1/5

Constantly Doubting Your Abilities

You look at your latest project and think, “Is this good enough? Did I overcharge for this?” You compare your work to others and think you’re falling short.

2/5

Fear of Being ‘Exposed’

Even with client wins and positive feedback, you’re convinced that one day, someone’s going to call you out for being a fraud or not knowing what you’re doing.

3/5

Avoiding Higher-Paying Clients or Projects

You stick to smaller gigs because you don’t feel ‘ready’ for the big leagues, even though your portfolio says otherwise. It’s easier to play small than risk failure.

4/5

Overworking to ‘Prove’ Yourself

You find yourself overdelivering on every project, working beyond agreed terms, or charging less because you think the client might not see the value otherwise.

5/5

Neglecting to Promote Your Work

You’re afraid to show off your latest project because you think people will see right through you, or worse, criticize it harshly. So you keep your head down, hoping your work will ‘speak for itself.’

1/6

Embrace the Power of Feedback

Action: Start asking for detailed feedback from your clients and peers after every project. When you consistently hear positive feedback and constructive criticism, it helps drown out that impostor voice. Keep a feedback file where you store all the compliments and client wins. When self-doubt creeps in, look back at this file.

Why it works: Feedback, especially when it’s positive, is a reality check that reminds you of your true abilities, pushing back against the distorted voice of impostor syndrome.

2/6

Charge What You’re Worth

Action: If you’ve been consistently undervaluing your work, it’s time to stop. Do a market analysis of what designers with your skill set are charging and adjust your rates. Don’t be afraid to test the waters with higher-paying clients.

Why it works: When you start valuing your work properly, you send a message to yourself (and your clients) that you are worth the price you’re asking for. Confidence in your pricing is key to overcoming self-doubt.

3/6

Track Your Wins (Not Just Projects)

Action: Document every win—big or small. Did a client double their conversions because of your design? Did your work land in a major publication? Start tracking these tangible wins alongside your completed projects. This isn’t bragging—it’s reinforcing your capability.

Why it works: Impostor syndrome loves to make you forget your accomplishments. Having a track record of your wins reminds you that you’re capable of creating real impact, not just “getting by.”

4/6

Separate Your Ego from Your Work

Action: The next time you finish a project, focus on the results, not just the aesthetics. Did it achieve the client’s goal? Did it solve a problem? Design is about more than looking pretty—it’s about function. Evaluate your work by how well it works for the client, not just how it makes you feel.

Why it works: When you stop tying your self-worth to every pixel, you’ll find that feedback and criticism don’t hit as hard. You can objectively assess your designs without internalizing the flaws as personal failures.

5/6

Engage with Other Creatives

Action: Surround yourself with other freelance designers or studio owners—people who are going through the same ups and downs. Whether it’s an online community or a local design group, engaging with others who’ve faced the same struggles can normalize what you’re feeling.

Why it works: Hearing others voice the same insecurities can take away the power of impostor syndrome. It’s easier to tackle when you realize you’re not alone and that even the best designers doubt themselves sometimes.

6/6

Stop Overworking to “Earn” Your Place

Action: Set strict boundaries for your working hours and what’s included in your contracts. Over-delivering won’t make you feel more worthy—it will just burn you out. Work smarter, not harder, and charge accordingly for extra revisions or services.

Why it works: When you stop overcompensating for impostor syndrome by doing too much, you create a sustainable work-life balance. Your value isn’t determined by how much you work, but by the quality of what you deliver.

1/3

Reframe Your Relationship with Failure

Impostor syndrome thrives on the fear of failure. But failure is part of growth—especially in design. Every misstep is a chance to learn, improve, and ultimately create better work. Instead of seeing failures as evidence that you don’t belong, view them as stepping stones toward mastery.

2/3

Create a Confidence Ritual

Before every big project, remind yourself of your wins. Take 10 minutes to go over your feedback file or look at a portfolio of your best work. This ritual grounds you and gives you a confidence boost right before diving in.

3/3

Hire or Collaborate When Needed

As a solo freelancer or studio owner, you may feel the pressure to do everything yourself, but collaboration can be a game-changer. If you’re struggling with a particular skill or feel out of your depth, bring in a collaborator or hire someone for that specific aspect. You don’t have to know it all—just know how to get it done.