How did you overcome imposter syndrome?

We’ve got some of the most incredible artists, creatives and entrepreneurs in our community and we are constantly shocked by how prevalent imposter syndrome is. So many incredibly talented folks are haunted by self-doubt by a society that often tells you not to think too highly of yourself, but in order to have the strength to take on big challenges and make meaningful change in the world you’ve got to believe in yourself and so we wanted to create a space for conversations around overcoming imposter syndrome.

Gabby Jimenez

I don’t think you ever overcome imposter syndrome. Even though I am confident in the work that I do, in what I know, and what I can offer patients and their loved ones, I often think to myself, “who am I to be telling them how to do this?” I see the look in their eyes when they are afraid, and when they look to me for guidance and support, and I never want to let them down… but what if I do? Read more>>

Bryan Ricke & Melissa Vitello

We’ve both overcome our imposter syndrome by doing the thing and putting in the hours so that we are confident in our process and the final outcome of our work. It’s also important to remember every part of the filmmaking process is a group effort and that we don’t personally need to be an expert in all things.  Read more>>

Leslie Gomez

I believe that no artist or creative ever completely conquers imposter syndrome. As a Producer, a significant aspect of our role involves persuading others of ideas that are still in the process of being realized, and then assuring numerous individuals and teams that these concepts will materialize in the way they were promised. Read more>>

Amelia Williams

My past therapist in Los Angeles told me that he had clients ranging from interns to CEOs and across the board every last one of them at some point felt as if they had no idea what they were doing. Once I figured out that we’re all just trying to figure it out, every time I start to feel imposter syndrome coming on I just say “Literally no one knows what they’re” and it eases any of that anxiety I have. Read more>>

Arshawna Warren

Life’s unpredictability often leads us down paths of self-doubt. The weight of societal expectations can feel suffocating, leaving us feeling inadequate and hesitant to venture beyond the confines of our comfort zones. Imposter syndrome, a relentless companion on this journey, found its roots in my own self-perception and the imagined judgments of others. Read more>>

Kyla Mau

Let’s talk about imposter syndrome in the Photography community, because it is a big one. Especially today, there are a million photographers doing the “same” thing that I do. Which is capture images of people for a living. Read more>>

Heather Ison

The thing about imposter syndrome I have come to learn is that it will probably always be there, so it’s not about overcoming it – but instead learning to not let it control me. For example, if I have a new opportunity that I am nervous/excited about, typically that imposter syndrome shows up – for me in that moment it’s about recognizing it, acknowledging it and moving forward anyway, despite the lies it presents in my head. Read more>>

Ty Terry

Imposter Syndrome is tricky because you can master it (or learn to cope with it healthily) in regard to one aspect of your life, but may experience it with something else. Overcoming imposter syndrome started with me accepting myself and recognizing who I am. As a content creator, especially, I’ve been able to step into places that I’d only dreamed of being in and that was truly a struggle for me because I haven’t been doing it as long as others have. Read more>>

Blake Ballard

I still deal with imposter syndrome and I’ve been doing this for nearly a decade. Something I try to remember though is that comparison is the thief of joy. Comparing your work to other photographers will only lead to feelings of inadequacy and fuel imposter syndrome. Instead, focus on your own unique style and vision as a photographer. Embrace what sets you apart from others and celebrate your individuality. Read more>>

Avid Eghbali

My imposter syndrome is tied between the two sides of filmmaking, the creative side and the logistical side. I think as an artist, imposter syndrome is a default state of being. I think the way to answer how to overcome it starts with figuring out how to live with it.  Read more>>

Chanla Frederickson

I have a small business. An award-winning skincare line that’s clean and natural. I’m in the beauty industry and it’s a very saturated market. You can type in “anti-aging” moisturizer and thousands of products can come up. There are the big brands, the indie brands on social media, and the makers on etsy. There is a sea full of skincare lines out there. Because it’s so saturated, it was hard not to get caught up in comparing myself to other brands.  Read more>>

Robyn Branch

Three steps and a lot of time and mistakes…. I have always jumped in with both feet and arms in the air, before I look, so it’s the only way I know! I realized my talent was easy and had always been there. The design is the easy part because I can see it and feel it. What I did not know was how to be successful and run a business. Read more>>

