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Artistic Showdown: My Imposter Syndrome Showed Up to Battle My Intuition

Welcome, my fellow creators, to a journey filled with twists, turns, and a touch of magic!

I am referring to my journey as the illustrator of Sheri Fox’s recently released book, Precious Child.

This gentle little book has already made a big-impact. Thank you from both the author and illustrator!

I want to take you on a deeper dive into a story that’s as much about battling inner demons as it is about embracing the power of intuition and creativity.

Picture this: a fierce battle between my inner intuitive and my inner imposter, both vying for control in creating this book’s illustrations. As an artist and creator, I’ve prided myself on my learned ability to tap into the unexplainable, letting it flow through my writing and art like a river of inspiration.

When this happens, I guarantee that I think less and feel more.

Yet, when the call came to paint pictures for Sheri’s long-awaited book, my inner imposter stepped into the ring, ready to throw down the gauntlet.

The weight of Sheri’s expectations was palpable, with no angst to her. Her book wasn’t just any project; it was her baby, nurtured and cherished over decades, and here I was tasked with bringing her vision to life.

The imposter’s voice echoed in the corners of my mind, whispering, “You’re not good enough,” suddenly, the battle began.

While this image might seem ridiculous, this is an accurate portrayal of how I felt internally when my imposter showed up to battle my intuition. It felt like a chaotic scene where two opposing forces clashed for dominance. One question loomed large: Who would emerge victorious?

Thumbnails, discussions, color boards—we planned them all, desperately seeking a sense of control to quiet the tempest of doubt. But still, the gap between excitement and action seemed insurmountable.

It wasn’t just about having other projects on my plate; it was about the fear of falling short, of not living up to my expectations.

But then, in the chaos, a shift occurred.

I mustered the courage to stray from the carefully laid plans, to silence the cacophony (damn, I love being able to use that word) of doubt, and to let my intuition guide the brush.

And something magical happened.

Each stroke felt alive with energy, pulsating with the essence of Sheri’s vision, and I knew at that moment that I was tapping into something beyond myself.

Yet, doubts bubbled right back even as the canvas began to take shape. Would Sheri see the same magic that I did? Would my creations be enough to do justice to her decades-long labor of love?

As the day of reckoning arrived and Sheri gazed upon the unexpected masterpiece, emotions played across her face.

Shock, disbelief, and finally, tears—tears of joy, of recognition, of validation. It was a moment of pure connection, proof that true magic emerges when we let go of doubt and trust in our intuition.

“Precious Child, I look into your eyes and see Love.” SFox

The imposter’s voice grew fainter with each stroke, drowned out by the symphony of creativity and connection. My symphony.

And as Sheri’s dream became a reality, I realized something profound: validation from others is nice, but the true measure of success lies in the fulfillment of bringing someone’s vision to life. We created exactly the right book.

But let’s not overlook the journey that led to this moment.

Along the way, I discovered five invaluable lessons that helped me quiet my inner imposter and embrace the full potential of my creative spirit:

1. Trust Your Intuition:

Let it be your guiding light, leading you down unexpected paths and toward moments of pure magic. Don’t be afraid to veer off the beaten path and explore new territories of creativity. After all, the most beautiful discoveries are often made in the unknown.

2. Embrace Imperfection:

Release the need for control and perfection. Embrace the messy, beautiful journey of creation, knowing that imperfection is often the birthplace of true beauty. Allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes, to experiment, and to learn from each experience along the way.

3. Find Validation Within:

While external praise is nice, true fulfillment comes from within. Recognize the value of your own creative voice and the joy that comes from knowing you’ve made someone’s dream a reality. Remember, you are enough. Your art is enough. And when you trust in the magic within, anything is possible.

4. Celebrate Small Victories:

Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Every step forward, every stroke of the brush, is a testament to your dedication and passion. Celebrate these moments as the milestones they are, and let them fuel your creative fire.

5. Practice Self-Compassion:

Be kind to yourself throughout the creative process. Acknowledge and accept your limitations, but also recognize your strengths and unique talents. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a beloved friend in need.

So, to all my fellow creators battling their inner imposters, I offer these five nuggets of wisdom gleaned from the battlefield of my own creative journey.

Remember, dear creators, you are enough. Your art is enough. And when you trust in the magic within, anything is possible.

Here’s to quieting the inner imposter and letting creativity reign supreme!

With love and artistic solidarity,

HNW

Me. Heather N. Wilde. An indie author and publisher at Hezzie Mae.

More details about Precious Child:

  • Available softcover at the link below

  • Premium Keepsake Hardcover edition coming within two weeks—watch Hezzie Mae for updates

  • Kindle eBook will be available at the link below within 48 hours!

  • This project, in particular, is spurring Hezzie Mae to look into its own distribution. As a company that wants to celebrate creativity, creatives, and good deeds—I can no longer ignore the industry giants and their vision/mission. Stay tuned!

Take a deep breath, silence that inner critic, and embrace the truth:

You are worthy. Of love. Of happiness. As you are right now, today. Always.

Heather N. Wilde


Read similar posts about creativity and authoring on Hezzie Mae’s Blog.

Share the Love! Share Hezzie Mae with a friend. Thanks for spreading the word! Remember: Ripples to Waves to MAGIC!

I am a writer, educator, indie publisher, artist, and trauma survivor. Visit HezzieMae.com for a paradigm shift in author mentoring, publishing, and creative, healthy living.


Purchase Precious Child by Sheri Fox (April 2024)

Purchase Aligned Enchantment by Rachel Gilbertson (March 2024).

Purchase Tumbled: A Memoir of Perseverance, Personal Growth & Magical Transformation by Heather Wilde (Feb 2023).

Purchase Pig Tales & Popcorn: Patricia’s Memoir by Heather Wilde and Pat Passero (July 2023).

Heather N. Wilde

Heather Wilde is an indie publisher and trauma survivor who discovered, through writing her own memoir, just how powerful and healing sharing your story can be. Now, she helps others do the same.

Heather believes everyone has a story that can change lives and heal their soul, and she’s here to help you bring yours to the world.

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