Overcoming Artistic Rejection: A Guide to Creative Empowerment | Peggy Dean | Skillshare
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Overcoming Artistic Rejection: A Guide to Creative Empowerment

teacher avatar Peggy Dean, Top Teacher | The Pigeon Letters

Watch this class and thousands more

Get unlimited access to every class
Taught by industry leaders & working professionals
Topics include illustration, design, photography, and more

Watch this class and thousands more

Get unlimited access to every class
Taught by industry leaders & working professionals
Topics include illustration, design, photography, and more

Lessons in This Class

    • 1.

      If Someone Would Have Told Me This ...

      1:34

    • 2.

      My Personal Experience with Rejection

      4:31

    • 3.

      The Emotional Spectrum of Rejection

      5:48

    • 4.

      Psychology (& Mind Tricks) Behind Rejection & Criticism

      3:33

    • 5.

      Paralysis of Inaction

      2:54

    • 6.

      10 Strategies for Engaging with Rejection

      5:22

    • 7.

      Move Forward with the Act of Trying

      2:49

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About This Class

Rejection is a major setback for humans, even more so for creative people like artists, entrepreneurs, and even hobbyists wanting to create for the simple joy of creating.

This class addresses an all-too-common yet underexplored aspect of the creative process: turning the twin challenges of rejection and criticism into springboards for artistic development.

This isn't a typical class; it's a crucial journey for any creative individual seeking to thrive in their craft. Through a warm, relatable approach, we'll explore how redefining our reactions to feedback can dramatically shift our creative trajectory (and in turn, skyrocket our success).

If someone had given me the tools I share in this class when I first started creating, and even in the thick of the middle, I wouldn’t have felt so alone. I wouldn’t have gotten stuck or doubted my choices. I would have felt empowered. I want to help you feel just that!

We’re covering key elements in this bite-sized class:

  • Understanding rejection: Unpack the emotions and misconceptions surrounding rejection, learning to see it not as a setback but as an integral part of the creative journey.
  • Criticism as a catalyst: Discover how to extract constructive insights from criticism, transforming it from a source of discouragement into one of empowerment and growth.
  • Reframing your narrative: Learn 10 strategies to change your internal dialogue about rejection and criticism, fostering resilience and a positive mindset.
  • Actionable feedback: Develop the skills to discern and apply actionable feedback, using it to refine your work and enhance your creative expression.
  • Growth mindset: Cultivate a growth mindset that embraces challenges, values effort, and sees potential in every opportunity for feedback.
  • Community and support: Engage with a community of fellow creatives who share your experiences and can offer support and perspective.

Download your workbook and let's jump in!

Why this class is a MUST WATCH (I mean it):

In a field where rejection and criticism are as common as they are challenging, learning to navigate these experiences positively is crucial. This class offers not just coping mechanisms but a radical shift in perspective that can unlock your creative potential. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, understanding how to use feedback constructively is key to not just surviving but thriving in your creative endeavors. Join me on this journey to turn what many see as obstacles into opportunities for growth, mastery, and success.

Other notable classes to watch next:

