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.

Angelique Collis

I’ve suffered from imposter syndrome my entire adult life. There have been many moments where, whether it be at college, corporate jobs or social settings, I did not feel like my voice was worthy of being heard. It always felt like others understood so much more than I, and had so much more to offer. Read more>>

Jay James

I can’t say I’ve ever truly overcome the notorious imposter syndrome. What I can say is that every time I’ve experienced it, it meant that I was progressing in my career. Any time I experience it now, I think to myself “I have a certain idea of where I’m at in my career, and what I’m about to do is going to change that if I succeed.” Read more>>

Tara Chaffiotte

We believe that the key to overcoming imposter syndrome lies in embracing our unique journey and focusing on innovation. Instead of comparing ourselves and our ideas to others, we channel our energy into understanding what our customers want and need. This customer-centric approach allows us to develop creative, engaging solutions that set us apart and create competitive advantages. Read more>>

Jahleel Gordon

It’s so easy to get caught up in the things we see. Whether it be on tv, YouTube, IG, TikTok, the urge to want to emulate someone can become something you unknowingly do. Especially when what you see someone else doing what you currently do. Read more>>

Liz Karney

If I’m being honest- I still have imposter syndrome! I wouldn’t say I have overcome it but over the years I’ve learned and created tools for managing it. The primary one being- I don’t think I value “expertise” in all sceneros. I think there is a place for an amateur or untrained eye and a lot of creativity and freedom can come from that place. Read more>>

Abby Barroll Brown

I am not sure I have yet. I think if you suffer from it, it is a process you continuously stride to conquer. As someone who much later in life finds herself in Fashion yet has no formal education, background or experience in the industry, it is a notion I grapple with almost daily. Read more>>

Kelsey Rose

I think imposter syndrome is definitely something all entrepreneurs struggle with throughout their journey. One thing I do to overcome it is remind myself that I am just a mindset shift away from having a different outlook and believing that I am exactly where I’m meant to be. I earned it! I work hard and I’ve come a long way. Reminding myself of all of these things really helps get me back to an elevated mindset. Read more>>

J Primous

Overcoming imposter syndrome was a journey of self-acceptance, true heart healing, and embracing my unique abilities. Like many creatives and professionals, I often found myself questioning my worth and comparing my journey to others. However, I realized that these comparisons were the chains holding me back from my true potential. Read more>>

Flavia Lovatelli

That is an excellent question! How did I overcome imposter syndrome… it took a while, it wasn’t an overnight occurrence and it was a multi layered peel if you will. The first actual memory of it happening is during a collaborative show in Charlotte, I had several pieces showing but per my usual I hated just standing where my work was, I had a tendency to walk away and find someone to talk to. Read more>>

Erica Reid

Imposter syndrome wears a thousand faces, and you never know which you’ll meet on any given day. There is no such thing as overcoming it; instead you learn to live alongside it. I tend to tell myself something like this: “Okay, sure, I’m an imposter… but I’m going to try this anyway.” Read more>>

Zikun Wu

It’s really simple, just go recruit. Any form of recruitment will do, even “recruit” a roommate. Sometimes you’ll find that being chosen or not is purely a matter of luck. Plus, the people applying to you are truly diverse. Sometimes I even wonder if these people really live in the same city as me? Read more>>

Amanda and Nico

Imposter syndrome. It’s maybe one of the biggest hurdles an artist or creator goes through. We’ve all been there and still go there from time to time. How have we learned to overcome it? Definitely not by ceasing comparing ourselves to others. That may not sound right and we do believe in Community over competition FOR SURE. Read more>>

Joey Wiz

That’s a great question. I don’t know if I’ve ever been able to truly overcome it as much as manage it. The “fake it ’til you make it” mentality can be overwhelming if you feel like you’re in over your head about to drown. When I’m feeling at my most insecure, I find it best to take a breath and remind myself that I have no need to compare myself to others, or their knowledge, or their accomplishments. Read more>>

Melissa Pleckham

The best advice I have for anyone struggling with imposter syndrome — and I think we’ve all felt it, to some degree or another, at some point in our lives — is to remember that everyone is an imposter. And I mean this in a good way! Read more>>

Ashley Aleman

How I over come imposer syndrome is I really just sit with my self and try to figure out why am I doubting my ability if I came so far already. I really try not to be a perfectionist on things because it can hold you back from putting out a great idea. I like to read the Bible , it gives me comfort and reassurance God is right with me. Read more>>

Ashley Dunn

I recognized that imposter syndrome is a common experience, especially among women and women of color in industries where they are underrepresented. Naming it was the first step in addressing it. I realized I had to embrace my unique perspective, skill set, and cultural background as assets. Read more>>

Robert Banghart

I overcame imposter syndrome slowly overtime with great mentorship and direction. I was a year sober and began working in specialty courts. Thrust into a setting that I was once on the other side of I had strong fears that I could become an active part of the process and succeed.  Read more>>

Mark Jared Zufelt

Overcoming imposter syndrome continues to be a journey of self-discovery rooted in redefining success. I embrace Stanislavski’s wisdom about loving the art within myself rather than seeking validation from external sources, a pivotal realization that was aided by my therapist. It takes time to internalize the notion that true success lies in authenticity, in being genuine to my creative impulses and needs. Read more>>

Mengjie Mo

Imposter syndrome has been bothering me for a long time. Even now, I sometimes struggle to believe that I am truly an artist. Despite not always trusting myself, I do trust the objects I create. That, I suppose, is a privilege for those who bring ideas into the world. Read more>>

Mansi B

I was 19 when the admissions committee at a prestigious design college in India said I was “clearly not an artist!” There was such finality to their statement as they flipped through my portfolio of meticulously-colored portraits, detailed landscapes and poignant poetry.  Read more>>

