Learning from one another is what BoldJourney is all about. Below, we’ve shared stories and insights from phenomenal artists, creatives and entrepreneurs who’ve successfully managed to overcome imposter syndrome.
Lisa Ferrel
Focusing on my strengths was the first step. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and crochet is one of the things in which I excel. Seek out honest feedback. I have met some wonderful designers at trade shows and online. Through collaborations with them, I have learned more about my craft and also about marketing my designs.
Set realistic goals. Read more>>
Corrie Williams
I haven’t. It’s a constant voice in the back of my head that is quieter on some days, louder on others. But I find comfort in the fact that almost EVERYONE has it. The women I look up to in the world, the ones breaking down barriers, fighting for a more just and whole world feel it too. And that realization has often stopped me in my tracks. Read more>>
Michael Spatola
This question is something I think we all struggle with from time to time. Creative people especially. This is what I do: I am constantly in search of new inspiration from other artists. As a Boudoir Photographer, I am a very visual person. I gain inspiration from all other forms of art. It could be a song, a painting, or a movie. Read more>>
Abby Houghton
Being a photographer in Utah is TOUGH. It is such a saturated community and there are a lot of people out there that own a camera so they classify themselves as a “photographer”. I kept feeling like maybe I was one of those people. I then discovered that being a photographer is so much more than having a camera to take photos on. Read more>>
Jonathan Solorio
Imposter syndrome is a hurdle that many individuals face, regardless of their age or profession. As a young event photographer, I too grappled with feelings of self-doubt. However, through self-reflection and a shift in perspective, I was able to overcome imposter syndrome and find confidence in my craft. One of the most significant steps I took on my journey was acknowledging that imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon experienced by numerous professionals. Read more>>
Teresa Guidry
Imposter syndrome is definitely something that I’ve struggled with throughout my career, and most of my life. I think especially in the music industry, it’s really easy to feel the effects of the constant pressure to be the best, the most successful, the best writer, the best singer, and have the most opportunities laid at your feet. I can remember years ago feeling that familiar pang of jealousy in my gut whenever I would see one of my peers succeeding faster than I was, or getting opportunities that I wasn’t. Read more>>
Imajen Films
There was a lot of imposter syndrome tied to Imajen Films when we first started out. We asked a lot of questions like: “Can we really do this?” We questioned in general whether we were truly capable of accomplishing such an ambitious task as to build a large scale indie film studio. The fear of failure and the comparison with established players in the entertainment industry definitely played a role in it too. Read more>>
Diana de Avila
A twist of fate through unexpected health challenges ignited my artistic journey. I chose not to imitate others but let my instincts guide my creations, pouring my heart into every piece. Embracing authenticity, I faced and conquered imposter syndrome by experimenting and crafting a unique artistic style that truly defines me. Read more>>
Jennifer Guadron-Wyatt
For small business owners, imposter syndrome is a real feeling for many of us, especially in the early stages of launching your business or adding on a new service. As a professional home organizer & styling service provider, this showed up for me mostly when discussing pricing (or increasing pricing) and work I could do for clients. It was like a feeling of being shy to ask for what was required, not being good enough or questioning myself if I really belonged in this profession. Read more>>
Dilpreet Shah
Imposter syndrome has been a significant struggle for me in the past, and I must admit that it still affects me to some extent. However, I have made considerable progress in managing it. Nowadays, I am better at giving myself the credit I genuinely deserve and appreciating my own work without constantly comparing it to others. Read more>>
Jake and Jenny
There are so many moments in the music business where you do feel like an imposter. You don’t belong, that there are so many others who are so much better than you. But, in the end, we wouldn’t be in that room if we weren’t capable of it because no one in the music industry blows smoke just to blow it. There’s a million talented acts out there and if you’re not good enough they will just pass you by. So if you’re in the room, it’s because you’re good enough to be there. Read more>>
Katie Boyce
I’ve found that imposter syndrome comes from isolation, or a lack of proximity. Read more>>
Steve Ghant
Imposter syndrome is definitely a real thing, and a common issue amongst creatives. I personally had a really rough time with it in the past. The biggest thing that helped me then, and even in my moments of doubt now, is just remembering who you really are. So much work gets put in behind the scenes, and the general public only get to truly see the outcome or the product. Read more>>
Devin J. Ricks
For me, I personally took a hard good look in the mirror (soul searched) and reminded myself of who I am/inspire to be. It works every time! Think of the meme when Hermit The Frog is looking into the mirror with the hoodie on. That pretty much sums up our self-talks (laughs). I did it as many times as it took for the narrative to stick & I became who I was destined to be. Eventually, overtime the imposter syndrome faded away. Read more>>
