Avoiding Imposter Syndrome
Finding confidence to start something new can be challenging, we’ve all felt that imposter syndrome when wanting to take on a new venture. Ian is here to help and talk you through urban sketching step by step. Here Ian shares some of his top tips for building confidence when you’re just starting out.
Start with a dot or a line
Everyone starts out somewhere! Why not give it a try? Creativity often begins with the simplest of steps—perhaps just a dot or a single line on a blank page. That first mark may seem insignificant, but it holds the potential to transform into something extraordinary. From that dot or line, an entire world of shapes, ideas, and stories can unfold. So, don’t hesitate. The journey to creating something magical often begins with just one small step. Let your imagination guide you, and watch as your simple start grows into something beautiful and unique.
“Every sketch starts off with a dot or a line, and then that sketch into a composition or a structure, a shape which then becomes coloured, and we add tone to it and before you know it, you’re adding all sorts of stories.”
Consider the reasons why you should do it
Us humans have a remarkable ability to come up with countless reasons why we shouldn’t take a leap, try something new, or step outside our comfort zones, don’t we? It’s completely normal. That inner voice of doubt is part of being human. But what if, just for a moment, you tried to quiet that voice? Instead of focusing on why not to do something, shift your mindset to consider all the reasons why you should.
Take urban sketching, for example. Beyond just the act of putting pen to paper, there are so many benefits that come with it. Imagine the joy of being on location, surrounded by the energy of a city or the calm of a park, observing the world in a way that you normally wouldn’t. Urban sketching isn’t just about drawing; it’s about truly connecting with a place, soaking in its atmosphere, its sounds, its movements, and translating that into your work.
“My advice would be, to first of all have a go because you don’t know where it’s going to take you. Be bold, be brave. You won’t get anywhere unless you have a go. If you’re convincing yourself of all the reasons why you shouldn’t do it, you’re not going to get anywhere.”
Have fun making mistakes
Embrace the mistakes! Any creative process is filled with moments of trial and error, and urban sketching is no exception. In fact, mistakes are not just inevitable—they’re essential to the journey. Every artist, whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, encounters slip-ups along the way. But here’s the secret: those so-called “mistakes” can actually be where the magic happens.
Rather than seeing mistakes as failures, try to view them as part of the fun, as opportunities for growth and exploration.
“No one’s perfect, no one gets it right all the time. I get it wrong all the time and I’m really lucky because people don’t seem to notice but I’m always making mistakes.”
Watch the full video as Ian Fennelly gives some tips on building your confidence with sketching.
