Who am I to talk about photography? What do I know? My photos arenโt as good as they should be. Why would anyone pay for my services? Other photographers wouldโve done a better job than me. I don’t deserve any attention around my work.
If youโve ever had similar thoughts, you know that the imposter syndrome is real. It doesnโt matter if youโre just getting started with your creative journey or if youโve been doing it for years.
Amateur and professional alike, the imposter syndrome is something we all encounter at some point in our journey. Most likely more than once.
While it can easily lead down a destructive path, I also believe that it can help us grow. Itโs part of life.
Iโm no psychologist and if youโre looking for a quick fix to your doubts, Iโll not be able to help. But Iโve encountered the imposter syndrome multiple times through my creative journey. In fact, as uncomfortable as it is to admit, Iโve been dealing with it recently as well.
The thoughts shared below are those Iโve accumulated throughout these moments. Itโs the things Iโve done, and failed to do, in order to turn it into something positive rather than a pure destructive encounter.
Hopefully, my experiences can help you too. Just know, youโre not alone.
When the Imposter Syndrome Leads to Creative Blocks
There are many phases of the imposter syndrome and I believe most of us experience it slightly differently. Sometimes itโs just a faint whisper in the back of your head while other times it leads to an abrupt stop in your work.
Itโs the latter that I find to be one of the most difficult aspects; when it leads to a creative block. My job is to create, so how can I put food on the table if Iโm unable to pick up the camera or even write a sentence in an empty word document?
During this phase, it seems impossible to create anything. This is, in my experience, the darkest place to be. Itโs the destructive path that we need to get out of as quickly as possible.
But getting out of it is easier said than done. More often than not, we end up beating ourselves over being stuck in this phase. That only leads to more self-doubt. Nothing you do seem to be good enough.
Iโve gone through months of being stuck in that dark place. All I want to do is to create but nothing I do is good enough. So, I donโt share it. I stow it away.
The longer youโre stuck, the harder it is to get out. But you will. Donโt quit. It gets better.
Leaving this destructive path requires work. Youโll need to push yourself. Maybe even step out of your comfort zone. Here are some things that can help:
- Spend time in nature. Leave the camera behind and simply observe your surroundings. Notice the smells. The sounds. The colors. Just observe. Just be.
- Find inspiration outside your craft. Being stuck within the bubble of your genre isnโt necessarily a good thing. Actively searching for inspiration in other crafts can be of big help when youโre feeling stuck. Go to a museum. Look at paintings. Listen to music. Browse galleries of artists in different genres of your craft. Try to enjoy the art and maybe youโll find the motivation to keep creating.
- Take a break. Sometimes all you need is to put down the camera for some days and focus on something else. I find this especially important when it comes to social media โ take days off! More often than not, youโll come back refreshed and with new inspiration.
- Join a course or mentorship program. Admitting that we can always learn more is essential for our creative growth. Purchasing an eBook or course, attending a conference or signing up for a 1-to-1 mentorship program will help, especially during difficult times. Iโve been working full-time with photography for years but I still set aside money each year for developing.
- Engage in conversations. You might feel alone but itโs important that you know youโre not. Donโt be afraid to reach out to other artists and engage in conversations with them. Weโre stronger together.
- Force yourself to create. If youโve been stuck for a long time, you might need a harsher approach. Forcing yourself to create is one way to do this. Make sure to dedicate time each day for creating. Be it to bring the camera out each evening or spending an hour each night editing photos. Itโs going to be tough in the beginning but itโs an efficient way of reconnecting with your passion.
The one thing Iโve learned is that you shouldnโt stop creating just because you feel your work isnโt good enough. All that does is make it more difficult to get back to it.
Using the Imposter Syndrome as Motivation
The times Iโve struggled the most with the imposter syndrome are the times where Iโve let the self-doubt, or the noise inside as I like calling it, take control. Itโs when stepping back and not doing anything about it that I really get stuck.
A much better approach is to turn it into something motivational. I know this is easier said than done (trust me, I know).
Turning your negative thoughts or self-doubt into motivation to create more is something that can help you grow as an artist. Itโs in those exact situations you can dictate who you want to be as an artist and person.
Donโt feel like your images are worthy of the response they’re getting? Then work harder to create images that are. Start pushing your boundaries. Think outside the box.
I find that some of my best work comes as a direct result of breaking out of a negative spiral. Simply because I put all my effort into creating something that I canโt help to be happy with.
This can be by going through old hard drives and finding good photos that I never did anything with, it can be re-editing images I feel couldโve been better, or it can be going out and creating a completely new image.
My point is, try to twist your negative thoughts into motivating thoughts.
Why the Imposter Syndrome is Important for Creatives
The title of this article is The Imposter Syndrome: A Friend or a Foe for Creatives? I think itโs both. It can be both destructive and rewarding.
However, I believe itโs a good sign. Iโd be more worried if you never felt that your work isnโt good enough. Self-doubt is a sign of ambition. Itโs a sign of passion. Itโs a sign of growth.
Donโt be afraid of encountering the imposter syndrome. Most creatives go through it frequently.
Even the most successful artists go through periods of self-doubt. Perhaps itโs when exhibiting their art next to other talented artists, or maybe itโs after signing a big licensing agreement. Maybe itโs feeling unworthy of the number of social media followers they have. It comes in many shapes and forms
The imposter syndrome will always be there. It wonโt go away when you start achieving your goals. Accept that itโs part of the journey. Accept that itโs part of growing. Do this and you can turn a negative spiral into a positive experience.
Conclusion
Having periods of self-doubt is to be expected when youโre on a creative journey. There will always be a reason to feel like youโre not good enough or havenโt deserved what youโve achieved.
Unfortunately, thereโs no quick fix. Thereโs no magic pill to take you out of a potential negative spiral.
I know that things feel impossible when being at the bottom of a dark hole. It seems like thereโs no way out. But there is. Who knows, maybe your best art is waiting on the other side?
Have you encountered the imposter syndrome before? Share your stories below!
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