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.

Bo Barrett

Being an artist is a funny thing. You do it because you know you have to. And fuck is it fulfilling when you can get out of your own way. Hopefully somewhere along the way someone gives you some encouragement that you show some promise. You’re not crazy, your work is good. More likely, and if you’re me, first you get the opposite.

A music teacher in high school told me to replace myself as lead singer of my band. “Maybe get a new singer and you guys could be pretty good” she said to my face. What an absolutely insane thing to say to a 15 year old who’s just vulnerably shown you their art. I wasn’t asking for feedback, to be clear. So why would someone say such a thing? She had imposter syndrome. She was projecting her feelings about her own artistic abilities onto me. Some 25 years later, I’m still working to overcome that single comment. And I’ve been well aware for a long time that it was just a comment based solely on her own shit. Read more>>

Miles Mcalpin

I battle with this a lot having had very little artistic background when I left my corporate job to be an artist. Instead of school or years of practice, YouTube was my teacher. But, over the years since I started my art business, I have just had to force myself to acknowledge my accomplishments in those moments of questioning. It’s not unlike that phrase about comparison being the thief of joy. There are few good reasons for me to compare myself to other artists in this space just as there are few good reasons to let the imposter syndrome have any effect on me. That being said, I get to make toys for a living – so even that sometimes does not feel real to me… Read more>>

Prisca Chen

Overcoming imposter syndrome came in phases. I was brought up to become a certain person, and stepping outside of those boundaries and discovering my self-worth required a lot of education (academic and worldly), surrounding myself with the right kinds of people, and several moments of spiritual awakening.

I was born and raised in a working class, conservative Christian family with Taiwanese immigrant parents. Perhaps it was because previous generations before me survived famines, wars, and political turmoil, that my parents’ only wish for their children was to be safe, healthy, and have stability. From a young age I was encouraged to put my head down and study hard, be humble, and eventually find a low-stress steady job rather than chase my dreams or “do too much” to achieve what were perceived as lofty goals. Whenever I saw important-looking people wearing nice clothes, carrying designer bags, enjoying fine dining establishments, my parents reminded me that that kind of life is “not for us” because “we’re not those kinds of people.” Read more>>

Adonis Musa

I navigated the choppy waters of imposter syndrome by diligently perfecting my craft—whatever that entails in the ever-evolving landscape of business. Through a blend of trial and error, I came to realize that the most profound learning occurs when you build something from the ground up. This hands-on approach not only demystifies the process but also provides an intimate understanding of its workings. After investing countless hours sculpting my dream career, the once-daunting “how” transformed from a nagging worry into a robust skill set. In the end, it seems that the secret to confidence lies not in pretending to know it all, but in the delightful journey of figuring it out along the way. Read more>>

Daniel Sokol

When building OceanPads, overcoming imposter syndrome was a process of continuous learning and leveraging my previous experiences. I focused on setting small, achievable goals to gradually build confidence in my abilities as a developer and entrepreneur. Engaging with the community, seeking feedback, and mentoring others in areas I was more familiar with helped reinforce my expertise and value. Staying updated with industry trends and applying them practically to my project also played a crucial role in overcoming doubts. Read more>>

Julie Turley

I’m not sure I’ve ever overcome imposter syndrome. It’s my old problematic friend. Maybe I’ve just learned to live with her. The older I get–and I turned 60 last year, soon after the great Courtney Love, who never seems to have suffered from imposter syndrome–the more I become aware of all that I don’t know, all that I’ll never be, and that maybe my imposter syndrome can be ridiculously empowering. So I’ve accepted not knowing how to do anything all that well. As a younger person, imposter syndrome compelled me to quit the thing before I could be unmasked, discovered–before I could fail. My new imposter identity is simple and freeing: I don’t know what the f*ck I’m doing–of course, I don’t–but I’m going to do it anyway. I’ll be the messiest pretender, the boldest sham, and that will be rad. Read more>>

Tom Walsh

As a freelance cameraman in my younger day’s I would sit and watch all of my footage after every shoot to convince myself I have done a good job and that I had the upper hand for a comeback if I spotted any issues. I did stop doing this, however, after a shoot in Japan when I recorded over the last part of an important interview and some b-roll that I traveled halfway across the globe to shoot, I delivered the footage without saying a word upon my return and got nothing but praise from the producers. I guess i learnt that if you over shoot and over deliver on things then luckily for me in this case, there was more than enough to tell a great story and from that situation on, I had confidence in myself even if I make a mistake. So, for me to overcome imposter syndrome.. like anything in the arts, you are always learning and developing your own style and ways of doing things, regardless of how long you have been doing it. Be confident in what you do, back yourself! If you doubt yourself, then others might also. Read more>>

