The Dark Side
of Promotion is the rejection. 48 postcards, 15 e-mails, 3 rejections later I'm licking my wounds. These were from Art Reps because I'm not so good at the self promotion aspect of this business. Honestly, I didn't even want one at first. It still stings when they look at your work and say no. You're not what we're looking for or we're too full with other more valuable artists to consider your work.
The hubby and I discussed why this would hurt my feelings. As he pointed out, it's like applying for a job, you send out 50 resumes, get maybe 4 interviews and you still might not get the job. So, why do I take it personally? He thinks it's because as an artist, one tends to take everything personally, to brood over the negative, if you will. That might have a part in it, but I've been thinking about it and have come to the conclusion that it is because the work you create becomes an extension of your most personal self. When someone says your most personal self is not good enough for them, it stings a bit. It's like trying to make new friends and you are deemed unworthy to consort with the cooler crowd.
Does this mean I'll stop trying? Of course not. I just need to take the rejections as they roll in, sneering at me with their taunting natures. Maybe I'll treat myself to a diet dr. Pepper or iced coffee. Then, I'll go back upstairs to the studio and try again, try harder and hope that one day, their will be an e-mail for me that says, Hey, we like you, wanna play with us?
The hubby and I discussed why this would hurt my feelings. As he pointed out, it's like applying for a job, you send out 50 resumes, get maybe 4 interviews and you still might not get the job. So, why do I take it personally? He thinks it's because as an artist, one tends to take everything personally, to brood over the negative, if you will. That might have a part in it, but I've been thinking about it and have come to the conclusion that it is because the work you create becomes an extension of your most personal self. When someone says your most personal self is not good enough for them, it stings a bit. It's like trying to make new friends and you are deemed unworthy to consort with the cooler crowd.
Does this mean I'll stop trying? Of course not. I just need to take the rejections as they roll in, sneering at me with their taunting natures. Maybe I'll treat myself to a diet dr. Pepper or iced coffee. Then, I'll go back upstairs to the studio and try again, try harder and hope that one day, their will be an e-mail for me that says, Hey, we like you, wanna play with us?
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4 Comments:
Oh dear...Rejections do hurt, but are part of the game. It hurts even when you apply for a job, b/c you feel like someone is rejecting you. But y'know what? There are other jobs, just like there are other art reps. Others that are more suitable for presenting your work, more connected to the kinds of work you want to do, and more likely to be your advocate. Also every rejection, gives you an opportunity to look at your work more critically - find out what is missing. If possible, go back and ask the reps what made them not consider you at this time.
Keep your chin up, treat yourself, and then go back to creating fabulous art.
Love,
Jiji
Rejection doesn't sting a little , it hurts a lot! Anyone that says it doesn't is lying! It's such a vulnerable feeling putting yourself out there and then being told no thank you. But bravo for you that you went for it, you're battle scars are par for the course and proof that you're in the game. And you learned something important, you still want to plsy. Let me tell you something that is very encouraging. The past few assignments that my "established" friends have received , were jobs where they sent unagented. Big jobs, mind you! Postcards and packets really do work!
Pick out some places and send your art back into the world.
Chin up, your art is fab! Very unique and will click with someone.
Roz
i appreciate your honesty & sharing your experience.
i sent 2 paintings for consideration for a show and was rejected. granted over 500 paints were submitted and only 32 were to be chosen, but still it was a bit of a let down to know that i won't be going to a nice gallery opening with friends & family next month.
but i'll keep trying.
Until you show your art to the "right" person/market, of course they'll turn you down. So you keep showing it. Are you aware of Robert Genn's bi-weekly art letter? He had a great article a month or so ago about sales and selling. Of course, sometimes criticism is either spot on < :-( > or hits us where we THINK we are weak (at which point we believe it ALL)... I think sitting down with DDP or some other comfort is healing. THEN look for whatever part of the comments have truth... if any. Best wishes. Can you imagine anyone thinking Quentin Blake would be as well known as he is now?!!! or R. Searle? There's a place for you, too.
End of pep talk.
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