Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Artist and Creative Entrepreneur

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Have you ever said to yourself, “Who am I to call myself an artist?” Or maker, designer, creative entrepreneur. If so, this is for you!

Today we’re talking about imposter syndrome. 

If you’re not entirely sure what imposter syndrome is, think of it like extreme self-doubt -  an internal nagging, a worry, that feeling that you’re not good enough or “legit” enough. It’s the fear that people will uncover that you aren’t as qualified or as talented as they think you are. You feel like a big phony and it’s only a matter of time before people uncover the truth about you.

Imposter syndrome can show up in our thoughts like:

• I’m not a real artist because I haven’t had any formal training.
• Why would anyone buy this from me when so many other people make things that are way cooler?
• If I was good at business I wouldn’t be struggling so much financially.

Those kinds of thoughts can keep you playing small or stop you in your tracks all together. 

I do have some good news for you - imposter syndrome is so common. It’s something most people deal with at one time or another. Even well known artists and makers, and people who you see as successful struggle with it. Those negative, limiting thoughts and fears are not truths. 

I am experiencing imposter syndrome right now, in real time, writing this episode. I’m sitting at my kitchen table with my laptop open, my orange cat Stanley is next to me, occasionally head butting my arm for attention. I’m staring at a fairly empty google drive document and wondering, “Why would anyone want to hear what I have to say? There are already so many people doing something similar to what I’m doing and they look very successful and so far ahead of where I’m at.” 

I’m going to be really vulnerable for a second. I’m also thinking, “Why would anyone listen to me about running a creative business when my own handmade business has always been pretty small? I’ve never had lots of popularity online. I’ve never had sold out launches or waiting lists for my products.”

You know what it makes me think of. That saying that goes, “Those who can do. Those who can’t teach.” Who came up with that anyway? Does anyone else find that horribly offensive? First of all, I think teaching is one of the most noble professions, especially people who teach children and youth and are severely underpaid and highly underappreciated in our society. That’s getting off topic, but my point is, that saying is terrible, but it’s somehow culturally engrained in my brain and pops up to reinforce my imposter syndrome. So pay attention to your thoughts and where they might be coming from. The concepts might be culturally planted, or put there by our well meaning friends, parents or family members. But that doesn’t make them true.

I LOVE explaining things to people. I want to teach you what I’ve learned running my business over the past 20 years. I could grow my business and sell in hundreds of shops and create scarcity by doing small batch launches. I could do that if that was what I really wanted to do. But it isn’t. That’s not where my heart is. I like explaining things. I used to teach small business classes for artists and makers and I loved doing it!  I want to inspire you, and motivate you, and support you to do whatever it is that YOU really want to do. I want to share what I’ve learned with you. That’s what lights me up. That’s what I need to remember when imposter syndrome rears its ugly head. 

Starting a new business is hard. Starting a podcast is hard. Breaking out of your comfort zone is hard. Sharing your work feels very vulnerable. There have been a million times along the way where I’ve wanted to quit, thinking, “If this is so hard, maybe it’s not what I’m meant to do.” That’s not a truth. It IS what I need to do and I have to work through this hard spot. I don’t want to walk away knowing that I never really tried. I have to sit here in my discomfort. (I’m wearing it like a bathrobe.) Slowly, this page is filling up with words. 

The thing about imposter syndrome is, it will probably visit you from time to time, even when your business is doing well or you’ve reached a goal or milestone. It’s probably even more likely to show up then, like a solicitor ringing your doorbell right when you sit down to eat. Except that each time it shows up, you’ll have a little more experience and practice dealing with it. It becomes easier to turn down the volume so it doesn’t totally derail you. 

Confidence isn’t generally something we start with. It’s something we build. You wouldn’t sign up for a marathon and expect yourself to be able to run the entire distance the first time you start jogging. So don’t expect yourself to feel fully confident in sharing your art or running your business all of the time. You’ve got to build that muscle.

Here are some things that you can do when imposter syndrome is present. Like with anything, the more you practice these things, the easier they will become and the better you will get at it.

First, notice your thoughts and recognize that what you’re dealing with is imposter syndrome. Name it.

Then, try to reframe those thoughts into something more positive or at the very least, constructive. For example:

“I’m not a real artist” becomes “I am an artist because I create”.
“Everyone else is already so far ahead of me” becomes “Everyone’s path and timeline is different and unique”.

“If I was good at business I would be selling more” becomes “I am always learning and expanding my experience”.

See how easy that is? It’s just going to take some repetition and gentle reminders for yourself until it becomes more of a habit.

It might be helpful to write a list of things that back up that positive statement as proof.

I am an artist because…

I make art.

I have sold a piece of my work.

I am driven to create.

I see beauty all around me.

We are all artists.

Keep it where you can look at it when imposter syndrome creeps in.

Deep down I know that I have a lot of knowledge and real world experience to share with you, no matter how big or small my business has been. My proof list would look something like this:

I have valuable information to share with other artists and makers because…

I have been self employed for about two decades.

I set a specific goal and was able to grow my business to support my dream of buying a house.

I’ve been a part of the craft world for most of my adult life and have learned so much along the way.

I work with artists and makers on a daily basis.

I studied business in college.

I am always learning new things about marketing and social media.

Here’s my challenge for you this week, beautiful creative. I want you to claim your power. Declare out loud, either in person to someone, via email or on social media, that you are an artist / maker / designer / creative business owner - or whatever it is that you are struggling to claim. Say it. “I am an artist.” 

You could even send that statement to me on Instagram via DM (I’m @heybeautifulcreative) or post about it and tag me so I can see it and cheer for you.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not an artist or creative business owner, it’s a sign that you care deeply about doing your work well and that’s a beautiful thing. Share your work with the world. We need more of it.

If you’d like more support and guidance with creative confidence, sign up for my Creative Confidence Kickstart 5 Day Challenge! You’ll get 5 days of actionable tips, strategies, and moral support to help you break through imposter syndrome, push back on perfectionism, and move forward toward your goals and dreams. Sign up at heybeautifulcreative.com - it’s completely free and I’d love to see you in the challenge!

Links + Resources:

• Join the FREE 5-Day Challenge

Follow on Instagram: @heybeautifulcreative