Overcoming Doubts As A Beginner Artist - Imposter Syndrome & Why It's Not Too Late To Start 

Let us know what doubts or fears you're working on overcoming, and thank you to Aura for sponsoring this video! 💖 Get started for free today & the first 500 people to use my link will also get 25% off+ a free trial to the Aura membership: www.aurahealth.io/mimimoo

"No experience is a waste of time." What a beautiful and impactful statement.

If you ever feel like you’re too old and you should’ve started years ago, remember: the best time to start was 5 years ago, the next best time is now. In 3 years time you’d look back and today and wish you’d started then.

Personally, I needed to hear this advice. I often get worried as a young adult with where I am now compared to others more skilled than I am. But you're right, I shouldn't let these doubts hold me back; especially when there's no harm in at least trying, especially on things you're passionate about.

I just started my art carreer 6 months ago at 52 and I can confirm it is not too late to start an artistic career. Being an artist help you to keep you young and I love to share ideas with younger artists because we share our knowledge. And for the "I am not good enough"...why do you take your time to create something if it is not to share with the others. Just be yourself. Thank you to shareypuir thoughts in this video.

As someone who suffers from severe anxiety and depression I felt this and thank you for the words of encouragement. I always feel like I'm not good enough and always doubt myself

Thank you for this video; at 42 I have quit my job and everything to pursue an art career. For now I have so little following on either Instagram or RU-vid and no clients whatsoever so it can be really hard to keep my motivation and believe in my dream. It’s funny how you published this video right when I was seriously doubting myself. I have to believe it’s a sign 🤞🏻

The opposite of envy is emulation. If we learn to be happy with where we are by focusing on how much joy comes from being creative, we’ll be inspired by others instead ❤ I just found your channel and it reminds me how fun it is to be creative. Your art is so adorable! I’m a happy new subscriber :)

Wise words Mimi!! Let 2024 be the year we all look at our fears in the face and say - I see you and acknowledge you with love but I'm moving forward anyway!

Artist and free therapy...I love it. This really helped me today. Thank you. Your words about how my life is the only life I have strike like a gong. Ive constantly been comparing myself to others throughout my life, especially lately after a recent job loss so it's good to 'reset' my thinking that I'm only living my life and no one else's. I've been an artist all my life but have spent large stretches of years not so much as even sketching. I'm remedying that now at 51 but boy do I feel like the years have sailed by focused on something completely else. But as you stated so well, that's only in my mind. I can no more rewind my life and start over in my 20's than anyone else can (except maybe in a movie). I have to learn to accept me where I'm at currently, love this me that I am, and make a plan and then work my plan. Pivot as necessary as you said, but keep moving forward.

in general, the most important thought that any person should keep when starting a new business, hobby, and the like is easier to relate to. Yes, the school system, work, and in particular families are arranged in such a way that if you do something, then you have to report on it and receive approval-punishment depending on how hard you tried and therefore people are afraid of failures. Just keep in mind that you don't have to report to anyone and you won't be "punished" if you make a mistake, mess up something, etc. This is one of the common problems why people can't start a new sketchbook, notepad - they're afraid to ruin it But if you start treating everything with ease, it will bring more pleasure and less stress.

Thank you for sharing this. I needed to hear it. I feel like I've always been a creative person, I just didn't have the tools and people in my life to motivate me. And as you said..."I was doing other things." I'm also definitely guilty of the "I'm too old." I'll keep making art though, because it makes me happy.

Thank you for the encouraging words! 🥰 I'm struggling with imposter syndrome quite often when it comes to art and my RU-vid channel 🙈 However, I'm a firm believer that you're never too old to learn something new, so if something doesn't work out, I'll try to see it as an opportunity for growth & learning ❤

One important thing I’ve learned in my short time on this planet, “I’m not good enough” should never be an excuse to never try or never progress; rather it should be motivation to push yourself forward.

Most of the time I struggle with finding inspiration, and once I find it I struggle with the feeling of not having the skills to execute it the way I want to. I love to paint so this year I just want to work on painting more in hope that some of my fears will go away. I’m also trying to find some classes so I can improve in the areas I feel I lack skills in. I really want to take control of my art journey this year and not sit here at the end of December and feel like I wasted another year just fearing failure.

