Meet Annie Hetrick-dahm

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Annie Hetrick-dahm. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Annie, 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.

I believe in not being a perfectionist. Thinking too much about an end product or comparing my work to an ideal image hinders my confidence and freedom to create. I applied to galleries and public spaces to show my art before I had produced many of my current favorites. I had no idea what I was in for when I booked my first solo art exhibition, but my naivety towards what I was signing up for was necessary to put myself out there artistically without overthinking it. Not knowing how hard something is can give me the courage to go through with it. The trick for me is to stay motivated without comparison or competition.

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 am an artist, designer, and writer. Since graduating college I have maintained a career in architecture, but I have also had some success selling my paintings, which are currently on exhibition until January 2025. I am getting prints ready to sell on my website, and I am also always working on new paintings for sale on my website as well as looking for other galleries places to show and sell my work in 2025.

I also recently finished the first draft of my fiction novel, “Oral”, which I hope to get published in the near future. It is the story of a 30 year old accountant who goes through a transformative event which leads her to question her own motivations, desires, and morality. She learns how to incorporate her shadow self instead of being ruled by it, which I find is a nuanced story that is very relevant in an age where people tend to think in polarities in regarding themselves and others.

I believe in diversifying my skillset and income streams by creating more than just products for consumers, but a world that one can choose to participate in. A world which can be accessed through a painting, a poem, or a building: any way which allows me to tell stories that can resonate with others while staying true to myself.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

There is strength in being self-contained. My ability to stay present and make observations and conclusions on my own, is my greatest strength as an artist. Not asking for permission to have my point of view has been a gift and and a challenge. Following ones tastes if they don’t follow the grain will be alienating if one’s goal is to convince people to follow your lead. I learned very young to be comfortable standing out because trendsetters don’t follow trends.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, and Siddhartha by Herman Hesse were both books that taught me that true contentment comes from accepting things as they are and not expecting perfection or an ideal. Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace showed me the dangers of not being satisfied with your own success or accomplishments. Robinson Crusoe taught me that gratitude is possible even in the most dismal circumstances. Now I try to to practice gratitude in moments that I feel most hopeless or lack of motivation, which helps me find balance amongst the constant threat of overwhelm, resentment and burnout.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Simon Cardoza Photography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,