Voices // Imposter Syndrome

Introducing "Voices." A collaborative effort of writing and design. Why? There are stories to be told that aren't all mine. Perspectives to share that will make us think. Ideas that will help clear away the cobwebs of self-doubt or ego-centric thinking. A fun experiment that I hope you enjoy. As always would appreciate the support through comments, sharing, and so on. See original post on Instagram

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01 // By Jessi Brown

“I’m not creative.” I said it so many times as a new copywriter. Now, looking back after a decade of creative work, it baffles me. But I *believed* it then.?

I believed it because I didn’t go to ad school or wear black turtlenecks or have the Next Great Novel hidden away in my desk drawer when I started. I was just some executive assistant who caught a lucky break.?

But what I *did* have was a deep, unwavering passion for creating experiences that work well and empower people. And if I could inspire a smile? Gold.??

So I poured my energy into fulfilling that passion through my writing. I listened to my mentors and learned from their work. I got curious about the other disciplines around me and asked a lot of questions. I stopped over-editing my ideas and (mostly) shed my fear of looking foolish. And the funny thing is, the longer I stuck around, the more creative I felt. Plus, new ideas came along a lot faster.??

Eventually, I was promoted to senior writer, requested for high-visibility projects, and invited to conferences that changed my life. Now, I get to write about some of the coolest technology that comes out of Microsoft. It’s been a wild ride full of incredible moments, and it wouldn’t have happened if I’d let that lie define my path.?

So, if you’ve been telling yourself that you aren’t creative, or that you don’t fit in, please hear me when I say that creativity looks like you. Sounds like you. Thinks like you. It’s not something you walk into the room with. It’s the magic that happens when you’re deeply invested in solving an interesting problem. Trust yourself to find the right one. It’s out there, and you’re ready for it.

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Jessi Brown is a Sr. Writer and Usability Advocate at Microsoft?

Follow Jessi on Twitter @heyjessibrown

Artwork by Douglas Montague?

Portrait by @sung.photo 

Our views and opinions are our own.