The Prelude
Have you ever achieved something truly noteworthy, yet found yourself struggling to embrace that internal applause? Imagine this: people shower you with praise, applaud your excellence, and express their pride in you, and yet, there’s this nagging feeling inside. You dismiss their compliments, thinking, “They’re just being nice,” or “I could have done it better.” No matter the recognition, a whisper in the back of your mind insists that someone out there is doing it better, someone more deserving.
The Battle
I’ve found myself in the trenches, working on projects for days that still didn’t meet my or my clients’ expectations. And then there were times when everything clicked, and I’d deliver exceptional results effortlessly. I confess, there were moments when I believed my successes were flukes, and I could never match the creativity or confidence of the countless exceptional designers in the world. Yet, Theodore Roosevelt said it best: comparison truly is the thief of joy. It took some soul-searching to understand why I felt this way, only to discover I was far from alone.
The Turning Point
Imposter syndrome is a familiar foe among creatives. It’s described as the psychological phenomenon of doubting one’s accomplishments and fearing being exposed as a “fraud,” despite obvious success (Arlin Cuncic, 2024). Identifying this was a turning point for me, enabling me to transform those negative whispers into a chorus of positive affirmations. A comment from a Reddit user resonated with me deeply, suggesting that “it fades as you learn more…” (Tkingsbu, 2022). Suddenly, everything clicked.
The Embrace
The journey beyond imposter syndrome wasn’t solely paved with positive affirmations, though they helped. It was the tangible experience and knowledge I gained working as an in-house graphic designer for a year and a half that truly propelled me forward.
Initially, working alongside other designers felt daunting. I was terrified of presenting my work, dreading rejection. Yet, over time, I realized the beauty of our individual strengths and weaknesses. Embracing our authentic selves in our projects and as individuals is, perhaps, our greatest triumph. Recognizing your unique place in the world allows you to not only welcome criticism and grow from it but also to offer constructive feedback to others, fostering their growth.
The Evolution
Tanisha S. wisely observes, “Creative roles are subjective, and because of that, resilience is key.” We need to reframe our perspective: challenges, mistakes, and feedback aren’t setbacks but invaluable opportunities, lessons, and tools for personal and professional development (LinkedIn Graphic Design Community, 2023). Overcoming the identity crisis of imposter syndrome doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a continuous journey of self-discovery and adaptation. Like any bad habit, it requires diligence to overcome, but with each attempt, it becomes a tad easier. We are all on a path to evolving into our authentic, empowered selves. Every day, as we strive to give our best, we inch closer to the transformation we zealously seek.
The Conclusion
This journey isn’t just about confronting our inner critics; it’s about defining who we are and how we want to be perceived in the world. I’m crafting a narrative that resonates with the essence of self-exploration, humility, and authenticity. This stands as a beacon for those who are not only resilient and creative but also in constant pursuit of adventure. My aspiration is for visitors to my website to grasp a clear idea of who I am, what I stand for, and how I approach my profession and life, as one.
References
Cuncic, A. (2024, January 19) Imposter Syndrome: Why You May Feel Like a Fraud. Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/imposter-syndrome-and-social-anxiety-disorder-4156469
Hilton Andersen, C. (2021, April 28) 14 Signs You Have Imposter Syndrome—and How to Deal With It. Apple News. https://apple.news/A1ovGLTFtQjyN6cs0cn0IIw
OpenAI. (2024, March 21). Overcoming Imposter Syndrome [Image]. ChatGPT with DALL·E Integration. https://www.openai.com/dall-e
OpenAI. (2024, March 21). The Authentic Imposter [Image]. ChatGPT with DALL·E Integration. https://www.openai.com/dall-e
Tanisha, S. (n.p.) Creative roles are subjective and because of that, you have to be resilient. [Online forum post] LinkedIn Community. https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-do-you-deal-impostor-syndrome-graphic-designer
Tkingsbu. (2022, December 13). it goes away the more you learn… [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/graphic_design/comments/zl6740/comment/j04aqh8/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
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