12 Steps to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Artist

Imposter syndrome as an artist hit me hard at 63. I paint almost every single day in my small art studio—my sanctuary, with brushes at the ready and canvases stacked against the wall like old friends waiting for their turn.

My hands are often stained with acrylics, and I’ve lost count of how many tubes of titanium white I’ve gone through this year alone.

Yet when someone asks what I do, I still find myself saying, “Oh, I dabble in painting” or “I’m just learning to paint.”

Just learning? After painting daily for years since pivoting from photography during COVID? The words feel automatic, like a protective shield against judgment.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth I’m finally ready to face: I’m an artist. And if you create art—whether you picked up that first brush at 25 or 65—so are you.

This hesitation to claim our artistic identity isn’t uncommon, especially for those of us who came to art later in life. We carry this invisible weight of imposter syndrome, convinced that “real” artists look different, started younger, or have credentials we lack.

But what if everything we’ve been told about being an artist is wrong?

What if our life experience, our seasoned perspective, and yes, even our age, are actually our greatest creative assets?

If you’ve ever caught yourself downplaying your artistic pursuits or felt like a fraud in the art supply store, you’re not alone.

Today, we’re going to unpack why impostor syndrome hits artists so hard, why it’s particularly challenging for women over 40, and most importantly, how to overcome it.

Because your creative dreams don’t have an expiration date—and it’s time you started believing that.

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What Is Imposter Syndrome for Artists?

Imposter syndrome in the art world is that nagging voice that whispers you’re not a “real” artist, despite the evidence piling up around you.

It’s the feeling that you’re somehow fooling people when you share your work, that you don’t belong in art galleries, and that any day now, someone will expose you as a fraud.

For artists, this internal critic has some favorite phrases:

“I’m not a real artist because I don’t have a fine arts degree.” Never mind that some of history’s most celebrated artists were self-taught or learned through apprenticeships rather than formal education.

“I’m too old to start calling myself an artist now.” As if creativity comes with an expiration date stamped somewhere we can’t see.

“My art isn’t good enough compared to what I see online.” Thanks, social media, for providing an endless scroll of comparison that would make even Picasso question his blue period.

“I don’t sell my work, so I’m just a hobbyist.” Because apparently, the value of art is measured solely in dollar signs rather than the joy, expression, and fulfillment it brings.

“I only paint landscapes/portraits/abstracts, so I’m not versatile enough.” The myth that real artists must master every medium and style to earn their stripes.

The Comparison Trap is vicious

The comparison trap has become particularly vicious in our digital age.

We see curated highlight reels of other artists’ work on Instagram and Pinterest, forgetting that we’re comparing our messy, imperfect process to someone else’s polished final product.

We don’t see their failures, their learning curve, or the dozens of paintings that didn’t make it to social media.

Impostor syndrome for artists thrives on myths about what makes someone a “real” artist.

Society has painted this romantic picture of the tortured artist—young, struggling, formally trained, and probably living in a garret somewhere.

But that’s not reality.

Real artists come in all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances.

Real artists are teachers who paint on weekends, retirees who discovered watercolors, mothers who sketch while their children sleep, and yes, 60-year-old photographers who pivoted to painting during a global pandemic. 🙂

The truth is, if you create art with intention and regularity, you’re an artist. Full stop.

The degree, the age you started, the medium you choose, the money you make—none of these define your artistic identity.

Your commitment to creating does.

The Science Behind Imposter Syndrome as an Artist

Imposter syndrome isn’t just a passing feeling of self-doubt—it’s a well-documented psychological phenomenon with real neurological and cognitive roots.

Understanding the science behind these feelings can help artists recognize that their struggles are both valid and surprisingly common in creative fields.

What Happens in Your Brain

When imposter syndrome strikes, your brain activates the same threat-detection systems that helped our ancestors survive physical dangers.

The amygdala, your brain’s alarm system, triggers a fight-or-flight response when you perceive threats to your social standing or professional identity.

For artists, this often happens when they share their work, receive feedback, or find themselves comparing their journey to that of other creatives, sparking a sense of connection and growth.

