Few things in the workplace cut deeper than watching someone else—especially a manager—claim the spotlight for something you made. When you've poured time, thought, and care into a design, only to see it presented as if it materialised from someone else’s laptop, it can leave you feeling invisible. Like you're shouting into a void while someone else gets the applause.

And when you've already tried to raise the issue—again and again—without any change? It starts to wear you down. This isn't just about bruised egos. It's about fairness, recognition, and the energy it takes to keep showing up when it feels like your contribution doesn’t count.

This question speaks to a frustrating dynamic many creatives experience: the struggle for credit in environments where others (sometimes those above you) take liberties with authorship. Beyond stalling your career growth, it chips away at confidence, motivation, and your overall sense of belonging at work.

To unpack this, we brought in two experts with different but complementary perspectives. Regina Stroombergen, Head Creative Tinker at Thinkerbell, shares wisdom from years working in fast-paced agency life across Melbourne and London. And Dr. Aileen Alegado, clinical psychologist and Director of Mindset Consulting, brings a deep understanding of the emotional toll of workplace challenges. Andy Wright, Founder of Never Not Creative, Co-Chair of Mentally Healthy, and CEO of Streamtime, hosts the conversation.

Recognize when it's time to move on

Regina gets right to the point—and doesn't sugar-coat the reality: "It's a bit rubbish if um they've already raised it and they're still doing it."

She sees the emotional toll of not being seen: "I think it's hard to keep going with something repeatedly when you're not getting any credit for it like not that everyone deserves wants a pat on the back all the time but you kind of do a little bit so to have your work going unrecognized and unnoticed and someone else taking credit for it constantly must be really difficult."

The obvious next step would be to talk it through. But in this case, that’s already been done—and ignored. Regina gently suggests it might be time to consider a bigger move: "I initially would have thought to raise them to have a meeting and to talk about it and see how they go but you've already done that so I don't want to say get another job but um well maybe it could be a good option."

When the conversation has already happened and nothing changes, you're not being unreasonable for thinking about other paths.

Find alternative ways to gain recognition

If you're stuck waiting for your manager to give you credit, you might be waiting a long time. Andy offers another route: "I think another thing you can do is actually look for a few other advocates in the business perhaps who recognize that you have done good work and get them to pray to like publicly say stuff."

In other words, find your people. The ones who do see what you're doing, and are happy to say so.

He also encourages making your work more visible outside the four walls of your workplace: "I think is another way of doing it or just do it yourself you know grab some of that work stick it on LinkedIn or you know on depending on what type of work it is on behance or you know other places um where there's a community there in terms of like you know who who do you want to see this kind of work I guess is the thing and then go right well get a solution for that don't let these people get in your way."

This is about reclaiming ownership. Not for praise, but for your own professional identity—and for the people out there who are genuinely interested in what you're creating.

Focus on what you can control

It’s easy to feel powerless in a situation like this, but Andy brings it back to what is in your hands: "It's a little bit kind of around that control element again isn't it like I can't control what feedback I'm going to get from people."

So instead of chasing validation from someone who’s not offering it, shift your energy elsewhere: "So what what can you control and in this instance perhaps getting feedback from self that and that recognition or maybe peers that are not within the organization but elsewhere."

That might look like sharing work with trusted mentors or creative communities. The kind of people who see your efforts, not just your output.

Evaluate if this is the right workplace culture for you

Sometimes the problem isn’t one manager. Sometimes it’s the whole setup. And Andy encourages you to zoom out: "I suppose you just have to evaluate if this is the culture in this workplace is that is this really the right place for me as well because I think that that at any point you know you can kind of navigate and feel good about yourself in different ways but fundamentally if you're not feeling like you're being seen heard or your work is being recognized you know that's not okay and that's not good for anybody's self-esteem and confidence."

The truth is, if the culture is enabling this kind of behaviour, it’s unlikely to change overnight. And it’s okay to want better.

When you need additional support

Having your work constantly credited to someone else doesn’t just frustrate you—it can wear you down emotionally and mentally over time. If this experience is chipping away at your wellbeing, it’s more than valid to seek support.

Workplace challenges like this can lead to burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt. But you don’t have to shoulder it alone. Visit our help section to find support services available 24/7. There's no shame in reaching out—only strength.

Connect with peers who understand

It can feel like you're the only one dealing with this kind of thing, but you're not. NNC Circles are built for creatives just like you—navigating tough stuff in work and life.

These peer groups meet monthly in small, confidential settings to talk through real challenges like credit, recognition, and feeling overlooked. With trained facilitators and a genuine commitment to care (not competition), Circles can be a game-changer for finding clarity and confidence.

Conclusion

If you've spoken up and nothing's changed, you're not overreacting. You’ve done the hard part—advocating for yourself—and the responsibility now sits with your manager. And if they’re not stepping up, you have every right to explore other ways of getting your work seen and celebrated.

Whether that’s building your own platform, finding internal allies, or looking elsewhere entirely, you’re allowed to choose an environment that values what you bring. You shouldn’t have to fight for basic recognition. And you certainly shouldn’t have to settle for a workplace where taking credit is part of the culture.

You deserve better. And that doesn’t mean needing constant applause. It means knowing that when you create something, your name doesn’t disappear from the story.

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