We were lucky to catch up with Ilana Greenberg recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ilana, 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.
Honestly, I still grapple with imposter syndrome, but I’ve learned to acknowledge and manage those feelings. As a self-taught painter, I often feel like an outsider in the art world. Early on, I doubted my skills and feared being discovered as a fake. I compared myself to formally trained artists, feeling inadequate. However, I realized my unique journey and experiences bring a distinct perspective to my art.
I focus on embracing my strengths and celebrating my intuitive approach and creative vision to build confidence. When imposter syndrome creeps in, I remind myself that art is subjective and validation comes from within. My self-taught background brings freshness and innovation, and regardless of training, every artist faces self-doubt. I try to prioritize authenticity, creativity, and progress over perfection.
Though doubts linger, I find solace in the creative process and the Instagram community has been invaluable to my growth. Fellow artists offer encouragement, constructive feedback, and support. Seeing their creative journeys and perseverance inspires me. Engaging with like-minded individuals validates my artistic path and helps me overcome self-doubt.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Ilana Greenberg is a painter, illustrator and graphic designer working in her beloved hometown of Brooklyn. Her abstract paintings are inspired by the mid-century modern masters, as well as the fast-paced and ever-changing city she calls home. Ilana finds painting to be the best form of meditation and she always strives for a little imperfection in her work. She owns a gallery in Brooklyn, where she showcases her own work, as well as the work of local artists. When she isn’t busy painting, you can find Ilana hanging out with her husband and two children or taking a long walk down the beach.
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?
Painting is a second career for me. I worked as a graphic designer my entire life and took a painting class on a whim. I loved it so much that I started painting every day. As a creative person, resilience is an essential quality. Developing a growth mindset and perseverance helps artists navigate criticism, rejection, and creative blocks. Experimentation is also a key to my success. I love exploring new mediums and techniques. Sometimes you have to embrace failure and learn from your mistakes and if you are lucky your “mistake” may be your greatest success. I also believe that authenticity is the key to achieving your goals. Staying true to your unique voice and vision ensures authenticity and distinguishes your work.
New artists or creatives should set realistic expectations as progress takes time. It is important to regularly create to refine your skills and connect with fellow artists for support and growth.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
It is quite easy to be overwhelmed while working as a painter and graphic designer and also being a full-time wife and mother. For me, taking walks in my hometown of Brooklyn allows me to quiet my thoughts and tap into my intuition. The rhythmic pace of walking calms my thoughts, allowing me to focus on the present moment and the fresh air and sunlight ease my tensions. Brooklyn’s diverse architecture and street art spark new ideas and inspire creativity. Walking helps me regain balance, clarity and inspiration and Brooklyn’s vibrant streets are my sanctuary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ilanagreenberggallery.com
- Instagram: @ilanagreenbergart
- Facebook: Ilana Greenberg Art
- Linkedin: @ilanagreenberg
Image Credits
Hero image (1st image): Heather Weston
Image in gallery with black and white striped dress: Julie Hassett Sutton
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