Here are some tips on how print designers can overcome the imposter syndrome, build confidence, and succeed.

If you’re a print designer struggling with feelings of self-doubt or personal incompetence in spite of your education, experience, or background, you’re not alone. This is quite common in our industry, and that’s why I want to focus on this today. 

Imposter syndrome happens to the best of us and it usually results in us forcing ourselves to work harder and holding ourselves to higher standards. No matter how confident a print designer can be, there comes that nagging self-doubt every once in a while.  

Imposter syndrome can be detrimental in a lot of ways. Why are we focusing on the things we lack? It may cause us to hesitate when we’re starting something new, up-leveling your game, expanding your social media reach, and building your brand.  

However, one way of looking at it is that having these self-doubts means you’re pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, which is where we find change and grow. While having imposter syndrome can be uncomfortable, it is part of the process and we need to lean into it in order to overcome it.

Amidst all the daunting tasks – setting up your beautiful Instagram feeds, building your website, understanding your clients, and forecasting trends among others – unwelcome thoughts come to mind: I only have 10 people on my list. So if I send an email out to 10 people, no one’s going to buy my prints. I’m not a studio. How do I do this?  

It’s vital to push past those feelings of doubt because it’s at the other side of it that we learn and grow as print designers. You start being consistent. You stop doing what’s not working for you. And through repetition, you master your craft and build a client list. Eventually, things will become easier. 

Finding and staying in your comfort zone can make you complacent towards progress, and this is counterintuitive to print designers who have big dreams. Don’t be afraid to get uncomfortable again by trying out something new. 

How do we prevent the overwhelm? 

Take it one step at a time because taking it all in may make you feel stuck and unmotivated. Keep your focus and be intentional until you start to build your confidence and overcome self-doubts. Don’t forget to look back at what you have accomplished and how far you’ve come. Giving yourself some credit helps ease off these self-doubts. Work towards being consistent on both the creative and business side of things and you’re well on your way to managing this imposter syndrome. 

For more from the Podcast, listen here!

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