We recently connected with Megan Chovanec and have shared our conversation below.
Megan , 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.
I think everyone experiences imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. Questions like, ‘Am I good enough?’ or ‘Will I live up to everyone’s expectations?’ often float through our minds. These questions arose in my own thoughts a few months ago when I was laid off from my graphic design job. Had all my hard work been for nothing? Was I a good enough to be hired somewhere else? I felt like an imposter. The role, graphic designer, was a part of my identity. Now who was I without a job that had consumed so much of my life?
After taking a month off from any graphic design-related work, I decided to open my laptop. I looked at my past projects and was proud of what I had accomplished thus far in my career. I didn’t need anyone else validating who I was. In that moment, I decided to create an LLC, 7 Summits Creative, to pursue freelance work. It was liberating to be my own boss and to redefine who I wanted to be as a graphic designer.
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?
Ever since I was young, the world of creatives has intrigued me. I found it amazing that people could create masterpieces out of their imaginations. I wanted a life filled with art, color, beauty It felt only natural for me to pursue a career as a graphic designer.
After working in the entertainment space for five years in Southern California, I was laid off. I was mentally exhausted and needed a change, a breath of fresh air. I thought of pivoting my career… but graphic design had embedded itself into my identity. Instead, I decided to create my own freelance business, 7 Summits Creative, specializing in multimedia campaigns for small businesses.
As the owner of my freelance business, I now have time to take a step back and enjoy my day-to-day. I went from a life of being glued to my computer, constantly stressed, to a life where I have free time to just be. Making my own schedule and choosing my own clients has been liberating. I feel like a new person.
So let me re-introduce myself! I’m Megan and I am a graphic designer and owner of 7 Summits Creative. I work remotely from Jackson, Wyoming. In the summers, I love hiking with my dog and in the winters, I enjoy skiing at nearby ski resorts. I am learning to live a life that is not defined by my job… but rather a life defined by the small moments that make me smile.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Perseverance – Obstacles, failures and hardships are inevitable. But they don’t define you. How you persevere will speak volumes to how successful your journey is.
2. Curiosity – It’s important to WANT to learn or improve in your journey. The second you lose curiosity is the second your journey to greatness ends.
3. Humility – This skill took me the longest to learn. I don’t like imposing my problems on to other people but there will come a time you can’t do everything on your own. It’s okay to ask for help. You will go farther with a strong support system.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I love collaborating with others. It is such an amazing opportunity to learn new skills, develop outlandish ideas and to create greatness.
If anyone is looking for a freelance graphic designer to collaborate with, do not hesitate to reach out!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.7summits-creative.com
- Instagram: @7summitscreative
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7summits-creative
