative horizon, I feel more confident in trying it too, so it`s been very helpful and fun.

I’m glad you decided to do YT your way because I love your channel ❤

So nice to hear this story and I started my you tube in my early 60's so never say never it is worth giving it a try if you will enjoy it.

I never comment, but as an artist who turned 40 a few months ago, I really appreciated this video. My dream is to be a working artist, a pivot from the web design business I've been running for 15 years - I've been very called to RU-vid and this was a very inspiring gentle nudge.

Thanks for this video. I'v been dabbling a little with a few videos as of late and have always wanted to do an art channel like yourself. I'm also in my 40's. Love your channel. x

You are one of the Artist’s I look forward to watching. I am also an introvert and I do not like to put myself out there. Being an artist I like being behind the scenes. I learn so much from the RU-vid artists I follow. I have been painting for my whole life ( 63) and I am still insecure about my talent. Thank you for the encouragement.

An excellent video as always, and very encouraging for those of us who would like to have a RU-vid channel, but are yet to take the plunge! Lovely to see your beautiful face on the thumbnail too! It has been wonderful to watch you grow and flourish here on your channel, and in reality too! Well done my darling 😊💖😘 xxx

So thankfull I discovered your channel here on RU-vid and became part of the community you have grown around it. Happy to haer that your channel has such a great impact on your art,your creative partice and also for your own creative well being. Your videos are so insightful and it is like being in the studio with an artist friend. You always gift us with such diverse content that reflects where you are on your journey as a full time artist. I love your magical art work and have loved seeing how it has changed as your confidence has grown.You have such an amazing natural gift for putting together colour palettes and I am also gratfefull that some of your videos helped me make significant changes to my own life and creative practice.Your videos are always a real joy to watch and listen too.Thank you for your wonderful channel and for letting us look over your shoulder into your studio and your life as an artist. I hope your cannel and Patreon both continue to grow and look forward to future videos. (matt)

I love your channel and your mushrooms are so charming 😊 And your palette is gorgeous !

Thank you for sharing this on RU-vid. It was lovely.

Hi Natasha, Thankyou for sharing how RU-vid has changed your life, I think your amazing. I’m mostly an introvert suffer terribly with anxiety so I couldn’t do it but well done Natasha for getting there with it and Patreon it’s fantastic. Your art is just wow 😮. I love your toadstools that you painted whilst you chatted superb!! Well done Natasha for all you have accomplished 👏 you deserve it lots of love xxx 💗

I am so glad that you started your channel and that the algorithm one day served you up to me. I have had many beautiful moments watching your videos and listening to your chats. A few years ago, I rarely watched youtube but then lockdown happened and I think I needed something more personal than just tv. The nice thing about RU-vid is that the content is just so genuine. I love that the creators chat about themselves and offer us their time and personal experiences. I get to have the chance to have a little chat in the comments with someone in another part of the world. You can’t do that with a tv. So many of the people who run channels seem so lovely and lots of the time I think to myself, “I bet you and I could be great pals if we lived nearer each other.” If a big movie star was coming to my area I probably wouldn’t bother with going to see them (unless they were performing…I’d pay to go to a show) but if I heard that one of my RU-vid favourites was coming to my area, I would probably make a point of trying to get to meet them.

Natasha, I love the low key and beautiful aspects of your videos. Your style is perfect for my taste! I also love your art!

Thank you Natasha, you are my inspiration. I have started my RU-vid last year, but I still can't gather the courage to do a voiceover in my videos 😅

Oh, Natasha, this is SO encouraging for a fellow Gen X youtuber (who is still rather small) to keep going💖I think one of the most beautiful things about putting yourself out here and being who you authentically are is that it has attracted a wonderful community. I've had the great pleasure to also make some truly wonderful art friends who are as passionate about sketching and painting and willing to geek out with me over silly things like Neo Color IIs😂 And even if we never get to meet our friends we made online, they are real friends with real hearts and connecting with them is so rewarding. I recently made a video talking about being in my late 40s and wondering if there were any other artists over the age of 35 on this platform because YT just pushes the 20 year olds into my feed most days (they're wonderful, btw, but I also feel so isolated when I only see folks half my age making art, like where are the grown ups?) I was floored when my video got a big supportive response (as usually not too many folks watch me, haha) Someone had even said "Natasha Newton is in her 40s and has a gorgeous channel" which I already knew you had a lovely channel I watched often but didn't realize you might be my age as I just assumed you were probably much younger and cooler than I, hehehe! But I'm so glad to know as I'm seeing more and more 40+ artists opening up about their age on here that I certainly am not in the minority, hooray! Keep making the beautiful work, being your wonderful self, and sharing your story. RU-vid and all of us admirers need you here🫶

