Erika Lancaster- Artist + Online Art Teacher
  • HOME
  • BLOG + FREEBIES
  • MEMBERSHIP
  • CLASSES
  • GALLERY
  • MY ART TOOLS

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as an Artist

6/14/2021

9 Comments

 
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as an Artist
Follow


​
I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life - and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.
-Georgia O'Keeffe

​
​

Do you constantly ask yourself questions like “Am I doing this right?”, “Who am I kidding? I’m not an artist.”, or “Who am I to be making time for art?” when working on a new piece?

Have you ever felt inadequate, like you don’t belong someplace (an art class, art event, art supply store, etc.) or among a group of other artists, even though you’re deeply passionate about being there and share common interests with those around you?

Ever struggled with feeling like a fraud, or like someone’s going to pop up and tell you you’re doing it all wrong, even though you’ve been working hard at improving artistically?
​
​
If you responded ‘yes’ to any or all of these, chances are you’ve struggled (or are struggling) with good ol' Imposter Syndrome. 

And you’re not alone.

It hits so many artists and creatives of all kinds… pretty much most people who’re doing anything big or uncommon.
​
​
Just in case you’ve never heard of Imposter Syndrome before, Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as: ’A false and sometimes crippling belief that one's successes are the product of luck or fraud rather than skill. A pervasive feeling of self-doubt, insecurity, or fraudulence despite often overwhelming evidence to the contrary.’

People who’ve accomplished amazing things have described feeling this way at some point, including Albert Einstein, Maya Angelou, Tom Hanks and David Bowie. 
​
​Today, I’ll be sharing a few tips that always help me overcome Imposter Syndrome when I feel it creep up.

I wanted to get this information and tips out there, as I see so many community members and students struggling, and I’m aware of how paralyzing these negative thoughts/feelings can be.

But first, let’s go over a few signs you may be experiencing Imposter Syndrome as an artist, as well as why this phenomenon tends to happen to us so frequently.

​

​

Signs You're Dealing With Imposter Syndrome as an Artist 


  • You're unable to accept compliments on your work
​
  • You experience overwhelming anxiety when starting a new piece
​
  • You have a prevailing perfectionist attitude and constant fear of failure
​
  • You feel you don’t deserve to ask for more when selling a piece, even after spending a good amount on supplies and time creating it
​
  • You feel out of place when visiting an art supply store or gallery, or attend an art event, workshop or class
​
  • You discount your achievements (such as your first art exhibit or sale)
​
  • You deeply worry about others' opinions about your work and choices in life
​​
  • You're constantly comparing yourself to others and feel like your work is never good enough​


​
​​​​​ ​

Why This Phenomenon is So Common Among Artists


The International Journal of Behavioral Science states that, though Imposter Syndrome can affect anyone (70% percent of people have experienced it at some point in their lives), it hits artists, creatives and entrepreneurs of all kinds more frequently.

This makes sense because of a few different reasons:
​
  • Being an artist is lonely. It’s usually us and us alone not only creating the art, but also doing everything that’s necessary to share it or build/sustain a business around our art. It's imperative that we believe in its (and our) worth.
​
  • Art is subjective and there’s no measuring tool to tell us whether our work is "good" or "bad", or whether we’re doing things "right" or "wrong", which means we must have confidence in what we’re doing.
​
  • It takes a lot of courage, not only to create art, but also to put ourselves out there consistently. There’s a vulnerability that comes with creating and putting work out there for others to see.
​
  • With sharing our work and thoughts we’re opening ourselves up to criticism and other people's opinions, whether it’s with a smaller audience (family and/or friends), or a larger one (social media, galleries, events, etc.).
​
  • Now-a-days, because of social media, it’s easy to feel behind or like we’ll never reach other artists' skill level, as we’re bombarded with others’ amazing work and seemingly perfect art lives 24/7.
​

All this said, though being an artist is challenging on many levels, it's also incredibly rewarding and fulfilling once you're able to push through "the suck".

Here are seven key things I remind myself of that always help me move past Imposter Syndrome so that I can continue focusing my time and energy on creating. 


​
​
Learn sketching and watercolor
Check out my FREE Patreon-exclusive tutorial and class samples here.

​



​
Remember These Things to Overcome Imposter Syndrome A.S.A.P.

1. Comparing yourself to others is a waste of time and energy. 
We’re all different and are at different points in our journeys. Consider doing a detox from social media if you find it's affecting you more often than not.

2. There's no one exactly like you. 
You are unique and nobody else in the world can create exactly like you can. Lean into your uniqueness (weaknesses and all).