Tetza

I’m pretty sure that imposter syndrome isn’t something that you necessarily overcome- or if anyone has they’re probably much older and wiser than I am. But from what I know, rather than being something you overcome, it’s something you battle with every day. Some days you win the battle and some days you don’t.  Read more>>

Shannon Guzman

I don’t think you really overcome imposter syndrome. It is very real. You definitely have moments where you doubt yourself or your ability to be in the position that you’re in. Questioning if you’re good enough, or talented enough. I think the only way I deal with it is just knowing I am different in my own special and unique way.  Read more>>

Adam Holman

When I first heard someone describe Imposter Syndrome, I was simultaneously floored and validated. It felt like someone was in my head, describing exactly what it was like to be me. For as long as I’ve had memory, it had felt like everyone else had the instruction manual for how to be a functioning and successful person, and I was just trying my best to emulate them. Read more>>

Jacob de Guzman-Lawson

Well, you’ve got to believe in yourself. I know that sounds overly platitudinous, but it’s true. You’ve got to not just be able to tolerate criticism, you kind of have to run towards it, you know what I mean? Like, if you’re overly worried about what everyone else is going to make of the stuff you do, then I think it’s time to pack it in and get the desk job. Read more>>

Tanya Caines

This is a such a good question. Do you ever truly overcome imposter syndrome? I think it is a thing that can keep creeping up on you as different twists and turns come your way. One thing I’ve realized is that you have to affirm and speak to yourself. Whenever you catch yourself in that negative mindset, you have to speak words of encouragement and directly speak to those negative words. Read more>>

Kat Weaver

Even as a serial entrepreneur, I constantly struggle with imposter syndrome. I found that a reminder of even the smallest wins, customer testimonials, or transformations I’ve been able to provide gets me through the moments of doubt. Read more>>

Paige Thom

Overcoming imposter syndrome was my greatest hurdle when launching my business. Not just due to my lack of prior entrepreneurial experience but also my limited exposure to the wedding industry. To combat the insecurity, I concentrated on aspects within my control where I excelled. Read more>>

Beetle Moses

There’s no way to fully overcome it. It took me a pretty long time to get to a point where I felt my drawings were a true reflection of who I am as an artist. It’s a normal part of the journey of an artist to make work in the style of other artists they admire, but you will always feel that lingering imposter syndrome feeling in those phases. Read more>>

Ryan Quinn

This isn’t a hot take by any stretch, but I don’t think you ever do. It used to absolutely hinder me in everything I did, because I always had such high standards for myself and was always pushing to do better, that I never took the time to appreciate the journey of learning itself. Read more>>

Angie Smith

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a daily battle, especially in a world where social media often amplifies feelings of inadequacy. To combat this, I’ve adopted a few strategies: taking breaks from social platforms when needed, diversifying my feed with inspiring individuals from various creative fields, and regularly reminding myself of my journey by revisiting old photos. Read more>>

Luke Simmons

By looking inward rather than looking outward. I spent a lot of time shaking hands, seeing smiles and smiling back, hearing “good job” and “fantastic work”, and it all would bounce off of me because I didn’t trust it. But that wasn’t because people were lying to me or they had some other malicious intention. Read more>>

Julia Letcher

When applying for art calls and being accepted into galleries, magazines, museums, and articles, there is a certain level of confidence you start to gain. I used to walk into galleries thinking, “I’m not good enough to be featured here.” Or, “How did the curator choose me compared to other artists?” Than one day, I saw my photograph on the wall at a gallery. Read more>>

Gina Ribando

I don’t think anyone truly ever “overcomes” imposter syndrome. For most of us, it comes in waves. Some days you feel like you are in a flow and could do anything and some days all you can do is look at someone years ahead of you and feel paralyzed just thinking about how you could ever possibly do what they do. Read more>>

Frank Ruiz

I don’t believe that is something that many of us really, overcome fully in this industry, for myself in particular I feel that this is something that I have to improve upon myself, in order to feel I am moving past that sinking feeling of imposter syndrome. Read more>>

Billi Sarafina

I am still in the process of overcoming imposter syndrome. The main thing I recommend working on is changing your mindset. Recently a short film I wrote, directed, edited and produced was chosen to be in a film festival. This particular festival only chose a handful of films, less than 20. My film was chosen. Read more>>

C. Ebony Webster

It’s hard overcoming imposter syndrome! It takes a lot to overcome being a perfectionist and to acknowledge and recognize those feelings. I limit my time on social media which will cause me to create a comparison of my work to other artists which eventually leads to a downward spiral. Read more>>

Hanna Carroll

The way I see it “imposter syndrome” is the feeling that you’re not good enough to do what you want to do / you don’t belong in your field. Easier said… imposter syndrome is lack of confidence. And I am very much in the biz of confidence generation. Read more>>

Lauren Nikohl

I’m not gonna lie, I think imposter syndrome still shows up now and then. But when I was first getting into the music industry, I always thought to myself “if they can do it, so can I.” I think it also helps to have a lot of experience under my belt. Read more>>

Laura Leigh Mazanec

Honestly, that is an ongoing effort. One of the best things I ever did for myself was to invest in a remote shutter, snap some photos of myself, and put them out there – in front of the masses. I started doing a weekly Ask Me Anything segment with my followers and really interacting with my social networks.  Read more>>

Melissa Okabe

I feel like it’s common for imposter syndrome to arise every time we push ourselves to step outside of our comfort zone. It means we are taking on something that we have a huge opportunity to grow into. In addition to reframing my mindset on what the feeling of “imposter syndrome” means (thanks to my coach), these practical steps have helped me to overcome imposter syndrome: Read more>>