How to stop feeling like an imposter as a designer

As you probably noticed from the subject line, today we’re talking about one of the most common struggles of all creatives.

Actually, I think it shows up in all humans at some point or another.

Imposter syndrome.

I’ve seen a lot of people talk about how imposter syndrome is a “sign of growth” or means you’re “pushing yourself.”

But that doesn’t necessarily help you stop feeling it, does it? It’s mostly just helping us feel better for a few seconds before we’re back to the exact same place.

So this is my attempt at making this the ONLY thing you’ll ever have to consume on this topic ever again.

Now, I want to start by making the distinction clear.

I am not talking about “nervousness” here.

Because even after working with 100+ clients, I still on occasion get nervous.

I’ve taken up a new project recently, and it’s unlike any other brand I’ve worked with. That was an intentional call, and while it’s pretty exciting, it also gets overwhelming sometimes. It’s a B2B brand, which means there are completely different marketing angles at play, which heavily effects the brand’s strategy.

But with this project, I know that I’m nervous only because I care.

I care about delivering results, and most of the time, I get over this feeling simply by reminding myself that nervousness and excitement feel almost identical in your body: racing heart, sweaty palms, butterflies.

So I reframe my feelings and it works!

But that doesn’t work when what’s actually happening is:

• you’re constantly questioning your skills,

• wondering if you’re worth what you’re charging

• or doubting whether you can actually deliver what you promised

If you’re on this boat, we need to talk.

Look, I get why you’re feeling like an “imposter”

If you’re here, chances are you’re self taught.

You’ve been watching YouTube tutorials and taking online courses, but you don’t have a fancy degree or years of working with some agency.

It’s completely natural to feel this way. However, don’t let this feeling discourage you - impostor syndrome is actually something you can overcome.

See, the core reason that you feel this is way, is one of two. You either:

• Don’t truly understand the value of your work

• Or you’re selling something you haven’t done before

If you’re someone who sees design as only “making things pretty”, you won’t be able to justify your cost.

Because the focus is on what you made instead of what you solved.

This is a guaranteed path down the spiral of self-doubt, especially when you’re trying to quote four-figure prices for a project while being unsure how to execute it. Reading affirmations, practicing positive self-talk, and trying to “fake it till you make it” is NOT the solution.

Then what is?

Building proof.

After all, how can you be an “imposter” if you are being yourself?

Most of us feel like imposters when we take on projects we don’t have the confidence to deliver.

In this case, “pretending” is not the answer.

The answer is to do free work.

“Work for free???? Why would I ever want to do that?”

Great question!

• To charge higher prices – You need confidence

• To become confident – You need experience

• To become experienced – You need REPS!

And then you don’t have to worry about feeling like an imposter. Because you can SEE what you did and what your work was capable of. Free work feels like the longer route, but if your aim is to charge multiple 4-figures and deliver good work, it’s actually the shortest path.

Now, I feel like I need to add a caveat that:

I am NOT saying to work for someone “For Free,” forever.

“Working for free” at the START gives you the skills, leverage, and confidence to fast forward your path to landing high-paying clients.

Here’s what that looks like:

Step 1: Do it for free until…

Before you charge for something, you need to be able to sleep peacefully knowing you can deliver.

That means working for free until you can confidently answer:

• “Can I deliver a good outcome for this type of project?”

• “Can I explain my design decisions strategically?”

• “Do I understand the business problems I’m solving?”

Find 2-3 businesses that could benefit from your services and offer to work for free in exchange for:

• A detailed case study showing your process and results

• A video testimonial explaining the business impact you created

• Permission to use their project in your portfolio and marketing

Can you see how doing this won’t “devalue” your work but give you higher ROI than being the lowest priced designer to someone?

Step 2: Educate your clients about the problems you’re solving

Before every project, help your client understand:

• What business problem you’re solving

• Why this problem matters to their success

• How your approach specifically addresses it

• What success looks like when it’s solved

Step 3: Build evidence of your expertise through documented results

Every successful project is evidence of your capability.

Document:

• The challenge the client was facing

• Your strategic approach to solving it

• The specific results you delivered

• The business impact those results created

Create detailed case studies that show your thinking process, not just your final designs.

Believe me, when you have documented examples of successful strategic work, imposter syndrome becomes impossible to maintain.

Chat soon,

Abi 😊

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