As an independent artist and educator working closely with folks from my industry every day, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard some version of this:

“I feel like a fraud.”

It doesn’t matter whether the person concerned is just starting out or is already years into their journey—it's a subconscious pattern that tends to sneak in at all levels showing up with whispers like these:

“I don’t deserve to call myself an artist.”
“Who do I think I am, releasing music?”
“They’re going to find out I’m not really that good.”

Sound familiar?

Meet Imposter Syndrome.

In this post, I'd like to take a moment to bust some myths, look at the research, and most importantly—reframe this pattern to build a bridge between self-doubt and sustainable confidence.

What Is Imposter Syndrome, Anyway?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological concept where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite clear evidence of their abilities and achievements. It was first described in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, and it's especially common among creatives, freelancers, and high-performers.

The key thing to know is this: imposter syndrome is not a diagnosis—it's a distorted thought pattern. And it’s way more common than you might think.

How Does It Show Up? (Aka the “Symptoms”)

You might not walk around thinking, “Ah yes, this is imposter syndrome.” But you may feel it in insidious ways, like:

• Constantly comparing yourself to other artists and coming up short

• Feeling undeserving of opportunities or praise

• Avoiding releasing or promoting your work because you “aren’t ready”

• Overworking to “prove” your worth (hello burnout)

• Believing your success is due to luck, timing, or other people—not your talent or effort

• Downplaying your achievements or brushing off compliments

• Undercharging or not charging at all for your work, even when it's valuable

If any of that rings true, you’re not 'broken'. You’re just dealing with a mind that’s trying to protect you—from failure, judgment, or exposure.

The problem? That knee-jerk coping mechanism can often end up keeping you small.

Myth #1: Only Beginners Feel Imposter Syndrome

False. Imposter syndrome doesn’t care how many streams, shows, or followers you have.

In fact, a 2020 review published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that imposter feelings are common across age, gender, and profession—including creatives and high-achieving individuals (Bravata et al., 2020).

Musicians like Adele, Lady Gaga, and Tom Hanks have all spoken publicly about feeling like frauds at times—even at the top of their careers.

Translation: Feeling this way doesn’t mean you're failing. It means you're human.

Myth #2: If You Were Truly Talented, You’d Feel Confident All the Time

Confidence is not a constant state—it’s a practice.

Research in The Journal of Personality suggests that people who engage in self-reflection and acknowledge their doubts tend to grow more resilient over time (Neff & Germer, 2013). That’s good news for artists—because creative work requires regular self-inquiry.

In my mentoring sessions, for example, I try to help artists build confidence like a muscle—through clarity, aligned actions, and intentional creative routines. You don’t wait until you feel "ready." You build readiness by doing the work anyway.

Myth #3: You Have to Eliminate Imposter Syndrome to Be Successful

Actually, the goal isn't to eliminate imposter syndrome altogether. It's to build a healthier relationship with it.

Think of imposter thoughts as a signpost. They're uncomfortable, sure—but they often show up right when you're leveling up, trying something new, or stepping into a more authentic version of yourself.

Inside our CIAR program (Complete Independent Artist Roadmap), I use the 'why'-'what'-'How' framework to help artists refrain from chasing perfection—and focus on intentionality instead. So the artist reduces the chances of finding themself with imposter feelings. And if they do, learn to reframe them, and move forward anyway.

Bridge #1: Normalize It in Community

Imposter syndrome thrives in isolation. One of the fastest ways to defuse it? Talk to other artists.

When you realize your peers—people you admire—also struggle with the same doubts, it makes yours feel less personal and more shared.

That’s why our group programs create room for honesty and reflection. Confidence grows faster when it’s witnessed.

Bridge #2: Reconnect with Your Definition of Success

A lot of artists feel like imposters because they’re measuring themselves by someone else’s idea of success. Metrics like fame, money, or follower count aren’t always aligned with your actual values.

It's imperative that as artists we learn define what success means to on our own terms—so we stop chasing the wrong goals and start feeling more grounded in our journey.

Bridge #3: Build a Practice That Supports Your Confidence

Confidence isn’t a mystery. It’s the result of structure, clarity, doing the work, and qualified support.

If you’re tired of trying to “fake it till you make it,” and want to actually believe in your identity as an artist—pause, breathe, and know this:

You’re not a 'failure' just because you're not nailing your goals all the time, and your self-doubt doesn’t disqualify you. It just means there’s room to grow into your voice with more compassion and clarity.

The work isn’t about becoming perfect—it’s about becoming more yourself.

Bridge #4: Money, Charging, and the Fear of Being “Too Much”

One of the most common ways imposter syndrome shows up for independent artists? Money.

Not just making it—but asking for it.

If you've ever felt uncomfortable naming your rate, pricing your merch, or promoting your offer, you’re not alone. For so many artists, charging money triggers deep fears:

“What if people think I’m full of myself?”
“What if I’m not worth that much?”
“What if no one buys and I look ridiculous?”
“What if I’m asking too much… or anything at all?”

These fears don’t usually come from nowhere. Many of us have internalized harmful messages: that art should be a gift, that money taints creativity, or that you have to suffer for your craft to be taken seriously.

Here’s what I want to offer instead:

Charging for your art doesn’t make you less authentic. It makes your work more sustainable.
And you’re not a fraud for wanting to be paid. You’re a professional.

Final Thought

We don’t need to be completely fearless to be an artist (though that's a fantastic ideal to have). But I would contend what is more important to be willing.

Imposter syndrome might visit from time to time—but it doesn’t have to decide our path.

With reflection, community, and consistent practice, we can learn to recognize it for what it is—and keep moving forward with greater clarity and self-trust.

Our creative identity is something we are meant to grow into, not be 'perfect' at from the onset.