Embracing Creativity: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome on Your Art Journey
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Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
Have you ever felt like a fraud when you refer to yourself as an “artist”? You’re not alone in this struggle. I’ve navigated those feelings myself throughout my seven-year artistic journey, and I’d like to share the strategies that helped me confront this imposter syndrome.
Author’s Reflection
“Oh, thank you for your kind words, but I’m just a hobbyist! I merely doodle. I haven’t had any formal training in art.”
These were my frequent, embarrassed responses to the compliments I received lately. It felt as though I was desperately asking people not to label what I did as “ART.”
Despite being a trained yoga teacher with tools to find calm, nothing had truly helped me until I started a new morning routine just days ago. I found myself amidst a tempest of emotions—grief from losing loved ones, unfulfilled dreams, the challenges of raising a child with special needs, and the fear of an uncertain future, especially with my brother's health declining.
My art journey began unexpectedly on July 23, 2017. I had set out some art supplies for a cousin's visit, but once they left, those materials began to beckon me. On that warm Sunday afternoon, I found myself sitting on the floor, mindlessly creating patterns on paper. Hours slipped by unnoticed, and for the first time in ages, I felt a profound sense of peace wash over me.
That moment marked a significant turning point; I craved that tranquility like an addict seeks their next fix. I began to dedicate time each week to quietly sketching, armed only with my sketchbook and a desire to explore my creativity.
Lesson #1: Commit to Regular Practice
The exhilaration of crafting something from scratch became a driving force. I would often lose track of time as I immersed myself in drawing.
Lesson #2: Set Achievable Goals
I made a point of starting with smaller projects, avoiding anything that would take too long. I recognized my tendency to abandon larger works if I lost interest, so I limited myself to a maximum of 90 minutes of focused creation each day. I often chose simple designs, sometimes leaving them in black and white, but more often filling them with vibrant colors. The bursts of color would elevate my mood, even on challenging days.
Lesson #4: Don’t Assume Judgment
To my surprise, the negativity I feared was minimal. While some offered constructive suggestions, the majority simply scrolled past without comment. I received overwhelming support from family and friends, encouraging me as I ventured into a field where I had no formal training.
Lesson #5: Own Your Art
Some days, I felt satisfied with my creations; other days, not so much. Regardless, I had produced something from nothing on a blank page, and I learned to embrace that process.
After several months of this practice, I finally allowed myself to call my doodles “ART.” The messages embedded in my creations inspired many in my circle, motivating them to pursue their passions at any stage of life.
I transformed my artwork into a small business, creating products like mugs, bags, and coloring books, with proceeds donated to a residential school for blind children. What began as a hobby has turned into a meaningful venture, and over the past seven years, I’ve created over 2,000 pieces of art—my means of expressing my soul and my vision of the world.
If you were to ask me now if I still feel like an imposter, I would confidently say, “Not at all!”
Chapter 2: A Deeper Dive into Imposter Syndrome
This first video titled "Can I Even Call Myself an Artist? Imposter Syndrome & Artists" delves into the nuances of imposter syndrome and offers insights for artists grappling with self-doubt.
The second video, "Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Beginner Artist," provides practical tips for those starting their artistic journey and seeking to build confidence in their abilities.