Embrace No: A Tool I’ve Learned From Art—And You Can Handle Rejection Too

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned from my art journey is the importance of rejection. At first, it was tough to swallow. But over time, I’ve realized that rejection is not just inevitable—it’s a key part of growth. And this isn’t just a lesson for artists. Handling rejection is a tool I’ve learned through my creative work that you can apply to any passion or project you’re pursuing.

Why Rejection is a Gift, Not a Setback

When you’re chasing a passion—whether that’s painting, writing, cooking, or even developing your career—there will always be moments when things don’t go your way. You might face rejection, indifference, or criticism. And yes, those moments sting. But here's the thing: rejection is often a sign that you're doing something important. If your work is resonating with people, that’s great. But if it’s not, that's part of the process.

Whether you're trying to land a job, pitch a project, or share a new idea, it’s easy to fear rejection. But if you learn to embrace it, you’ll see that it’s part of the process. Rejection doesn’t mean your work is bad. It just means that it’s not right for that particular moment or audience. I personally find indifference the most difficult form of rejection, but let's face it, not all things are meant for all people.

The Power of Handling Rejection: It’s All About Resilience

Rejection isn’t something to shy away from. In fact, I’ve learned to collect rejections as a badge of honor. Each one reminds me that I’m putting myself out there, that I’m chasing my passion, and that I’m learning and growing.

This mentality isn’t just about art. It’s about life and the way you approach your goals. Every time you put yourself out there and get a “no,” it’s an opportunity to refine your craft, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward. In this way, each rejection is a step closer to your next “yes.”

As Theodore Roosevelt famously said:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, ... but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Theodore Roosevelt, thank you for the "man in the arena quote." Sustaining words for the brave but still vulnerable in all of us.

Negative Feedback and Your Shadow: An Unexpected Gift

But here’s where it gets interesting: Negative reactions to your work can be more than just rejection—they can be a clue. When someone reacts negatively to something you’ve created, it may not have anything to do with the quality of your work. Sometimes, these reactions are more about them than about you.

Art that evokes a strong emotional response—whether it’s anger, frustration, or discomfort—can be a hack for unlocking what’s buried in the shadow side of the person reacting to it. In other words, these emotions can offer a glimpse into someone’s unprocessed feelings, insecurities, or hidden aspects of themselves. So, the next time you get negative feedback, instead of seeing it as a failure, consider it as a window into something deeper—both for you and your audience.

It’s a bold statement, I know. But just like in my article about how negative reactions to art can help you understand your shadow side, these moments of discomfort can be a chance to explore what’s hidden beneath the surface. When you’re doing brave work, people’s responses to your art can open up important conversations about what’s being triggered.

How to Keep Moving Forward: Always Have Your Next Step Ready

One of the best ways to handle rejection is to keep moving. If you put all your emotional energy into one opportunity or one outcome, you’re going to feel crushed when things don’t work out. But if you have your next step lined up, you’ll be ready to keep going.

For example, I’m excited to be part of the The Environment exhibition at Mainframe Studios. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase my work, connect with other artists, and get feedback from patrons. But after the exhibition ends, I’m not stopping. I’ve already applied to other opportunities and have a virtual art shop set up to showcase my collection online. This allows me to keep my momentum going, no matter what happens at the exhibition.

And you can do the same. If you’re working on a personal project, a career goal, or anything else, always have your next step ready. Rejection will happen, but as long as you keep moving forward, you’re building resilience and progress.

TL;DR: Use Rejection as Fuel for Your Passion

The next time you face rejection, don’t let it stop you. Treat it as part of the journey—a sign that you’re taking risks, learning, and growing. And always have your next step ready, so that you can keep moving forward, no matter what. Whether you're an artist or an entrepreneur, these tools apply to anyone who is passionate about their craft. Keep going, and success will follow.