I've been on my journey for awhile, but my focus is sometimes all over the place. I'm planning to use this year to be more focused, so I can be more productive. Some day, I want to be an author of many books. And I believe every little change is getting me there one day at a time. As far as doubts and fears go, I don't really try to focus on that. I acknowledge that they are there, but I try not to linger on them.

2:11 Minutes in and you've absolutely nailed where I am right now. I'm feeling stuck in my job at an office, but I'm held back from starting something new because I have it in my head that as an almost 35 year old adult I shouldn't move "backwards". This video is truly inspirational and I thank you so much for all the positivity and motivation! 🥰

creating my own channel has been a big surprise - i would've never thought i had the skills to film and edit (and perhaps I don't)... and i am quite self conscious about putting myself out there. I don't show my face, but already feel like it's so worth to just keep trying this avenue~

You were 28 you started this!? And here I am at 27 being hard on my self for not being able to pursue art due to financial reasons

As so many people echoed below, I really needed this, too. I left my teaching job last June and have been trying to transition to a career as a full-time artist, and there have been lots of lows and (thankfully) a few highs. Finding and maintaining focus, financially staying above water, and defining myself (and my style) as an artist have all been very difficult, and I've definitely had the thought that, by this point in my life, "I should have figured this all out by now". But I do find a lot of comfort in the idea that the previous years weren't wasted, but were spent experiencing things that have made me the person that I am now. My mantra this year is "I will do now with all that I learned before". To everyone on this thread, keep at it, and keep supporting one another. Community goes a long way. Thanks to you all for being vulnerable and brave, and thanks very much Mimi for doing the same.

Thank you so much for making this video! My limiting beliefs are that I’m too old/it’s too late and I’m not good enough. Been working on these by reminding myself that the time will pass anyway. And that if the human lifespan is 120 years, that’s gonna be a very long time living a life that is unfulfilling to me. Watching videos like this, other videos of creatives starting their art journeys or art businesses help keep me inspired. Other things that help me are watching videos of people starting whatever journey they want to start because they reject the thought of it being too late, and videos of people in my age group sharing their lives. It also helps me to word vomit all my limiting beliefs on paper. Then on separate sheets of paper, pick them all apart kinda like you just did in this video. Ok, gonna go cry warm and fuzzy tears now. Thank you 💗😭

I’ve been trying to remember that all our art is subjective, yes some people might hate it or dislike it but heaps and heaps more will love it and be encouraging of our artistic journeys, social media has made this hard but trying art just for yourself and art in your community is really rewarding ❤

“None of them mean anything unless you let them” that’s actually something I learned in CBT, nice❤

The imposter syndrome is real. Also, dealing with disappointment. But totally agree that positivity is necessary to keep going!

I'm in my early 50's , been painting all my life, and definitely been suffering from imposter syndrome all these years, only recently conceded to this fact , also i have bad Anxiety and depression, and despite literally everyone telling me i should be making money with my artwork, and getting offered £3.500 for a unfinished painting a couple of months ago, i still struggle!! . I have probably 5 years worth of ideas in books, and have no issues with ideas as come from my personal life, and that's never dull, but now i set up a youtube account a few weeks ago, and i cannot get the first "introduction" video up, I'm tech useless 😭. I never trained at college, and only thing i had told to me by a sadly recently past, but great friend going back years go, a certain Mr F. Cuming, he said "don't worry about college, do what you are doing, you'll be fine", even had one of my Oils up in his house 😲, but despite all of that, i still struggle believing in myself 😔. What you have said here has really struck a chord, thankyou so so much 🙏

Thank you for this ❤️

Lovely video as always! Thank you!

I love this so much! Thank you

Love you mimi! 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️

Absolutely needed this today. ❤

Just what I needed to hear. Thank you❤

Thanks for sharing! Its really helpful!

