We were lucky to catch up with Bethany Prendergast recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bethany, 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.
Honestly, I don’t! Imposter syndrome is a daily battle. Especially in an arts school setting, the comparison to others is inescapable. I was coming from a career in higher education where I was one of a handful of people in a creative role. To jump from that to a space where everyone is driven, and talented, and informed (and not to mention a decade younger!) is really scary. Firstly, I think it’s important to remember that everyone feels imposter syndrome, it’s totally natural. Secondly, each of us brings something unique to the table. It could be a technical skill, but more likely it’s a life experience, or an idea, or a piece of advice.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I love shooting and editing video, and I never stopped loving it! But the idea of creating something from nothing is what made motion graphics really exciting to me. I first leaned into design during the pandemic, when there was no video to be shot! Now, I’m most interested in mixing the two media, and combining animation with live-action video. As I finish my degree this month, I’m looking forward to returning to creative problem solving in the professional realm. My favorite piece I made at SCAD was a PSA for the Fair Food Program, in support of America’s migrant farm worker population. I hope to make more work like this going forward–highlighting underreported issues in a way that’s really digestible, visually.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First is sharing. I think gatekeeping in design is really antiquated in a world where information is so readily available. And not just sharing skills and techniques, but sharing constructive feedback is really valuable. Secondly, ideation. I had kind of fallen into a creative career, so never learned how to properly brainstorm and develop a process. Process books are the professional equivalent of “show your work,” and I know how much employers expect to see them. And having the birth of an idea in written (or sketched) form to look back on is really helpful when you reach a design plateau.
Thirdly is persistence. In making art, it’s normal to feel like you’re creating utter crap. And often times, you are. And by you, I mean me. But just keep going. I took two very painful courses in Cinema 4D. Most of the time, I felt like I was trying (and failing) to learn Italian. It was only in the last two weeks that I felt I’d made a bit of a breakthrough. This may not be my go-to software moving forward, but I’m so grateful to have it as part of my toolkit.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Go for a walk! I think I have walked every square foot of Savannah over the last year an a half. I swear I see the same tour bus drivers every day. They probably wonder where I’m going. Answer: nowhere. But being outside, listening to a book or to music, and moving my feet is so helpful it’s stupid. It’s such a simple thing, but it helps so much. There’s nothing less productive than sitting in front of a screen and telling yourself how untalented you are. Step away! And also, tell someone when you’re not ok. As an introvert who lives alone, I have learned this the hard way.
Contact Info:
- Website: bethanyprendergast.com
- Instagram: bethany_prendergast
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-prendergast-6177973b/