Research in cognitive psychology has identified several mental patterns that fuel imposter syndrome. Cognitive distortions—systematic errors in thinking—play a major role.

Artists experiencing imposter syndrome often engage in all-or-nothing thinking, where anything less than perfection feels like complete failure.

They may also minimize their successes while magnifying their perceived shortcomings, or engage in “mind reading,” assuming others view their work negatively without evidence.

The Emerging Neuroscience of Creative Self-Doubt

While direct neuroimaging studies on imposter syndrome are still emerging, researchers are beginning to understand the brain mechanisms involved by studying related phenomena like perfectionism, social anxiety, and self-criticism.

Early research suggests that people experiencing imposter syndrome may show similar patterns to those with perfectionism and social anxiety—heightened activity in regions associated with self-criticism and threat detection.

The 4 P’s Framework: Early Warning Signs of Imposter Syndrome in Artists

Researcher Clare Josa has identified what she calls the “4 P’s of imposter syndrome”—People Pleasing, Perfectionism, Paralysis, and Procrastination.

These represent early warning signs that can help artists recognize imposter syndrome before it leads to creative self-sabotage.

Perfectionism

Perfectionism manifests in artists as an inability to consider work “finished” or good enough to share.

This goes beyond healthy attention to craft—it becomes a paralyzing force that prevents artists from putting their work into the world.

Perfectionistic artists may endlessly revise pieces, abandon projects near completion, or avoid challenging opportunities for fear of producing imperfect work.

People Pleasing

People pleasing can often arise when artists are always on the lookout for external validation, which can make it challenging for them to hold onto their true creative voice.

They may abandon personal artistic visions to create what they think others want to see, or become overly accommodating in professional relationships at the expense of their own creative needs.

Paralysis

Paralysis happens when artists feel weighed down by the burden of making creative decisions.

They may stare at blank canvases, delete and rewrite the same paragraph dozens of times, or become overwhelmed by the infinite possibilities inherent in creative work.

This paralysis often stems from fear of making the “wrong” creative choice.

Procrastination

Artists suffering from imposter syndrome frequently mask procrastination as “research” or “preparation.”

They may spend excessive time gathering references, organizing supplies, or learning new techniques while avoiding the vulnerable act of creating.

This delay tactic temporarily relieves anxiety but ultimately reinforces feelings of inadequacy.

The Stress Response Connection in Imposter Syndrome

Chronic imposter syndrome activates the body’s stress response system, flooding the brain with cortisol and other stress hormones.

Over time, this can impair memory, reduce creative problem-solving abilities, and decrease the brain’s neuroplasticity—its ability to form new neural connections.

For artists, this means that imposter syndrome doesn’t just feel bad; it can interfere with the cognitive processes essential for creative work.

Breaking the Cycle of Imposter Syndrome as an Artist

Understanding the science behind imposter syndrome reveals why willpower alone isn’t enough to overcome it.

The patterns are deeply embedded in neural pathways strengthened by repetition.

On a brighter note, emerging research in neuroplasticity reveals that these patterns can be transformed through the consistent practice of new thinking habits, mindfulness techniques, and cognitive restructuring approaches specifically designed to interrupt the cycle of self-doubt.

The key insight from current research is that imposter syndrome isn’t a character flaw or a sign of weakness—it’s a predictable response pattern that can be understood, recognized, and ultimately rewired through targeted interventions.

7 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as an Artist

1. Redefine What Makes Someone an “Artist”

An artist is simply someone who creates art with intention and regularity. Period. There’s no minimum age requirement, no mandatory degree, no skill threshold you must cross.

Your artistic identity isn’t validated by external factors—it’s claimed by your commitment to creating.

Every time you choose to paint instead of scrolling social media, every time you see the world through an artist’s eyes, you’re acting as an artist.

2. Document Your Creative Journey

Start keeping a visual record of your artistic progress.

Take photos of works in progress and finished pieces. You’ll be amazed at how much growth becomes visible when you can see it side by side.

Track your artistic victories, no matter how small. Mastered a new brush technique? Write it down. Received a compliment? Record it.