Love it! You're so true! Wonderful art, Mimi! ❤

Thank you! I appreciate it! ❤😊

Amazing! Thank you for this video. :)

Everything u say describe all my concern. I tend to lose motivation quickly, but i always find myself getting back at it and feeling down again. This have been repeated many times. Anyone can share me your experience on how you keep yourself motivated, i am so much appreciated

I often struggle with imposter syndrome too, and although it can be pretty hard to accept that we are good enough, I am trying to look at it just as you explained in this video. Even though I have had a youtube channel for a few years now, I often struggle with making new videos because I sometimes feel like it's useless, but in the past few days I decided that I will put way more effort into it starting from the summer (I am working while being a full-time student and attending a webdesign course at the same time, so barely have the time to sleep now), and thanks to you, I also decided that I will start an Etsy shop as well. Thank you so much for your videos, they are so motivating. ☺

Absolutely stunning 😍

such an important video, thank you sharing ☺☺☺

This is so encouraging! I needed to hear every one of these things, thank you!

Very valuable 😊

Thank you for your sharing. I will start over asap❤

That's helped me a lot ~ thank you ✨💖

Thank you so much for this. I was hesitating to start my own drawing channel but now I'm more strengthened by what you shared :)

Thank you Mimi. You are a great source of inspiration!!

Your words are so uplifting and inspiring!!🥰 Thank you!!we needed that!!

Great encouragement. One thing that helped me fortunately was a local small business scheme. They made you think really clearly eg about what you wanted to do and who your ideal customers were. And the admin side. I would encourage people to try and build up some skills before burning bridges or quitting the day job, unless you are loaded.

Thank you for this video Mimi! Your videos have helped so much… Every time I need a pick me up I come back to watch your videos. I just know I’m going to come back to this video a lot! 😊

This video came to me at just the right time. Thank you Mimi ❤

Thank you for this reminder, Mimi! This was such a helpful and encouraging video.

Wonderful Video that I will be downloading to keep for when I need a reminder

Great video Mimi! I'd say my biggest fear is not being able to make it as an artist. I have tried for almost 4 years now, and even if I started working as an illustrator (which is absolutely great!) a part of me is not satisfied and doesn't recognize it. Also sometimes I think I'm not good enough because of the rejections. I got used to it, it's part of the job, but still there are times where I start to think I'm doing something wrong. For example, I'm have a project to work on for a private client, but I'm procrastinating it cause I'm scared to fail or to make a bad job, and that I don't deserve the payment! Which is insane! Hope it helped somebody, you're not alone

This was really inspirational! Thanks Mimi

Oh no this made me burst into tears ❤ guess I really needed this!!

I love your contents! It is very encouraging, 😊 thank you

Thank you for this video. I started my art career ten years ago, so I felt all fears, that you mentioned. And we really can do everything, that we can imagine. Thanks ❤

Thanks a lot❤much needed.... I've recently started my art journey...it's confusing and overwhelming...but ur videos have helped me a lot and thank u for sharing ur thoughts ❤I'll definitely overcome all my fears one day i believe in myself...once again thank u so much for boosting me up

I love this! :) This was perfect timing as I justtt uploaded my very first RU-vid video! These are great reminders and I am so inspired by you and your journey✨ the biggest thing holding me back has been being on video but after finding your videos, I feel much more confident in being able to create a good video without talking straight into the camera :)

Such a wonderful video! It’s a reminder to me not to give up on my art and related passions. All things come in time. (Also, loved the Twitter comment. ^_~)

Thank you Mimi for being such an inspiration and for supporting us so much!

You made this video at the perfect time. I started today over on Instagram, and I’m so excited to learn more about art and business. I’m in the position where I want to be a digital artist but can’t afford a new tablet. Instead of waiting I decided to post a picture of a doodle I did at my desk. I know there’s things I can improve on but I’m just happy I took that first leap and put myself out there 💕

Thank you very much for your words, I really needed it. 🥰 This year I want to do some things that I didn't do before because I let myself be carried away by my fears. I still have doubts, but now I am working so that they do not control me, because in the end drawing is what I love to do.

