Battling the Inner Critic: Tips for Artists to Overcome Impostor Syndrome
Ever felt like you are not a "real" artist, despite clear evidence of your talent and success? Feel like your work is not good enough, or that you are not as skilled as others in your field? You may also feel like you have somehow fooled others into thinking you are more talented than you actually are.
To top it all off, these feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy can be accompanied by anxiety, stress, and a fear of being "found out". You may also struggle with self-promotion, feeling like you don't deserve recognition or that your work is not worthy of attention. You may even avoid opportunities that would help you to advance your career or to showcase your work, out of a fear of being judged or criticized.
Sound familiar?
You are definitely not alone.
So many artists battle with this thinking every day. Impostor syndrome is common among people in creative fields, including artists, writers, and musicians. Artists may doubt their abilities, feel like their work is not good enough, or compare themselves unfavorably to others in their field. They may also struggle with feelings of self-doubt and anxiety about their work being criticized or rejected. These feelings can be especially strong for artists who are just starting out in their careers or who are trying to establish themselves in a highly competitive field. Overall, the experience of impostor syndrome can be very distressing for artists, and can negatively impact their self-esteem, creativity, and career advancement. For artists, recognising and addressing unhelpful feelings is important to cultivate self-confidence and achieve your full creative potential.
If you can relate, here are some suggestions on how to get out of ‘imposter land’ and back into your creative genius zone:
Recognize and acknowledge your feelings: Take some time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings and consider whether they may be influenced by impostor syndrome.
Challenge negative self-talk: When you catch yourself doubting your abilities or discounting your accomplishments, challenge those thoughts with evidence of your talent and hard work. Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that failure is a natural part of the creative process.
Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, rather than beating yourself up for perceived failures or shortcomings. Remember that you are human and that everyone struggles with self-doubt at times. It is okay. Just keep moving through it.
Seek another perspective: Talk to a mentor, or trusted friend. Tell them what you are struggling with and ask for a fresh perspective. This will often help you reframe your thinking and put your mind on a more positive path.
Celebrate your successes: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Play your fave track - LOUD. Dance around the studio. Make yourself a cup of tea. Pat the dog and tell him how great you are. This can help to boost your confidence and counteract and lurking feelings of self-doubt.
Take risks: You are an artist. Creativity is your job. Don't be afraid to take risks or try new things, even if you feel like you might fail. Remember that failure is a natural part of the creative process and that taking risks can lead to wonderful new opportunities and growth.
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." - Oscar Wilde.
Further reading
If you want to dive further into this topic, here are some more resources:
"The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention" by Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes (1978) - This is the original research paper that introduced the concept of impostor syndrome and identified it as a common experience among high-achieving women.
"The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity" by Julia Cameron (1992) - This self-help book offers guidance for creative individuals to overcome creative blocks, self-doubt, and fear of failure.
"Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking" by David Bayles and Ted Orland (1993) - This book explores the challenges of being an artist, including the fear of failure and the pressure to create work that is original and meaningful.
"Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: Ten Strategies to Stop Feeling Like a Fraud at Work" by Valerie Young (2011) - This book offers advice and strategies for individuals in various professions, including artists, to overcome impostor syndrome and achieve their full potential.