How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as an Artist

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As artists, we have a million things to think about, and we don’t have time to be derailed by imposter syndrome. From honing our skills, to finding our unique voice, to knowing what kind of canvases to pick, to creating a website, to finding the best brushes for acrylic painting, to marketing to your target client; the list can seem endless. Besides all that, you still need to set aside time to actually paint.

By understanding and addressing the root causes of imposter syndrome, you can cultivate a healthier, more confident approach to your creative journey and know how to overcome imposter syndrome as an artist.

Embracing your unique journey, practicing self-compassion, and seeking community support are vital steps to overcome this common roadblock.

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What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where you doubt your accomplishments and fear being exposed as a "fraud", despite evident success and competency. In the creative process, this can show up as persistent negative self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and the belief that one's success is due to luck rather than skill. Common thoughts include "I'm not really talented," "I don't deserve recognition," and "People will find out I'm not as good as they think."

The Impact on Artists

Imposter syndrome can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression, deeply affecting your mental health. It can stifle creativity and innovation, as fear of failure or judgment may prevent you from experimenting or sharing your work. The pressure to meet high standards can result in procrastination, burnout, and avoidance of opportunities for growth.

Statistics and Research

Research indicates that up to 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives, with creatives being particularly vulnerable. Studies show a significant prevalence of imposter syndrome among artists, often linked to the constant evaluation of one’s work. A study by the International Journal of Behavioral Science highlights the widespread occurrence of imposter syndrome, particularly among high-achieving individuals, including artists.

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What Causes Imposter Syndrome in Artists?

Perfectionism

Many artists strive for perfection, which can lead to a cycle of self-criticism and dissatisfaction with their work. The pursuit of flawless execution can create unrealistic standards, making any perceived imperfection feel like a failure.

Comparison

Artists often compare their work and success to others, especially with social media, where curated highlights can create a distorted perception of achievements. This constant comparison can diminish self-worth and inflate feelings of inadequacy.

External Validation

The need for external validation, such as praise, awards, or social media likes, can become a crutch for self-esteem. When validation is not received, it can reinforce feelings of being an imposter and erode confidence. Even when validation is achieved, it can become a never-ending cycle of needing constant reassurance regardless of past success.

Fear of Failure

The fear of failure can be paralyzing, preventing artists from taking risks or exploring new ideas. The stigma around failure can create a fear of judgment and rejection, further fueling imposter syndrome.

Lack of Recognition

You may struggle with the disparity between the perception of your work and its reception by others. Lack of recognition or appreciation can exacerbate feelings of being unworthy or untalented, despite personal efforts and achievements. But your art is important!

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as an Artist

Find Your Why

Embrace Your Unique Journey. Every artist has a distinct path, and comparing your journey to others can be detrimental. Recognize and value personal growth, understanding that each experience contributes to developing as an artist.

What Gets You Upset?
Understanding what triggers strong emotional responses in you can be a powerful clue to your "why." These triggers are often tied to core values and passions that drive you. For instance, if you feel deeply upset by social injustice, environmental issues, or the neglect of certain cultural heritages, these feelings can inspire your art and give it a meaningful direction. This emotional connection to your work not only fuels your passion but also resonates deeply with your audience, creating art that is both impactful and authentic.

Steps to Identify What Upsets You:

1. Reflect on recent events or issues that stirred strong emotions.
2. Consider why these issues affect you and how they align with your core values.
3. Think about how you can channel these emotions into your art to create work that is not only cathartic for you but also potentially transformative for your audience.

What Do You Have Experience and Expertise In?
Your unique experiences and skills are invaluable assets in defining your "why." These elements differentiate you from other artists and provide a rich source of inspiration for your work. Your background, education, personal experiences, and professional expertise all contribute to a distinctive perspective that you can bring to your art.

Questions to Explore Your Experience and Expertise:

1. What subjects or techniques are you most skilled in?
2. How has your personal or professional journey shaped your perspective on art?
3. In what ways can you leverage your expertise to address themes or issues that matter to you?

For example, if you have a background in marine biology and are passionate about ocean conservation, your art can draw on this expertise to highlight environmental issues, educate your audience, and advocate for change.

Answering These Questions to Identify Your "Why"
By answering the above questions, you can pinpoint what drives you as an artist and what you aim to achieve through your work. Your "why" is the underlying reason for your artistic pursuits and serves as a source of motivation and direction. It can also help you to stay focused and resilient in the face of challenges and self-doubt.

