We recently connected with Aaron Nelson and have shared our conversation below.
Aaron, 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.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey that I’ve navigated personally, and it’s a challenge that many artists, including myself, face throughout their careers. One of the most important realizations I’ve had is that imposter syndrome is a universal experience – it’s not reserved for beginners or those new to their craft. Even the most accomplished artists, filmmakers, and creators grapple with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt from time to time.
One of the first steps in overcoming imposter syndrome is acknowledging its presence and recognizing that it’s a natural part of the creative process. Instead of viewing it as a sign of weakness or incompetence, I’ve come to understand that it often stems from a desire to grow and improve as an artist. Embracing imposter syndrome as a normal aspect of creativity has helped me reframe it as a signal to push myself out of my comfort zone and strive for greater heights in my work.
Another strategy that has been invaluable in combating imposter syndrome is focusing on my achievements and successes, no matter how small they may seem. Celebrating milestones and recognizing my progress – whether it’s completing a project, receiving positive feedback from peers, or simply overcoming a creative block – helps to build confidence and reinforce my sense of self-worth as an artist.
Additionally, surrounding myself with a supportive community of fellow artists and mentors has been instrumental in overcoming imposter syndrome. Sharing experiences and struggles with others who understand the creative journey can provide valuable perspective and encouragement, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation and self-doubt.
Ultimately, I’ve come to realize that imposter syndrome is a lifelong companion for many artists, myself included. Rather than striving to eliminate it entirely, I’ve learned to coexist with it and use it as fuel to drive my creativity forward. By embracing the inherent vulnerability of the creative process and accepting that imposter syndrome is a natural part of the journey, I’ve been able to cultivate resilience and confidence in my abilities as an artist.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In my creative journey as a cinematographer from SCAD, I’ve been profoundly influenced by my high school filmmaking teacher, Robert Giampapa, whose mentorship ignited my passion for storytelling through the lens. Transitioning from a decade of performing in front of the camera to the accolade-laden realm behind it, I founded Dippy Developments, a film production and photography company that embodies the fusion of experiences garnered from both sides of the lens. Mark Manson’s “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” transformed my thinking, empowering me to embrace life’s challenges and prioritize what truly matters. Despite grappling with imposter syndrome, I’ve learned to coexist with it, using it as fuel to drive my creativity forward. For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist lies in the ability to connect with others through universal truths and emotions, knowing that my work has the power to inspire and resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
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?
1. Mentorship and Guidance: The guidance and mentorship I received from individuals like my high school filmmaking teacher, Robert Giampapa, were instrumental in shaping my understanding of storytelling, technical skills, and industry insights. Their support and mentorship provided me with a solid foundation and instilled in me a passion for the craft that continues to drive my creative endeavors. 2. Self-Discovery and Personal Growth: Mark Manson’s book, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,” played a significant role in my personal growth and mindset shift. It challenged me to rethink conventional notions of success and happiness, encouraging me to prioritize what truly matters and embrace life’s challenges with resilience and authenticity. This newfound perspective has been transformative in shaping my approach to creativity and life in general.
3. Creative Community and Collaboration: Surrounding myself with a supportive community of fellow artists, mentors, and collaborators has been essential in my creative journey. Through collaboration and shared experiences, I’ve been able to learn, grow, and push the boundaries of my creativity in ways that wouldn’t have been possible alone. This sense of community has provided me with inspiration, encouragement, and valuable feedback, fueling my passion for storytelling and artistic expression.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson stands out as a transformative book that has deeply influenced my perspective on life. Through Manson’s candid and unfiltered narrative, I’ve gained invaluable insights into embracing reality as it is, without the need for sugarcoating or avoiding uncomfortable truths. One of the book’s central themes revolves around the importance of prioritizing our values and focusing our efforts on what truly matters to us. Manson’s message resonated with me as he challenged the notion of constantly seeking perfection and external validation, instead advocating for embracing imperfection and accepting failure as a natural part of growth. This shift in mindset has empowered me to live authentically, take risks, and pursue my creative passions with greater confidence, ultimately guiding me towards a path of self-awareness and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: dippyamn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dippyamn/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-m-nelson/
Image Credits
Aaron Nelson