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Peggy Dean

Top Teacher | The Pigeon Letters

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Level: All Levels

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Transcripts

1. If Someone Would Have Told Me This ...: This is a little bit of a different topic than what you might be used to finding. It is universal among creative people. And it rarely receives the comprehensive attention that it deserves. Transforming our most formidable challenges, rejection and criticism, and turning those into potent catalysts for a creative evolution. That's a mouthful. But this process involves shaping our stories, because too often rejection and criticism are perceived as final. They're perceived as negative verdicts. And it suggests that our work or efforts fall short, or that somehow we're lacking as creators. However, what if we reinterpret those moments? Imagine viewing them as essential feedback, as opportunities for self growth. This is the transformative voyage that we are setting out on together. My name is Peggy Dean, and I am fortunate to say that I am a successful artist and a bestselling author and award winning educator. And it didn't come without a little bit of rejection along the way. I've got some tools for you that are going to get you set up for success. If somebody had told me in the beginning of my journey how much mindset played a crucial role and I had those tools, I wouldn't have felt so alone in this class is for anybody with passion who wants to do something and maybe feels restricted, maybe feels like they're not good enough. Because I promise that you are. And there's a little secret I have to sheriff in this class that I think is going to maybe give you a little bit of a light bulb re seven, So let's jump in. 2. My Personal Experience with Rejection: I'm so glad that you are here. We're going to tackle something that every creative person encounters, but it's seldom discussed in depth. This is turning our greatest setback rejection and criticism. We're going to turn these into powerful tools for our artistic growth. This is about changing the narrative. Often we view rejection and criticism as negative end points. These are assumed signals that our work is not good enough or that somehow we're failing as creatives. But what if we reframe these experiences? What if we see them as invaluable feedback, as catalysts for introspection and improvement, as necessary steps on a path to our success. That is, what this journey that we are about to embark on together is all about. Let me start by sharing a little bit of my journey. I want to share a snippet of a personal story. I remember when I was working at a hair salon, that was a little bit boogie. I say that with love. I loved working there. I admired the people that worked there. I wished to be like them, if you will. However, I can't not be Peggy. Peggy is loud, Peggy. I won't talk about myself in the third person, but I do have a little bit of an extroverted bluntness. To me, I'm a little hyper, but it worked out well, had a lot of connections with clients because I was a little more down to Earth, a little more relatable. But overall, I still can't help but feel, you know, especially when you're surrounded by a space where you just feel a little bit like a degree of separation out of place. Right. I couldn't help but feel how I felt. And I was fired by them after working there for a little over a year, I think. Maybe a year and a half, I don't remember. But I do know that when that happened, that triggered that rejection triggered me. And without realizing it, I took that rejection and I started demolishing everything in my personal life as well. Because if I did that, it didn't have control over me. It couldn't hurt me because I was the one in control. And I realized that that is an absolutely terrible coping mechanism. But at the time, I didn't have the tools to reframe my mindset around it. So luckily, I had someone who loved me, who called me out and I was able to reframe. It was a challenge. It was the biggest challenge I ever faced. It was a pivotal moment for me because the next time something happened where I faced rejection, while it felt like a direct hit to my confidence, it was a pivotal moment for me because it was one that could either discourage me or it could propel me forward. That experience, while very challenging, it became a crucial turning point in how I approached life. My creativity and my attitude, my overall attitude toward rejection. And I sat on this idea for a class for a while, but I'm so glad to be bringing it because we're going to explore several key areas that I think are the main culprits here. Which is understanding the emotional spectrum and owning. That we're going to delve into various emotions that we encounter alongside that are parallel with rejection and criticism, and how to acknowledge and manage them. It's so helpful then the psychology of rejection and criticism, which digs a little deeper than we might realize. We'll look at why those experiences can be so impactful, especially on psychological theories and historical examples. Don't worry, we won't go into it for too long. But helpful. We're also going to look at strategies for constructive engagement with rejection. I'm going to share some practical ways to transform rejection and criticism into opportunities for growth and resilience. By the end of our time together, my goal for you is to feel empowered to face rejection with a new perspective. And seeing these moments not as barriers, but as stepping stones to your success as an artist. And I will be the first to tell you that I have had a tumultuous relationship with rejection. So you are not alone. We're going to embark on this journey together. 