Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Artist
Imposter syndrome is a common feeling experienced by many artists, especially those who are just starting out. It is a feeling of inadequacy, self-doubt, and the belief that one does not belong in their field or does not deserve the success they have achieved. If you are an artist struggling with imposter syndrome, you are not alone and I certainly have had to work a lot on this over the last few years. Here are some tips to help you overcome it:
Place Making - Hastings Point, available at Mist Gallery
Recognise that imposter syndrome is common among artists
The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is to acknowledge that it is a common feeling experienced by many artists. You are not alone in feeling this way. Recognise that these feelings are normal and that even successful artists experience them. This doesn’t mean you have to let it stick around. By just being aware of it as a thought pattern (not a truth) you can start to look it with curiosity. Ask yourself when it creeps in, “Why am I thinking this? Is there a certain part of my creative process or daily routine that actually lets imposter syndrome in?”. Sometimes when we start the day looking at other people’s great work on instagram we can instantly cause ourselves to feel unqualified. I personally like to start the day with a morning routine consisting of journaling, writing down my why, my goals and my plan of attack for the day. I will elaborate on this in another post because I am journaling obsessed and it has changed my life.
Reframe negative thoughts
When negative thoughts about your abilities as an artist creep in, learn to reframe them. Instead of focusing on your perceived shortcomings, focus on your strengths and what makes you unique as an artist. Write down your achievements, wins and positive feedback you have received from others. This is all about gathering a dossier of evidence and proof that you are qualified. Negative thoughts can be strong but they can also be re-written as thought patterns. One of the best exercises I ever did was to write down every limiting belief I had, then cross it out and write the truth. I would write this out and look at it over and over again until I began to believe it. This plus gathering evidence of my competence helped me build confidence over time. Confidence means you trust yourself, your abilities and know your worth. It may take some deep work but trust me it is worth it. Your thought patterns will change if you commit to rewriting negative beliefs that cause negative thoughts.
Practice self-care
Taking care of yourself physically, mentally and spiritually is essential to managing imposter syndrome. Make sure to take breaks when you need them, get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and engage in activities that bring you joy and inspiration. When you feel good about yourself and you are physically and mentally healthy, it can hugely help boost your confidence as an artist. When preparing for my first exhibition there were times when I felt I needed to paint all night to get it done. The truth was I actually needed to start the day with a morning routine (read 5am Club by Robin Sharma if you need some inspiration) get outside, in nature and refuel my soul and my creativity. I was actually useless and super unproductive when I didn’t do these things. Self care is just as crucial and productive as actually doing the work. Working on yourself means you will then outwork beautiful emotions and energy.
Connect with other artists & creatives
Connecting with other artists and creatives can help you feel less alone in your struggles. Join an artist community, attend art events, or take a class. You may find that other artists share similar experiences and can offer support, feedback and encouragement. I didn’t realise even the best artists go through moments of frustration and doubts, and that it was just part of the creative process. Frustration, doubts and challenges can push us to new creative territories as we work through them authentically.
Seek out feedback
As an artist, it is important to seek out feedback on your work. Not only can it help you improve, but it can also boost your confidence. Seek out constructive feedback from trusted sources, such as a mentor or fellow artist, and use it to improve your work. Also gather feedback on what your collectors like and buy. It can help you be aware of what resinates with others and guide the evolution of your personal style. Strong personal style that is meaningful and authentic to you is another way to combat imposter syndrome as such depth in your art reduces the room for thoughts such as ‘why am I doing this?’ and ‘will anyone even like this?’ If you love it and you believe in what you are doing, guess what, so will others!
Embrace failure
Failure is a natural part of the creative process. Instead of fearing it, embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Accept that mistakes and setbacks will happen and use them as an opportunity to improve your skills and knowledge as an artist. The only way you can fail is by not giving something a go. Keep showing up, keep getting out the sketch book, keep experimenting and you will be on the journey of mastery. I honestly want the last painting I do in my lifetime to be my best, I recognise I will need my lifetime of experience to paint that painting at a level of mastery.
Giving my thank you speech at my first solo exhibition at Mist Gallery came from many many hours of managing imposter syndrome! But I did the work, kept showing up and it paid off.
In conclusion, imposter syndrome can be a challenging feeling to manage, but it is possible. By recognising that it is a common feeling experienced by many artists, reframing negative thoughts, practicing self-care, connecting with other artists, seeking out feedback, and embracing failure, you can build confidence in yourself and your abilities as an artist. Remember to be patient with yourself, and don't give up on your passion for art. The world misses out if you don’t share your gift with us.