Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adrianne Kimbell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Adrianne, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Personally, I don’t think anyone ever overcomes imposter syndrome. It seems to be a thing everyone experiences from time to time. Some people probably experience it more than others, especially those who are on their own like solopreneurs and artists. So it comes down to managing it. As an artist, I have found that these strategies work best for me:
– <b>I draw or paint every day for 30 minutes.</b> Sometimes I share this work, most times I don’t. This is the time I’m allowed to fail and do bad work (which I do!). Then I usually feel loose and ready to start my “real” projects, and not worry about failing or being a hack. Drawing puts me into that wonderful art zone, where self-consciousness fades to the background.
– <b>I like to keep my best work in view near my desk,</b> hanging on the wall, taped to my monitor, etc. Seeing it reminds me of my wins, reminds me that I’m competent, that I actually did these things, that I am capable!
– <b>I make an effort to return to a beginner’s mindset.</b> When I was just starting out as a designer, I don’t think I struggled much with imposter syndrome. After all, I was a beginner who couldn’t fake being otherwise. I was allowed to not know anything. I was free to be curious and to make mistakes. What a luxury this was!
So now, whenever I find myself comparing my work to someone else’s, I try to go back to that beginner’s mindset: <b>Accept where you are, be curious and make mistakes. </b>I remember that I’m still growing, even after 25 years in the visual industry. I explore less familiar art forms or techniques and I play (yay play!) with those. And of course I make mistakes galore, which is so much fun when I remember to enjoy it. Next thing I know, the worry of being an imposter fades away…
One more thing I’ve learned over the years is that <b>no one else thinks you’re an imposter.</b> So much of this fear is in our heads.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m an independent illustrator and designer with a long career in graphic design and lifelong love of making art. I create stationery, art prints, and licensed products with the goal of infusing everyday life with optimism and play.
For 20 years, I worked in advertising agencies and design studios, and then for myself, crafting brand identities and corporate communications. In 2020, I began exploring personal art again and incorporated it into my design work. This eventually led to a complete shift in my business focus — from corporate reports to whimsical designs for greeting cards, fabrics, wallpaper, and more. I believe my work reflects years of experience in the visual arts, a deep love for the craft, and a delight with the world around us.
Recently, I released my 2025 Wall Calendar of Backyard Birds, which features 12 gouache paintings of birds found in Georgia. I originally painted these for #The100DayProject earlier this year. After receiving so much positive feedback, I made them into a calendar. You can find them in my online shop at www.adriannekimbelldesign.com/shop
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that most influenced my journey were:
1. Persistence
2. Curiosity
3. Professionalism
I have a lot I can say about professionalism. I have found that regardless of your industry or talent, it will get you farther than someone without it. Be on time for appointments and deadlines. Keep clients and employers in the loop on the progress of projects (have weekly check-ins, for example). Proof your work, even your emails and texts. Be courteous in every communication, regardless of your feelings. I would much rather work with someone who was moderately talented and professional than someone very talented and unprofessional. Thankfully, early in my career I had patient employers who were willing to correct and guide me in this.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I am no stranger to overwhelm! My favorite strategy: <b>Brain-dumping.</b> I write down everything that’s on my mind. Sometimes this looks like a big mess. Then I make a new list, separating the items into <b>categories</b>. For example: If the list involves business and my personal life, I’ll separate those first: “business” and “life.” Then I’ll make more categories, like “marketing” or “family.” Also, since I’m a visual person, I like using a mind-map format.
Sometimes just writing everything down is enough to guide me and I know exactly what plan of action to take. Often, however, I’m still feeling overwhelmed and unsure. So I add <b>deadlines</b> to the task items. Then I draw an “<b>Eisenhower Matrix</b>,” i.e., the urgent/not urgent/important/not important grid. I put my tasks into the appropriate grid boxes (thanks to the help of the noted deadlines). A plan of action usually becomes apparent at this stage. Finally, I <b>schedule the tasks</b> in my calendar as appropriate.
Other strategies I use to combat overwhelm:
– Go for a walk
– Do yard work or some kind of heavy lifting
– Talk to a friend or colleague
– Journal
One thing I avoid: Looking for answers on the Internet. That usually makes me even more overwhelmed!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adriannekimbelldesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianne.kimbell.design/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriannekimbell/
- Other: My shop: https://adriannekimbelldesign.com/shop
Image Credits
Photo and art by Adrianne Kimbell (all images)