I am just now starting my journey in becoming a small art business, and your videos have been a valuable source of information and inspiration. Today I was feeling some doubt and fear, so I found this video at the right time! Thank you! 🙏

Thank you for this video. It’s always encouraging to hear. I’m trying to start a sticker shop and I constantly have the internal battle of fighting the “you’re not good enough” voice. I’ve been doing therapy for the past 6+ months and have greatly improved my anxiety and mental health. I still have these doubts all the time but I also feel stronger to fight them and push through them. Even if it is a little bit of progress daily. That little progress will add up. ❤

This video has given me the perspective shift I needed - I thought it was too late to try or that I had no natural talent but this video has encouraged me to embrace being a beginner and just enjoy the process

I love watching your videos even if I already watched... They always help one way or another... ❤❤ Thanks for sharing your path through art!

Thank you for these wise words, Mimi! It was definitely what I needed to hear. I have felt like I’m too old to start, and for the longest time I’ve ditched the drawing thing because I always believed I couldn’t make it a proper job. Now I believe otherwise, thanks to videos like you make! So, thank you. 🙏 I’m drawing and practicing everyday since the fall of 2023. And I feel I’m definitely improving 🥰

Such a great advices, Mimi! ❤ It’s always so inspiring to see your videos 😊 I think that is never to late to start doing what you love and passionate about, because it just gives us life energy 🙂☀️

thank you for you peppy words

Oh my God! Your list is mine, at the exact same order. I'm an architect from before the digital era so I used to draw a lot and even later on. I always loved drawing. Now, that I moved to the UK, practicing architecture requires several years of complicated processes which, if successful (not guaranteed), would put me right back at the start of my career. So I decided to explore my other options. Illustration is one of them as I always thought of trying it. I always wanted to do a children's book. But I'm doubting myself big time. I haven't been sketching for years and I feel like my hand is rusty. I've got myself xp-pen pro 15.6 in an episode of optimism and hope but then I'm like, I just wasted money, it's never going to work. I've got an advanced knowledge of Photoshop and all sorts of design tools. I've got years of experience with perspective, colour, light and shadow but I'm still not confident to step into it big time. Somehow it feels better seeing I'm not the only one putting up these questions to myself. Thank you ❤

Mimi your channel found me sometime in the early spring last year. And you lit a fire under my butt 😂 the timing was great. I have two teens and they live with me only part time. I had an a long break on my career plans in my early twenties when I suddenly found myself in the “family way”. Since then I have had a long pause on my art career dreams… till your video showed up and sweetly reminded me that now is a great time to start again. So once again. This is awesome and I am so grateful.

Thank you mimi 🥹

Hi Mimi…I love your videos.. you shared your journey so honestly and always inspired to get started.. I’ve quite recently been feeling very demotivated and thought of quitting art..guess what this video just popped up ❤I guess it’s the universe guiding me❤Thank you Mimi for this video.. a lot of us me included really needed this 😊

I always thought that there is no room , there is to many beautiful artists out there. So I always scared to start . Thank you for your advice it makes me feel more confident 😊 thank you

I love how you break down fears of a artist and normalize it❤

Mimi, you're such an inspiration. One of these days can you do a video on the tools that you use (the laptop you draw on), and how you make those cute animations?

You are such an encourager, Mimi! Thank you for this wonderful, uplifting video. You understand so well how it feels to start something new as an adult, because you've been there, and it's so inspiring to see you living your dream life! You are one of my biggest sources of inspiration when I first decided to take the leap, and I know I can always come back to your channel for fresh encouragement along the journey. Love your wonderful message and art, Mimi! 😃💕✨

Thank you Mimi 💛 this is kind an advice I really need right now. I am someone who is not actually start from zero to start in my art journey, but I really lack in courage and have sooo much self doubts. I always have a dream to be a children book illustrator like you, but always think that I am not good enough to start the career. and I always have the fear of starting too late, especially with those AI things going on right now. Your videos always been one that remind and encouraging me to just put a start. Thanks again Mimi, you help me a lot 💛

I'm acknowledging my weaknesses in character and natural modelling (I would do rigid designs and often have trouble with natural shapes and body proportions. I'm a 3D modeller, and I've been struggling with my imposter syndrome and doubts, and my fears of not reaching my goals hold me back, but the inspiration, the passion and the drive to move forward with that art piece I want to make is pushing me forward. It's hard to do what I do, and it's okay if I fail time and time again. I'll get it right someday.

