Rejection is a common part of the creative industry journey. Overtime, this can have a detrimental effect on our confidence, sense of self-worth and overall mental wellbeing. Here’s how to deal with rejection in the creative industry and move forward feeling strong and empowered.
Leaning in to your feels
Rejection might be motivating for some people, but crippling for others. It’s so important to be intuitive to how you’re feeling, but also maintain healthy boundaries. If this one hit you hard, take some time to rest and restore by doing something that makes you really happy before picking yourself back up again. Allow yourself to feel sad – it is a natural feeling and you are allowed to feel disappointed about it. It just means that you wanted to be part of the opportunity. Don’t let this hold you back from applying again though! It is important to realise this as just one step of rejection and not allow yourself to be consumed by the whole thing.
Ask for feedback
Securing feedback from major opportunities can be challenging due to high applicant volumes. However, if feedback is available, make the most of it. Allocate time for reflection, integrating insights from industry experts and self-assessment. This proactive approach will shed light on potential areas for improvement. You might find that your rejection was a result of something completely out of your control, or you might learn insights that will get you a ‘yes’ next time.
Set your boundaries
When it comes to applying for opportunities, setting healthy boundaries is crucial. Without them, you’re going to burn out and become demotivated very quickly. Set a manageable time limit to dedicate so many hours per week on applications and create a separate email inbox to receive art newsletters about opportunities. This will relieve pressure and stress because you can sign in and out on your own accord. This will also stop you from applying for opportunities for the sake of applying for them and allow you to focus on the ones which will really benefit you.
Don’t take things personally
In a world where competition is fierce and opportunities scarce, it’s vital to acknowledge the subjectivity involved in selection processes, and therefore rejection is inevitable. There could be many reasons as to why you didn’t make the shortlist – your work might have not fit the theme, or only 10 people could be shortlisted from 1000 applicants (that’s a 1% chance of success!). It’s understandable to feel disheartened after investing time and effort into applications. However, by reframing rejection as part of the journey rather than a personal setback, you can shield your self-esteem and remain inspired to pursue future creative aspirations.
Seek some support
We tend to hide our imperfections, especially on social media. More often than not, only achievements are celebrated but not how we grow from the knock-backs. But talking to other creatives about your experiences of rejection will help to comfort you in the difficult times. You’re definitely not alone – rejection is more common than you think. We all face it but it is such a taboo subject, and your experience might really help someone else. Just because other people are not discussing it does not mean it’s not happening.
Practice self-care through the process
Creative people are humans, not robots. So if a rejection hits hard, don’t sweep it under the carpet and suppress your emotions. Remember, healing takes time. Take a breather and indulge in self-care activities that uplift your spirits. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, exercising, or enjoying nature, prioritise activities that nurture your soul. Putting your mental health first will allow you to bounce back stronger and also cultivate resilience for future endeavours in the creative realm.
Think about your achievements
If you are still finding the rejection hard, remind yourself of what you have already done. It can be difficult when we get bad news to focus on the good. Make a file or a document with all your personal achievements and positive comments, which you can then reflect on to motivate you. It will remind you why you do what you do and spur you forward for success. And if you can’t think of any yourself, then ask someone else. Sometimes it can be hard to identify our strong suits which others could pick out of us so easily.
Don’t lose hope!
Staying hopeful after facing rejection isn’t always easy, but the saying “where there’s a will, there’s a way” holds true. Not every opportunity will pan out, and that’s okay. Rejection often redirects us toward paths better suited for our journey. So, while setbacks can be disheartening, they also open doors to unforeseen opportunities. Trust in your path, stay open to new possibilities, and remember, each rejection brings you closer to where you’re meant to be.
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Authors
Bethan Jayne Goddard
