Stories of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Kenzie Cox

This is very much a work in progress, I still have times where I struggle with this. Connecting with other photographers in my area significantly helped this area of anxiety in my life! Being a creative business owner and basically teaching yourself every thing you know can be kind of scary! Something that helped me that I wish I would’ve learned sooner is that it’s okay to ask for help! I feel like I always had so many questions and I never felt comfortable asking them because I didn’t want to come across as unprofessional for not knowing.  Read More>>

Vanessa Brooke Agnes

I always try to show up as my best self regardless of fear or doubt but imposter syndrome is a tricky beast that I still struggle with today. As Artistic Director of an organization I founded at 26, it was easy to fall into this trap but I had to persevere because I believed in our vision. As each year passes and the opportunities that come along with it, I find that I have worked hard for and earned my spot in these rooms. I’ve found my natural ability to lead and I also deeply believe that I’m divinely guided & protected on my path so I know that I won’t be put in a room I’m not prepared to be in. Read More>>

Riley Corbin

Overcoming the anxiety of self promoting yourself as a business owner is nothing short of challenging. The photography world is competitive & when going up against photographers who have been building their portfolio for a decade- feelings of inadequacy, comparison, & self doubt can feel overwhelming and hard to shake. I’ve learned to do less comparing & more admiring. Admiring the work they’ve put in to be as successful as they are. Admiring myself for continuing to pursue something I’m so passionate about. & Admiring the dedication I put forth each and every day. I’ve found great perspective in trials and tribulations that come with the journey of growing a business. Let go of expectations & allow yourself to grow with your work- masterpieces aren’t created overnight. Read More>>

Danielle DiBlasi

Imposter Syndrome is a challenge I deal with regularly. Even though I may push through the negative self-talk and doubts to achieve a goal, it can and usually does return. The best way I overcome it is to acknowledge it for what it is, and then ask myself a couple of questions like the following: Are my thoughts/fears valid? What could happen if I move forward or take this risk regardless of these fears?  Read More>>

Brooke Scott

Being an entrepreneur, regardless of what you do or what impact you’re hoping to make, imposter syndrome is present more days than you would think, especially when you’re in the “scaling phase” (i.e. rapidly growing or expanding) of your business. There are times when that imposter syndrome, especially being a woman entrepreneur, completely halts how you’re showing up and how your day looks while managing your business. Read More>>

Clay Conger

I can’t say I ever experienced Imposter Syndrome for the simple reason that I don’t draw on other people’s work when creating my own. I dive into a variety of work as any decent artist does – music, literature, film, paintings and video games – and undoubtedly they have influenced me both as subtly and yet profoundly as a change in seasons. However, I don’t sit down with another piece of art in my head and start writing. And this isn’t to sound self-aggrandizing but just the way I work and because of this, I know that what I create is mine. Read More>>

Alex Liou

I don’t think I have or think I necessarily ever will. But it’s also part of what fuels me to keep getting better at my craft! I still have doubts at the start of a job if I will be able to deliver or not, but I’m able to talk myself into believing in my abilities quicker and quicker. A lot of it I think comes from experience and just continuing to push yourself. I choose to embrace my imposter syndrome so that it continues to push me forward. If I didn’t, I think I would personally become complacent. I like that it keeps the fire lit and burning within me. Read More>>

Elisa Smith

I haven’t! I don’t know if anyone ever does. I think we all feel like imposters in some way or another. I think the key is to, in those moments of uncertainty and self doubt, think about why I’m feeling like an imposter. Is it because I feel like I have nothing to say or what I do have to say is irrelevant or not valued? Is it because I’m worried my perspective won’t resonate with anyone? Is it because I feel like this song or that song may not hit as hard as I think it does? Or is it because I have cellulite on my ass? Then I tell myself “that’s all nonsense.” Because it is! (except for the cellulite bit). Read More>>

Lauren Armenta

This might be my favorite question. I think as creatives we need to ask ourselves this quite often, since it surfaces a lot. The world is filled with creative people, whether it’s your job or not. I see so many new ideas, works of art or brilliant designs every single day. Most of the time I have this internal moment of ‘wow I wish I were that good’ or I catch myself feeling as if I don’t even belong in a community so filled with talent.  Read More>>

jeffrey newman (a.k.a. NuISMS)

I’m not sure we ever overcome imposter syndrome. What I think happens is my inner critical voice becomes quieter as my actions outweigh the critic. At times, my critical voice encourages me to push beyond what I thought I was capable of, to keep going, strive harder but it has the capacity to overdo it and turn into a punitive judgmental drill sergeant which no longer serves me. Who am I impersonating?  Read More>>

Bryan Goltzman

Building a business is challenging, and moments of doubt often lurk in the shadows like a silent specter, ready to pounce on our confidence. Yet, conquering imposter syndrome is like dispelling that shadow; it happens when we confidently step into our own truth and accept that our success comes from hard work, ingenuity, and drawing on the experiences you have had that have led to this moment. Read More>>

Lauren Cunningham

When you’re starting out as a business owner, you naturally look around at others who are already successfully doing what you want to do. To learn from them. To be inspired by them. But I found that over time, I stopped being inspired, and I started comparing. It was a wake-up call for me; I needed to establish what I wanted Everyday Organize to be known for. Read More>>

Carlos Spencer

When I first started my journey as a Photographer/Videographer, I had a 3 year plan to accomplish certain things and be a certain level . Needless to say by year 3 I had been caught in a world wind of trying to perfect one craft to monetize my skill, and completely losing sight of where I truly needed to place my focus. Leaning too far left can steer you off track, so always remember to balance the right side of your life with the things that give you purpose and help you remember why the journey started. Read More>>

