Imposter Syndrome in Design

5 Jan

There’s often a quiet voice in my mind that whispers when I open a new project file.

“You’re not as good as they think you are.”

It’s not always loud (though sometimes it is). But it definitely is always there. It shows up when I start a rebrand for a client I admire. It lingers when I post my work online. It creeps in when someone calls me “talented,” as if I’ve somehow tricked them all into believing something that isn’t true.

That voice? That’s imposter syndrome.

And if you’re a designer, or any kind of creative for that matter, you probably know it well.

The Many Faces of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome isn’t just about self-doubt. It’s about believing that your success is merely luck. That your work is a fluke. That sooner or later, people will “find out” you’re not good enough.

For me, it’s shown up like this:

Feeling like I need to overdeliver on every project to “prove” myself
Struggling to raise my prices because I wasn’t sure I was “worth it”
Holding back my own branding for years because I didn’t think it was “perfect” enough
Comparing my designs to others and convincing myself I was behind

Honestly? None of that ever went away just because I got more experience.

I’ve been running Angell Designs for years (7, nearly 8, to be exact). I’ve worked with amazing clients. I’ve launched brands that have gone on to transform businesses.

And I still have days where I question if I belong in this industry at al.

Where Does This Come From?

For me, a lot of it ties back to mental health and disability.

Living with bipolar disorder, chronic illness, and various neurodiversities, my brain doesn’t always trust my accomplishments. Mania makes me feel like a god one week, and a fraud the next. Depression warps my perception of success. Autism and ADHD makes “normal” expectations feel unreachable and then shames me for it.

So, of course I doubted myself.

But I’ve learnt that the voice of doubt isn’t the voice of truth. They’re all just another set of thoughts.

I certainly haven’t “overcome” imposter syndrome. But I’ve made peace with its presence. And I’ve built ways to keep designing even when it sits beside me.

Here’s what helps:

1. Anchor in Client Impact

I keep screenshots of messages from clients. The ones where they say things like, “You got me.” Or “This finally feels like my brand.” Or “I cried [happy tears] when I saw the final concept.”

That’s real. That’s proof.
Even when I can’t see my work clearly, they absolutely can and do.

2. Make It About the Mission

When I remember why I started helping small business owners, many of them disabled or neurodivergent like me, things shift. I’m not designing for praise or recognition. I’m designing for people. For connection. For community. That matters more than being “perfect.”

3. Create Even When You Don’t Feel Ready

Most of my favourite designs were made while I was doubting myself. I’ve learnt that waiting to “feel confident” is a trap.

The clarity comes after the action.

4. Talk About It (like this)

Every time I open up about feeling like an imposter who doesn’t belong, someone messages me or comments “me too.” The shame loses power when it’s not hidden.

Showing Up in Practice

Because I’ve lived through this inner chaos, my studio runs differently.

I don’t expect perfection from myself or my clients. I design slowly. With space to breathe. With check-ins and conversations. I let emotions belong in the branding process. I make room for doubt, because at the end of the day… it’s human… and design is human too.

I’ve worked with so many clients who say, “I’m scared to be seen,” or “I don’t know if I’m doing this right.”

I don’t just give them their designs and send them on their way. I give them something steadier:

A brand built on their truth.
A space where they don’t have to pretend.
A reflection of their story that reminds them they’re not an imposter, they’re just evolving.

If you’re feeling the pull of imposter syndrome today, this is your reminder:

You’re not alone.
You’re not broken.
And you’re allowed to create anyway.

Your work matters. Not because it’s flawless, but because it’s yours.

If you’re ready to build a brand that feels like home EVEN when self-doubt knocks, I’d love to help.

My design process is gentle, intentional, and paced around real life. Yours and mind.

Book a discovery call to start your human-centred brand together.

You’re more ready than you think.