3. The Emotional Spectrum of Rejection: There is a crucial point in understanding the emotional spectrum that accompanies rejection and criticism. As creative people, our work is often a very deep expression of our inner selfs. So it makes any form of criticism feel intensely personal. Not to mention it's also deeply personal knowing that it was our very hands, often times, that went into a creative process and it took mental and emotional energy. So the first question I want to call out is disappointment. It's a very natural reaction when our efforts don't meet the recognition, if you will, that we hoped for. And it's more than just feeling sad about an outcome. It's a very complex mix of emotions that often involves questioning our decisions and our path. For instance, maybe there's a piece that you felt deeply connected with. It doesn't resonate with other people. It's not just about that specific rejection. It ends up digging a lot deeper and it makes us wonder about our understanding of the craft that we do, or the audience or the market, you know. And it's vital to recognize that disappointment, It's not a verdict on your talent, but rather a very natural part of the artistic cycles. I think a signal to just reassess and potentially realign, not the reason to give up and it's okay to be disappointed. And then there's self doubt, which can be both a tormentor but also a teacher. It's a voice that questions our capabilities and can lead to significant creative blocks. But here's a different perspective. Self doubt is also a sign of our desire to improve. It arises from a place of wanting to be better. The trick is to balance the self critique and use it as fuel to drive learning and growth, not as a barrier. It's like that Ira Glass quote about the gap where you have really good taste. But when you're a beginner you don't have the skills to meet that taste. Not to say that we're all in this situation as beginners, but it's a good example of, of course, self doubt is going to create that gap, but it's all a part of the journey. I'm going to mesh frustration and anger together because these emotions can also surface, especially when we feel misunderstood or unfairly judged. These are firestarters. Frustration and anger can erupt when we are feeling our artistic vision is being challenged or belittled. My wife just shared a video with me of Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and the Papas on Ed Sullivan Show in the '60s. And they weren't allowed to sing live during their performance. And so they had to lip sync, So she decided to eat a banana during the lip sync. I call that a fire starter. I call that a good protest. That was a direct hit on their creativity. These emotions can be incredibly energizing and they can push us to defend our mission in that way. They can also lead to a renewed sense of purpose. How can you frame it to where it's what you need? Use the emotions as a catalyst to re, evaluate. Maybe that's your work, maybe it's new ways to communicate your vision more effectively. Or to stand firm in your artistic identity. And let's not overlook hurt because this can be a profound teacher. It feels like personal attacks, It does. It makes us question not just our work, but our very essence as artists. Yet within this emotion lies a deep well of insight. It forces us to confront our vulnerabilities, which is where true artistic strength lies. Anyway, right when we embrace vulnerability, it allows us to create more authentically and connect more deeply when you feel hurt. Let it be a moment to reflect on your emotional investment in your art and the power that it has to move and affect both you and your audience. Each of these emotions is a natural response. They are not just feelings. They are indicators of a deep passion, an investment that we have in our art. So when we're faced with these very real feelings, ask yourself, is this thought helping me grow? Or is it holding me back, transform it into a constructive dialogue with yourself? Now I want to pause for a moment. I want you to think back to a recent instance that you faced, rejection or criticism. It could be a gallery rejection, maybe a critical comment on social media, maybe even a well meaning. However, a little stingy critique from a friend or a family member. Write down briefly what happened and more importantly, the emotions that you felt don't want you to judge or analyze them. There's no analyzing the emotion. Just recognize them. Thank you for doing that. And if you couldn't find something right off the top of your head, I totally understand. I'm a little bit of the same way. It's hard for me to pinpoint unless I'm triggered yet again and then I remember it very vividly. But I do think that when we can pause, especially in the moment when we recognize the emotion, it's the first step to transforming them. And by acknowledging our feelings, we're not giving them power over us. Instead, we're understanding their roots and we're understanding how to address them constructively. Recognizing our emotions is the first step to transforming them. By acknowledging our feelings, we're not giving them power over us. Instead, we have the opportunity to understand their roots, learning to address them constructively. Before we move on, I want to reiterate your feelings are valid. The hurt, the doubt, the frustration. They don't define your talent or your future. They're part of your journey as a creative. They will be because they're a part of that commitment to your craft, to your passion, to the thing that you love the most. So all of it is valid. We're about to move into one of my favorite parts. So I'll see you in a moment. 4. Psychology (& Mind Tricks) Behind Rejection & Criticism: Let's explore why rejection and criticism can be so painful. Particularly for us as creative people. This is not just about our personal sensitivity. There are deeply rooted psychological factors at play. Because psychologically, rejection triggers the exact same pathways in our brain as physical pain. That is not a metaphor, it is a literal neurological response. Studies have shown that the feeling of rejection activates the same areas in our brain that are involved in physical pain sensations. And that's why a harsh critique can literally hurt. Have you heard of like, oh, that was a gut punch. Like our response to rejection is deeply rooted in our evolutionary past. Because as social beings, our ancestors, their survival depended heavily on being part of a group. So isolation and ostracism, those things weren't just painful, they were actually dangerous. This is an evolutionary backdrop and it makes our brains highly sensitive to rejection because it's an actual survival mechanism that signals us to correct our behavior to stay within the safety of the group. Hmm, That was a fact when I heard it that I was just like, ah, you know, it was so helpful to think