Art Show Rejections

It’s art show notification season,

And I just wanted to check in and make sure you’re doing ok.

Applying to shows is a roller coaster.

From the applications, to the booth shots, to the artist bios…then the waiting…

And not knowing.

Even for seasoned veterans…rejection happens.

Even if you’ve done the show before…rejection happens.

Even if you know someone…rejection happens.

This is your friendly reminder that…

It doesn’t make you any less of an artist if you don’t get into the show.

You are 100% an artist…even if you never did another show for the rest of your time on earth. As long as you’ve been making art, you’ve been an artist. As long as you continue making art, you are an artist.

It doesn’t mean that there is something wrong with your work if you don’t get into the show.

Your work is brilliant. Keep going. Don’t change. Stay on your path. Make the stuff that lights you up.

It doesn’t mean you are unworthy if you don’t get into the show.

You are worthy of all of it…success, validation, money, acceptance. It’s not the art show jurors' job to make you feel that way. So stop letting a rejection or an acceptance be your measuring stick for how worthy you are and feel. That’s your job. 💪

If you find yourself feeling defensive, angry, or sad when you aren’t accepted into a show…

Take a pause.

Breathe.

Remember who you are and why you do what you do.

Remember that this means nothing about you or your art.

This is just part of the process of selling.

You win some, you lose some, you just keep going.

Life is an equal mix of ups and downs.

Lean into that.

And, something that takes the sting away…

Make it a point to always have a plan B that is even better than the show that sent you the rejection.

A weekend in the studio, a different show, a trip to the beach or a hike you’ve wanted to try, an afternoon with your kids, a museum tour, time alone, time with friends….

Happy show season!