". . . a brush with nature"
Knee Jerk Reaction
Topics: when challenged keep going move ahead don't get discouraged keep motivated turn a negative into a positive Debbie Hughbanks | Dealing with rejection and disappointment dealing with negativity and self doubt believe in yourself Debbie Hughbanks
As an artist we all experience rejection of one kind or another during our artistic journey. It can feel devastating . . . often threatening to stop us in our tracks. Don’t have a knee jerk reaction to it.
Give yourself a chance to breathe. In fact, after experiencing a rejection give it a day or two before even reacting at all. No matter how bad you feel now, things will look different (most likely better) in a couple of days.
Don’t make rash decisions that you can’t take back following too quickly on the heels of disappointment. Don’t quit painting. Don’t quit showing your work. Don’t doubt yourself or your value as an artist. Just give yourself a little time. And remember that you are actually hurting yourself more with the negativity brought on by your own self doubts.
Even though you have probably heard all of this before, it may be the most valuable advice you ever receive as an artist. Sometimes we all just need to be reminded again and again.
My husband reminds me of it when I most need to hear it. Rejection is only one opinion and doesn’t reflect on my abilities as an artist or the success of my work.
I am in charge of that.
Leave a Comment