Felt completely absorbed in creating? That’s evidence of your artistic identity in action.

3. Find Your Creative Community

Isolation feeds imposter syndrome. Finding your creative community—whether local or online—can be transformative.

Look for local art groups, community center classes, or plein air painting groups. Online communities can be equally supportive. Look for Facebook groups focused on your medium or Instagram painting challenges.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to other artists whose work you admire. Most artists are generous with their knowledge and encouragement.

4. Invest in Yourself Like the Artist You Are

Stop treating your art supplies like a guilty pleasure and start seeing them as professional tools.

When you invest in quality materials, you’re sending yourself a powerful message: “I am an artist, and I deserve the tools that support my craft.”

Create a dedicated creative space, even if it’s just a corner of a room. Having a place where your supplies live reinforces the importance of your artistic practice.

5. Share Your Work (Start Small)

Start with trusted friends or family members who support your creative journey.

Consider joining beginner-friendly online art challenges or local art shows.

Social media can be a gentle way to share if you focus on process rather than perfection. People connect with authenticity more than perfection.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

When you catch yourself thinking, “This painting is terrible,” pause and reframe: “This painting is a learning experience.

Every artist creates work they’re not satisfied with—it’s part of the process.”

Practice the “good friend test.” Before making a harsh judgment about your work, ask yourself: “Would I say this to a good friend?” If not, don’t say it to yourself.

7. Focus on Process Over Product

Pay attention to how you feel while painting.

Notice the meditative quality of mixing colors or the way time disappears when you’re fully engaged. These experiences are valuable regardless of how the finished piece turns out.

Set process-based goals: “I want to spend 30 minutes exploring color mixing” rather than “I want to create a masterpiece.”

These goals are within your control and help you focus on growth rather than perfection.

8. Embrace “Good Enough” Finishing

Many artists with imposter syndrome never finish pieces because they don’t feel “ready” to call something done.

Practice intentionally finishing work at 80% of what you think is “perfect.”

This builds confidence in your ability to complete projects and helps you recognize that finished work has more value than perfect work that never gets seen.

I talk more about this in my article: Overcoming Perfectionism as an Artist. 🙂

9. Study Your Artistic Lineage

Research artists whose work resonates with you and learn their stories. Most had periods of doubt, rejection, and struggle.

Understanding that imposter syndrome has affected artists throughout history can normalize your experience.

Create a “creative ancestry” list of artists who inspire you—seeing yourself as part of this lineage can strengthen your artistic identity.

10. Develop Your Unique Artistic Voice

Instead of trying to paint like other artists, deliberately explore what makes your perspective unique.

What subjects draw you? What colors feel most authentic to you? What emotions do you want to convey?

Imposter syndrome often comes from comparison, but developing your distinctive voice makes comparison irrelevant.

11. Create “Ugly” Art Intentionally

Set aside time to create deliberately imperfect work.

This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s incredibly freeing. When you remove the pressure to create something “good,” you often discover new techniques and gain confidence in experimentation.

Some artists do “ugly art” challenges or maintain separate sketchbooks just for messy exploration.

12. Celebrate Small Consistencies

rack your consistency rather than just your progress. Did you paint three days this week?

That’s worth celebrating, regardless of the quality of those paintings. Building the identity of someone who shows up regularly for their art is often more important than any individual piece you create.

Step Into Your Full Creative Identity.

Sometimes we need explicit permission to step into our full creative identity.

Consider this your official permission slip:

You are an artist if you create art. Period. 

There’s no committee that needs to approve your application, no test you need to pass, no age limit you’ve exceeded. If you pick up a brush with the intention of creating something meaningful to you, you’re an artist.

You don’t need anyone’s approval to call yourself an artist. 

Not your family’s, not your friends’, not society’s. The only person whose permission you need is your own, and you can give that to yourself right now.

Your art doesn’t need to be perfect to be valuable. 

The sketchbook full of “failed” experiments, the painting that didn’t turn out as planned, the drawing that captured a feeling even if it didn’t capture a perfect likeness—all of these have value.

They represent your growth, your courage, and your commitment to creating.

