You have been Rejected, Now what?

As I mentioned in my first installment of this series, note that the best of the best experience rejection. Regardless of their status as talented people, in some way, and in fact I’d go as far as to say that many of us decide to be artists in a quest to be recognized because we were rejected as young people. After all, artists have always been the outcasts of society, and we all sort of relish this reality. Yes, we still crave wanting to be accepted and noticed for our authentic different selves... so please keep this in mind as I proceed. Finally from personal experience… after 55 years in the arts, I’m now on a new path of recreating in my own career, and once again rejection is facing me head-on every day.

For 25 years as the creative director of a world-class studio arts and jewelry gallery that I co-founded in Santa Fe, I was somewhat insulated from rejection. I was on the other side of the rejection table, the same table I now sit at.

Now that I’m a free agent, again, I’m faced with what all of you are facing, which is putting myself out there. As a seasoned studio artist and an arts coach and advisor, with five decades of accolades… a simple Google search, referencing my name, will uncover dozens of credentials and interviews.

All of us have at our fingertips via the internet dozens and dozens of articles on rejection. Now in double-checking myself as the authority that I am, I compared my dos and don’ts to the many articles written, and I was pleased to find that I had not missed much. However, there are few, in the ART world, that have had the unusual ability and position to be both the rejected and the rejector. I’m one of you.

A small story before I close: In 2015, I started approaching the world-renowned Santa Fe Opera in my role as a gallery director in an effort to become a creative collaborator. I knew that if I could get my foot in the door, eventually, I could change the entire course of the gallery’s trajectory. It took almost 12 months to finally get a meeting with the director at the time, who, by the way, had never heard of the gallery. The rest is history…..really…..one thing led to another and I was able to gain the trust and confidence of the opera. I went on to the stage and developed eight-yearly consecutive jewelry events, using art jewelry (all Zobel Jewelry) and global opera stars, culminating in the 2023 season of BLUE opera season……with opera star Angel Blue wearing Zobel, on the stage of the Santa Fe Opera,

Stay strong and keep believing in your vision for yourself, as “Georgia” says…and practice does make us better.


Ivan’s Running Do's and Don'ts List:
These are non-negotiable tips…by following this advice, you will get closer to what you want, yet remember you can do everything perfectly and follow my guidance and still be rejected. Remember you will always be in great company…the history of artists is littered with stories of rejection.

Here goes:
 

• Always accept a rejection from a gallery or arts organization politely and professionally.
   
• Do not become defensive and argue with a decision.
   
• Ask for objective feedback if they are willing to do that. This can help you down the road to what they liked or did not.
   
• Ask if they could refer you to a gallery or fair that could be useful, and for goodness sake, DO NOT FORGET TO thank them for reviewing your materials. Do not do this with a TEXT. Respond with an e-mail or handwritten note (which I love).
   
• Always get the name of the person who is making the decisions so you can circle back with them in the future (gallery director etc.).
   
• Remember that a rejection can be about timing and has nothing to do with the fact of your works as being great or not.
   
• Know that a NO one day can be a YES next month, so ask if you can submit again and at what time. (I suggest no sooner than 3 months).
   
• Keep the gallery or fair on your contact list so you can stay in touch and show them what you are working on.
   
• Always be authentic and honest in your communication. Remember, they are taking time to review your materials…be nice.
   
• Use positive affirmations daily to keep your morale upbeat. (I happen to love Depack Chopra).
   
• Keep getting those hugs from your intimate circle. They matter. And thank your loved circle for being there for you.
   
• Ask politely if you could be eventually considered for a group show if you are talking with a gallery.
   
• Talk to your colleagues and see if they have insights for you into approaching a certain gallery. (Start a monthly gathering of like-minded artists for support).
   
• Get on a gallery’s mailing list and attend openings when possible-- this way you can make eye-to-eye contact, to briefly introduce yourself in person. Do not take a lot of their time at an opening… always a bad idea.
   
• Do not, and I repeat, do not show up at a gallery without an appointment…. not good form. (However, you could drop off your materials in person if you have a contact name. As a courtesy, do not linger unless you are asked. Take the time to truly look at the gallery. I like sending hard materials. This gives me an opportunity to follow up with a brief call asking if they received my materials.) It’s all about rapport.
   
• Always include a self-addressed envelope/package if you want your materials back. An arts organization is not obligated to send your materials back…AND BE SURE YOU check the organization’s website as to what they require.
   
• Do follow explicit directions. By following directions, it shows you are a professional.
   
• The stronger your images are the better chances you must be considered.
   
• Stay resilient and stay humble. Read everything you can that Seth Godin has written, and Bernadette Jiwa has written. It will change your life as an artist. These two authors are colleagues of mine, and without their wisdom, I would not have been able to lead Patina gallery through the pandemic without missing a beat!

© Ivan Barnett 2024, All rights reserved.
 

About the author

Ivan Barnett
I stir souls. And I know, from decades of experience, how to scale an art business from good to great. I live and work in the oldest capital city in America - “the City Different.” After 25 years, I have stepped down from being the founder and creative director of Santa Fe’s world-renowned Patina Gallery, best known for its soul-stirring works and “Beauty over Time” exhibitions. In my 25 years, I grew Patina from an unknown brand to a global storyteller, exhibiting the works of the most talented artisans in the world.

Here’s what I’d like you to know about me: - I’m a man of my word. - I deliver on my promises. - I’ve produced and directed exhibitions and events that have never been done before. - I have collaborated with some of the world’s most famous opera stars. - I love the Pareto 80/20 principle created by Italian economist, Vilfredo Pareto. - My favorite quote is “Less is more.” - I’m an INTJ. - My favorite movie is Zorba the Greek with Anthony Quinn. - My best ideas come at 3 am. - I like taking the long way around and do not believe in shortcuts. - I was taught to arrive at all meetings seven minutes early. - I make friends for life. - My forte is connecting dots and telling stories about artists.

creativemornings.com/individuals/ivanbarnett
seriousplaysf@gmail.com