Unmasking the Imposter: Empowering Your Creative Confidence

This special episode is an audio version of a talk Ceri gave the brilliant Working Class Creatives Database in collaboration with Second Act Gallery funded by Arts Council England. Ceri talks all about the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among creative professionals. Drawing from her extensive experience in the arts, Ceri offers practical help and ideas to overcome self doubt and build creative confidence. From reframing negative thoughts to embracing your own unique perspective, Ceri gives proven advice to help artists and creatives thrive in their careers, tackling imposter syndrome head on.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Imposter syndrome is common among creatives, affecting even highly successful individuals. Recognising these feelings as normal is the first step to overcoming them.
• Separate feelings from facts. Feeling inadequate doesn't mean you are. Practice reframing negative thoughts with positive, empowering ones.
• Visualise your success and practice power poses to boost confidence. These techniques can reduce performance related stress and enhance self assurance.
• Focus on finding your tribe, 10 to 12 champions who genuinely appreciate your work can significantly boost your career and confidence.
• Embrace your unique perspective and creativity. Don't try to fit into spaces that don't align with your values or artistic vision.
• Prepare thoroughly for challenging situations, but also learn to improvise. Confidence is built through taking action and learning from experiences.
• Practice self compassion and celebrate your achievements, learn to acknowledge and reward yourself for your accomplishments.
• Surround yourself with supportive people who are excited by your talent and want you to succeed. Your wellbeing and confidence are paramount.

BEST MOMENTS

"The difference between those who experience imposter syndrome and those who don't is their mindset during triggering situations. They think different thoughts, which is encouraging because it means we can learn to think like a non-impostor."

"Perfectionism has its place. Caring deeply about your work is good. Strive for excellence when it matters most, but don't dwell on routine tasks and forgive yourself for mistakes."

"View this as a skill, not a sign of ineptness. The essence of 'fake it till you make it' is to act confidently, take risks, and let your behaviour build your confidence over time."

"Confidence is a process, not an end game. Sometimes you have to improvise."

"Every single one of you has got something important and useful and gorgeous to contribute in the art world and beyond in society. You are our thinkers, our makers, our see-ers."

"If you want more love, you have to give more love. It's really that simple. That goes with increasing your network, increasing your connections with people."

"Life is 50/50, right? None of us get out of here alive. So we go through good times, we go through bad times and success for me means that I can deliberately choose on purpose when I get to enjoy the moment."

"You deserve to be in the meeting, in the show, at the private view, and your contributions are important."

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

In Partnership with Working-Class Creative Database and Second Act Gallery

The Working-Class Creatives Database (WCCD) CIC is a volunteer-led in-person and online community for working-class creatives in the UK. It was founded in 2021 to provide a platform for working-class creatives, to establish a strong community between working-class artists and tackle classism within the arts.

@workingclasscreativesdatabase https://www.workingclasscreativesdatabase.co.uk/

Funded by Arts Council England @acegrams

THE SECOND ACT is a young contemporary gallery with roots in the North of England and East London. 

@second_act_gallery https://www.secondactgallery.co.uk/ 

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