Mary King

Imposter syndrome is crazy right? I mean I never knew it was a thing until I was an adult. I used to compare myself to others.One night I was sitting back thinking about life and my goals ,where I am and where I want to be. That’s when it hit me I may not be a huge corporation or have a retail shop but I’m still a business owner. I actually have talent and I’m great at making candles. That’s when I realized I’m not an imposter and it was okay to embrace the joy in being a business owner no matter how small my business is. MY DREAMS ARE REALITY and I’m really Proud of the Candles I create. Read more>>

Bella Betiato

Overcoming imposter syndrome is an everyday practice. To me, it involves a mix of awareness (catching it early makes a big difference), mindset shifts, and self-compassion, as well as surrounding myself with humans I trust who will give it to me straight if what I’m doing isn’t great. In fact, I got close to quitting pottery in my first year, and my close friends were the ones who kept me going—so it works the other way around too.

On the other hand, coming to your craft with the innocence of a child is BIG. This means being okay with things not looking great but having fun in the process anyway. It takes the pressure off, and the results are often pure and exquisite in some way or another. Read more>>

Shay Hayashi

How did I overcome it? Hmm that’s a good question. I honestly don’t think I have, but oh gawd…I’ve tried. I think the bigger hurdle for me was accepting the fraudulences of being an artist. I’m never going to be the most original crayon in the box but I can take my influences and inspirations and make my formula of what I think is art – what I think is worth creating, and try not to let fear of being the imposter that I am affect that creation. I recommend reading “V is for Vulnerable” by Seth Godin to any artist, struggling or not. Read more>>

Kay Shehata

I believe we were born on Earth to experience everything. So, if you feel like you’ve gotten something you don’t deserve, think again. You’ve worked on yourself—your health, your skills—and that’s what truly matters. What comes next can always be learned.

Recognize that you are worthy. If you don’t see your own value, then who will? If you don’t validate yourself, then who will? If you can’t envision yourself thriving, then who will?

No one is thinking about you as much as you are. Working on my skills is what got me to where I am today—not thinking less of myself. We all deserve the best! Read more>>

Kacie Larson

I think as artists and creatives we are always up against imposter syndrome. It’s that constant voice inside your head that is always casting doubt on your abilities and skills. I’m not sure that it ever actually goes away but there are certainly ways I’ve learned to manage it. First, I had to believe in myself and believe that I’m worthy of having what I want in life. Once I started believing in myself, I started to develop confidence which focused my attention away from what others were doing and thinking. Secondly, I had to acknowledge my accomplishments. I’ve come a long way over the years and I have a lot to be proud of and thankful for. Third, I had to accept that I’m going to make mistakes and that nobody is perfect, even those I look up to and think have it all together. And spoiler alert, nobody actually has it all figured out. We’re all just learning as we go! Read more>>

Bree Byle

I don’t think anyone completely overcomes imposter syndrome, but there are ways to keep it at bay. When I first started my freelancing journey, there wasn’t room for imposter syndrome. I was busy making a website, learning how to set up a business, and finding and delivering my first jobs. It wasn’t until I was past the early days when it set in.

Sure, I had started a business. But a lot of people start businesses. The accomplishment, imposter syndrome would tell me, was growing and sustaining a business. And I hadn’t done that yet. The imposter syndrome crept in during the slow days, and the days I made a mistake or had a difficult client interaction. Read more>>

Alexis Bearinger

For me, imposter syndrome stems from feeling like I’m not a “real artist” compared to others. To overcome it, I often reflect on something my high school art teacher told me during my senior year. I had joined her IB art class late in the semester and felt overwhelmed by the quality of work my classmates had been producing all year. She reassured me with this advice: starting your journey as an artist is far more about quantity than quality. Read more>>

Amanda Johnston

By doing the work. It’s easy to feel like you’re not good enough or producing enough in a world with expectations of instant gratification and viral fame. I used to confuse writing with publication and publication with profitability. I’m grateful for the wise words of my therapist who reminded me that “you can’t become what you already are” and that I am already a poet, writer, artist, etc. because I am already living my life writing poems and creating art. I’m also grateful for my friend and mentor, the writer and anthropologist, Pem Davidson Buck who told me that “no one can take away what you’ve done.” Her words remind me to look at my accomplishments when I feel I can’t do something. I can and I will again. Read more>>

