Being an Artist with Imposter Syndrome: What I’ve Learned
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I’ll be honest—calling myself an artist still feels strange some days. Even after creating, sharing, and people buying my bags and prints, that voice in the back of my head still whispers, “You’re not a real artist. You’re just pretending.”
That, is imposter syndrome. And if you’re an artist reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve felt it too.
What Is Imposter Syndrome (and Why Artists Are So Prone to It)?
Imposter syndrome is that nagging feeling that you're not as talented, competent, or creative as people think you are—and that one day, you'll be exposed as a fraud.
It shows up in different ways:
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Doubting the quality of your work
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Feeling undeserving of praise
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Comparing yourself to other artists
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Constantly thinking you’re "not there yet"
For creatives, imposter syndrome can be especially intense. Why? Because art is subjective. There’s no universal standard for what’s “good,” and so much of our self-worth can get tangled up in how our art is perceived.
“I’m Not a Real Artist”—The Lie We Keep Telling Ourselves
I can’t count how many times I’ve said this to myself.
No matter the encouragement I get, I’d still downplay it with thoughts like:
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“I just got lucky.”
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“It’s not real art.”
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“Other people are so much better than me.”
But here’s the truth: If you make art, you’re an artist. That’s it. There’s no secret club, no magical threshold you have to cross. You don’t need a degree, a gallery show, or a massive following. You just need to create.
How I Deal with Imposter Syndrome (and You Can Too)
Imposter syndrome doesn’t magically disappear, but I’ve found a few ways to keep it from running the show:
1. Talk to Other Artists
Every time I open up to fellow creatives, I’m shocked to hear them say they feel the same. Even people whose work I deeply admire question themselves. That alone helps me feel less alone.
2. Document, Don’t Judge
Instead of obsessing over whether a piece is “good enough,” I’ve started thinking of my work as documentation of where I am right now. It’s not a verdict—it’s a snapshot. That shift in mindset has been huge.
3. Create Anyway
When doubt creeps in, I try to keep creating. I’ve learned that action is the antidote. Even if I feel like a fraud, I make the art. I share it. I keep showing up.
4. Celebrate the Small Wins
Did you finish a sketch? Share something online? Try a new medium? That’s a win. It all counts. I try to acknowledge the small victories, even when imposter syndrome tells me they’re insignificant.
5. Remember Why You Started
At the end of the day, I didn’t start making art to impress anyone. I started because I had to. It’s how I express myself, how I process the world, and how I connect with people. That’s valid, with or without validation.
Final Thoughts
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. Ironically, it usually means you care deeply about what you’re doing. It means you’re pushing yourself.
So if you feel like a fraud today, welcome to the club. You're in good company. Keep creating, keep learning, and most importantly—keep showing up as your imperfect, passionate self.
Because that’s what real artists do.
- Jennifer