I rarely comment in RU-vid videos but I gotta thank you for sharing this. I may be a month late in seeing this but I just stumbled upon your channel yesterday while researching about illustration and looking for inspiration. I'm definitely experiencing this recently. Even though I've been a graphic designer since I graduated, have basic skills in illustration/drawing, I'm still doubting if I'll ever be successful in this + launching a small business because I'm already at 33, lots of bills to pay, and have two baby boys, 4 and 1. I feel like I'm not "allowed" to pursure what I've been dreaming of, to pursue illustration and have my own small business, because of this. I often feel like it's too late for me or that it's selfish because we all know how a business can struggle sometimes and that fear that I might not be able to provide for my family (but really thankful that my husband is fully supporting me on this!). Anyway, I'm just really tired of corporate job, going to the office, someone telling me what's right or wrong when it comes to my design... So I really need some inspiration and motivation to finally start my dream slash goal, to be an independent designer/artist and be successful one day. Again, thank you!

Having good balance with your mental health and work is definitely important to achieve your goals

Such a lovely video, thanks Mimi!! I do however still feel like there's no room for me... I know it's not too late (I'm in my early 30s) and that by working hard I can massively improve my skills, but I don't see the point when there are already so many physical items, so many ideas, SO MUCH stuff around... maybe that's because I'm a very burnout, depressed and overwhelmed ADHD who actually wished there was less going on in this world (XD) but, unless I can use my art to really improve people's lives or this world, I don't think anyone need ALSO my art, when there's already so much out there. I can't shake this off so I guess I either find a way to actually use my skills for a higher purpose or just give up and do art for fun and for myself and the people around me!

For me, it’s fear of rejection and my lack of business skills that stop me. 😢

This video really came along at the right time. So much so, I was crying throughout. I'm about to start a new job that I'm really uncertain about because 1. its not creative and 2. I don't know if I can do it. I want to make income in my art in some form, but I just don't know where to start. Plus I feel I have no direction in terms of what style I want to go with and how committed I should be. Your words of encouragement are very comforting and something I need to remind myself all the time, but self-doubt is really occupying my mind lately. Its aggravating at times that I'm feeling this way. I think one additional way to overcome all of these vices, mine included, is to journal what we are feeling. I always find it so liberating to write and then read back everything and more often than not, I realize why I feel this way, why I think that way and how I can overcome it. I haven't done it in a long time, so I'll try it out and I encourage all of you to try it. I for one always discover incredible artists on RU-vid and Instagram and I know they have their own journey that I can learn from, you included :) For me, its not about getting started. Its about getting started again and again, until I find what's right for me. I just have to keep trying. Thank you for making this video.

I love your watermelon hairbow 🥺🥺🥺💕

Great advice, love that ladybird picture.😊

I am 50 yo and have been drawing and painting all my life. I even have done commissions and sold some of my paintings and still I fight against thoughts that block me from following my dream to become a full-time artist. What is the most difficult for me right now is social media and marketing myself. All I have sold has been locally and I live in a very small community so there are limits. Also I take care of my daughter who needs lots of support and free lancing from home is the best option for my life situation. So I have quite a lot of pressure on me to make it work. Another difficulty for me is to keep to one "style". I work in so many different materials and experiment a lot, so my instagram is very diverse. I love your videos and maybe I will make finally make it with their support and help. Thank you for sharing all this great information and boosting my confidence!

I have been a professional artist in the film industry for over 7 years now and I still get imposter syndrome. My coworkers have told me they also get it as well. It's nothing to be ashamed of and I would encourage any beginner or struggling artists to NOT hide from it. Rather, take comfort that most of us have similar feelings no matter where we are in our careers.

