In the second episode of Process Over Product, artists Trevor Wade Thomas and Kelsey Kopp confront imposter syndrome — the persistent voice of fear, doubt, and self-questioning that often surfaces in the studio.

They unpack what that voice actually is, where it comes from, and how it shows up while painting, making, and trying to move work forward. Through personal stories and studio-level reflection, they explore the ways imposter syndrome can stall decision-making, interrupt momentum, and quietly shape creative choices.

As the conversation unfolds, the episode takes an unexpected turn: rather than treating this voice only as an obstacle to overcome, Trevor and Kelsey examine how it might also serve as a strange kind of ally — a signal, a mirror, and even a guide — pointing toward deeper honesty, growth, and intentional making.

Kelsey Kopp is a landscape painter whose work is rooted in observation, repetition, and sustained engagement with place. Her practice emphasizes process as a way of understanding time, light, and perception rather than arriving at a fixed image.

Find Kelsey on instagram @kelsey_kopp_art

Trevor Wade Thomas is a painter and educator working primarily from observation. His practice centers on drawing, material process, and the relationship between labor, memory, and making. He is the founder of Oil and Earth Studio YouTube Channel, where he explores craft, teaching, and long-form artistic inquiry.

You can find Trevor online at www.trevorwadethomas.com , on YouTube at www.youtube.com/oilandearthstudio , or on Instagram @twtfineart