Mackenzie Kristjon

Imposter syndrome is a very real thing and in the music and performance world, we call it “stage fright”. As soon as you step on stage, you get an immediate feeling like people are staring at you and you do not belong there. Honestly, the way I got over it was just to get onstage many, many times. I also do acting but as there are cameras but no live audience, you don’t get that same scary feeling. I remember I’d get onstage when I was even 17 at a bar opening for some larger act that tours and start forgetting the chords and the lyrics. After you trainwreck enough, you start developing little tricks like “if I make a mistake, repeat it” or trying to remember that the people in front of you probably have no idea how you are doing what you are doing and if they could do it, they would. Read more>>

Lauren Madden

I used to always say that when you stop having imposter syndrome, it’s time to retire. And that may be true, but it isn’t exclusively true. For women especially, it can feel scary to admit that we’re actually good at something, in fear of being called snobbish or a “know-it-all.” But sometimes we simply need to consider the facts. Do you have knowledge and experience in a certain area? Do others come to you for guidance and advice? Then maybe you *are* an expert! Read more>>

Lana Mcdowell

In my mind, the basis of imposter syndrome is feeling as if you are pretending to be something you’re not, but that gets flipped on its head when you come to terms with the fact that YOU get to decide who you are. The behaviors you choose to perform shape who you are and where you end up. If you are in a role where other people helped put you there in any way, shape, or form, it was not an accident. They were not just doing it to be nice. Read more>>

Sadi Garmentz

Being in the clothing brand business can get discouraging at times especially since the industry is currently over saturated. There were times I found myself doubting a design or a certain style; I either felt like it’s been done before, or it’s too adjacent to someone else’s work and wasn’t truly mine. Having a creative mind where you always think of cool new ways to do what you love is an amazing thing. I had to sit back and realize everyone draws inspiration from something or someone. When you’re doin great things in life you’ll some times feel like what you’re doin isn’t good enough because you see someone else doin it as well, but the passion in you has to be so strong that it can overcome any doubt. At the end of the day as long as I know I’m doing what I love to do, nobody can say what I’m doing isn’t something that rings true to who I am as a person. Read more>>

Xana Hammonds

I think a little dose of doubt keeps one from being too egomaniacal, but in most art especially tattoos there is a noticeable difference in a piece done with confidence versus one done with anxiety. Some of that is your energy when you talk about the piece too, if you don’t show happiness and confidence about your work who can?
The long road is to practice, practice, practice but while earning experience you’ve gotta find your confidence somewhere. I really try to develop trust in myself so if I stand in the mirror and say nice things about myself I’m able to believe them over the other side of my brain that thinks I’m a fake. Replace negative words with more reasonable ones. Instead of thinking ” I’m not a real artist.” I try to reframe and say out loud to myself “I’m so excited to keep learning new skills and bettering my art,”. This is something that has to come from within but I find letting yourself feel a little silly and talking to yourself positively and regularly goes a long way. Read more>>

Selena Stamm

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey, and it starts with reminding myself that no one starts out an expert—we all grow through experience. I’ve learned to focus on the value I bring to my clients rather than comparing myself to others. Seeing the trust and appreciation from families and professionals who rely on Tampa Lifestyle Management Co. reinforces that I’m making a difference. I also give myself grace, knowing that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away, as long as I stay committed to learning and improving. Read more>>

Jill Robinson

It’s gotten easier over the years, because I can look back at my work and know that it’s all led to the particular moment that I’m in. I remember that very few of us are looking for a perfect person to emulate. I look up to people who are human, like me, who make mistakes and are always learning from others. Read more>>

Cloee Thomas

I’ve always struggled with feeling like I wasn’t good enough, whether creatively or in my personal life. I often felt like I didn’t know what I was doing while everyone around me seemed to have it figured out. I was highly self-critical in all areas, and to some extent, I still am. However, I’ve come to realize that the voice in my head telling me I’m not good enough isn’t rooted in reality. It’s an anxiety trying to protect me from what I perceive as failure. Unfortunately, this fear held me back for a long time from pursuing a creative career. Over the years, I’ve learned to recognize this anxiety as a part of me, not who I am, and separate it from my true self. What I once thought was failure was actually a fear of not being good enough, and that fear kept me from even trying. Read more>>

Jenny Waldo

I wouldn’t say I’ve completely overcome “imposter” syndrome, but I do think it’s important to talk about. One of my favorite moments from the 2023 Oscars was when Everything Everywhere All at Once won for Best Original Screenplay and Daniel Kwan said in his acceptance speech that his “imposter syndrome was an an all-time high.” If someone winning an Oscar, in some minds the pinnacle of achievement in this industry, still feels like an imposter, then we need to rethink and reframe what we think it means to succeed, what it means to love and respect yourself and to see your own value as a person and as a creative. This also ties into cultural/societal norms for what’s considered arrogant, boasting, and their counterparts humble and self-deprecating. Read more>>

Candace Wells

Imposter syndrome sneaks in like that annoying coworker who won’t stop whispering, “You sure you know what you’re doing?” For me, it wasn’t some big dramatic moment but a collection of sneaky thoughts: “Who am I to be doing this? What if they realize I’m just figuring it out as I go?”