Kate Libby

I’m not sure I ever did. I still get it. The self-doubt goblin is just as loud as ever, just talks less. It’s best for me to just acknowledge it and move on. One thing I’d recommend to a new designer is to quit obsessively looking at Instagram famous designers. They’re good, of course, they do great work. But try to forge your own path. Find your own voice, don’t try to copy their style.  Read more>>

Mitchell Burrows

Imposter syndrome is an interesting feeling to me, I’ve got very mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I would love to to feel the relief of whole heartedly believing it when someone says they enjoyed my script, liked my film etc.  Read more>>

ky washington

I overcame imposter syndrome from listening to a panel of professional makeup artists working in hollywood one year. They were discussing how each of them were often up for the same jobs and that if they didn’t get them, it wasn’t because they weren’t worthy, it was because that was what the client happened to be looking for on that particular job. Read more>>

Kathryn Hansen

In 2018 I entered the prestigious Birds in Art Exhibition in Wausau Wisconsin and got in with my drawing, Sittin’ in the Morning Sun. What an incredible thrill it was to be in a show with amazing artists that I not only admired for many years but were the top artists in wildlife art…such as Robert Bateman, Terry Miller and Carl Brenders.  Read more>>

Dani Jackson-Smith

Imposter syndrome, akin to bias and ego, is a natural aspect of life that loses its grip when acknowledged. Recognizing that none of us are masters in everything at all times, I’ve come to view discomfort and doubt as signs of growth rather than barriers. The key is not to yield to fear but to confront it head-on. Read more>>

Hayley Rose

For some background, I spent 27 years in the energy industry. I had a successful career there because I thoroughly understood the commercial and regulatory aspects of our contracts, the hydraulics of our pipeline systems, and built successful relationships with my customers based upon trust.  Read more>>

Dre Hill

Recently, I’ve come to the realization that imposter syndrome is an amalgam of anxiety surrounding showing up, how we show up, and how we are received when we show up. That, in combination with feelings of inadequacy when we show, how we show up, and how we perceive we will be received when we show up.  Read more>>

Jessica Talley

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a significant personal journey for me. As someone who embarked on the path of entrepreneurship while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, doubts often crept in about my capabilities and worthiness. However, I gradually learned to navigate through these feelings by focusing on my achievements and the passion that drives me. Read more>>

Stella Grimaldi

Imposter syndrome has been one of my biggest challenges as a creative person, especially in the realm of the performing arts. I come from a low income background but grew up yearning to do musical theatre, a field that is notoriously expensive to maintain a career in.  Read more>>

Mary Gerlitz

I did not know what “imposter syndrome” meant when I first read this question, but once I looked it up I realized this is something I am constantly struggling with. Especially with the world of Interior Design being so subjective. While I get better at “overcoming” it daily, I think it is something that many of us will struggle with… forever.  Read more>>

Laurie Hall

Imposter syndrome is an interesting term that gained significant traction with most of us in the last 20 years. It was first used in the late 70s and considered a phenomenon vs. a syndrome. How many feel a relationship with imposter syndrome (or imposter phenomenon)? Probably ALL OF US! Isn’t that the point? If we all feel like imposters sometimes then no one is really an imposter. We’re all just doing the best we can. Read more>>

Aric Harris

I don’t know if I ever really overcome imposter syndrome. If anything, I find myself able to recognize it more. That said, I am still very much affected by it. I think battling imposter syndrome is just like waking up in the morning and getting out of bed. You just have to take it one foot at a time. It’s hard. It takes a lot, and there are just days that you don’t feel worthy enough for any kind of admiration or acknowledgement.. Read more>>

Eddie “Lloyd Knox” Covarrubias

Overcoming imposter syndrome is something that I work on every day. When I first started as a cinematographer, I had no idea what I was really doing other than “oh that looks cool, let me point my camera at it and see what happens!” Read more>>

Juliana Miller

I don’t know that I will ever overcome imposter syndrome, as much as I simply choose to create daily despite my inner critic. Every time I sit down to create, it tells me I should wait until I master a specific skill or until I am better, and that there’s no one who will want to see what I’m doing. Instead, I create what my heart wants to share with the world. Whenever I find myself dissatisfied, it’s usually because I began to create with the goal of selling more rather than actually creating a product or story that my heart really wants to share. Read more>>

