We recently connected with Susan Righter and have shared our conversation below.
Susan, 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’m not sure you ever really overcome the feeling of being an imposter, especially when you’re a creative entrepreneur. By nature, a creative person is always thinking of new and different ways of doing things. In and of itself, that sets up a cycle of feeling like an imposter until there is a sense of mastery over the new skillset. One of the ways I’ve dealt with imposter syndrome is to realize that there is always someone ahead of me and always someone behind me. It sets the perspective that as long as I’m showing up and taking action towards my goal every day, in a way that is authentic and to the best of my abilities, that is enough. There’s no one ideal way. Imposter syndrome originates from comparing yourself to others, and when I really focus on what my right next step is and not compare it to others’ right steps, it seems to settle down the feeling of being an imposter.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I started my business in 2019, while I was still in interior design school. At this stage (5 years later), I’m following my own path by creating a business that merges several different specialties: mixed media fine art, interior design, surface pattern design and retail. Some would say that’s trying to do too much under one umbrella, but I’m finding these areas are converging nicely in my business now. For example, my workload looks like this at the moment: 2 residential interior design projects, 2 commissioned paintings, 2 art shows, a retail shop at Painted Tree in Overland Park, and teaching art classes through Olathe Art Gallery. I tend to follow where my creativity leads me. That approaches leads to interesting and fun collaborations. I’m very excited to be working on a wallpaper collection featuring my art that I hope to launch at the end of October.
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?
Connection: use the resources you have available to you, and invest in the highest quality workshops, classes, mentorships, etc.
Curiosity: always learn and adjust. Stay open to new possibilities based on your learning.
Communication: develop ability to express yourself clearly while working on projects.
Plug into your industry and community. Ask questions and be open to making connections with others in your circle. Follow-up on connections you make in a genuine way. Stretch a little outside your comfort zone.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’d love to start collaborating with more interior designers/clients to bring custom artwork into their spaces through bespoke wall murals, commissioned artwork, and artwork sourcing and curation. Oftentimes, designers have an idea in mind for a space, but it may call for a custom solution for the artwork or wallcoverings. I’d love to help more designers fully develop this level of service for their clients. I’d love to hear from interested designers through my website at www.susanrighter.com!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.susanrighter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanrighterartdesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanrighterart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/susanrighterartdesign
Image Credits
Matt Kocourek Photography (headshot)
Susan Righter Art & Design (artwork)
Brynn Burns Photography (laundry room with painting)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
