How to Work Through Imposter Syndrome (As a Lettering Artist)

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will” - Suzy Kassem 

I saw this quote last week and really loved having this reminder. It reminded me of imposter syndrome and how so many of us in creative fields (lettering artists I’m looking at you) experience this. 

Have you experienced imposter syndrome?? Let me know in the comments 🙋🏻‍♀️ I know I have in the past and still do at times. Let’s talk about what it is and what you can do to overcome it! 

👉🏼 What it is: Imposter Syndrome is a psychological pattern where you doubt all of your accomplishments and have a fear that people will find you out as a “fraud”. 

👉🏼 What you can do to overcome it: When I first started this account I didn’t want to call myself a lettering artist because I didn’t feel like I knew what I was doing and I was worried people would figure that out. I’m guessing you’ve felt similarly at some point. But, we’re not frauds. What has helped me to overcome this is just creating and sharing my lettering. Here’s the thing, you can’t wait until you’re 100% confident to start sharing you work. Share it now and your confidence will build as you go and that imposter feeling will start disappearing. 

What I’m trying to do to overcome imposter syndrome right now is to reframe my thoughts. Did you know that the only difference between you and someone who doesn’t feel like an imposter are your thoughts? We just have to learn to think the way non-imposters think. For example, instead of saying “This lettering has so many mistakes, I can’t share it with others.” Re-frame it to be, “My work is crafted by hand and any imperfections just add to the beauty and humanness of it. People can relate to art that feels human.” If you want to stop FEELING like an imposter you have to stop THINKING like an imposter.  

Lastly, it’s important to get over your doubts and worries and just do the things. Your dreams, your “crazy” ideas, why not try them? See what happens. You never know what might come of them until you try.

Wishing you all a happy Monday!!