Dealing with Rejection with Your Art

Let’s talk about something that isn’t much fun to talk about—art rejection. If you’ve been an artist for any length of time, you’ve probably faced it. And if you haven’t yet, you will. That “no” from an exhibition, a gallery, or even a community art show can feel like a hard hit. It’s not just a denial of your work; sometimes, it can feel like a denial of you. When you make art, you’re putting something personal out there, and when that’s rejected, it can be tough to separate the rejection from who you are.

So how do you actually deal with it—how do you handle rejection as an artist? How do you keep your head up, keep creating, and not let every “no” stop you from trying again? Let's dive in, and I promise to keep it real and honest because we’ve all been there.

Art Rejection Comes with the Territory

The first thing you need to know—and I know it sounds obvious—is that rejection is just part of this whole art-making gig. I know, easy to say, right? But when you’re putting your heart and soul into your work, it doesn’t feel like “just part of it.” It feels like you weren’t good enough, like you messed up, like maybe your art just...doesn’t matter. I want to stop you right there because it’s so easy to let your brain run wild with these thoughts.

Here’s the reality: most of the time, rejection has nothing to do with your talent, your worth, or how valuable your work is. Maybe your piece didn’t fit the show’s theme. Maybe they already had something similar. Or maybe—because art is subjective—the jury didn’t connect with it in that moment. It happens. And while it doesn’t make rejection feel any better, it’s important to realize that it’s not about you. There are a thousand reasons your work might not get in, and most of them have nothing to do with whether your art is “good enough.”

You Are Not Your Art

It’s easy to think of your art as part of you. After all, you’ve created it; it came from your ideas, your experiences, your imagination. But it’s important to separate your work from who you are as a person. This is tough because making art is personal. But you are so much more than any one piece or any one show.

It’s like this: just because one place didn’t accept your work, that doesn’t say anything about your value as an artist. Art is subjective, and tastes differ wildly. So, when that “no” comes, remind yourself that it’s just that—one “no.” And it doesn't define you, your work, or your future as an artist.

It’s Okay to Feel Bummed

I know, all this talk about separating yourself from your art is nice, but it doesn’t take away that gut-punch of a “no.” And you know what? It’s okay to feel upset. It’s okay to be mad, sad, frustrated—whatever it is you’re feeling. Don’t let anyone tell you that you “shouldn’t” feel a certain way. Rejection sucks. And there’s no point in pretending otherwise.

So go ahead, have a moment. Take the time to sit with those emotions. Let yourself process what happened. But the key is to not let it spiral into self-doubt or let it hold you back. Feel it, acknowledge it, and then move on when you’re ready.

Talking to other artists can help, too. Sometimes it just helps to hear, “Yeah, I’ve been there,” or to share your frustrations with someone who gets it. Every artist faces rejection, and knowing that you're not the only one can make it feel a little less like a personal failure.

Art Rejection Can Help You Grow (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It)

This might sound cheesy, but rejection is an opportunity to grow. Not in the “everything happens for a reason” way (because sometimes, it just feels random), but in a way that challenges you to look at your work with fresh eyes. Ask yourself, “Is there something I could improve? Is there something I’d do differently next time?” It’s not about changing your voice or your style to fit some imaginary idea of what jurors want—it’s about continuing to refine and develop your own practice.

If you ever get feedback along with your rejection (and not every place offers it), take a moment to think about it. If it’s useful, great. If it doesn’t resonate, feel free to move on. The point is to take what’s constructive, leave what isn’t, and keep pushing forward with your work.

Keep Applying, Keep Making

The reality of getting rejected is that it gets easier the more you put yourself out there. The more calls you apply to, the more opportunities you try for, the less each rejection feels like a major setback. It’s all about building resilience. And remember, every time you send your work out into the world, you’re opening yourself up to potential “yeses,” too.

While you’re applying, make sure you keep creating. Don’t let the waiting game of submissions stop you from making new work. If you’re always making, then each rejection feels less heavy because there’s always something new on the horizon. Plus, the more you create, the more chances you have to improve, explore, and experiment—whether or not anyone is looking.

Lean on Your Support Network

Having people in your corner makes a big difference. Whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or fellow artist, having someone to talk to when you’re feeling down about rejection is invaluable. Find the people who encourage you, lift you up, and remind you of why you’re doing what you’re doing.

And don’t be afraid to reach out to other artists, even if they’re strangers. Art communities, both online and offline, can be incredibly supportive. Knowing you’re not the only one facing rejection—and hearing how others deal with it—can help you remember that this is just part of the journey.

Reconnect with Why You Make Art

In the midst of applying to shows, searching for opportunities, and building a career, it can be easy to lose sight of why you started making art in the first place. But this is a powerful way to handle rejection—by coming back to the why. Why do you create? Why do you pour hours into your work, even when no one else is around to see it? Chances are, it’s not because of the possibility of getting into a show. It’s because you love the process. You have something to say. You feel most like yourself when you’re creating.

Remembering why you started making art brings everything back into focus. Whether or not you get accepted to an exhibition, your creativity and your voice matter. Rejection doesn’t change that.

Art Rejection Can Lead to New Opportunities

Sometimes, a “no” can lead you to opportunities you wouldn’t have considered otherwise. Maybe you end up showing your work in a non-traditional space, like a café or a pop-up market. Maybe you find that your audience exists more on social media than in a gallery. Being open to these new directions can help you find your people and connect your art with the world in unexpected ways.

Art doesn’t have to fit one mold or one path to be “successful.” There are many different ways to share your work, and sometimes rejection just means you need to find a different door to knock on.

Art Rejection Builds Confidence Over Time

Believe it or not, facing rejection can actually build confidence. The more you deal with it, the more you prove to yourself that you’re strong enough to keep going. And when you keep going, you start to trust in your ability to get through the tough times. You realize that one “no” doesn’t define your entire career, and that your worth as an artist isn’t tied to any one opportunity.

This kind of confidence doesn’t come overnight, and it doesn’t come from success alone. It comes from showing up, trying again, and not letting one experience determine how you move forward.

Art is a Long Game

Creating art is a long journey. And that journey will be full of successes, rejections, and everything in between. You’re not going to hit every goal right away, and you’re not going to be everyone’s favorite artist. But that’s okay. Keep creating. Keep putting your work out there. Every “no” is just part of the process, leading you closer to the right “yes.”

So, keep showing up. Keep applying. Keep sharing your work. Because at the end of the day, that’s what makes you an artist—not how many times you get accepted, but how many times you keep creating, keep putting yourself out there, and keep going. Rejection is just one chapter in the bigger story of your art practice. And you never know where the next turn will take you.