I felt it most when I transitioned from a 21-year military career to entrepreneurship. In the military, I knew my role, the rules, and how to lead. But stepping into the online world? Building a business from scratch? Putting my face out there? It felt like when I walked into a new high school halfway through junior year…uncomfortable and full of unknowns! Read more>>

Natalie Roy

I spent much of my life studying, taking courses, learning and trying to soak up every experience like a sponge, hoping one day all this learning or certification would leave me feeling like less of an imposter. It never worked.

I realized that no amount of experience or knowledge would help me overcome imposter syndrome, so instead, I had to attempt to understand it.

What I learned is that imposter syndrome often occurs because we are living in the unrelenting standard of having to achieve perfection.

When we surrender having to be perfect in exchange for getting to learn, evolve and express ourselves, then, often the intrinsic goal of knowing ourselves transcends the outward achievement of perfection. Read more>>

Victoria Claria

That’s a tough one. I don’t think I’m completely over it yet. I have moments. Usually when those thoughts are floating around in my head, I try to contemplate what’s causing them. Some of the tools I have are, for example, trying to handle criticism in a positive way; working on self-acceptance and being more compassionate in how I talk to myself; celebrating my successes; trying to accept praise and not belittle myself; and always continuing to train myself to improve in my profession. Read more>>

Cristobal Garrido Solis

I overcame imposter syndrome by acknowledging it as common, reframing my thoughts to focus on my achievements, and letting go of perfectionism. Talking with mentors and tracking accomplishments helped me see my progress, while embracing a growth mindset allowed me to view challenges as opportunities to learn. Read more>>

Brian Metcalf

Does one truly overcome imposter syndrome? I have found the best way to overcome imposter syndrome is to do what it is you like to do and repeatedly do it over and over again. Eventually over time you start to realize that you might know a thing or two on what you’re talking about and people will come to you for advice. Read more>>

Rebekah Allen

Overcoming imposter syndrome? Oh, it’s definitely a daily journey! I’ve been in my field for just over five years, and one of the biggest breakthroughs for me was simply recognizing and acknowledging those moments of self-doubt. Once I identified what was happening, I made it a point to remind myself: I am experienced, qualified, and accomplished.

A game-changer has been keeping a journal. I jot down milestones, positive feedback from clients and colleagues, and the training courses I’ve completed. It’s become my go-to when I need a tangible reminder that I’m not just doing well—I’m thriving and committed to growth. Read more>>

Kelsey Black

I didn’t. Overcoming imposter syndrome is impossible – so I embraced it! I have learned it is a powerful and counterintuitive approach, but it can be incredibly effective. Here are my thoughts:
1. Acknowledge Imposter Syndrome as a Normal Feeling
The first step in embracing imposter syndrome is recognizing that it’s a normal human experience, especially among high achievers. Most people, regardless of their success, feel like they don’t fully deserve their accomplishments at some point. Realizing that imposter syndrome is a sign of growth, rather than a flaw, helps to lessen its power.
2. Shift from Avoidance to Acceptance
Instead of trying to push away or dismiss the feelings of inadequacy, lean into them. When you feel like an imposter, accept it as part of the process of stretching beyond your comfort zone. Understand that the discomfort is often a sign that you’re challenging yourself and expanding your capabilities. Read more>>

Kendra Griffen

Imposter syndrome is still something I deal with on projects and even after I have completed them. I frequently find myself frozen to continue progress on a costume or even start one because I am fighting this battle of how I will pull this one off and the last costume was just me getting lucky. This turns into procrastination and then more stress when you’ve fallen behind. I have had to count down to ten and get myself up and moving on something that will further my progress even if it’s just sanding or sketching out a blueprint for armor. Recently, someone at work suggested that I journal all my successes in one notebook to look back on in the future as evidence that I have done these incredible creations and am capable of doing many more in new and different ways. Then, when you finally get to the end result of a costume or prop you can pat yourself on the back for putting in all that time and effort in creating something you enjoy. Read more>>

