Imposter Syndrome: How to laugh in its stupid face.

Have you ever looked at your artwork or your creative career and felt like EVERYONE is better than you? Even worse, do you imagine that others are secretly laughing at your work, maybe YOU think you are not good enough to really call yourself an artist?

Welcome to the world of Imposter Syndrome - where talented, brilliant, completely real artists convince themselves they're somehow faking it. Imposter Syndrome is that gnawing feeling that you’re not "good enough," that you’ve somehow tricked everyone into thinking you’re capable, and that any second now,  Everyone will start pointing their finger at you and shouting "IMPOSTER!" 

(Spoiler alert: they won’t)

Especially for neurodivergent artists, Imposter Syndrome can turn the internal negative comments up to eleven. You might already feel like you're navigating a creative world that wasn’t built with your brain in mind (you're right) and that can make self-doubt feel louder. But you know what? The world needs you here, making your art, doing your thing, being your lovely self.

Here are some ideas that might help you to overcome that nagging self doubt:

1. Create a 'Brag File' - AKA Your Emotional Support Folder

Every time someone says something lovely about your work, a comment, a DM, a review, save it. Screenshot it. Write it on a sticky note.
Keep a note of all the times you put your work out into the world, pictures from exhibitions, invitations to events and talks, award letters, anything that reminds you that you are doing the work. This is your Brag File. When the "you're not good enough" gremlin sneaks up, whip out your file and bask in the evidence that you jolly well are!

2. Treat Your Anxious Brain Like a Nervous Toddler

When your thoughts start spiraling — "I can't do this, everyone's better than me!" — imagine you’re talking to a nervous toddler. Would you yell at a toddler? No, you’d kneel down, give them a hug and say, “It’s okay, kid. You're doing your best.” Your brain deserves the same kindness.

3. Collect Your Weird Wins

Neurodivergent artists often do things differently. You have probably found loads of different, creative ways to complete tasks, manage your wild and wonderful brain, deal with overwhelm etc. 

For instance, I have a 'secret' stim - when I am in an overwhelming, public facing situation I knit socks. No one sees a stressed autistic stimming, they just see a (slightly odd?) creative person doing their thing. People are always amused or interested and I get to keep myself calm and in control. 

What things do you do to manage your neurodivergent self? Write them down, look at that list and give yourself a big high five for all those wins.

4. Just say 'Sod it'

Sometimes the best weapon against Imposter Syndrome is a casual shrug. If you worry people won't like or 'get' what you are creating, try thinking 'sod it,' and do it anyway. Sod it, this is what I make. Sod it, I’m proud of myself. Sod it, it's my best and that's going to be good enough. We are none of us perfect and that's rather lovely too.

Final Thought:

Imposter Syndrome is an arse. A sneaky little mood gremlin that probably everyone who puts themselves out there will feel at some time or another. It’s a weird, backhanded sign that you're pushing yourself into new and exciting places. 

So next time the gremlin pops up, notice the feeling, say 'sod it' and then keep making your beautiful, important art.