Why Getting Rejected as an Artist is a Good Thing
Many artists view rejection as a crushing blow to their confidence and self-esteem. However, learning to embrace rejection can actually be a positive experience that leads to growth and success in the long run. In this post, we'll explore the benefits of rejection for artists and provide tips on how to use rejection as a tool for growth.
Rejection can feel like the end of the world, but it doesn't have to be. By changing your perspective and using rejection as a learning experience, you can turn failure into success. Or at least progress.
So the next time you get rejected, take a deep breath, reflect on what you've learned, and keep pushing forward. Your next achievement may be just around the corner.
Rejection is not personal.
I think this is one of the most important things to remember when dealing with rejection. It is not personal. It can be tempting to take rejection as a personal attack on our abilities or character, but the truth is rejection is often about external factors that are beyond our control. Whatever the reason, it's important to remember that rejection is not a reflection of our worth as people or as artists. Once we can detach ourselves from the emotional weight of rejection, we can begin to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Use rejection as a learning opportunity
When faced with rejection, it's important to remember that it's not the end of the road. In fact, rejection can often present us with valuable learning opportunities that we might not have otherwise considered. By being open to feedback and seeking out ways to improve, we can use rejection as a chance to expand our skill set and enhance our understanding of what it takes to be a successful artist.
Through rejection, we are forced to reevaluate our approach and consider how we can better communicate the what and why of our art work. Perhaps we need to refine the way we talk about our art. You may have noticed I have begun an art vlog on YouTube. This is to help me talk more about my art and serve as a recorded 'sketchbook' of my art process. My what and why. I talk about getting rejected HERE.
Maybe we need to gain new skills or improve our existing ones. Just do the work and get better! By embracing rejection as an opportunity for growth rather than a failure, we can turn these setbacks into positive steps forward.
Rejection can be disheartening, but it's important to remember that success requires persistence and resilience. By continuing to put ourselves out there, we can increase our chances of success over time.
Surround yourself with a support system
Surround yourself with a support system. It's crucial to have a group of people to turn to when facing rejection. These people provide vital encouragement and motivation to keep going. They can offer advice, share experiences, and help you see failure as a natural part of the process.
A supportive network can come in many forms, including friends, family, colleagues, or mentors, online groups, fellow quilters and artists. Having people to talk to, bounce ideas off of, and offer constructive criticism can be the difference between giving up and pushing through. By surrounding yourself with a support system, you can cultivate a positive mindset that will enable you to learn and grow from rejection.
What door to door sales teaches you
If you know anything about me you should know I love a good process. And processing rejection is one that is valuable to recognise. Embracing failure reframes your mindset. And if my very temporary role in door to door sales in 2002 taught me anything, it is that every no actually does bring you closer to a yes.
- Take the time to reflect on what went wrong and consider what you can do differently next time.
- Analyze your approach and identify areas where you can improve. Use the feedback you receive to refine your work, practice and approach.
- Stay motivated and focused on your goals. Remember that success is not achieved overnight, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey.
- With the right mindset and support system, you can turn failure into an opportunity for growth and success.
If only it were that easy, right?