Steps to Identify Your "Why":

1. Journal Your Thoughts and Dreams: Write down your responses to the questions about what upsets you and where your expertise lies. Look for patterns or recurring themes. Write down your dreams and look for meaning or direction in them.
2. Reflect on Your Artistic Goals: Consider what you hope to achieve through your art. Is it to raise awareness, evoke emotions, or simply express yourself?
3. Create a Mission/Power Statement: Summarize your "why" in a clear and concise statement. This can serve as a guiding principle for your creative endeavors.
   Example of a Mission/Power Statement: "I create art to highlight the beauty and fragility of the natural world, using my background in environmental science to inspire conservation efforts and connect people to nature through my work."

Finding your "why" provides a clear sense of purpose and direction, helping you to create art that is both meaningful and authentic. It also offers a powerful counterbalance to imposter syndrome by reminding you of the unique value you bring to the world through your creativity.

Practice Self-Compassion

Being kind to oneself involves acknowledging and accepting imperfections and mistakes as part of the creative process. Techniques such as self-affirmation, mindfulness, and allowing yourself to take breaks can foster a compassionate self-view.

Shift Your Mindset

Changing negative thought patterns requires conscious effort. Techniques like cognitive restructuring can help replace self-doubt with positive affirmations. Mindfulness practices can aid in becoming aware of and altering these detrimental thoughts, promoting a healthier mindset.

Seek Support and Community

Connecting with other artists who share similar experiences can provide valuable support and reduce feelings of isolation. Joining artist communities, attending workshops, and seeking mentorship can offer encouragement, feedback, and a sense of belonging.

Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals is a powerful strategy to break down larger projects into manageable tasks, reducing getting overwhelmed and fostering steady progress. Research shows that only 9% of people achieve the goals they set. S.M.A.R.T. goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

Specific
A specific goal is clear and well-defined, leaving no room for ambiguity. For artists aiming to improve self-compassion, this could involve specific actions like practicing daily affirmations, setting aside time for mindfulness exercises, and acknowledging personal achievements.

Example:
"I will practice self-compassion by spending 10 minutes each morning on mindfulness exercises, writing down three things I appreciate about myself, and setting positive intentions for the day."
Being specific helps you focus your efforts and makes it easier to identify the steps needed to achieve the goal.

Measurable
Measurable goals allow you to track your progress and stay motivated. Establishing quantifiable indicators, such as logging instances of negative thoughts and positive affirmations in a journal, provides a clear measure of improvement over time.

Example:
"I will reduce instances of negative self-talk by 50% over the next three months by logging occurrences in a journal and replacing them with positive affirmations."
Having measurable goals lets you see tangible progress, which can be highly motivating and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Achievable
Goals should be realistic and attainable, considering your current skills, resources, and limitations. For example, joining a local or online artist group, attending meetings or workshops regularly, and actively participating in discussions on the Milan Art App can be realistic steps toward achieving your goals.

Example:
"I will join the online artist community in the Milan Art App and participate in at least two group discussions or workshops each month to gain feedback and support."
Setting achievable goals ensures that you are not setting yourself up for failure, but rather creating a pathway for steady, realistic progress.

Relevant
Relevant goals align with your broader artistic and personal aspirations. They should connect to your personal and professional development as an artist, such as seeking mentorship and focusing on personal artistic goals that build confidence and skill.

Example:
"I will seek a mentor in my artistic field to guide my development, focusing on enhancing my technical skills and building a cohesive portfolio."
Ensuring your goals are relevant helps you stay aligned with your overall objectives and keeps your efforts focused on what truly matters to you.

Time-Bound
Time-bound goals have a clear deadline, providing a sense of urgency and helping to prevent procrastination. Breaking down larger goals into monthly milestones, such as attending a certain number of community events or completing a specific number of mindfulness sessions, keeps you on track.

Example:
"I will complete 12 mindfulness sessions and attend four community art events within the next three months, documenting my progress and experiences in a journal."
Having a time frame creates a sense of urgency and motivates you to stay on schedule.