Starting at 40, 50, 60, or beyond makes you brave, not behind. 

While others your age might be settling into routine, you’re embarking on a new creative adventure. That takes courage, curiosity, and a willingness to be vulnerable. These are the qualities of a true artist.

Your voice and perspective matter in the art world.

 The art world needs your seasoned perspective, your life experience, your unique way of seeing beauty and meaning. Young artists bring innovation; mature artists bring wisdom. Both are essential.

You have the right to take yourself seriously as an artist. 

Invest in good supplies, create a dedicated workspace, set aside regular time for creating, and talk about your art with pride rather than apology. You deserve to be taken seriously because you’re taking your art seriously.

Permission granted. Now the only question is: what will you create today?

A Personal Note: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome for Artist

As I write this, I can see my latest painting propped on the easel in my studio—a landscape that didn’t turn out quite as I envisioned, but somehow captures a feeling I’ve been trying to express for months.

Six months ago, I might have hidden it away, focusing on its imperfections.

Today, I see it as proof of my growth, my willingness to try, and my commitment to this beautiful journey of creating.

I’m still working on saying “I’m an artist” without that little voice whispering doubts. But I’m getting there, one brushstroke at a time.

And if you’re on this path too—whether you’re 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, or beyond—know that you’re not alone. E

Every time you pick up that brush, every time you mix those colors, every time you lose yourself in the creative flow, you’re living as an artist.

Your age isn’t a limitation—it’s your secret weapon.

Your unconventional path isn’t a disadvantage—it’s what makes your artistic voice unique.

Your imposter syndrome isn’t the truth—it’s just noise that gets quieter with every day you choose to create anyway.

So here’s to claiming our identity, one painting at a time. Here’s to being brave enough to call ourselves what we are: artists.

XO, Christine

FAQs About Imposter Syndrome as an Artist

Is it normal to feel like a fake artist even after years of creating?

Absolutely. Imposter syndrome as an artist is incredibly common and can persist regardless of skill level or experience. Even professional artists with gallery representation struggle with these feelings. The key is recognizing these thoughts as imposter syndrome, not reality.

Do I need formal art training to call myself an artist?

No. Many celebrated artists throughout history were self-taught or learned through unconventional paths.

Van Gogh, Grandma Moses, and countless others proved that formal training isn’t required. If you create art with intention and regularity, you’re an artist.

Am I too old to start taking my art seriously?

It’s never too late to embrace your artistic identity.

Artists like Grandma Moses didn’t start painting until her 70s, and Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t publish her first Little House book until she was 65.

Your life experience actually enhances your artistic voice.

How do I overcome the feeling that my art isn’t “good enough”?

Focus on progress rather than perfection. Document your artistic journey, celebrate small wins, and remember that every professional artist creates work they’re not satisfied with.

“Good enough” is subjective—your art has value because it’s your unique expression.

Should I share my art if I’m still learning?

Yes, but start small. Share with trusted friends or family first, then gradually expand your comfort zone.

Remember, sharing work-in-progress or learning moments often connects more deeply with people than “perfect” finished pieces.

What if people don’t take my art seriously because I started later in life?

The people whose opinions matter will respect your courage to pursue creativity at any age. Those who don’t aren’t your audience.

Focus on your artistic community and supporters rather than skeptics.

How can I stop comparing my art to others on social media?

Remember you’re comparing your behind-the-scenes to their highlight reel.

Limit social media if it triggers comparison, follow accounts that inspire rather than intimidate, and focus on your own progress.

Consider sharing your process to help normalize the learning journey.

How do I find other artists to connect with?

Look for local art groups, community center classes, or painting meetups.

Online communities, such as Facebook groups for your specific medium, can be supportive. Many areas have plein air groups or art clubs that welcome artists of all levels.

I just recently joined “The Studio” via Art2Life, and I love it!

What’s the difference between being humble and having imposter syndrome as an artist?

I think humility appreciates others’ work and acknowledges areas for growth while still taking ownership of your achievements.

Imposter syndrome dismisses your accomplishments entirely and convinces you that you don’t belong. Healthy humility coexists with artistic confidence.