Rejection Sucks

I started writing a new monthly column in The Noise. The column is called "Letters from the Creative Bureaucrat." Pick up a copy of The Noise in newsstands and coffeehouses around Northern Arizona. Here's my February "letter"...

Rejection sucks.

Of course, everyone experiences rejection at some point in his or her life. Whether it’s rejection from a lover (which always hurts most, because it feels like a rejection of our entire being), or rejection about something we’ve created (like if you didn’t appreciate my first-ever article in The Noise), or rejection from a boss who doesn’t like something we’ve done (which can be infuriating, saddening, or humorous, depending on the boss)… either way, it still stings. Sometimes it stings a little, sometimes a lot.

In the world of the arts – where I work every day – rejection has a different sentiment to it. Most artists have experienced rejection in regards to their work – even the most celebrated artists have been rejected many times. Artists apply to participate in exhibitions all over the country, in public and private galleries, and in festivals and fairs. Rejection is a natural result. There is a blog by an artist who posts all of the rejection letters she’s received from galleries and exhibitions. There are many.

In the last month, I’ve participated in two art juries. In this highly judgmental process, the members of the jury review artwork submitted for a particular show, exhibition or event. They judge the work as either acceptable for the show or not acceptable for the show. There’s no middle ground, there’s no ‘maybe’, there’s no honorable mention. The work is either in or out.

One of my juries was tasked with choosing seven artists out of 47 applicants. The other had to choose 50-60 works of art out of a selection of 200. So, obviously, most of the applicants would be rejected. Many of the rejected applicants were quality artists who just didn’t fit or didn’t quite match up well with the other work presented.

In some cases, we are indeed rejecting those who need to hone their craft and develop stronger work. But in most cases, it’s really about the personality of the members of the jury and their unique tastes in art. We often say that we are judging on the basis of artistic excellence, but truly, it’s about what we like. No matter which “experts” might serve on a jury, they are still just people who have preferences. That’s why, when I talk to artists, I encourage them to take rejection with a grain of salt. Learn from it, but don’t learn too much from it, I say.

The successful artist is the one who can remain focused on developing and improving his/her work, while balancing two key abilities. 1) Never let rejection knock you off course. Stay true to your work and vision and keep trying. 2) Simultaneously listen and learn from these rejections without taking it personally. Whether it helps to fine-tune your craft or encourages you to start all over again, listening to others’ criticism can be truly valuable to the development of great art.

In the end, rejection, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

Cheers,
JT