The very day after I wrote my 'motivational post' about taking risks and putting yourself out into the world, I received my first rejection letter. (Don't ya just love irony?)
I had submitted a trio of collages to an art magazine. Apparently, my work was not exactly what they needed at this time. Okay, I understand. But that didn't make me feel any better, even when the voice of logic was screaming in my ear that this was but my first submission. What was I thinking? That the magazine would immediately scoop up my collages for a featured article? Alright, I suppose I was hoping, but clearly not thinking realistically.
I felt the strong temptation to mope over my bad luck, but decided to listen to my own words from the day before. I went right back to my studio and made a series of ATC's with inspirational messages.
My dear friend Diana had suggested that I make collages in this size. I thought this was the perfect opportunity for me to do so. Simply the act of creating collages with an upbeat message made me feel better. I hope they make you smile as well, as your support and encouragement give me the courage to take another chance and send those rejected collages off to another publication. I may be down, but I'm not out.
This ATC has sold, but others are available in my Etsy shop .
© Nancy Lefko
13 comments:
Hello this is jody from everydaybeautiful.typepad.com !! Feel free to link away!! Thanks for asking!
jody
I have a folder of rejections: to re=read the rejections a month later, then you clearly get the message.
Not all rejects are rejects, read carefully. I made that mistake numerous times, there is something to learn.
Wonderful solution you have here with the ATC's. Consider notecards with these...
Best to you Nancy!
ahhh the trials of being a creative artist in this challenging world! I think you did the right thing, got right back into the studio and created something to make you happy. It is hard doing what we do because for most of us, the rejections out number the contracts. All part of the process, but it never makes it any easier! Keep up the good work.
i'm visiting your blog for the first time (from charm school dropout's). love your work and i love that you went straight to the art room after receiving your letter. way to go! keep the faith and you will reach your goal!!
ahhh...rejection, ain't it great?? Having been on the other side of the equation (deciding which art to use for an article), it's really about what your letter said- 'it isn't quite what they need at this time'...that is REALLY the truth...it's not about your art being bad or not worthy or 'good enough' (which is all we hear when we get the rejection letters). It's about an art director looking for art that matches what is in her head or fits the already decided theme of an article...you have terrific talant and your design skills are top notch- keep making art!
eBeth (and I'm glad you like the inchies- I made them ages ago!- how would I make charms with them?
eBeth
Really nice works here !
Hi Nancy...
It is their loss and the loss of their readers...your work is amazing and I know it will be picked up by another magazine....just keep thinking positive and keep pushing ahead...rejection makes us stronger....I know I have had my share and I used to really take it personally...but then I just kept telling myself that it's not my work...because my work is great....and just like that I created more and more things...things that made me smile and things that will be around long after I am gone ....
I am so happy that you're making the mini pieces again...I love these messages...Aspire is all mine !!! I will be inspired by this piece each and every day...so thank you for sharing you art with us...it is FABULOUS!
Have a great day...
Hugs
Diana
Your collages, scrapbooks, ATCs are all deserving of being displayed, printed, published, and shared. You have a rare gift, and it is yours to share.
I keep the rejection letters in my file along with the query letters, image samples and manuscripts that generated them.
Believe it or not, there are GOOD rejection letters. The yucky ones are the tiny form letters the size of a postcard, with only a check mark to show why it was rejected. But there is an advance...to a larger form letter. Beyond that there are the ones that are signed in INK, and finally the ones that I treasure.... the formal explanation from an Art Editor with the details of why the piece was rejected.
Soon, very soon, I am thinking you are going to get the PHONE CALL that says, We LOVE your work! Send us more more more.
How do I know that? Because your work is just that good, that inspiring, that full of charm!
One magazine? I think you should just keep submitting to others! You are definitely going to make it!
It's a hard thing to remember that they're not rejecting you personally, nor are they saying your not good! It just didn't fit.
It still hurts huh!
That's when you pull yourself up by your bootstraps and dig in deeper, for the long haul.
The reality is Nancy, you're really good at what you do, and your work does stand out in your medium! You have a delicious sense of humor!
They just don't know what they missed! Hugs from TX!
I heart your stuff... truly. I'm glad you have that stick-to-it-iveness. Being an artist can be hard sometimes... but totally worth it.
Way to inspire.
I have been rejected so much that it becomes a life style :) i was rejected by a children's literary agent last week for being too cute. Meanwhile i have a client asking me for cute? Go figure. you are so talented! my hubby taught me the 3 p's. It is not personal, pervasive or permanent. If you remember this you are ok and the sting will lessen each day.
This is a super piece, great rich colours and strong design quality. Best of luck with your future submissions :)
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