Have you ever held back from sharing your photos, showcasing your ideas, or showcasing your art? How many times have you let Impostor Syndrome hold you back?
Impostor syndrome is the feeling or experience of thinking that you or your job may not be good enough. It is that hesitation that you have to go through so many times when introducing your work or even introducing yourself. This often stems from a lack of self-confidence or simply a fear of making mistakes. This experience is called “Impostor Syndrome” because the feeling is rooted in a fear of being perceived as an imposter: someone who just pretends to be good at something but doesn’t deserve respect, receiving a reward. or simply not worthy of being called an artist.
1. Impostor syndrome happens to everyone
The first thing you need to know is that this happens to everyone. Impostor syndrome is very common among advertisers and artists of different fields. Painters, actors, musicians, dancers, and even photographers suffer from Impostor Syndrome. In fact, it’s not exclusive to artists at all. Technically, anyone can experience it from a lack of confidence and a lack of confidence. The difference is that everyone experiences Impostor Syndrome in different ways and for different lengths, and in the same way, we all deal with it differently.
Impostor syndrome can strike anytime, anywhere. It usually happens during the creative process and just as we are about to display, showcase or publish our work. However, it can also happen in completely unexpected places at unexpected times. Since you are passionate about the things you create and think about them wherever you are, your fears, worries, and doubts can arise at any time.
2. Impostor syndrome is completely normal
The self-doubt and second-guessing of our work is rooted in things about human nature as well as aspects of our nature as artists. Curiosity often fuels our creativity by giving us ideas about what to create next, and naturally, the desire to get better at what we do later. Many people experience Impostor Syndrome when they look at other people’s work and compare it to their own. While it’s always more effective to draw inspiration from artists we admire, it’s completely natural to compare and even be a little jealous. When we compare ourselves to others and their work, we fail to consider the invisible struggles behind their masterpieces. In the same way that portfolios, exhibitions, and even Instagram feeds are organized, most of the time, we don’t see the struggle behind the successful artist that there was in the first place. may be more relevant to us.
3. You Can’t Please Everyone (And You Shouldn’t Try)
It is important to understand and accept that different people have different tastes in art. Just as some people don’t like certain foods, you can’t expect people to be literally amazed at what you do. Different people live different lives and end up forming different opinions. It’s important that you can identify people who connect with the work you do and the art you create.
You will certainly be subject to criticism. This is another fact that every artist should always accept. People who see our photos always have opinions, and many want to speak their mind. There are people who offer constructive criticism because they mean well and want you to be an even better artist, while there are also people who just want to bring people down to make themselves feel better. about their own shortcomings. It’s important to separate them so you can take the lessons you need to learn and identify the ones you need to do while you put them aside and filter out the noise.
Remember that it’s better to focus on the quality of the connection your artwork makes with the people viewing them, rather than the number of people who simply glance at it and double-tap.
On the other hand, you should also consider this fact when voicing your thoughts about other artists or their work. Remember to verify the validity of your opinion whether it applies or not. Sometimes we have a tendency to impose our personal taste or style on others to the point of expressing our disliking. Remember that what you do and say to a co-creator can have a powerful impact on them, and you won’t want to be the reason others give up. Constructive criticism can go a long way.
4. Faker syndrome can be healthy and help you grow
The experience of Impostor Syndrome can be a painful one. In fact, pain and Faker Syndrome can be very similar in terms of the impact they produce. While most of us fear pain, it would be much worse if we had never felt pain. Pain is a warning sign that can often stop us from doing harmful things or, at the very least, help us recognize that something is wrong.
Impostor syndrome works in a similar way. The self-doubt you experience can often prompt you to be more thoughtful about the intricate details of your art. Second guessing can often help warn you that there might be something that needs improvement. As long as you don’t let the experience of Impostor Syndrome paralyze you and keep you from moving forward, it can be pretty good for you as an artist and can even help you grow. develop.
5. Perfection can be a prison
One example where Imposter Syndrome can be harmful is when we let it confine us. Usually, it happens when we put so much effort into achieving perfection in our work that we end up throwing everything away when we can’t achieve it. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with aiming for perfection in our work as artists, but it’s important to accept it, especially if you’ve only recently started learning or trying. , imperfection is part of the journey. Most of the best things in the world take a while to be built, and that also includes the artists we admire. Being an artist is a continuous cycle of trying, failing, learning and succeeding, and passion and perseverance get us there.
Besides identifying flaws and finding ways to improve, it’s also important that we celebrate victories in the midst of losses. Every failure has an incentive in the form of a lesson that increases your chances of future success. It’s important that you don’t let a permanent loss or defect bring you down.
Every day, millions of people experience Impostor Syndrome due to our natural tendency to compare and yearn. The lack of confidence comes from being cautious about anticipating challenges to better overcome them. While experiencing Imposter Syndrome will never be a pleasant one, it is almost certain that when you look back on the challenges you have faced as an artist, all the growth you’ve been through as a creator and all the personal triumphs you’ve achieved as a photographer, those brief moments of doubt and hesitation have motivated and will continue to be. keeps pushing you forward in one way or another.