Caitlin Leys

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a continuous journey of self-awareness and self-compassion. I’d like to share that it hasn’t been a process where I’ve completely eradicated those feelings; even now, I still experience imposter syndrome from time to time. What has changed, however, is my approach and response to it. Read More>>

Kristen Henry King

As an actor and singer I think we all fall prey to imposter syndrome—especially when you are comparing your journey to someone else’s. The fact is I have been doing this for almost 2 decades. I’ve had a few friends who’ve hit stardom—whether it be Broadway or TV, but I’ve also had more of my friends quit this path. I do not blame them. Read More>>

Lovey The Don

I overcame imposter syndrome by learning how to give myself more grace, acceptance, and praise. For a long time, I spent my life not celebrating myself or thinking my accomplishments did not matter because I had no confidence in myself or my abilities. It took one day when my best friend Virginia said to me “Lovey, you’ve accomplished more things on your own as an independent artist without a viral moment (yet) than most artists ever have with one.” Read More>>

Lauren Busman

With the increase popularity of social media over the years, I found often found myself comparing my photographic work to others. Was I posing my clients correctly? Was my editing style as perfect as everyone else’s seemed to be? Read More>>

Alexis Airington

My entire business was started on this basis, and I was actually a complete imposter! I had grown up with a love of baking, which I received from baking alongside my mom for all my life. However, I had never once made royal icing sugar cookies until I was asked to make them for my son’s school homecoming. I’ve always had a pretty “can-do” attitude, that at times has blinded me from seeing those things that I really “can’t do,” but often we don’t discover if we can or we can’t until we just DO! Read More>>

Caleigh Boyd

Overcoming imposter syndrome is something that I still work on everyday, but I try to remember that I would not be here if I was not meant to be. I set so many goals for myself that I sometimes feel like I will never accomplish anything without even realizing how much I have already accomplished. Over the years, I have had to learn to be kinder and more patient with myself while accepting that the uncomfortable feelings and emotions that come with setbacks are all a part of the journey. Read More>>

Berlina Washington

I believe that overcoming imposter syndrome is something you must continue to work on. Here are the 5-steps that I’ve used.

First, recognize that this happens to every human being. We are all in different seasons of our lives, but remember you are not alone. Read More>>

Alexandria Belk

Throughout the years, I’ve learned to celebrate my wins. No achievement is too small to celebrate. I also had to let go of perfectionism. We are all human and no one is perfect. At times I put so much pressure on myself to be successful, so I must constantly remind myself that I’m doing a good job. The goal should not be perfection, but progression. Read More>>

Elyse Stokes

Gosh, I’d say this one is still such a work in progress. It’s so easy to get on that comparison game until it completely obliterates my confidence. However, I have worked really hard to see my craft (and myself) as one-of-a-kind. There is only one “me” that I get to be, along with all of my quirks, fears, talents, and experiences. Read More>>

Maggie Jackman

I have definitely had my fair share of imposter syndrome. Fears of ‘what if I’m not using this medium correctly’ or ‘what if my art doesn’t make sense to anyone’, etc. But I’ve grown to love that I have created my own processes for making my art, as well as a unique style. No one does it like I do, and one of my favorite things to hear customers say when walking into my art fair booth and seeing my work for the first time is, “I’ve never seen anything like this.” Read More>>

Andie K

I don’t know if I actually did. I still feel that way from time to time, especially with the vast amount of talent that I see around me. I get those whispering doubts and the feelings of inadequacy. I honestly think it’s more about being able to manage it, rather than fully overcoming imposter syndrome. At least for me it is. Read More>>

Greta Olson

Five years ago, when I was filling out college applications, one question always gave me a sinking feeling: “When did you start making art?” I started pursuing visual art in my sophomore year of high school. The age of 15 is very young when I look back, but at the time I already felt like I was behind. Arriving at art school was another shock. Read More>>

Gregory Mohn

I’m not sure that I have. The Dunning-Kruger effect is something that fascinates me in this and other industries. I was a stills photographer for about 20 years before getting into film production and in that time, I went through a lot of phases. Thinking that you’re skilled and actually being skilled are lines that rarely intersect. When they do, it’s a wonderful time to create. Having all of the optimism and confidence as well as the technical and artistic ability at the same time can create some amazing things. Read More>>

Luísa Dalé Silva

That’s an interesting question! This is a very hot topic for for me as I have recently learnt how to deal with my impostor syndrome. And it’s freeing! It took time, experience, a lot of therapy and also an active reflection on myself alone and myself around others to understand better who I am, who I’ve been and who I can be. I’ve studied a lot, worked a lot in my field and with all the elements stated above, I can say that I feel very good with the professional I am right now, with the knowledge I possess right now and the freeing part of not feeling like an impostor is that I now feel I can do whatever I want, invest on whatever projects I feel like for the sole reason of wanting it and not having to account anyone else for it. Read More>>

Paula Acheson

I’ve always known I was different. Then I realized no one was paying attention. So I decided to be what I originally thought I was. Now I know that each of us has a unique identity and this doesn’t have anything to do with our geography, our society or our genetics. It has to do with our individual way of processing information through our senses. When I compare myself to others, I love hearing the story they tell about their aesthetics, whether it is in the form of visual arts, writing, movement, innovation of any kind. Yet, I don’t really find inspiration outside of myself so I know my work has integrity. Read More>>