Jessica Owusu

I overcome imposter syndrome by staying true to myself. Staying within a no negative energy state by staying in a positive state. People think being ‘fake’ or overly trying to fit in and forgetting themselves is the answer when it causes more problems. Being true to yourself creates a fulfilling life. Read more>>

Rae Jones

About a year into photography I met when my arch nemesis- imposter syndrome! You see, it wasn’t enough that people told me my portraits looked beautiful or even the fact that I was booking out. It was a doubt within myself that I couldn’t seem to keep quiet. I was looking at other photographers work and began comparing myself and wondering if I would ever be “as good” as they are. One day, my grandmother said to me “You are the ONLY you.” You will meet people you relate to and have things in common with but the reality is, no one is exactly the same. Read more>>

Regina Rached

It’s funny because as a photographer or any artist that receives compensation, society will certainly have you believe it isn’t a real career or worthy of making a living wage. However when you actually DO one of these as a career, you realize how important it is to society to have artists doing what they do best. We create. If we had to worry about finances constantly, we wouldn’t be as creative as we are when we are compensated properly. The mind must be free to give. Read more>>

Leah Dowdy

By operating with the audacity of a straight, white man. Seriously! Anytime that little whisper of self-doubt creeps into my head, I remind myself that the majority of my male counterparts would never let that voice stop them. You don’t have to have all of the answers. You don’t have to have every step perfectly planned out. You just need to keep dancing forward. Remember how far you have come and know that you deserve a seat at the table because you’ve earned it. Read more>>

Griff Stark-Ennis

Imposter syndrome is a totally normal thing to feel. Sometimes, you just aren’t in the place you should be and dissecting that feeling can be really helpful. But imposter syndrome can also be a huge waste of time. Steeping yourself in that feeling of being an imposter for too long isn’t productive. Internally and externally, what’s making you feel this way? Are those things unable to be solved? If they are, then get out of there! If they’re not, I try to remember this… Read more>>

Emma Tuthill

I think this is a great question, and I’m excited to answer it because I haven’t overcome imposter syndrome at all. And the more people I openly share this with, the more I learn how many folks – including those who have met so many external benchmarks for success – are still actively dealing with imposter syndrome, too. Read more>>

Chris Bylsma

I think anyone with a healthy amount of self-awareness will always have to keep an eye on imposter syndrome a bit! So I wouldn’t say I’ve fully “overcome” it, but I prefer to think of it as a perfectly natural check-&-balance. And it can even be a healthy thing for me I feel, just to make sure I’m not getting to enamored with accomplishments or any part of my journey, & to ensure that I’m re-examining things from other perspectives from time-to-time. Read more>>

Payton Moledor

Imposter syndrome seems to haunt creatives of all types, but I believe the key to feeling like you belong in a room is to truly believe that you have something unique that sets you apart. Nobody can sound exactly like you, tell a story exactly like you, or fill a space exactly like you.

As a musical theatre performer, I often walk into an audition room full of women who look and sound a lot like me. There’s a huge amount of fear in that- and pressure to stand out! When you release that need and just allow yourself to perform in a way that makes you happy, the world opens up for you. I started truly working jobs that fulfilled me when I stopped trying to please the casting team in an audition and just sang music that I know I loved. My voice teacher often tells me that auditions are just about acting as yourself through a song. You’re auditioning you as a person as much as you as a performer, and that’s incredibly freeing to me. Read more>>

Courtney “Coco” Walls

I think surrounding myself with people who believed in me and spoke well of my work was and is the best thing I have done to get over the fear of imposter syndrome, even if it’s not completely gone. Having a community that believes and supports me, even when I’m feeling down, is the biggest motivator to believe that maybe I do belong in the spaces that I’m in and the spaces I want to be in. Having others believe in you, even when you’re struggling to believe in yourself, can help reinforce the positive rather than the negative, and keep you motivated. Once I started replacing the negative voices with the positive ones, that helped me believe in myself too and keep pushing forward with all the goals and dreams that I have. Read more>>

Sabrina Dupuis

Imposter Syndrome is hard! I think any creative can relate to this feeling and we’ve all been there. I’d be lying if I said I still don’t struggle with this often.

When I am going through a moment of when it’s hitting me heavy, I try to reframe my negative thoughts. This is crucial because it’s easy to get lost in those – so you have to work at just letting go and refocusing on positive things. Whether that’s with the help of talking through feelings with a friend or even just writing down your recent accomplishments. You have to remember to celebrate your wins, even the small ones! Read more>>