Very well made video Mimi. To be real here (and in the darkest way) I've been plagued with self doubt as long since I was 9. I have a natural talent for art and I've always wanted to share it with the world just like Osamu Tezuka (creator of Astro Boy) or Shintaro Tsuji (creator of Hello Kitty). But the thing is. Nobody wants it. For years I've had the mentality that Im never good enough. I've never won an art contest, no one wants to collab with me for endorsement deals, whenever I post original art I get nothing but stone silence/ 0 engagement and no one in the art industry wants to hire me. The constant rejections have brought me so much pain that I've grown bitter and resentful towards other artists and their successful 6 figure businesses. I just don't know what to do anymore.

i'm 30 yr old woman, just went back to arts, and still starting to learn drawing... my doubts to pursuing the profession is overwhelming, but i'm pushing tho.. i want to be an illustrator and start a small business and quit my 8-5 job😐 your video is encouraging

My fears im working on is that im not as skilled as other/comparison. Gotta remind myself that I'm just casually drawing and doing bullet journals and that i do have skilles. I want to draw more so the "skilled part" will improve over time, no shortcut possible

Thank you, Mimi. It was a lovely and encouraging videos... I do love your contente! ❤... And I'm curious about the equipment you use, I often see digital artists using Ipad... What are the laptop and pen that you are using? Thank you! ❤

Thank you so much, Mimi! I will be honest, before I watched this video I was about to give up all hope on starting my art journey, but you just gave me the fuel to keep going! 🎉 My biggest fear for me that has kept me from starting is my children and husband. I love my 2 babies and my husband more than anything, but I also have a passion for art. Any time I work on my business my husband takes care of my children and I just haven’t figured out a way to overcome the insane amount of guilt I feel about not giving them 100% of my self all the time. I want to be a present mother and wife but I also want to develop my skills and thrive as an artist. I hope to figure it all out in the future but until then, your video was exactly what I needed to keep going…

Thank you for telling me what I needed to hear ❤ What program do you use?

Love watching this. And great advice. Curious is this procreate on a laptop or is it illustrator with a pencil 😮. Lovely work

I'm in my mid 30s and this is something I needed to really hear even though I know this already. It's different to hear it.

This is great advise, tho I personally sometimes (most times) I struggle with having too many ideas and getting frustrated and confused on not knowing how to integrate them. This usually takes me out of consistency for not knowing what type of art to make and who to sell it too, like… I love editorial but I’m also a web designer and I adore making clothing. 😅 this frustrations leaves me hanging and postponing everything.

Thank you, very helpful. What drawing programme/app are you using please.

I'm 28 lol This is a very helpful & inspiring video, thank you!!!

Though it may not be fear so much as it is a mixture of it with procrastination and uncertainty of what it could mean in terms of my comfortable day to day, it is difficult to consider going from a 9 to 5 with a company to being completely self-reliant for making my own way into art and having that be how I bring in my living. I do Twitch, I stream my art a few times a week unless sick or something comes up, and I do have a website and shop albeit both are in need of updating/expanding. Then again, perhaps it is more fear than it is anything else. Change is always scary and difficult, and I know that while I desire to do art more than anything else for the rest of my life, and while my day job is technically utilizing my design degree(s), the lack of fulfillment and internal satisfaction and imagination to paper/screen is gnawing and hard to satisfy when I want to do nothing more than draw and create things and put them out into the world. Though it is hard, especially when it should be that I know what I need to do to achieve that goal, it is putting those thoughts into action and making it happen that is hard. Sure I have a lot of the steps down and even really great progress on getting out there, it is just a matter of doing more to be able to share with others who are interested what it is that I am creating. Granted I definitely have a wonderful support system and a lot of individuals who have become friends and art motivators and also love what I do, but it's still so difficult to take the plunge to consider stepping away from the regular 9 to 5 job and making art without fear of failing or not having enough money for bills and so on. The repetition of the cycle is also a fear, that you'll give it a shot, quit your job, go for a bit, but then have to go back to finding a new 9 to 5, then rinse and repeat it. Thank you for these videos. Each one that I watch constantly reminds me that what I am doing now needs to be seen as a means to the ultimate goal. Incredibly motivational and they pinpoint some thoughts and areas that I didn't consider, so they are beyond appreciated. Thank you, Mimi. :)