Apr 30, 2023
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, and accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud. It's a feeling of inadequacy despite evidence of success, competence, or intelligence. It can be particularly prevalent in high-achieving individuals, such as artists, who may feel like they don't deserve their success and are "faking it" in their field.
People with this syndrome tend to attribute their accomplishments to luck or external factors, rather than their own abilities. They may also have feelings of self doubt and worry that they will be exposed as a fraud or failure. It can hold individuals back from taking risks and pursuing new opportunities, leading to missed opportunities for growth and success.
In the art business, it can manifest as comparing oneself to other artists, feeling like an imposter in the art world, or being held back by perfectionism and social anxiety. It's important for artists to recognize and overcome their imposter syndrome in order to reach their full potential and share their work with the world. Having a mentor or support system can also be helpful in overcoming it and negative thinking.
How has this affected me in my journey?
Hello there! I'm Barbra, a multi-talented artist, content creator, social media planner, and customer service agent. As a small business owner in the creative field, I understand the overwhelming and daunting nature of juggling multiple tasks. Unlike some, I don't have the classical training of an illustrator or artist. Instead, I've taught myself most of my skills and honed them through various online courses.
Feeling like an imposter is a daily battle for me. Since I'm self-taught, I often question whether I truly know what I'm doing or if my work is good enough. Putting myself out there was a challenge, as I doubted anyone would be interested in my artwork. However, despite my disbelief, I took the leap and shared my creations. When I made my first few sales, it was hard to believe because my perfectionist tendencies made me feel like it wasn't up to par.
Conquering this syndrome, for me, doesn't mean it disappears entirely. It's about acknowledging that fear exists and choosing to take action anyway. It's about consistently putting yourself out there, even in the face of negative thinking and self-doubt.
However, when incorporating social media into the equation, mindfulness is crucial. Rather than tying your worth to likes or views, remember that by simply showing up and sharing your work, you are already winning and being true to yourself.
Comparing Yourself to Other Artists, Self-Doubt, Negative Thoughts and other Bad Ideas
The nature of creative work makes everyone more vulnerable to feeling inadequate and like they're never good enough. Even the most successful artists can experience it. It's a feeling that often lingers in the back of your mind and can make you feel like a "fake."
Negative self-talk and internalized fear can take over and make you question your abilities, even if you've received positive feedback. The pressure to perform and produce great work can be overwhelming, especially if your work is highly public.
Classically trained artists may feel like they're not living up to their training, while self-taught artists may feel like they're not "legitimate" in their field. No matter what your background is, everyone experiences it at some point in their career.
High expectations for oneself can often lead to disappointment when those expectations are not met. Negative comments or criticism can reinforce the feeling of being a fraud and make you want to stop creating altogether.
One technique that works well for me is shifting my focus and expectations. Instead of fixating on the end result, I emphasize the importance of showing up for myself as a victory. This approach helps me stay motivated and allows my creative mind to roam freely, unburdened by the fear of falling short. As a result, I can explore new ideas without the constant worry of whether they will meet perceived standards of adequacy.
If you experience imposter syndrome in your own field, it's important to recognize that it is a common experience. Take a moment to acknowledge your feelings and remember that you're not alone. It's okay to ask for help and to talk to others about your struggles. Don't let fear hold you back from reaching your maximum performance as an artist.
Why bother overcoming Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome can negatively impact an artist's personal growth and success in the art world. It can hold artists back from using their talents and capabilities, as they internalize limiting beliefs that prevent them from taking risks and creating new and challenging work. It can also cause artists to compare themselves to others, feel like they don't measure up, stop creating altogether or worse have the greatest idea but not even daring to get started.
For many years, I let insecurities hold me back from exploring my artistic side, despite being surrounded by artistic talents in my family. I convinced myself that painting was something I would do when I was old and retired. In reality, I was afraid of imperfection, of not doing things "right," of looking foolish, and of not actually being good at it if i tried. When COVID struck and the world stood still, I found myself desperate for a new activity. My husband Charli and I decided to paint on whatever we could find around the house, and we ended up refurbishing some decorative wooden blocks we had used at our wedding. Even then, I remember telling myself that it was just for fun, not something serious. That's how ingrained my fears were. But we enjoyed it so much that both of us became addicted to it.
