We recently connected with Fredo Gillis and have shared our conversation below.
Fredo, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Truthfully, I haven’t fully overcome my imposter syndrome—but every day, I take a step closer to becoming the person I’ve always envisioned. The phrase “fake it ‘til you make it” rings especially true for me. When I first started creating art, I had no idea what I was doing. It was just me and my canvas, figuring it out as I went. With every piece I complete, my skills and technique evolve, fueling my passion to keep creating. I constantly push my boundaries, challenging myself to grow as an artist.
As a self-taught artist, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing myself to those with formal training or years of experience. I often catch myself measuring my work against artists who are further along in their careers, which can be discouraging at times. But I remind myself that I’m still in the early stages of my journey, and it’s only just begun.
Rejection is part of any creative path, but especially as an artist. I’ve questioned why I didn’t get the grant I was hoping for or the residency that would’ve been a perfect fit for my resume. But I’ve learned to see each “no” as a step toward that eventual “yes.” Shifting how I view rejection has been transformative, not just as an artist but as an entrepreneur. It’s easy to dwell on missed opportunities, but I choose to focus on the next ones.
So, how do I deal with imposter syndrome? By moving forward. I keep creating, applying, and trying. With every piece I make, each event I host, and each opportunity I apply to, the closer I am to becoming the artist I know I’m destined to be.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a self taught artist, instructor, and founder of Fredo Arts. I paint original pieces and commissions and host paint and sips and art events across Southern California. My artistic journey started at a young age. I always doodled in my notebooks and was very creative. I was infatuated with cityscapes and maps. I loved games like Minecraft and Cities Skylines because I was able to create a world of my own. I still do this, just on a canvas. I find myself getting lost in my canvas and coming out with a new and distinct world every single time. My mission is to inspire people to create and to spread joy with art. My events are meant to foster a welcoming and relaxing environment for people to sit back and enjoy themselves. Whether you’re sipping on some wine or some soda, I want people to leave with a masterpiece they’re proud of and a token of the wonderful time they’ve had. In addition to my events I love to create my own pieces. My art is inspired by themes of dance and rhythm with a hint of nostalgia from decades of the past. The more I create the more I start to find my style, which I am starting to love. I also offer commissioned works. I specialize in portraits: families, couples, individuals, and even pets! I am hoping to get my works into a gallery sometime this year or the next but right now I’m really focusing on creating a solid portfolio.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The first skill or quality that has greatly impacted my journey as a creative is my curiosity. I am always exploring, learning and just thinking of new ideas that I can implement into my process. Even though I am no longer in school, I like to think that I am still a student. Learning from others, myself, books and even YouTube is so crucial to becoming the artist I want to be. Two years ago when I decided to paint my best friend for her 21st birthday I had no idea that I would be painting for the rest of my life but here I am. It was my curiosity that led me to keep going, and to see what I could create next. When I hosted my first event I had no idea it would be something that I would completely fall in love with.
Another quality that impacts me as an artist is my patience. I remember when I was in college and I’d take my pieces over to my friends house’s to work on them. I wouldn’t be able to leave until 2am sometimes when they were done because I couldn’t bear to part from them. While I am painting I’m continuously expanding on the skills that make me the artist that I am. I am constantly learning more about depth in a painting, composition, and color theory and light in my work. My patience is what allows me to sit alone in my studio and work on a piece for hours on end tirelessly without giving up. It’s also what allows me to feel at peace with where I am in my career currently. I know that good things are coming my way and that the best is yet to come.
The third quality that hugely influences my work is my persistence. I know that the more that I create, the more events I host, and the more I apply myself the better off I’ll be. It sounds cliche to say to “keep going and never give up” but it is the absolute truth. These words couldn’t be more true. And this phrase is one that I have to constantly remind myself of. I didn’t expect to be where I am and I have no idea where my art and creativity will take me but I know my persistence will get me there.
To those early in their journey just know that our journeys are all subjective. You could be so much farther ahead to another individual comparing themselves to you and you don’t even know it. Give yourself credit for your accomplishments and how far you’ve come but also acknowledge how far you still have to go.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
There have been a handful of books that have played a pivotal role in my growth as an artist, but one that has stood out recently is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This remarkable book isn’t just for artists—it’s a must-read for anyone who feels a sense of purpose yet struggles with tapping into their creativity and motivation. It’s one of those rare books that speaks directly to the soul, guiding readers through a process of self-discovery that can lead to profound personal transformation.
When I first picked up The Artist’s Way, I had no idea just how much it would impact my creative journey. Cameron’s approach to nurturing creativity goes beyond simply offering tips or techniques; she dives deep into the emotional and psychological blocks that can prevent us from fully realizing our potential. Through her guidance, I learned how to truly recognize and embrace both my strengths and weaknesses. By doing so, I’ve been able to focus on improving the areas where I lack discipline while also refining the gifts that come naturally to me.
What makes this book so powerful is that it’s not just about art—it’s about life. I firmly believe that every person has dreams, passions, and creative ambitions that they would love to pursue. However, the reality is that not everyone has the tools or the means to chase those dreams. Financial challenges, external pressures from society or loved ones, and even our own internal self-doubt can become barriers that stop us from living out our true purpose. The Artist’s Way helps you break through those barriers. Whether you’re an artist struggling to find your voice or someone who has lost touch with your creative side, this book provides the framework to reconnect with that part of yourself.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve taken from the book is how to reframe those internal beliefs that have been holding me back. It teaches you to silence that inner critic and replace it with a voice of encouragement and possibility. It helps you build the confidence to say “yes” to your passions and “no” to the self-imposed limitations that can often prevent you from moving forward. By working through the exercises in the book, I’ve been able to clarify what I really want to achieve as an artist, and more importantly, how to take practical steps to get there.
In short, The Artist’s Way is an essential guide for anyone who feels creatively stuck or disconnected from their true calling. It’s not just about making art—it’s about rediscovering who you are and what you want to contribute to the world. Whether you’re dealing with financial constraints, societal pressures, or inner doubts, this book offers a roadmap for getting back in touch with your authentic self and reigniting your passion for life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fredoarts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredo_arts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fredoartworks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-gillis/
- Other: Eventbrite for upcoming events: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/fredo-arts-events-82779296083
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
