"My thought was directing more to the professional side of things..."

I have never been asked my age. As a freelancer I rarely meet my clients these days.

It's what you can do that counts, not what age you are.

It takes time to grow a skill.

I once worked in a design office, I would guess at that time I was about 15-20 years older than most of the people, probably older than the boss. I used to leave at about 6.30 to go home but one day I said I'd be leaving earlier because it was my daughter's birthday.

The boss asked "How old is she?".
"18" I said.

I watched a cartoon depiction of a jaw drop on this guys face.
"18? you have a daughter aged 18?"
"Yes, that's right.."

..I didn't mention her brother who was 21..

You are 28. Work towards what you want to do. Age is not a barrier - don't make it one. I don't work professionally in 3D but generally the people who do my job can be as much as 40 years younger than me. I don't care and neither do my clients. It would be different if I didn't freelance, but most 3d artists are employed either short term or freelance.

Don't be 28 going on 58. Don't be 58 wishing you'd given it a go at 28.