We all deal with rejection. The bigger your dream, the more you have to deal with it. The way I see it, rejection is just a sign that you're reaching for something more, and that's a wonderful thing. If you've had a recent rejection that has been holding you down, or an old one that has pulled you from your dream, I want to share this because I think it will help you feel a little better about yourself 🧑🎨
I am a career artist. I'm currently represented by galleries across the country and have sold over 7 figures in art. This past week, I got a rejection from New American Paintings. It wasn't the first time. It wasn't the 10th time. I have been rejected by NAP for over 20 years in a row now! Yes, I said years. When I first started applying, I was still in art school 🤣
The reason I share this is because rejection is part of the process, and it shouldn't be something that holds you down. It's also important to see that the people doing the things you want to do have dealt with rejection themselves, despite the illusions of social media. Rejection can sting, but it gets easier and easier. I promise. You learn to callous and condition youself. Pretty soon, it becomes a drop of water off the back. More than that, if you can find a way to turn your rejection into a win, even a source of fuel (maybe sharing a story to help others), then I would call that, in many ways, a success ❤️
Perhaps the past 20 years haven't been my time for NAP, but if it's something I still want, and it is, I will try again next year...and the year after that...and the year after that until it is my time. In the meantime, I will continue to plan new seeds and bear new fruit. Keep going. The journey gets rough, but there is so much more to see and do. I welcome to join me on this journey. I could use some company 🙏
