Many professionals, including designers, have come across the term “impostor syndrome”. However, many of us are left wondering why this phenomenon happens and how we overcome it or even better, prevent it from happening. This article serves as a breakdown of the essence of impostor syndrome. Guiding you through steps to take, to break free from the seemingly endless circle of self-doubt and underestimation.
What is impostor syndrome?
Imposter syndrome, officially known as the Imposter Phenomenon, was first investigated by Pauline Rode Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978 as they looked into the internal experience of self-doubt regarding one own abilities. It has become evident that some who have experienced imposter syndrome have noted down the fear of seeming fraudulent in their capabilities, both in work and personal environments. For those experiencing impostor syndrome, they often face asking themselves questions such as:
1) Why is everybody more accomplished than me?
2) Why are others more advanced than me?
3) When or if will they realize I’m not as competent as the other employees?
4) Do I belong in this company or in this position?
5) Why did I get this work opportunity over others who are more talented?
The impostor syndrome demonstrates a pattern that can be counted as an endless cycle.
In phase 1, the person is presented with a new task, project, or objective. Such as, new product development or management of a new high-priority client, which is perhaps a little more challenging than everyday assignments. This most commonly results in feeling anxiety and fear of failure.
In phase 2, the feelings conjure up and can result in three alternative ways. First, you can end up in a cycle of over-preparation, meaning many more hours will be spent on the task than initially allocated. Alternatively, you can end up procrastinating on the task as you are not sure how or where to start to ensure the best outcome. Another outcome is that you end up doing both: spending too much time on preparing the tasks and also leaving it to the last moment, creating unnecessary and unhealthy pressure.
In phase 3, you might notice that after accomplishing the task you feel relieved, yet catch yourself thinking that the success was mostly driven by luck or it was the fruits of the additional work you put into the task. You might forget that the most important driving factors are your skill-set, knowledge, and experience that has realistically led you to the outcome.
In phase 4, the doubt in skills increases as the focus and emphasis on the task becomes less evident. That can result in the fear of not producing something of high enough quality, as the task is disregarded. In reality, most projects change course or get other more high-priority tasks or goals and have nothing to do with your competencies or execution of the task.
From one designer to another
To gain valuable insight into the syndrome, I sat down with Lilibeth Bustos Linares who is a Senior Designer and entrepreneur. She has also hosted a workshop at Design Matters looking into the impostor syndrome and what to do to tackle it.
Why does imposter syndrome hit designers so hard?
Design is super subjective—what’s “good” depends on personal taste, trends, and user needs. This makes it easy to second-guess your skills, especially when feedback feels harsh or you’re comparing yourself to others. Plus, the design world moves fast. New tools, trends, and methods can make you feel like you’re always behind. Add the pressure to be original while meeting business goals, and it’s no wonder imposter syndrome thrives here.
What’s your experience with imposter syndrome?
As a senior product designer, I’ve totally been there. Early on, I felt like I didn’t belong in rooms with experienced pros, doubting if my ideas were even valid. Even after wins, I’d chalk it up to luck, not skill.
Transitioning to new roles or working in non-native English made it worse—I’d stress about being misunderstood or not sounding “smart enough.” Once, I bombed a presentation, convinced I failed, only to later get praise for the concept. It reminded me that my ideas matter, even if my delivery isn’t perfect.
Being the only designer at a startup was another challenge. No team to bounce ideas off made me question everything: “Am I even doing this right?” Over time, I leaned into external communities and mentors for support, but it was a steep learning curve.
How can we overcome imposter syndrome?
- Name it: Acknowledge that your thoughts are driven by the imposter syndrome, not reality.
- Celebrate wins: Keep a list of achievements to remind yourself of your value.
- Talk about it: Share your worries and doubts with trusted peers—you’re not alone.
- Focus on growth: Perfection is a myth; progress is the goal.
- Seek feedback: Get input from mentors or design communities.
- Build a network: Connect with other designers for support and perspective.
Can we avoid imposter syndrome?
Not entirely—it pops up at every stage of life. But you can minimize it by:
- Building a support system: Surround yourself with people who uplift you.
- Celebrating small wins: Progress, no matter how tiny, counts.
- Being kind to yourself: Treat yourself like you would a friend.
- Owning your uniqueness: Your perspective is your superpower.
- Preparing for challenges: Anticipate tough situations and plan ahead.
Imposter syndrome is common, especially in creative fields. By recognizing it, talking about it, and focusing on growth, you can navigate it and keep thriving. Remember, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t define your potential. You can take recognizing and overcoming the impostor syndrome as a journey of self-acceptance—learning that you don’t need to be perfect, just willing to grow and contribute. And that’s enough.
Sources:
https://studentlearning.stanford.edu/imposter-syndrome
https://www.urban-conversations.com/blog/imposter-syndrome
