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Impostor syndrome is that little voice in your head that makes you doubt your skills. It’s the feeling that you’re not “good enough” or that you don’t deserve to call yourself an artist or calligrapher—even when others admire your work. Today, we’re going to reframe those doubts and shift the focus to joyful creating.
Impostor syndrome runs rampant in the art world, where creativity is so personal and subjective. Add social media into the mix—with its constant stream of polished, curated work—and those feelings of doubt can feel overwhelming. Here’s the thing, though: impostor syndrome isn’t a reflection of your actual ability. Recognizing and overcoming it can help you embrace your unique voice, enjoy the creative process, and keep growing in your art. Today, we’re going to talk about how to squelch artistic self-doubt and create with joy.
Impostor syndrome is a common feeling, particularly among creatives. Vincent van Gogh himself once said, “If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” Imagine if he had let that voice win—how many masterpieces would the world have missed out on?
It’s important to remember that impostor syndrome often strikes hardest when we’re pushing our boundaries and growing in our creativity and craft. It’s okay to pause and reflect on what your feelings of self-doubt mean. They’re not a sign of failure but rather a signal that you care about your craft. By normalizing these emotions, you can shift your focus back to enjoying the process of creating. Remember, every brush or pen movement you make, even if it feels imperfect, is helping you to build a foundation.
Let go of the need for perfection—it’s the imperfections that make your work memorable. Those tiny quirks, uneven lines, and human touches tell a story machines could never replicate. It’s no wonder the word “handmade” carries so much weight. People don’t just tolerate imperfections; they celebrate them as the hallmark of something truly special and authentic.
One way to shift your perspective is by embracing the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which encourages us to find beauty in imperfection. This philosophy reminds us that flaws can be an asset rather than a hindrance. A slight wobble in a stroke or an unexpected ink spatter isn’t ruining your work—it adds personality to it and emphasizes the handmade nature of the piece.
To help you let go of the need for perfection, try these two exercises:
Here’s a challenge for you: create a piece with a deliberate “flaw.” Maybe you add a wonky letter, intentionally smudge your ink, or leave a flourish incomplete. Then, take a step back and look at your work with fresh eyes. Notice how that so-called flaw adds interest and makes the piece feel alive. This drill is about letting go of control and celebrating the unexpected.
This is a lighthearted exercise designed to loosen you up. Once a day for seven days, grab your pen and make spontaneous words and flourishes. Don’t worry about symmetry or balance—just let your hand write whatever it wants. The goal isn’t to create something perfect; it’s to enjoy the process and let go of rigid rules. Over time, you’ll notice how this kind of playful practice builds confidence and creativity in your work.
By learning to see imperfections as opportunities rather than obstacles, you’ll unlock a new kind of freedom in your art. Your work doesn’t need to be flawless to be beautiful—it just needs to be authentically yours.
No matter what you’re working to improve, progress generally isn’t obvious from day to day. When you compare pieces from months or years back, that’s when you’ll see a difference. While you don’t need to keep everything you make, it’s a good idea to set aside a few key pieces for future observation. Then, compare those pieces to what you’re making now. You’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come without realizing it!
Similarly, it’s important to celebrate the small wins. As you add skill notches to your belt— for example: taming a fussy nib (like the Brause Rose), successfully writing with opaque white ink, or just making a perfectly centered address— take a moment to acknowledge the accomplishment!
Try this exercise to show yourself how far you’ve come: fish out a piece of artwork or calligraphy that you made in the past. Then, re-do it, making changes as needed to reflect your current skill level and style. This exercise will give you a clear sense of your growth and provide a confidence boost as you see how your skills have evolved.
There’s a unique satisfaction in revisiting and recreating past work. It lets you see exactly where you started, follow a familiar roadmap, and refine it with the skills and insights you’ve gained since. It’s like collaborating with your past self—building on what you’ve learned and improving on what you’ve already created.
When you immerse yourself in the world of art and calligraphy, it’s natural to find inspiration in the work of others. However, it’s also easy to fall into the trap of comparison, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. Remember, the goal of viewing others’ work is to spark ideas and fuel your own creativity—not to measure your worth or skills against someone else’s. Every artist has a unique journey, and comparing your work to someone else’s can be harmful and unproductive.
Remember that many things you see online and on social media is not as it seems. The clean photo above is lovely and satisfying to look at, but it’s staged (see below). When things start to feel intimidating, think about what could have been cropped out of the frame or left out of the story. Behind every polished photo or video, there’s almost certainly a messy desk, failed attempts, or moments of frustration that you don’t see.
Be sure to follow artists who spark inspiration, not intimidation. On social media, don’t hesitate to unfollow accounts that leave you feeling inadequate—even if the artist’s work is stunning. Surrounding yourself with creators who celebrate growth, share tips, and encourage learning can make all the difference. Remember, social media generally presents a carefully curated highlight reel, not the full journey of struggles and missteps behind the final piece. If scrolling triggers self-doubt, consider setting boundaries. Limit your browsing time and refocus on your own creative projects, where the real magic happens.
One way to stay inspired without comparing yourself to others is by using the “Reverse Inspiration” exercise. The exercise is, essentially, a method of studying artwork or calligraphy that you admire, identifying what you love about it—such as the flow, color palette, or composition—and reinterpreting it in your own unique style using your favorite tools and techniques.
To complete the exercise:
This exercise helps shift your mindset from “I could never do that” to “How can I make something inspired by this, but my own?” It reminds you that inspiration isn’t about copying—it’s about translating what moves you into something new and personal. If you’re looking for project ideas for this exercise, feel free to peruse TPK tutorials!
In a world that often prioritizes results over the process, it’s easy to forget that art and calligraphy aren’t just about producing something beautiful—they’re about personal expression and the joy of creating. Remember, your work doesn’t have to be shared, sold, or even admired by others to hold value. The simple act of creating in art and calligraphy is its own reward, offering a meditative escape from life’s noise. When you focus on the joy of creating, the pressure to meet external expectations melts away.
One way to reconnect with the joy of creating is through a mindfulness exercise I like to call “Gratitude in Every Stroke.” The exercise reframes handwriting or calligraphy practice as a moment to cultivate gratitude. Here’s how it works:
This exercise not only helps you cultivate mindfulness but also shifts your focus from self-doubt to gratitude. By associating your practice with positive thoughts, you’ll find it easier to enjoy the process and let go of pressure.
Society often tells us that artistic success is measured by fame, money, or recognition—but that’s far from the whole story. Real success is something much deeper: it’s about growth, discovery, and finding joy in the process of creating.
One of the most rewarding aspects of writing the TPK Blog has been hearing from readers who’ve discovered the value that their creativity brings to their lives. I’ve lost count of how many people have shared stories about how working on their art and calligraphy helped them through difficult times—processing grief, managing stress, or even just finding a sense of peace amidst life’s chaos. Those moments, though quiet and personal, are massive successes.
Success doesn’t have to be loud, public, or flashy to matter. It can be as simple as mastering a challenging technique, finding a flow in your practice, or finishing a project that makes you feel proud of yourself. When you let go of society’s definitions and embrace your own, you’ll discover that every step of your creative journey has meaning.
As you set out to create in 2025, I suggest making it a goal to embrace the quiet power of your creativity. Those moments when you’re deep in flow, the satisfaction of finishing a project that makes you proud, and having the courage to try new techniques that intimidate you are what define true success. Overcoming impostor syndrome isn’t about silencing the voice of doubt forever; it’s about hearing that voice and creating anyway. Your work, and the way it shapes your life, is already something to be proud of. Here’s to using your artistic skills to make this year your best yet!
Warmly,
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