of it in that way because as someone who's majorly triggered by rejection, I find it to be a fascinating fact to revisit because it really does serve as a reminder that I'm not actually being attacked and that I am in fact worthy. And then let's look at some of the greatest artists throughout history. Some of the most renowned artists faced rejection and criticism. For example, Monet now celebrated as a master of impressionism, was ridiculed for his then very radical painting style. And then there's Van Gogh, whose works are now actually priceless, but only sold a few paintings in his whole lifetime and faced criticism for having also a unique approach. Think about what might be unique. Now, you know, like in contemporary times we have more opportunity, but we still see similar stories because creative space rejection from partnerships, galleries, lack of sales in general. Yet they continue to create and evolve and eventually find their space, Find their audience rejection, while very challenging, is just a common part of this journey. No matter what. I have another reflective exercise for us. I want you to think about the times that you faced rejection and look at identifying patterns and how you respond. Do you tend to internalize criticism? Do you brush it off? Do you use it as fuel to improve? Maybe it's a mix of responses. I'm going to give you a minute to reflect on the experience that you previously wrote down. Thinking about the times that you've faced rejection. Understanding your personal pattern is a key to transforming how you handle criticism in the future. Because when we recognize these patterns, we can start to change our narrative. It's about that pause and giving ourselves the space to feel it and then returning to it with what's actually happening here. Instead of viewing rejection as personal failure, we can see it as an inevitable part of the artistic process. It's a step toward growth. And that does start with simple awareness. Now, the next video is a crucial part of this session. So I'll see you in a minute. 5. Paralysis of Inaction: I'm going to share a nasty cycle that often gets overlooked in our journey. And this is the cycle of inaction and confidence. Because it's a paradox, fear of rejection leads to inaction. Inaction in turn, erodes our confidence, fueling more fear. This cycle starts with a simple decision, which is not to act. Perhaps it's choosing not to submit your work to a gallery, or choosing not to share your creative projects online, or choosing not to try a new technique. The reason, it can be masked as procrastination a lot of times, but often it's a fear of rejection or criticism. Here's the twist. When we don't act, we deny ourselves the opportunity to succeed, to learn, or to grow. When we choose not to act, we are rejecting ourselves. You guys, this means that we are doing the very thing that we are most afraid of, but we're the cause. This choice of inaction chips away at our confidence. It makes the fear of rejection even more intimidating. From my own experience, I have learned that every time I've held back due to fear, I wasn't just avoiding potential rejection. I was also reinforcing the belief that my work was not good enough. It was a self fulfilling prophecy. The times that I did take the leap, however, even when, even if, and when faced with criticism, I grew not just in skill but in competence. I was able to fail better next time. If you've heard the acronym F A I L first attempt in learning, it is a good one. Even if it's not the first attempt, it's still one of those things that I was able to adopt like, oh, I'm going to fail, I'm excited to fail because I get to learn. So this will inevitably build confidence because it's building resilience. Remember that every artist that you admire, everybody, every master of their craft, has faced rejection. What sets them apart is their refusal to let fear dictate their actions. I want you to think of a time that you held back from an opportunity due to the fear of rejection. Reflect on what you held back, how it made you feel afterwards. Did it impact your confidence and how might have things been a little different had you taken that step? I don't want you to judge these inactions, I just want you to recognize a time that you chose this route. As you reflect, remember that inaction breeds doubt and fear, but action fuels confidence and growth. Every step that you take, every risk that you embrace. I feel like that's a spin on the song. It builds your strength as an artist, not just in your craft, but in your heart. And in your mind. We're about to move into some practical ways to kind of rewire how we think about this. And there are tools that you can actually use rather than just adopting mindset. 6. 10 Strategies for Engaging with Rejection: We're going to turn our focus toward practical strategies for engaging with rejection constructively. Because whether it is from a client or the public, or ourselves, it can be a tough pill to swallow, but it is an inevitable part of the artistic journey. So I want to explore some strategies to not just cope with rejection, but also use it as a stepping stone for growth. First, let's look at how to best respond to rejection in my usual Peggy fashion. I have created an acronym because I think that they are such helpful tools to remind us of exactly what we're trying to do. And this is going to remind you to give yourself grace, grasp, the inevitability of rejection. Accept that it is a natural and very inevitable part of the artistic process. It's not a reflection of your worth or talent, but often a result of various external factors like timing, specific needs, subjective tastes, recognize and honor your feelings. It is okay to feel disappointed or upset. Allow yourself to experience these emotions, but also set a limit. Giving yourself a day or two to feel disappointed is absolutely healthy. Dwelling on it for weeks or months is counterproductive. It's about finding that balance between acknowledging your feelings absolutely, but also not letting them consume you, adjust your viewpoint. This is like personal versus perspective. While it's very easy to take rejection personally, remember that art is subjective. What doesn't resonate with one person might deeply resonate with another. Rejection often says more about the reviewer's state