When I took the above photograph, just before pressing the shutter I had a (not uncommon) moment of self-doubt, worried if what I was doing was valid and worthwhile; asking myself what the point of it all is?
It made me think: imposter syndrome never goes away despite your experience, career or skillset. Questioning if what you do is legitimate and can compete with others is a good way to push yourself to be better.
There have been times in my career when I have been asked by a Creative Head or Project Manager: "Can you do this, or shall we hire in a professional?" Despite the fact that I am a professional and it is my job, and I am there to perform that task for them. Imagine asking a dentist if they can do it or if you should hire in another one? You wouldn't. Yet in the creative world, with its fluid ideas of quality, output and style, 'professional' can mean many things to many people.
With changing trends, technology and needs from clients, it is easy to become a bit overwhelmed at times, worrying about what you do and not being 'good enough'. But if you keep providing good service with a professional attitude and work ethic, and offering value for money, then you are working as best as you can. People will value your time and input if you can offer what they need, regardless of whether they question it to begin with - if anything it just offers you an opportunity to prove yourself.
Labels like "professional" are misleading and often don't really portray what it is we are doing. And as mentioned, one person's idea of "professional" will be very different to another anyway. As long as you can remember and stay focused on what you are doing and why, you will be able to deliver quality output.
Crucially though, admitting we often don't know the answer isn't weak or unprofessional either, it's accepting that we're always improving or evolving in some way. That seems like a positive attribute to me…
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