Laura Gutowski
Despite all my experience helping people declutter and organize, and wonderful reviews from my clients, I did suffer from imposter syndrome for the first couple of years after I founded Everything In Its Space. I was finally able to overcome it through education. Officially, I earned credentials that I could point to should anyone ask (though they hardly ever do). Read more>>
Jon Hargett
I think imposter syndrome is something artists are continually facing as they push for growth. To this day I struggle not only in the creative work I do, but even within the business aspect of photography as well. It’s a constant voice in our heads that typically likes to jump in right after you’ve either been offered a great gig, or my favorite, right after you spend a chunk of time coming up with what you feel is this great concept or idea. Read more>>
McKenzie Hamby
In short, I don’t think anyone can fully overcome imposter syndrome and I haven’t yet. Although, this year (2023) I definitely have made it a goal of mine to work on that. There’s so many creatives out there, especially in the Savannah area. There are hundreds of local photographers all shooting in the same locations, shooting similar subjects and trying our best to stand out. It can be exhausting. Read more>>
Cache Douglas
Imposter syndrome is sometimes hard. Doubt trickles in and it seems to take control of everything, especially when starting and maintaining a business. I continuously overcome imposter syndrome by remembering my “why” and why I started what I started. My end goal of it all. Read more>>
Katrina Teague
The first time I felt what is now known as imposter syndrome was freshman year in college – a distinct fear that I would be “found out,” and not live up to the smart, accomplished and confident person I shared with the outside world — the voice in my head said things like, “I got into my male dominated university because they needed women, my good grades were a farce, my professors would find out I’m not smart.” While I graduated cum laude, and landed a job with IBM, self-doubt continued to plague me as I navigated the professional world. Read more>>
Linda Nickell
As a creative it’s easy to fall into the imposter syndrome black hole. Fortunately, I have great mentors at the ready that can talk me through the dips when doubt slips into my projects. As a photographer, I’ve been fortunate to work with writers, editors, and designers that are great communicators and it makes projects run smoothly when candid conversations can be part of the equation. Read more>>
Kristi Young
I have to be completely honest, I have yet to overcome imposter syndrome! It is just such a difficult thing to overcome. There are so many moments where I just look around and take everything in and find it incredibly hard to believe that I have made it this far. Every time I achieve a win, it feels like I am dreaming. Read more>>
Kim Nguyen
When changing careers, I for sure had imposter syndrome when I started my business. My very first job was at a medical center and every job after that was always at some established company. Breaking off on my own, I felt that uneasy feeling that I wasn’t going to be able to grow a business when I didn’t have experience “on paper.” But I quickly overcame imposter syndrome because I didn’t define myself by my resume rather than what I knew I am capable of. Read more>>
Mike Schmid
Can anyone really fully overcome imposter syndrome? For me, it’s a daily battle. When I take in some really amazing art that makes me think “I could never do that”, it can be hard to remember that I am still good at what I do. In order conquer that beast (if only for the day), I have to focus more on what is unique about my art. Read more>>
Samantha Coffin
Imposter Syndrome hasn’t been something I have necessarily overcome, however I have found ways to conquer it. Remembering my why, the deep why behind Matcha Nude’s existence and the story that led me here reminds me that this work is important and I am the person that is meant to do it. Read more>>
Makena Delaney
I am excited to talk about imposter syndrome because it had a significant impact on my business. Throughout the first two and a half to three years, I struggled with it constantly, always searching for a cure. Read more>>
Nath Milburn
I’m very good at simply releasing stuff and not overthinking it. I’d rather have something out there than nothing. I don’t overthink or overwork things, maybe I should sometimes, but I’m fine with having stuff I think is subpar and then moving on to my next piece. I treat the work I do as whatever my current mental state is, so it’s more of a mental diary I suppose. Read more>>
Morgan DiFucci
I don’t think imposter syndrome is something anyone can overcome completely. It is something that lingers and comes back when you least expect it, at least in my opinion. I believe most people have to actively work hard to not let it affect their life or business. When I first started photography I struggled with imposter syndrome quite often. Read more>>
Kevin Craft
I think imposter syndrome is always there, but comes and goes. I get it in waves. Whenever I feel like it’s coming on, I often take time to reflect on a few things. One, how long I’ve been in the design industry which is 12 years now. I remind myself that that is a big milestone to have. I also look at a document I keep. Read more>>
Lisa McConnell