Hi Natasha, i was glad to find your channel in Jenna Rainey’s list a few years ago. There is something about your voice, that you cannot keep just for yourself. Happy painting!😊

What a lovely video. I’m glad I found you however many months ago. I hope you carry on indefinitely ❤

How lovely to watch you paint and to see your process. Thank you for sharing your experience coming into having a Tube channel. Being an introvert and also highly sensitive , I have always discarded the idea of having one. Furthermore, I don't think I have enough to share that would be interesting to others......I paint , but at this point not well enough to actually show something online. I always enjoy your channel!!

Thank you for being YOU, Natasha and sharing & connecting yourself so genuinely to so many all over the world. Having a YT channel is a lot of work and it may not be for everyone. But I'm so glad you took that chance...worked through your introversion and others can too. There's really not much to lose...except time (lots of time,☺️)and it can be a great venue for growth both professionally and personally. I'm so glad that's the way it worked out for you! I know for certain (I've read the countless comments) that thousands of YT viewers have come to rely on YT arts/crafts videos, (and other life-sharing categories ) not only for how-tos and entertainment, but also for emotional comfort during their down or dark times. This was especially true during the pandemic. You and other vid creators may never know the positive impact you have on so many people. ❤️

Thank you!

What a lovely encouraging video Natasha! I am also quite shy, everything you said about that resonated…also being in our 40s. It can sometimes feel like such a young world but it’s so great that RU-vid can help build a community at whatever age! Xx

I loved the chat and advice, thank you!

Thank you for sharing. ❤

Thanks for this great video! It's so awesome to hear your story. Sometimes I feel like I really want to start a RU-vid channel but have no idea what I would share!

Thank you! I love this, I often wondered what inspired people to post. I so enjoy your channel and am so happy to hear that you enjoy it as well!

Your videos are always so soothing and peaceful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts - I have been wanting to start my own channel and as an introvert I am terrified! You are an inspiration, as always xxx

Lovely painting! Your channel is one of my very favorites! Thank you for persevering through all of that. I really do know what that feels like. 🌻 I hope your channel grows far beyond your wildest expectations, you deserve it!

Love this video, and it inspires me to continue to make art videos for RU-vid. I've just started and keep thinking, who is interested in drawing nests or magnolias? But then again, I am, so maybe other people are too. And it's also so helpful to see your own art on video, so you can take some distance from it and look at it with fresh eyes. Beautiful colour palettes by the way! And yay for being in our forties and loving our work, waving an introvert hello to you from the Netherlands 👋

So inspiring Natasha, thank you for sharing your experience ❤ I started my channel recently and it's a silent vlog kind because I like that pace and feels right to me at the moment, although I know silent vlogs aren't for everyone, I'm very happy to have taken the first step!

Thank you so much for sharing Natasha……as usual you touch our hearts with your life experiences! Your channel was one of the first channels that led me to fall in love either online art! thanks for being there!

Very honest and open, thank you Natasha! I discovered your channel before you started Patreon, and started my own ko-fi as you had recommended it 😊 I’d love to hear more about the switch you made and how you set Patreon up, the tiers you chose and the content you chose to make and share on it?

Hello Natasha, I have watched your wonderful encouraging video twice. It's so great! I think it's great that you had the courage to do your RU-vid channel. I can hear your joy and that you encouraging other artists to get started on RU-vid. Also that you say that you are lucky to have a wonderful family, yes, but when it comes to our art it is so good to share with a community:). Everyone knows how the other feels. I also need my peace and quiet when I'm painting. You're in your own world. I love your videos:)). This video has touched my heart. Your mushrooms are beautiful. The orange is a perfect colour for the mushrooms. Can you tell me the brand of the small brush, please? It held the colour so well. Thanks for sharing. Have a lovely day:)♥

A lovely personal share Natasha. Very inspiring and encouraging. I am so happy you are doing well x

Thanks for sharing your experience. I love your artwork and your channel. Your voice and accent are so relaxing ❤

Loved this! Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experience with us. Really appreciated!❤

Very inspirational!

Very encouraging 😊

Such an encouraging video!! I love your videos and all of the hard work that goes into what you do. ❤

Natasha Thankyou I so enjoyed this video, you are an inspiration ❤

This is so good, thank you for sharing your honesty ☺☺

Love this, Natasha. I appreciate you sharing 🤍

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm not really an introvert or an extrovert... just a "vert". I teach painting and drawing for adults - mostly retirees and empty-nesters. My students love my methods and the improvements they make each year tell me I'm on to something. I have thought many times about starting an instructional channel, but I wonder how what I do in person will translate to video... I suppose I won't know until I try it.