Did my fears disappear completely? No, but every time I create a piece of art and put myself out there, it becomes less strong. I remember the first time I made a sale of my artwork, and I couldn't believe it. I didn't think someone would put their hard-earned money into something I made. I see the same thing happen to Charli. So many times, he creates a piece of art that I think is amazing, but he hesitates to put it out there because it's "imperfect" or "failed."
As artists, we need to stop being so judgmental of ourselves and stop cutting ourselves off before we even start. We need to take the leap, put ourselves out there and fight the fear of failure. The world is a big place, and someone is bound to connect with our art. Even if that doesn't happen, it doesn't matter. We're putting ourselves out there, growing, and that's something to be proud of.
10 Creative Ways to deal with Imposter Syndrome as an artist
Dealing with this syndrome, artists must reframe their negative thoughts and beliefs. It's important to recognize that it isn't based on reality and that feeling like a fraud does not indicate you are one. It's also important to remember that everyone is different, and just because someone else may create better work doesn't mean your work isn't good.
Here are some ways to master it:
1. Create a "Bragsheet"
Write down all of your accomplishments, big and small, and keep it handy to remind yourself of your successes whenever doubt creeps in.
2. Embrace Failure
Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as a necessary part of the process. Each mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Remember that not every piece has to be a final piece. The journey and the process are beautiful too!
3. Get inspired by others
Rather than comparing yourself to others, we're all different anyway, seek inspiration from the work of artists you admire. Learn new techniques as a jumping-off point to develop your own unique style.
4. Create a vision board
Collect images, quotes, and other inspirational items that represent your goals and aspirations as an artist. Display it in your workspace to keep you motivated and focused.
5. Take a break
Go get a coffee with someone and go for a walk. Walking can improve your creativity significantly and is a great way to relax your overworked brain. It's okay to step away from your work and take a break when you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Engage in other creative activities or hobbies to refresh your mind and get inspired.
6. Practice positive affirmations
Write down positive affirmations such as "I am a talented artist" and repeat them to yourself daily to combat negative self-talk.
7. Collaborate with others
Working with other artists can help you gain new perspectives, learn new techniques, and feel more confident in your abilities. Other artists might help you recognize why you are feeling this way and help you find your way out of it.
8. Attend workshops and classes
Sign up for workshops or classes to learn new skills and techniques. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can help you feel more confident in your abilities.
9. Keep a journal
Writing down your thoughts and feelings about your work can help you gain perspective and work through feelings of self-doubt.
10. Celebrate your successes
When you accomplish a goal or complete a project, celebrate your success! Treat yourself to a special meal, buy yourself something you've been wanting, or simply take a moment to acknowledge your hard work and progress.
Dont let Perfectionism, Social Anxiety and Social Media hold you back
Social media can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to imposter syndrome. On one hand, it can provide a platform to share and connect with other artists. On the other hand, it can exacerbate insecurities and self-doubt when comparing yourself to others. Here are some tips for navigating social media:
Limit your time on social media - It's important to take breaks from social media and not let it consume your time and mental energy.
Be mindful of who you follow - Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people who inspire you rather than trigger feelings of inadequacy. Consider unfollowing accounts that make you feel bad about yourself or limit your exposure to them.
Remember that social media is a highlight reel - People tend to share their best moments and accomplishments on social media, which can make it easy to feel like everyone else is more successful or talented than you. Keep in mind that you're only seeing a curated version of someone's life and work.
Use social media as a tool for growth - Instead of comparing yourself to others, use social media as a way to learn and grow. Follow accounts that provide valuable insights and resources in your field, and engage with others to expand your knowledge and network.
Don't be afraid to share your own work - It's natural to feel hesitant about sharing your own work on social media, but remember that everyone starts somewhere. Share your art and be proud of what you've accomplished, even if it's not perfect.
How to Overcome Self-Doubt for Artists: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, overcoming imposter syndrome as an artist is a journey. Self-doubt and imposter syndrome are common feelings that many artists experience. Embrace your unique path, celebrate your growth, and surround yourself with a supportive community. Remember, perfection is unattainable, so be kind to yourself and learn from setbacks. Use social media wisely, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and recognize limiting beliefs that are restricting your growth. Your voice and creativity matter. Seek feedback from others, share your art confidently and join our vibrant community.
Follow us on social media for more inspiration and support. Together, let's conquer imposter syndrome and thrive as artists to achieve our full potential.