Overcoming imposter syndrome is definitely a challenge. It’s still a present struggle at times, especially being in such a fast paced line of business. Read more>>
Desirée/Erica Proctor/Harrell
We are a writing team that works in film, tv, video games, and comics. What’s hard about the entertainment industry is everyone wants to put you in a box. When we first started working in Hollywood, we both worked in production. It wasn’t easy to make the jump to the creative side because everyone saw us as non-creative production workers. Read more>>
Kristina Wiltsee
Each and every day you have to work against imposter syndrome. For me, it comes in so many different guises. First, it will come as disbelief that I would try to be more than I was, then panic at what I will do when I am found out. That is usually followed by some sort of soothing, something that says, it is okay if we are found out, we will cross that bridge when we get to it, with the niggling voice saying “and we will be found out eventually, just you wait.” Read more>>
Jack Brunson
When I was a kid, I used to look at all the adults in my life and think “Man, they have got it figured out…they know all the answers.” Read more>>
Scotty Roller
I fought imposter syndrome for years. Decades even. Every once in awhile I still see small traces of it surface at random times kind of like when you see a sugar ant in the kitchen after you’ve had the exterminator out. It’s bad. It’s a cancer that almost every artistic person gets at some point. Read more>>
Rachel Barnum
All of the fellow photographers I’ve met have struggled at one point or another with imposter syndrome and not feeling good enough compared to our peers, as it’s not a linear journey and can crop up at any time in a creative’s career. In a competitive field and with most social media only showing the positive side of a small business, it’s easy to fall into this trap. Read more>>
Meme Green
Imposter syndrome…the killer of all dreams. Read more>>
Kristin Barnes
Ha! I’m not sure I have… I’ve come to chocolate from a different background than most. I like to tell people I’m an artist who found an intriguing medium in chocolate… I didn’t study culinary or pastry arts, and the only kitchen I worked in before sweet bean’s was my own home kitchen. Read more>>
Jonathan Bolton
Did? I think I’ve just grown to understand it never goes away. It is a fundamental part of the territory. You may not like the hat you have to wear for work, but it’s just part of the job. You can only overcome how you choose to react to imposter syndrome. Read more>>
Olivia Arnold
I firmly believe that imposter syndrome is never entirely eradicated. At every stage, you will encounter moments that challenge your self-perception. For me, overcoming the levels of imposter syndrome meant embracing my God-given identity fully – as a coach, a leader, and a visionary who constructs brands. The demands of my life ultimately overpowered the challenges I faced, leaving me with no option but to fully step into my role. Read more>>
Kyler Phillips
Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite evident accomplishments. As a photographer, overcoming this self-sabotaging belief is challenging, but the growth and transformation I experienced made me more robust than ever before. Read more>>
Jasmine Baxter
Imposter syndrome isn’t something that goes away for me. It’s something that suffers many little deaths, like when I find out the person running the show doesn’t know how to send a PDF, it reminds me why I’m there and instills confidence in my abilities. On the other hand, there are times I didn’t speak up in meetings because I thought my answers were too obvious, only for someone else to bring them up and receive praise for the innovation. Read more>>
Emma Rowley
I first heard the term “imposter syndrome” a few years ago and immediately saw myself in its definition. Putting down my phone more often, being on social media as little as possible, and investing more intentional time in the things and people I love have helped me let go. Read more>>
Kathy Caudill
I often say that I sometimes feel like a small fish in a great big ocean trying to get a bite of something, anything! Being new to a skill or a community can be a scary place. One thing that has helped me fight imposter syndrome and any doubts that may arise regarding my skills or accomplishments is remembering to just be myself and not try to copy anyone else. Read more>>
Parish Walker
I had to stop thinking about what others may be thinking of me and focus on what felt right to me, which made me realize that there are people who resonate with who I am and there will be some who don’t but that’s okay. Imposter syndrome often stems from traumatic experiences and I think it’s important for anyone who’s currently going through it to know good people exist and those who are for you will respect and uplift you so don’t be afraid to come out of your shell. Be yourself out loud! Read more>>
Meghan Ellis
By not following competitors/others in my industry on social media. It’s easy to get wrapped into the comparison trap when seeing what others are doing. Staying in your own lane and trusting the “secret sauce” that you bring to your services and clientele is what brings confidence and success. It’s also hard to generate your own ideas and explore your own creativity when you’re constantly seeing and comparing others stories and success to your own. Read more>>
Joseph Lalonde
Fighting back against imposter syndrome has been a major challenge for me. Growing up, I felt like I wasn’t enough or that people were always better than me. I’d have to fake it until I felt like I had made it. This was challenging. It was depressing. It had to end. Read more>>
