the inevitable art of rejection

If you're a professional artist or crafter or creative...or heck, anybody in life, rejection is that hurtful, humbling, ego-flattening monster we will inevitably face. In 2023, I believe I got smacked with more No's than ever. But that didn't happen because I became a sucky artist. I mean, after 21 years of doing a craft, how does that happen? No, it happened because I reached higher. I went for things, like exhibits and gallery representations and highly-demanded shows, even when I felt that my work would not get in. I did it because I felt brave. I believed in my work.

With each denied submission, I felt my confidence wobble. And then, I would spend hours working on a new piece, and I'd feel good again. And I appreciate the people in this business who do appreciate what I do, and who are happy to represent it. For each negative that occurs with your work, you can draw several positives...if you let yourself see them. LET yourself see them. If you're reaching high, and getting rejected, YOU are proving that you have the courage to reach up there, and to face the possibility of No. And if you DON'T reach, you will definitely not experience the euphoria of hearing YES.

So what I would ask that any artist/creative in the business take from my words, is to know how courageous you are to aim high. And even when your work gets rejected, you do not give up, you're already UP THERE, my friend. Sometimes all it comes down to is a technicality in your art submissions, like maybe in your photos. Make your work stand out. And better yet, do your research and know where your work will thrive. You're a star, my friend. Keep creating!