Rejection Letters

Have you ever received a Rejection Letter?

Anyone who has ever applied for something, or submitted something for review, has probably received a rejection letter at one time or another. They aren’t fun to receive.

No one enjoys rejection! They are, however, a fact of life.

And by the way, it happens to everyone.

Art Fair Applications

As an artist, we all believe our work is more than suited for the selected art fair to which we are applying. In the cold days of January, I fill out numerous fair applications.

Some require mailing printed images and great detail.

Art shows may also offer electronic application submission. Much easier to submit, often requiring only five digital images with a short 100-word narrative.

Along with the $30.00 – $40.00 jury fee, this is the extent of the application. After tentatively reserving the specific weekend, one now waits a few months for the jury’s response.

The mail will arrive. Accepted for some shows.

Rejected!

Rejected for others.

“I can’t believe it. Rejected!”

Annually, I’m selected to participate in many great art fairs in Wisconsin. And then there are a couple of shows that, for-whatever-reason, my application is rejected.

Same images and same verbiage is used in all applications. Yet some juries like them, and others do not. Does it make sense? If it does, I haven’t figured it out.

Rejection Letters - Move On

Having said that, I don’t get concerned about the rejection letters.

Because I will not be at their show, their art fair visitors are precluded from enjoying my photography. What a loss for their art fair!

The best way to handle the rejection letter is not take it personally. Move on and move forward.

I have found a successful market for my photography in many art fairs and continue to support those events. And I will find new fairs to add to the mix.

The last thing I’ll do is be concerned about the rejection from other fairs.

You’re in Great Company

If you’ve ever received a rejection letter, you’re in great company. Just Google “rejected authors” and become inspired by rejections!

Would you believe Agatha Christie, Louis L’Amour, Zane Grey and many others all make the list?

Do the same for singers, or successful movies that were first rejected.

The list of successful names will amaze you.

Don’t Quit- Know there is a Market

And what do to if you ever receive the rejection letter? Don’t give up.

People judge based on what they like. It’s OK if judges of one particular art fair don’t like my photography.

There are many others who do. That’s what marketing is all about.