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You’ve spent years refining your craft, creating your unique style, and building an identity that feels true to who you are. But then, out of nowhere, you see someone who seems to have "claimed" your artistic space—maybe it's the red-haired funk artist (like you! YOU are supposed to be the red-haired funk artist, for crying out loud!) or the jazz singer with the same signature sound. They’re everywhere, with a growing audience, and suddenly it feels like your individuality is no longer unique.
Why does this hit so hard?
For many artists, the artistic/professional identity is deeply personal. It’s not just about what you create—it’s about who you are. So, when you see someone who resembles your style, look, or vibe, it can feel like they’ve taken your place in the world.
You may find yourself feeling a mix of emotions:
Frustration: "That was supposed to be my signature style!"/"Now does it even matter for me to keep working the way I do?"
Insecurity: "Will people still see me as original, or will they think I’m copying?"
Jealousy: "How did they get there first? I’ve been working so hard!"
Fear: "What if there’s no room for both of us?"
These emotions are completely normal, and it’s important to acknowledge them. The artistic world is competitive, and when self-marketing is tied so closely to personal identity, it can be overwhelming when someone else seems to have stepped into a space you thought was yours.
Why it’s important to talk about it
The pressure to stand out is high, and when it feels like someone has taken what you thought was your unique spot, it can lead to self-doubt or even burnout. That’s why it’s crucial to talk about these feelings instead of pushing them down.
Recognizing that these emotions exist is the first step in dealing with them. You don’t have to pretend it doesn’t hurt or doesn’t matter. Sharing your experiences—whether with fellow artists, a coach, or your audience—can help you realize that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many artists, regardless of their success, go through the same struggles.
We can also work on it together through a coaching about your identity as an artist. Click on the link below to learn more. The first session is free :) !
How to navigate through it
Even though the best way to deal with it is to talk about it so you can create your own "you-designed" solutions, here are a few ways to start processing these feelings and find your own path forward:
Embrace your unique journey: Even if someone else has similar traits or styles, your personal journey, experiences, and approach are completely unique. No one can replicate your perspective or the depth of your work. This one is easier said than done, I know.
Reframe your mindset: Instead of seeing it as competition, try to see it as a challenge to dive deeper into what makes you, you. What can you bring to the table that’s different, even if on the surface it seems similar?
Focus on your own growth: This is the time to look inward and refine your work. What elements of your craft truly reflect who you are? Double down on those. In a world where authenticity is key, staying true to your evolving self will always resonate.
Finding your own solutions
At the end of the day, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. In the artistic world, where self-marketing is often tied to personal identity, the solution lies in exploring who you are and what matters most to you.
The key is to find what truly speaks to you. It might be evolving your art in a direction that feels even more authentic, or it could be embracing the uniqueness of your journey and trusting that your path will resonate with those who connect with you.
Conclusion: Your signature is yours
The fact that someone else shares a similar artistic identity doesn’t diminish the value of your work. Your voice, your art, and your presence all have their own place in the world. It’s about finding the balance between being aware of what’s happening around you and staying deeply connected to your own artistic vision.
The best way forward? Look inward—the answers lie within who you are, and the world needs what only you can offer.
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