Im so glad you stuck with RU-vid through the difficult early days, always enjoy seeing your content and your art 😊. Thanks for sharing the story of your journey with us.

Very encouraging video and lovely painting!

Great to hear your YT story :). Also love the little painting. I'm sure you've motivated a few to start up their own channel!

Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts on this topic! Right now I'm where I want to start. I'm 46 years old and art saved my life. Honesty!!! I would like to spread love for art and how important it can be in our lives. The joy of self-expression and how useful it is as a tool for dealing with emotions. I'm not fluent in English, so it took me years to learn it but I have an idea how to do it and not talking too much. Recording and editing for my films are the only things I'm a little scared. These are keys that I cannot ignore and learn how to do it right. Thank you again for your experience and that You are here.

Get out of here, you were in your MID 40s in 2019? You look like 37 now haha. I'm very happy you were brave and started :D

I very much enjoyed this video. It was so interesting to hear about your journey. Thank you Natasha.

Great video. I just love your work and all your videos. And wow, I just about fell off my chair when you said that you started your RU-vid channel in your ??mid forties?? No way!! I thought you were in your, maybe, late twenties. You seem to be a very authentic lovely person and I love listening to you chat while you paint, draw, swatch or whatever. Love when you share your process especially mixed media. Watching RU-vid has been a great way for me to not only learn but to see/hear others who are passionate about art. I’m 65 and just started learning watercolor after many, many years away from any kind of art and don’t really have anyone IRL that is into art. So RU-vid and channels like yours are just wonderful. And your encouragement to others along with your personal story about starting a channel is just fantastic. Thanks.

Thank you so much for sharing more insights into that beautiful process of your growth. I'm so thankful for you sharing all your experiences, because it really gave me the confidence to eventually just start the damn thing. 🥰 And honestly, I'm so thankful, that the beginning is such a slow grind. It gives me the time to figure things out, without any pressure. I still remember your words - that you've repeated here - and keep them close to my mind and heart: That I can just be myself and that things will fall into place, like-minded people will join me on my journey eventually. The journey is the reward. 🥰 I already benefitted and gained so much, just because I started and I enjoy it so. Thank you so much and all the best to you! 💕 P. S.: To all the pregnant artists out there: Yes, starting 4 weeks before your due date IS a good idea, too!! (Just remember to put your feet up if you sit down for a while, haha!)❣

You could also share with us tips on how to age beautifully. You are very youthful in spirit and appearance. :-) Thank you very much for this video, very very encouraging. I like introvert people’s content a lot more, it appears more honest and calm. If you have time, and would like to share, would be very interesting to hear tips on how to build and grow youtube and instagram accounts. If you followed any books etc, because it is very scary to start an account from zero. Have a great week, and thank you for your honesty ❤️

I really enjoyed this video and I would like to follow your journey, so I am now a new subscriber☺

I would love to start a channel as well...just to document my life and also...to share my knowledge with others...which has always been a big bonus for me in m life. I am just soo worried about all the technical stuff...and at this point in my life...have no help through that...and I am SOOO untechnical anyways...with this computer stuff...give me any sewing machine and I will have it figured out in a juffy...even if computerized! Thanks for the lovely video Natasha...I am also very introverted and shy...but...I have found when sharing knowledge...via by private lessons...or in person...I loose my shyness...because I have some good tips to share...or info...which makes the huge difference for me....Janis in The Yukon Canada

0:31 I don’t feel too old to start. I’m just too lazy 😂😂.

I just started a few days ago by posting shorts. I have no idea how to edit videos but I'll get the hang of it I hope. But I'm still in not sure about it though. 😁 Thank you for this video.

I have just subscribed! I am just about to hit 40 and want to have a you tube channel BUT I am also reserved and not big fan of and idea of being on camera... let alone talk as English is not my first language. You motivated me tho :)

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First! (Finally 😅) Hi Natasha! ❤

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You are never in your late forties?! Looking well 😉

Editing is fun yeah, you always underestimate the time needed. And i think it's an important life skill to learn to ignore haters. It's just another way of keeping women down.

I love how meticulous and detailed your work is. I just love to binge your channel. To be honest I suffer from anxiety, and your videos are so peaceful to watch. You just rock. 100%. Magical person. 🤍

Great video love the mushrooms ❤ so glad I found ur channel back when I did it’s been several years now and I still love watching your content u always introduce me to new products and new ideas❤