{"id":101095,"date":"2022-02-12T07:22:28","date_gmt":"2022-02-12T15:22:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=101095"},"modified":"2022-02-12T07:22:30","modified_gmt":"2022-02-12T15:22:30","slug":"imposter-syndrome-in-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/imposter-syndrome-in-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Designer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Creative industries are very broad and extend to many fields. They\u2019re also known for cultivating an environment that breeds insecurities, whether you\u2019re a veteran in the field or you\u2019ve just accepted your dream job in design. Working in such a competitive industry can often lead to feelings of doubt, incompetence, or discouragement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you relate to these feelings in your work life, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome in design. Throughout this article, you\u2019ll learn about what imposter syndrome is, why it occurs, and how you can overcome it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Imposter Syndrome?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Imposter syndrome is a feeling of not being as competent as others see you. It refers to moments when you experience a cycle of fear of being called out for having a lack of knowledge or ability. You believe that you got your accomplishments through sheer luck, rather than hard work and skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The American Psychological Association (APA) states that imposter syndrome is not an official diagnosis listed in the DSM. However, psychologists acknowledge it as a real fear and sense of insecurity. Imposter syndrome affects people regardless of social status, work background, skill level, or educational level. However, as stated by the APA, there are various factors that increase the likelihood of suffering<\/a> from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Imposter Syndrome Common in Design?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Imposter syndrome is common in the design industry. Even the most talented designers can experience this at some point, although they rarely discuss it. Creative people are more prone to imposter syndrome because of the constant challenge to keep up with the demands of the job and get positive design reviews. Designers are often judged based on their most recent work leading to a constant fear of failure to deliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Imposter Syndrome Affects Designers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You Feel Pressured<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Pressure occurs within a variety of contexts, although it\u2019s most common with big or significant projects. The struggle comes from wanting to deliver the best results, while fighting an internal voice that\u2019s constantly trying to nurture doubt. It often leads to weak output and burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re a Perfectionist<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Imposter syndrome affects how designers view and judge their own skills. Senior designers with decades of experience tend to become perfectionists and set unrealistic goals. Perfectionists are one of the common types of people who suffer from imposter syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Doubt Yourself<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

People in the design community who struggle with imposter syndrome are usually high achievers with extensive skills. If you struggle with imposter syndrome, you might view the challenges you encounter as failures. You might also beat yourself up when you experience setbacks because you feel your ability is lacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes Imposter Syndrome?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Family Dynamics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Based on research published in the Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research<\/em>, family dynamics and relationships are linked to imposter syndrome<\/a>. Many people who experience imposter syndrome grew up with parents who alternated between over-praising and over-criticizing their children, increasing the risk of future fraudulent feelings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is especially true with designers or other art-leaning professions. As art and design are not quantifiable, designers have a much harder time proving themselves capable to society and their families, despite having extensive skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being a New Designer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Imposter syndrome is more prevalent in new designers who are starting their careers. Due to the opportunities for artists in the tech industry<\/a>, there is a lot of competition for jobs. This can lead you to begin questioning your talent and skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Are a Design Leader<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The American Psychological Association states that imposter syndrome occurs among high achievers as they are more prone to experience a fear of failure. A recently promoted design leader will feel a strong need to prove that they deserve to lead a design team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Are Surrounded by Talented Designers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the symptoms of impostor syndrome is feeling like you do not belong in the environment you\u2019re in. Designers work in a design team with a medley of skills and talent, which can trigger an internal dialogue that you do not belong because you lack talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Struggle with Your Ego <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Talented designers who have always received positive design feedback usually feel deflated at the first sign of criticism. They struggle when they can\u2019t get something right or learn a new skill right away, so they begin to question their ability and right to be a designer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Imposter Syndrome Looks Like in the Workplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Valerie Young, in her book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It, <\/em>says imposter syndrome is classified into five types. Below illustrates how they manifest in the workplace within the design industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n