And why do you have it?

After a decade in advertising I’ve heard countless opinions on creativity and the industry in general. Some I agree with, many I disagree with, so I figured it’s finally time to voice my own. I know, another person on the internet with opinions. Yea yea, deal with it. I promise these will be short, sweet (sometimes) and straight to the point.

This might get me in trouble and could be my first and last blog post, but here goes.

Something that’s been on my mind a lot throughout my career, especially having been recently promoted to Associate Creative Director earlier in the year, is imposter syndrome. Everyone loves to talk about it, say they have it, almost wear it like a badge of honor! And every time I hear it I can’t help but think “what is imposter syndrome?.” Yes I know what it means literally, but why the fuck do you have it?

You’re a creative director, industry leader, years of experience, and you doubt you’re supposed to be there? Why would I ever listen to you or follow you? How can you make decisions, have a vision, lead a team of aspiring creatives, if you don’t feel like you’re supposed to be exactly in that position? If your creative director ever tells you they have imposter syndrome, head for the exit immediately. The best creative leaders I’ve been around have extreme confidence in their ability. I started my career at a large agency in New York, where there were many creative teams led by groups of Executive Creative Directors and Creative Directors. All of them very different people, but none of them had imposter syndrome. It’s not a coincidence that everything I’ve learned and still fall back on was because of that experience. I can’t say the same for many industry leaders I’ve come across since that time.

I think one of the main reasons people suffer from this is a lack of self-awareness. They don’t know who they are, what they believe in, they don’t have a vision. Perhaps I’ve been blessed with this awareness and confidence. It’s also possible I am delusional and my ego doesn’t match my talent. But honestly, I think that’s fine. I’d rather follow someone like that, than someone who doubts themselves. I know my strengths and weaknesses. For one, I AM NOT the best art director. I might not even be a great art director. However, I know myself, I trust my taste, I trust my thoughts, I believe in myself, and I know being a creative director is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Ok, I may have come in a little hot.

I know creativity is difficult and I don’t want to sound like an asshole. Looking at a blank page and creating something from nothing is one of the hardest things anyone can do. You’ll hit road bumps, fail, struggle, feel like you’re not getting anywhere. This is all normal, but losing confidence along the journey is something that can’t ever cross your mind. You have to know deep in your gut that you’ll eventually get where you’re trying to go.

So my advice when the voice inside your head utters the words “imposter syndrome?” Tell it to fuck off :)