3. Talk to your mentors or art friends for support and inspiration. 
People who share your same interests and are also putting in the work will help you recognize that your feelings and thoughts are both normal and irrational.

4. Look back and recognize your progress, as well as how far you’ve come since you started. 
Remember what you do well, what it feels to create when you’re in flow, and why you started in the first place.

5. Realize no one is perfect. 
Every-single-person out there (including those artists who’s highlight reels you come across on social media) is a work in progress and struggles with self-doubt, too.

6. Develop your self-worth and growth mindset. 
Here’s a great article with ideas on how to develop lasting self-esteem, as well as a list of amazing Ted Talks on developing a growth mindset and how it can help you reach your goals.

7. Understand that your brain is just trying to keep you safe. 
It wants to prevent you from doing things that are new and challenging, so it sends you signals to stop (that's why we have all these negative thoughts and limiting beliefs). Read all about this and how to override it here. 

​
​
Just to finish up, feelings of self-doubt and nervousness are 100% normal and human. They don’t make you any less of an artist.

If anything, these feelings are a sign that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, are being brave, and are taking action to grow in new ways.

And if you ever feel you don't belong somewhere your heart and spirit are telling you to be, remember that anyone who's actively putting themselves in the arena deserves to be there.

If you're passionate about art, are creating consistently, and are always looking to keep growing, you're an artist.

Don't be afraid to call yourself one!





Must Know Tips for the Serious Self-Taught Artist
5 Worst Artist Habits Keeping You Stuck
How to Shade Objects Using Pen and Ink
9 Comments
Squid Game Jacket link
10/16/2021 09:53:36 am

I am amazed by your content. Thank you for always sharing this!

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
10/18/2021 05:53:12 pm

Hey, there!
Thanks so much for reading. :)
Glad you're enjoying what I'm sharing.
Wish you a lovely day and take good care.

Reply
Giftoper link
11/3/2021 04:30:33 am

Nice post. It was really an informative post to read. Thanks!

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
11/4/2021 07:09:11 pm

Hey, there!
Thanks so much for checking this one out.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Wish you a great day and take good care.

Reply
Richard Buckley link
11/23/2021 05:34:56 am

Hi Erika, I've just found your website, very interesting reading. Imposter syndrome is something I've always struggled with. I can deliver a relatively expensive painting to a customer, and as they stand there admiring it, clearly very happy, I feel like I have the urge to quickly run away before they realise I'm a total fraud. Obviously, I'm not....but it's a hard habit to get out of. Thank you for the very useful information :-)

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
11/23/2021 12:16:53 pm

Hey, Richard!
Thanks so much for checking this one out, and also for sharing about your experience with Imposter Syndrome.
It never really leaves us completely, does it? :)
I think especially as artists, because we work primarily alone (no team to bounce ideas off of or to work alongside us), we constantly put ourselves out there, and also because of the fact that we're doing something "uncommon", it's even more prevalent.
Dealing with that inner gremlin is tough! But as long as we don't let those negative voices keep us from doing what we have to/want to do, it's all good.
Cheers!

Reply
Richard Buckley link
11/24/2021 03:13:46 pm

Hi Erika, I've only ever had a handful of negative comments (all online), but they do stick in my memory, including "I wouldn't hang that in a cupboard", "that's not art", and one of my paintings being referred to as "emulsion daubings" lol.

I often have people respond with disbelief when they ask what I do and I say I'm an artist, it's like I've told them I'm an alchemist or a witch doctor or something! Luckily I've never had a bad response so far, when whipping my phone out to show them my website!

Eva Newton link
1/19/2022 12:01:26 pm

Wow, I really appreciate the content you have shared. Thanks a lot for sharing it!

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
1/19/2022 03:57:48 pm

Hi, Eva!
Thanks so much for checking this one out. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
Have a lovely day and take good care!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    ​
    Learn Drawing and Watercolor Step by Step Tutorials

    ​
    Best Art Blog Helpful Resources for Artists

    ​

    Picture

    ​
    Become a Patron!

    ​

    www.dickblick.com

    ​

    ​
    www.erikalancaster.com
    is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites
    ​to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.


    www.erikalancaster.com
    is a participant in the 
    Shareasale.com Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
    ​

    RSS Feed

Picture
Picture
       
​  
Website Disclaimer              Privacy Policy              ​Terms and Conditions
©  2022  Erika Lancaster.  All rights reserved.
  • HOME
  • BLOG + FREEBIES
  • MEMBERSHIP
  • CLASSES
  • GALLERY
  • MY ART TOOLS