Imposter syndrome — the persistent feeling that you’re not good enough, that your work isn’t worthy, or that you’re somehow “faking it” — is common among artists and creators. Even professionals with long track records still experience it.
As Grammy-winning mixer Andrew Scheps noted in a discussion about imposter syndrome, self-doubt can persist even at the highest levels of expertise, and success doesn’t automatically remove the feeling that you might be found out or judged harshly.
Understanding how imposter syndrome works and developing practical ways to push through it can help artists of all kinds stay productive and focused on their creative journey.
What Imposter Syndrome Is and Why It Matters
Imposter syndrome is defined as a psychological pattern in which a person doubts their accomplishments and fears being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of their competence. It often involves dismissing success as luck or timing rather than skill.
For artists and creators, it can show up as:
- Fear of sharing work because it’s “not good enough”
- Perfectionism, where nothing feels finished
- Comparison to others’ highlights on social platforms
- Second-guessing creative decisions even after success
The impact goes beyond feelings: it can reduce risk-taking, slow progress, and lead to avoidance of new opportunities, counteracting the very creativity creators are trying to nurture.
Why Imposter Feelings Persist Even for Pros
Scheps described imposter syndrome as “a constant presence” during his work, especially because creative work — like mixing music — is inherently subjective. There’s no fixed right answer, and feedback can vary widely. That ambiguity creates fertile ground for self-doubt, even for seasoned professionals.
Because creativity is subjective, there is no objective finish line. One listener may love a piece; another may not. That variability doesn’t mean the creator is less skilled, but it feels like risk. Recognizing that your work will be interpreted differently by different people helps separate self-worth from external reaction.
Strategies to Push Through Imposter Syndrome
There is no single cure for imposter syndrome, but creators can use several approaches to reduce its hold and continue producing meaningful work:
1. Acknowledge the Feeling Without Judging It
Naming the feeling helps separate it from reality. Instead of “I’m a fraud,” try reframing it as “I’m experiencing doubt” — a temporary state rather than a permanent identity.
2. How You Work Matters
Scheps shared a simple coping strategy: sending work at times when there’s a natural gap before feedback arrives. This isn’t avoidance, but a way to manage anxiety by reducing immediate pressure and allowing more emotional space for your creative confidence to settle.
3. Track Wins and Progress
Maintaining a journal of completed projects, positive feedback, or accomplishments makes it easier to counter negative self-talk with evidence. This approach is backed by psychologists who recommend balancing feelings with factual records.
4. Shift Focus from Perfection to Purpose
Rather than spending energy trying to prove you “deserve” to be a creator, focus on why you create. Artists who redefine success as the act of creation itself tend to experience less debilitating doubt.
5. Seek Community Support
Sharing experiences with other creatives helps normalize imposter feelings. Community feedback and encouragement not only validate your work but also remind you that doubt is common across creative fields.
Reframing the Role of Doubt
Some experts propose that imposter syndrome isn’t all bad. Feeling some level of self-doubt can motivate higher preparation, reflection, and growth — as long as it doesn’t become paralyzing. Industry leaders and coaches encourage using doubt as a signal to refine, not retreat.
By acknowledging self-doubt without letting it control decisions, creators can continue taking creative risks, making work public, and exploring new ideas — all essential elements of long-term artistic growth.
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