or current trends or specific needs at a certain moment in time, way more than it does about your inherent talent or the value that you provide. Capitalize on learning and growth opportunities whenever possible. Because when we can use rejection as a learning opportunity, if feedback is provided any of it, just analyze it critically. You be the critic. Is there a common theme in the rejections that you're receiving? Could it be an indication of a particular area that needs improvement or a signal to explore new methods or themes in your work and then expand your perspective. This is all encompassing of what we just said. Because one rejection doesn't define your entire journey. Remember that many successful artists have faced numerous rejections and continue to before finding any success. Also, rejection after that, learning from it is much more than a coping mechanism, is an essential part of development in what we love to do. So here are some ways to transform rejection into valuable lessons. Yes, it's another acronym. This is where we got to reflect and now we get to learn and apply. The first is a bit of a stretch, but I need at this point to be in L, look critically at rejection when it strikes, take some time to objectively analyze the situation. Ask yourself questions like, was this based on subjective preferences or specific criteria? Because understanding the why behind the rejection can provide insights into whether it's a matter of taste, a mismatch of audience, or an area where you could improve and then examine patterns for insights. This is building off of it. Are there consistent themes or aspects of your work that are frequently cited? If you use that information to guide your development, maybe it's a technique that needs refining or a new approach to your subject matter. Or even thinking about reconsidering the platforms or venues where you do show up. And then there's adopting a growth mindset. I know we've heard this 1,000 times, but when we can cultivate a growth mindset, that via is rejection as an opportunity for learning and not as failure. This perspective encourages resilience. And a proactive approach to developing your skills. Reinforce that creative resilience. Develop strategies that help you bounce back. This could be through seeking support from fellow creatives. Focusing on self care, give yourself the space. I take a lot of baths, but when I bring the candle in, the candle comes on. That is some self care time. But remember, resilience is a muscle and it gets stronger with use and then nurture ongoing development. That sounds like a tech ad, but sometimes a rejection can be a nudge to polishing your existing skills. And even experimenting with different styles or subject matters or techniques. And that exploration can open up new avenues for expression and opportunities. Goal for you in this session is to feel empowered to move forward. It's to focus on how you can transform the challenges of rejection and criticism into powerful motivators. The key is really truly to shift our perspective and use these experiences as fuel for growth. It's what I try to do on my entire platform, when I teach painting, when I teach calligraphy, when I teach drawing, when I teach procreate digital art, When I do all of these things, I just wanted to feel like a space to explore that wholeheartedly. And that's just scratching the surface because that's just learning technique. This is all opportunity for growth. I'll see in a minute. 7. Move Forward with the Act of Trying: One of the most empowering actions as creatives is to embrace the act of trying. Trying, even in the face of potential rejection, is a testament to your courage and a commitment to your process and what you love. Each attempt, regardless of the outcome, it builds your confidence. Remember that every successful artist that you know, every successful creative or entrepreneur, they've all faced overcome rejection and will continue to do so. And their success lies not just in their talent, but in their resilience to keep trying. Rejection is not a reflection of your worth. It is an inevitable part of the artistic process. Emotions are very natural, acknowledging them as very healthy. But don't let them define you. Use each rejection as a learning opportunity to take pause and improve and refine, develop resilience by continuously engaging with new challenges and opportunities. And remember that the act of trying in itself is a success and a step toward growth. And I want to thank you for trusting me in this space that is very vulnerable. I hope that after this session, you continue to explore the emotional and psychological aspects of rejection. And also allow yourself to engage in deep self reflection and even strategy development to build resilience. Because remember, the journey of creativity is just as much about creating as it is about personal growth and overcoming challenges. The reflections and the commitments that you've made here are not just exercises. They are powerful tools that can help to reshape your path. And as you move forward, you can carry with you the understanding that rejection is not a barrier, but a catalyst for growth. So let your experiences, both the challenges and the triumphs enrich your creativity and strengthen your voice. Continue to embrace these risks. Learn from every experience, and above all, keep creating with passion and courage. Your journey is unique and invaluable, and every step, including the stumbles, is a vital part of your story. Your workbook is to serve as a reminder of your resilience and a resource for those moments that you need. A little extra encouragement, a little extra strength, maybe some perspective. Remember that each rejection is a step on the path to success. Your art, your voice, and your journey. They're all unique and valuable. So keep trying and let every experience, good or challenging, fuel your growth. As an artist, if I can handle a rejection, trust me, you've got this and I am cheering you on. I invite you to hang out with me in other places where we don't necessarily have to get so deep and we can have a little bit of fun. Because I promise I'm fun, trust your process, your story matters. What you put in the world matters. It's needed. Again, my name is Peggy Dean. You can find me at the pigeon letters.com I'll see you soon.