Let’s embrace rejection!
It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially in the creative industry where every "no" can feel like a gut punch. What I find even tougher than a polite rejection email is the deafening silence that follows a submission, leaving me wondering if my work is even worthy of a response.
I’ve had a lot of rejections on the way to success, but I have reframed how I look at it- rejection is not the end; it's merely a stepping stone in the journey.
I’ll share my go to strategies to navigate rejection and keep moving forward.
I’ve also had a busy month hosting and being a guest on various podcasts, discussing ‘Our Australian Heart’ (an anthology featuring my work) and the creative process. Sale proceeds from the book will be donated to The Indigenous Literary Foundation.
Tips for dealing with rejection:
1. Seek Support
Surround yourself with a supportive network, whether it's an illustration group, friends, or family. Having a community that understands your struggles and can offer encouragement can make all the difference in staying motivated.
2. Embrace Feedback
Instead of dwelling on the rejection, use it as an opportunity for growth. Write down feedback from rejections and look for patterns. Use this information to improve your work and increase your chances of success in the future.
4. Join the 100 Rejections Club
Shift your perspective on rejection by reframing it as progress. Each rejection brings you one step closer to a "yes." Embrace the rejections as a necessary part of the journey towards achieving your goals. You can do this online or with a group.
Remember that silence doesn't always mean a rejection. Sometimes, opportunities come when you least expect them. Stay patient and keep the faith that your work will find its way to the right person at the right time. I once got an offer for work on a reply to an email that I sent 6 months ago.
5. Track Your Progress
Celebrate the small wins along the way, even if they're not a "yes." Keep a record of positive feedback and milestones achieved. Recognizing your progress, no matter how small, can help you stay motivated and focused on your long-term goals.
6. Take Breaks When Needed
Remember that it's okay to take a step back and recharge when rejection starts to weigh you down. Taking a break can help you regain perspective, refocus your energy, and come back stronger when you're ready to submit again.
In the world of creative pursuits, rejection is inevitable. But by embracing rejection as a natural part of the process, seeking support, learning from feedback, staying patient, reframing rejection as progress, tracking your progress, and taking breaks when needed, you can keep moving forward with resilience and determination. Remember, it's not a sprint but a marathon, and every rejection is just a stepping stone.
News
I’ve had a busy week of hosting and being a guest on various podcasts.
I was a host on “Words and Nerds” with David Lawrence, who is a children’s book author and Indigenous Literacy Foundation Ambassador. We were also joined by the creator of ‘Our Australian Heart’, Romi Sharp and other illustrators who contributed to the book. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
It was an absolute pleasure to be on Ken’s show, “Reading with a Chance of Tacos”. We chatted about ‘Our Australian Heart’ and the creative process. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.
And I loved getting to know Michelle Worthington when she interviewed me for her “Ask a Creative” series. We speak about the illustration journey and My submission for “Our Australian Heart”.
I hosted my first Illoguild live all about ‘Productivity Hacks’. Listen for some useful tips.
And join the Illoguild for the next Illoguild Live on 4 March all about ‘Embracing Rejection’. You can register here.
You can also listen to the Illoguild Live all about getting prepared for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) in April 2024. You can also read the Illoguild newsletter all about our experiences at BCBF in 2023.
Our Australian Heart
‘Our Australian Heart’ an anthology featuring me work is now available. Sale proceeds are to be donated to The Indigenous Literary Foundation. I love the print quality and having my work featured along other wonderful illustrators. My copy is on my coffee table (it’s so beautiful). Here is a link to find out more.
Please share your rejection or success stories. It helps us all stay motivated.
Thanks for reading!
You can see more of my work on my website or instagram.
Also please check out the Illoguild Newsletter! It comes out next week and all the contributors will be tackling the question “How do you move forward after rejection?”
You're always a superstar! Excellent post! xx
Great inspirational tips!