Rejection can feel like standing in the middle of a burned field—like everything you worked for has turned to ash. I’ve been there. I created this self-portrait standing in a charred field, surrounded by nothing but scorched earth. At the time, it felt like the perfect metaphor for the rejection I was facing. But here’s the thing about fire: it clears the way for new growth. Some of my biggest ‘no’s’ led me to even better opportunities.

We’ve all been there. Whether it’s a grant, contest, or a gallery submission, that dreaded “no” can sting. And trust me, I’ve received my fair share. For a long time, I took it personally, wondering if my work wasn't good enough or what the accepted artists had that I didn't. But the truth is, art is subjective. One rejection (or ten) doesn't define your talent or value of what you create.

Looking back, some of the opportunities I was heartbroken over weren't actually the right fit. I just couldn't see it at the time. Rejection isn't the end of the road- it's a detour. And sometimes, it leads to something even better than you imagined.

How I Stay Resilient (and How You Can Too)

So, how do we keep going when rejection makes us want to crawl under a blanket and never submit our work again? Here are a few things that help me push through:

• Remember Why You Started – I create because I love it. External validation doesn’t determine my passion or purpose, and I remind myself of that often.
• Reframe Rejection as Redirection – Instead of seeing it as failure, I try (keyword: try) to view it as a step toward where I’m truly meant to be. If one door closes, another will open—maybe even one I hadn’t considered before.
• Keep Putting Yourself Out There – The more I submit, the better my chances. Even the most successful artists have stacks of rejection letters. If they stopped trying, we wouldn’t even know their names.
• Celebrate the Wins—Big and Small – Whether it’s positive feedback, a personal note from a juror, or just finishing a piece I’m proud of, I try to acknowledge my progress. Not every win is public, and that’s okay.
• Surround Yourself with Support – Having artist friends who understand the struggle makes all the difference. Talking to people who get it (and have been through it) helps me keep things in perspective.
• Keep Creating – The best way to push through rejection is to keep making art. The more I create, the more opportunities I have to succeed. If one gallery or contest doesn’t see the value in my work, it doesn’t mean the right person won’t.

Final Thoughts

Rejection is tough, but it’s not the end of the road—it’s just a bump along the way. If you’ve faced rejection recently (or many times, like I have), know that you’re not alone. Keep going, keep growing, and trust that your work will find the right audience in time. The only true failure is giving up.

And I don’t know about you, but I’m not quitting anytime soon!

Have you ever had a 'no' lead to something even better? I'd love to hear about it!

~Dana