I really love my job. It’s great to work with so many brilliant clients and artists and there’s rarely a dull moment, but for every artist I get to work with there are many, many, more who I have to give the bad news to – you didn't get selected. It’s the worst part and I often dread it for weeks in advance. Mostly artists are disappointed, but gracious in receiving this bad news. There are some who haven’t handled it so well, a rare few who have taken it really very badly…
Rejection in public art and in life, in its many forms, is inevitable. It’s part of the deal. In the artworld, from grant applications to galleries politely declining your work, the sting of rejection can feel personal, demoralizing, and off putting. But the reality is it’s part and parcel if the bigger picture (excuse the pun). Huge resilience, perspective, and a few strategic tools, you can transform rejection from a roadblock into an opportunity for growth and evolution.
Understanding the landscape: Rejection in the art world isn't personal, it's part of the game. Budget constraints, stylistic preferences, curatorial visions, panel selections and so many other factors all feed into final decisions. Your work/submission/concept might simply not be the right fit at that specific moment. Recognising this objectivity can help soften the blow.
Numbers and statistics: It’s important to understand the numbers. I usually longlist between twelve to (on occasion) over twenty artists to show a commissioning body. From this longlist there’s usually three to four artists selected to create concepts. From those three to four, only one will be selected to be commissioned, so the odds are twenty to one.
Taming the Rollercoaster: Rejection can hurt – but only if you let it. Acknowledge the emotions – disappointment, sadness, frustration, even maybe anger – and give yourself space to process this. Talk to a trusted friend, write in a journal, or engage in activities that make you feel better, or forget about it. Remember, processing emotions allows you to move on constructively. You can’t change the situation but you can control how it makes you feel.
Seeking Insight: Don't shy away from feedback if it’s offered but don’t pester for it, if it’s not offered. Sometimes there’s not enough information provided by those who make decisions. Sometimes curators can provide some insight as to why you weren’t selected, sometimes they can't. What we can’t do is tell you why someone else got it (that remains confidential until the commissioner decides to announce the outcome) and why you didn’t. When feedback is available, use this to best advantage, see if you can find areas for improvement and help you refine your artistic direction. Remember, feedback is information, not a judgment on your worth as an artist.
Whatever you do don’t throw a tantrum, that’s never a good look.
Step Back and Reassess: Try to find positives – what did you learn from this experience? What could you improve next time? Was your submission on point? Did you present well? Do you feel you effectively communicated the essence of your work? Use this opportunity to refine your strategy and tailor your presentations to better align with specific opportunities.
Don’t Give Up: J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" was rejected by twelve publishers. Vincent Van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime. Rejection doesn't define you or you practice; it's part of the journey.
Reframe the experience: Instead of viewing rejection as a failure, see it as a learning and refining opportunity – time to hone your skills, explore new avenues, and broaden your artistic horizons.
Double down: Success requires huge resilience. Let rejections refuel your passion, your determination, and your desire to create work that resonates with the world.
Build a network: surround yourself with artists, mentors, and creative communities who understand the landscape, the challenges and who will celebrate your successes. Share your experiences, offer encouragement to others, and learn from each other's journeys - strong support systems provide strength and inspiration during challenging times.
Remember, You are Not Alone: Rejection is a universal experience, shared by artists across generations and disciplines, at all levels - even the most celebrated artists face countless rejections.
By developing the tools to navigate rejection, you can transform it from a hurdle into a developmental stage on your artistic journey. Resilience, perspective, thick skin and an unwavering passion for your art are the only way to succeed & fulfill your creative potential.
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