How to get REJECTED!!! art shows, life-- & MORE!

I know, it sucks. Getting rejected from anything hurts! Whether it's on a more personal basis like in relationships with friends or family, or if it's in a business transaction like with work or possibly your most intimate endeavor--your life's passion to create works of art. Anytime you put yourself out there into the vast world you are taking a chance at the dreaded REJECTION! This rejection thing, no matter where it comes from, can be absolutely devastating-- this guide is intended to help you not only to accept rejection but also to learn, grow, and eventually benefit from this dreaded yet inevitable social encounter.

When you enter your art into a juried art show, you have to be prepared for the possibility that you could be rejected. That does not mean that you should be hindered from entering shows, just view it as taking a positive risk. Being over confident and believing that you've "got it in the bag," even if you are sure that you do, can set you up for a devastating let down if you don't get accepted. Keep in mind that there are multiple factors that go into curating an art show, and since lots of artists enter these shows there is always a tremendous amount of excellent work that will not get shown simply do to space issues. I like to think that I've got a 60% chance of getting into any given show, because it's better than half- which is encouraging, but not so high that it goes to my head. It's normal to be excited but don't get too worked up until you know the results. Never, ever be cocky or start advertising yourself being in the show until you actually are in it. Don't do the opposite by being negative, having self doubts or not bothering to enter the show at all. Just stay quietly confident, hopeful, positive and accept that what will be, will be. Being prepared for the possibility of a let down can also make an acceptance feel even better!

Once you find out that you have indeed been rejected, it is perfectly natural and okay to experience some negative emotions. You might feel sad, mad or even a little self conscience-- this sucks but it is normal. It's important for you to be able to express your feelings in an appropriate way. Never be a poor sport and exhibit animosity towards gallery owners or other artists, it's nothing personal towards you and you wouldn't want to burn any bridges, especially in tight knit communities such as local art scenes. Be sure to hold your head high, be respectful by thanking the gallery that rejected you for the opportunity and their time in considering your work. Congratulate those artists who you know and were accepted and if you can, try to attend the show opening. Then, later when you are by yourself or with unrelated friends or family you can let those emotions loose. The first time rejection sometimes stings the worst, and other stressful situations simultaneously occurring in your life can also heighten negative emotions. Allow yourself to feel what you're going to feel and express it in a safe environment with people that you love and trust. I don't personally recommend catharsis, which is to vent negative emotions through non productive acts such as punching a pillow. I would much rather harness the powerful energy and use it towards something positive and productive like making a new work of art! Take the time you need, but don't get stuck there. Do whatever you do to work through your feelings and then get ready to move forward.

Okay, you've worked through your hurt feelings and now it's time to accept it. Rejection is a normal part of life, sure some people experience it more or less than others but we all experience it at one point. Even great artists of History have been rejected: Vincent Van Gogh only sold one whopping painting before he died, now his works bring in millions of dollars, artist elites of his time not only rejected Manet but they openly mocked his works which later influenced major artistic changes that helped to bring about the modern art era. Accepting rejection can be a key to moving forward.

Let this rejection be a point of inspiration to you, learn from it and let it be a driving force that propels you forward so that you can be a better artist. I do not recommend asking the gallery jurors directly why they didn't select your piece, but if you can casually get them to offer you any insights, or constructive criticism this can be helpful. You can also ask other art minded people for their thoughts on how you could improve you work. Take it with a grain of salt, use the information that you find most useful and go from there. Stay true to yourself no matter what, I am a firm believer that this is when you will be at your ultimate best. Never quit working, producing and putting your art out into the world. The day that you stop learning, growing and improving from your life experiences should be the day that you die.

Once you've accepted your rejection, get back on the horse! Keep submitting work to shows and it will eventually pay off. Being an artist takes a lot of will and determination, if you give up than it's just simply not going to happen for you. If you truly believe in your soul that this is what you were put here to do, than it doesn't matter how many times you are rejected or accepted, it matters that this is the life that you lived. To be an artist you have to live the life of an artist and to be honest it is one hell of a wild roller coaster ride. But, if you live your life making art through all of your highs and lows, than you truly are a GREAT ARTIST!