Imposter Syndrome in Art and How to Beat It

If you’ve ever looked at your own artwork and thought, “I’m not a real artist”, you’re not alone. That feeling has a name: Imposter Syndrome  and it’s far more common in the creative world than many people realise.

Imposter Syndrome is the belief that you don’t deserve your achievements, or that you’re somehow “faking it” and will eventually be found out. In art, it can show up in thoughts like:
• “My work isn’t original enough.”
• “I don’t have the right qualifications to be an artist.”
• “I’m not as good as everyone else.”

These thoughts can be paralysing, holding you back from creating, sharing, and enjoying your own art. But here’s the truth: you don’t need permission to call yourself an artist. If you create, you are one.

Why Artists Experience Imposter Syndrome

Art is deeply personal, so it’s natural to feel vulnerable when showing it to others. In the age of social media, we’re constantly comparing our work to curated highlight reels from other artists. This can create a distorted view, we see only their finished, polished masterpieces, but never the messy drafts or failed experiments that got them there.

Many artists also have a tendency toward perfectionism, believing their work must be flawless before it’s worth sharing. But art is inherently imperfect — and that’s exactly what makes it interesting and unique.

Four Ways to Overcome It
Shift Your Definition of “Artist”
Being an artist isn’t about a certain number of followers, gallery shows, or qualifications. It’s about making art. If you sketch, paint, collage, doodle, sculpt, or create in any form, you’re an artist. Full stop.

Celebrate Small Wins
Finished a sketch? Tried a new technique? Mixed a colour you love? Celebrate it. Small achievements build creative confidence, and over time, they chip away at that “I’m not good enough” voice.

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Every artist evolves. Your current work doesn’t have to be your best work ever  it just has to exist. The more you create, the more your skills and style will naturally grow.

Surround Yourself With Creative Support
Find a community (online or offline) where artists share openly  including the messy, imperfect stages. Seeing that others struggle too can be incredibly freeing.


Remember: You’re Not Alone
Even the most successful artists have moments of self-doubt. The difference is, they keep going. They create despite the voice that says “you can’t,” and in doing so, they prove it wrong.The next time you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not a real artist”, pause and remind yourself:
• You create
• You’re learning
• You bring something to the world that no one else can

That’s not an imposter. That’s an artist.

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