Practical Tips for Implementing S.M.A.R.T. Goals

1. Break Down Larger Goals:
   • Divide your ultimate goal into smaller, manageable tasks.
   • Create a detailed action plan with specific steps for each task. Carve out time to move these strategies forward
2. Regularly Review Progress:
   • Schedule regular check-ins to assess your progress.
   • Adjust your goals and strategies as needed based on your progress.
3. Stay Flexible:
   • Be open to adjusting your goals if circumstances change.
   • Maintain a balance between challenging yourself and setting achievable targets.
4. Seek Feedback and Support:
   • Share your goals with a trusted mentor or peer for accountability.
   • Use feedback to refine your goals and improve your strategies.
5. Celebrate Milestones:
   • Recognize and celebrate small victories along the way.
   • Use these celebrations to boost motivation and reaffirm your commitment.

By incorporating S.M.A.R.T. goals into your artistic practice, you can create a clear roadmap for success, stay motivated, and systematically overcome challenges like imposter syndrome. This approach not only helps you achieve specific objectives but also fosters a more confident and resilient mindset, which is essential for long-term artistic growth.

Celebrate Your Achievements

Recognizing and celebrating even small successes can boost self-esteem and motivation. Keeping a portfolio or journal of accomplishments provides a tangible reminder of one's growth and achievements over time. Have a reward or consequence planned ahead of time for when you do or don’t reach an achievement. Make the reward something that you are really looking forward to (like a weekend away) and make the consequence something that you really don’t want (like weeding a fence line).

Continual Learning and Growth

Embracing lifelong learning and seeking new skills and experiences can enhance artistic growth and reduce feelings of stagnation. Attending Masterclasses, reading, and experimenting with new techniques can reignite passion and creativity. Seek out materials that will help with steady incremental growth, like taking a Milan Art Masterclass or attending a weekly live model portrait session in your community. Exchange mindless YouTube, social media, and TV streaming activities for productive edifying activities like reading self-growth books, engaging with nature, and connecting in community activities.

Professional Help

Some seasons require help from outside yourself. Seeking help from therapists or counselors can provide tools and strategies to cope with imposter syndrome. Mental health professionals can offer personalized support and interventions, normalizing the experience and providing effective coping mechanisms. Experienced mentors can help guide your process and help you think outside of destructive patterns.

Feed Your Soul

Artist’s block can easily be cured by feeding your soul. You are not a machine that can go on forever. This looks like doing what you love to spur on creativity. You can’t pour yourself out over and over without filling up. Avoid burnout and artist’s block by scheduling a weekly break day to connect to others, your spiritual side, nature and rest. Plan a day trip to a local museum or trending hot spot in your area. Bring a travel sketchbook to quickly put ideas down for later. Look for and find new inspiration. Go to galleries and creative businesses. You may even find a new boutique that your art would sell perfectly in.

Create Art that You Are Confident In

Creating art that you are confident in begins with embracing your unique voice and vision. At the Milan Art Institute, we believe that tapping into your authentic SUPERPOWER is the cornerstone of impactful art. Confidence stems from trusting your instincts, allowing your creativity to flow without the constraints of perfectionism or comparison. To make your art sellable, focus on honing your technical skills while staying true to your personal narrative.

Use powerful symbols that resonate with you and your clients. Marketable art often resonates with emotion, tells a compelling story, and reflects a high level of craftsmanship. Engage with your audience by sharing the inspiration behind your work, and remember, the most sellable art is the one that connects deeply with both the creator and the viewer.

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Fake It Till You Make It

You need to speak it as if it were true. I am these things. What differentiates imposter syndrome from good old-fashioned positive thinking mantras is your intention. If you have no intention ever to become that person, that’s imposter syndrome. But if you have the intention of becoming all those things you say you are, that’s not imposter syndrome; that’s winning. Building the foundation of success includes principles of positive self-talk. That’s being a successful person.

Take your vision and write out the attributes in “I am…” form. What is the identity that you need to have to achieve that vision? For example, if you want to be a full-time artist, then you say: “I am disciplined.”, “I am hard working.”, “I am consistent.”

Shift the way you see imposter syndrome. Stop saying I have imposter syndrome. What you have is a positive declaration about who you are and your true identity. Your true self-declaration is the person you want to be. You may not have fully arrived into that true self-identity yet. We stand in our own future and call ourselves to it! We are beauty in the making. You are an amazing person in process. Only if you don’t intend to change, do you have imposter syndrome. With time and action, you will step into that true identity.