I was storyboarding recently and came across my last 3 logos. They’ve travelled with me from startups, medium sized agencies, an international ad organisation so each represents a different era of my creative journey. Looking back at all my logos, it’s evident that the opportunities have shaped my design approach and contributed to my growth as a creative indefinitely. However, imposter syndrome would haunt me from time to time, causing me to second guess my instincts and capabilities. Over the years, I’ve gotten a much better hold of it and I believe it starts by:

1. Accepting that you’re not where you want to be

Yeah, we’re not prodigies – so what? Even prodigies must test their edge to know it and perhaps the prodigy in us isn’t gifted but forged. The gap between who we are and where we want to be feels so vast at times and I believe the reason is the refinement of our aesthetic palette through creative consumption. From thought-provoking movies to seamles app designs and striking streetwear, we’ve subconsciously established a personal level of ambition. To acknowledge that what we experience is beautiful and possible, yet being unable to create it ourselves is what drives us insane.

It’s like looking at the Mona Lisa, then trying to recreate it. The odds aren’t zero, but that’s not the mission. The mission is knowing where you are, where you could be and realising this: you’re not unskilled because of low expectations. You just hold yourself to higher ones and that’s a blessing in disguise. What better way to spend a lifetime than to be in pursuit of your higher self? And in embracing this, one will recognise that…

2. Extraordinary outcomes come from mundane repetitions

My mentor put it simply as “do the small things right to do the big things right”, or rather, “big moves begin with tiny steps”. It’s nature at play, the more you put in, the more you get out. You have to put in the reps, and some days will feel pointless but that’s part of the process. Because on days that matter most, creativity is war, especially in a professional context. It’s a battle within yourself to ideate even when motivation runs dry.

The flow state will abandon you. Music won’t be your muse. You may be working alone, and all you can rely on are the hours that you’ve invested over the years, hauling you through the impossible deadlines. And if all else fails, keep in mind that…

3. Those in the trenches know

I’ve been there, you’ve been there; I know it sucks, you know it sucks. It comes with the job, but we trudge along anyway, because there is an understanding that not everyone gets it. So break it down, take a break and break a leg – that’s totally fine, but it also highlights the importance to filter out criticism from those who don’t matter.

If you’re baking a cake, how relevant would your critic be? A sushi chef would understand finesse, a flavour chaser might offer insight. But a horologist? Bro, don’t even touch my mixer. Wrong room, wrong realm. That’s all to say this, don’t let strangers adjust your recipe without understanding the intent behind the ingredients. If they’ve never baked a cake, don’t let them tell you how it should taste.

Design aside, I think these are relevant to life too. I hope it you bake a great cake this week.