Alyx Sueitko Delgado Garcia Zamorano Chavez

I have a great relationship with my ictuchu (curandera). One time I went to visit, and shared with them that I felt like I was not welcome in certain circles. That my ideologies and cultural upbringings made me feel othered, and that I was too “soft” or “gentle” for these fast paced spaces.  Read more>>

Jen Dean

Even after my business was well established, I had a studio for many years and professional photographer was my full-time job, I still struggled with feeling like a fraud. In the back of my mind I would think someone was going to come in and expose me for not knowing what I’m doing. Read more>>

Ondrea Spearman

Great question. This took a lot of inner work, and I mean A LOT. And if I can be completely transparent, I am still working on it. Imposter syndrome comes from not feeling confident in your abilities. Before I became a women’s fitness coach I was in a corporate 9-5 where I experienced crippling anxiety about 90% of my days in the office. Read more>>

Candy Santana

Imposter syndrome can be a real challenge, but my educational background has instilled a deep resilience in me. Graduating college in three years while juggling multiple jobs, pursuing a master’s while working at the DA’s office, and finally graduating from law school in 2016- those experiences were intense! They forced me to learn to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks under pressure, and, most importantly, believe in myself. Read more>>

Juliette Greindl

To overcome imposter syndrome, I took several steps. First, I started acknowledging my achievements and the effort I put into my work. This helped me realize that I deserved the success I achieved and that it wasn’t just luck or chance. Second, I sought support from mentors and peers who believed in me and my abilities.  Read more>>

Jillian Chung

I think if you asked any photographer if they have “imposter syndrome” they would tell you: YES! Imposter syndrome is something that will always creep up during my career, but having close friends in the same industry really helps me overcome it. Finding your support system with like minded professionals to create that “community over competition” is eye opening. Read more>>

Nicole Tadgell

Compassion begins in the mirror. By surrounding myself with encouraging, loving people. I created a book of “kudos” , a collection of awards, good reviews and even nice things people have said. When I’m feeling down or when thoughts of inadequacy come up, I can look at the book for encouragement. Having my art on the walls in my home helps as well. They look back at me and say, “yes, you ARE good enough!” Read more>>

Brayden Hade

Overcoming imposter syndrome is incredibly difficult. I don’t know if we ever doe honestly. There will always be someone more talented, harder working, more charming, better looking, richer, more experienced- the list goes on. I think the real answer is to look inward and shut off the noise. Read more>> 

Shannon Baxter

I think a better frame of the question for many of us that battle imposter syndrome isn’t how did you overcome it, but how do you face it and overcome it when that little birdie decides to hop up on your shoulder and chirp in your ear on a random Tuesday… Read more>>

Candace Suero

Since creating Tenderoni Lashes in 2013, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many brilliant people: musicians, influencers, actors, etc. Feeling like an ‘imposter’ often comes with the territory of being an artist. Part of overcoming imposter syndrome comes from having a strong sense of self. When we’re in the same rooms as people we admire we often tend to ask ourselves, “Why us?” instead of “Why not, us?” Read more>>

Miguel A. Calles

I still suffer from a bit of impostor syndrome. It is one of those fears that keeps haunting me. I have found that to help me overcome the syndrome, I keep producing content, creating solutions, and solving problems. Read more>>

Ms. Jay

As a black woman navigating the science field and dance world, overcoming imposter syndrome can be a daunting task. It often feels like I have to constantly prove my worth and capabilities in these spaces, which can trigger feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. To combat these negative thoughts, I remind myself of my accomplishments and the unique perspective I bring to both fields. Read more>>

Swati Hathi

Will there ever be a way for an artist to entirely avoid imposter syndrome? I think not! Art is so subjective and once you start pursuing art commercially, you are bound to be vulnerable to feeling inadequate. Especially in the current scenario where production is at an all-time high and artists are competing with AI and being at threat to be exploited and used as a mere “art prompt”. Read more>>

Chante Bradley

So, I choose this topic because I felted it best fit what I have experienced. And, this could be a topic that you could possible add to your list because a lot successful people do experience this. I did not truly understand the value of what I offered to world and the impact of the influence I had on others. Read more>>

Bombardment Printing

Overcoming imposter syndrome in the creative field involves recognizing I will f*ck up a lot and leaning on friends in the industry. Having my own brand and my print shop (Bombardment Co and Bombardment Printing) help remind me of my journey and how I got here. Helping others helps my own imposter syndrome because I am relearning and rediscovering every time. Read more>>