Feeling Stuck: A Real Talk on Imposter Syndrome & Creative Blocks

Overcoming imposter syndrome and creative blocks as a beginner in interior design

Since starting this journey into interior design I've had some amazing highs- those exciting bursts of creativity, the pride of finishing a new 3D render and the buzz of sharing my work online. But alongside those moments have come some much quieter, heavier feelings. Doubt. Comparison. Creative blocks. And most of all, that persistent little voice in my head saying "You're not a real designer."

It turns out, imposter syndrome doesn't care how passionate you are. It sneaks in when you're trying something new, when you're out of your comfort zone and when you care deeply about the thing you're doing. Lately, I've found myself questioning whether I belong in this space. Whether I'm allowed to call myself a designer yet.

Getting Stuck (and Staying Stuck)

With those thoughts creeping in, the creative side of me began to shut down. Ideas stopped flowing. I'd open Roomstyler and stare at the screen, not knowing where to start. I'd scroll through Pinterest or Instagram and feel totally overwhelmed by how finished everyone else's work looked. Every mood board I made felt flat. Nothing excited me.

It's hard to design when you don't believe in your ability to do it.

what helped wasn't forcing myself to push through- it was easing up on the pressure. I gave myself space to create without judging the result. A messy sketch. A weird colour combo. An idea that didn't lead anywhere. sometimes the block isn't the lack of inspiration- it's the fear of not getting it right.

Why I'm Sharing This

I wanted to write this post because it's easy to look at other people's progress and assume they've got it all figured out. But behind every polished design is a person who probably had doubts, messy drafts and bad days too. If you're in a similar place- feeling stuck, unqualified or creatively drained- please know you're not alone. Growth doesn't always feel exciting. Sometimes it feels uncomfortable. But that doesn't mean you're not moving forward.

Little Notes to Self (and maybe to you too):

• You're allowed to start before you feel "ready"

• Not every idea has to be brilliant

• Feeling stuck doesn't mean you're not moving

• Your voice and style matter- even if they're still forming

• Keep going, even when it's quiet

If you've ever felt this way, I see you, I'm with you. And I hope we both keep going- even when it's slow.

Thanks for reading. I'll be back soon with more updates on the design front- but for now, I'm letting this part of the story be enough.

-Beckie