This week's theme seems negative to begin with. Rejection can sometimes be hard to take when you make everything yourself. It can feel personal, even when it quite clearly isn't. And sometimes you may need to allow yourself a little "down in the dumps" moment. I guess we all have them occasionally, don't we?
But then it's time to turn it around. Rejection isn't necessarily a time to give up - it's a time to try new avenues, new ways of working or possibly explore new ideas.
This week, I learned that the card designs I've been creating weren't wanted by the publisher I thought they might be a good fit for...
But when I picked myself up from my "down in the dumps" moment, I realised I still have so many exciting options and so many ideas still to explore. Some I hadn't seriously considered before (licensing my art via an agent - let them handle the rejections for me!) and some I had (selling digital stamps for card makers). I think both options are probably viable (maybe even both at the same time) but both need a bit more work (in particular, getting more images drawn and painted - the very best kind of work in my opinion!).
Hopefully, I will be able to share more with you as I go along. In particular, if you use digital stamps, or would like to try them out, then watch this space! I will want to trial them soon, so there will be freebies available for people who might be willing to give me some feedback.
Also, I've been asked to mention CRAFTfest today
which this time around features over 200 virtual craft stalls. It's on until 23rd March, so hopefully you'll have time to pop over and have a browse.
Over to you now for Handmade Monday...
28 comments:
Hi Wendy
Many thanks for this and sorry, needs a dash. My fault.
creative-connections.ning.com
Lesley
bath bomb creations.
Hi Wendy,
Many thanks for including CRAFTfest on your blog. I love the idea of Handmade Monday, I shall write a post on my blog and link :) thanks.
Kerri
- Fabridashery Founder
Lesley - have now altered. I should've checked before publishing, sorry.
Kerri - you're welcome. Thanks for offering to link to me too!
Many thanks! I've added you to my web too x
Thanks Lesley - much appreciated but not necessary!
Hi Wendy,
Here is my Handmade Monday link: Kerri
Hey Wendy, it is a horrible thing and sometimes just the thought of rejection is enough to put me off applying/enquiring about things, but then sometimes amazing things happen so you have to go for it regardless! And I firmly believe that things happen for a reason and that you'll end up doing something bigger and better with your amazing artwork. Have a great week, Simmi x
I can't believe they were rejected - I thought they were fantastic! But you are right, we have to pick ourselves up and get on. Good luck and big hugs. xxxx
Sorry to hear the designs were rejected. At least it's only a tiny bump in the road when you've got all your other plans coming up.
Something one of my friends says to me is that you love something that you do and believe in it - it will more than likely fit in somewhere even if it is not where you originally thought it would. Hope that helps? xxxx
Its so true, rejection is never easy, especially when you've put your heart and soul into something! It feels so personal doesn't it, even if its for a perfectly reasonable and logical reason!
Your artwork is always so gorgeous and packed full of character, i just know you will find the perfect outlet for your card designs soon :) x
Wendy - It is certainly their loss... I love the retro look of the cats and they way that they look so content and squidgey.
But, and with all puns intended, you have really shown them that there is more than one way to skin a cat by considering using an agent. I am now expecting to receive one of your cards from a friend, they look so commercial. Have you ever considered chilren's book illustration?
Chin up and best agent forward!
You know, all your comments are so heart-warming and supportive it's brought a tear to my eye (shh, don't tell anyone!). Ros, I'm not ready for book illustration but never say never!! I shall one day do a post about how I was told at the age of 15 by a careers adviser that nobody could make a career from illustration and just forget the idea. Thank you for all your comments, though. They definitely help! x
Your work is brilliant so don't be disheartened. The only anaolgy I can think of is kissing a lot of frogs to find a prince if you know what I mean! I've had a really busy birthday week (8 year old celebrations) so haven't had time for crafting - I'm having a lovely evening catching up with everyone else so thanks again for Handmade Monday!
I'm very bad with rejection, and do avoid putting myself out there for fear of it. Trouble is- even when I'm accepted, I still worry that the person will realise they've made a mistake!!!
Good on you for thinking positive and using the opportunity to push forward on a different route.
Totally the right attitude! You know you have talent, this will just help you get better and better in the long run :)
sorry to hear about the rejection of your crafty makes. sometimes people see things in a totally different way than we do and this may cause some sort of difference in views. their loss.but you seem to have adopted the right way of thinking and chose to move on. well done :)
thinking positive and drawing the right conclusions is always di
Yeah, rejection can be tough, but we have to be tougher, and having a talent for something so commercial as your wonderful art is a great back-bone stiffener, eh?....and creating digi stamps would be fantastic ....I'm always on the look-out for something fresh and appealing that can be used, not only for cards, but for wood-shop makes and transfers....bring 'em on!
Please do artwork in color AND black, as I don't have a color printer. Odd, I know, but limited income so hope artwork is black ink too. Sorry for the rejection but another company will LOVE your work.
Thanks all!
Karen - good feedback already, thanks for that - I was planning to start with black and white line drawings, so they'll be ideal for people without colour printers - or those who just don't want to print in colour because it's expensive. They can obviously be coloured in, but I guess for some looks they could be left black and white.
Keep your chin up Wendy! Every cloud has a silver lining to they say :)
once you have come to terms with the rejection - I find something even better usually comes out of it... - I am a strong believer in fate - and that even though you think at the time it's all bad - later - when something else comes along - or you figure out something different - like it sounds like you are on the case of - six months or so down the line - you will be glad they rejected you as you wouldn't have done "x,y,z" etc if they hadn't. funny how life works like that i think! - Good luck!
Its a huge world out there and you were meant to dream HUGE! forward!!! I would be interested on your Stamps or digitals...but stamping is huge...the whisper inside will guide you...♥Debi in Canada
My husband is a great believer in the 'one door closing, etc' saying - despite the fact that I often tell him that closing door hits you in the face!. I know it must have been very disappointing for you, but it's a mini-blip and now onwards and upwards. Better things to come i am sure. Hope you have a good week.
Hi Wendy, you are such a talented artist. I'm sorry that things didn't work out but I'm sure they will soon. I love the cat card. Wishing you the very best, Pat
Little Crab - yes, I'm already thinking about things I might not have done! Funny how seemingly negative things can work in your favour!
Prudence - thank you! "Dream huge" and stamping being huge may very well be related to each other! I really like the idea of digi stamps.
Jill (Christmas Pie) - oh that door! I think a door closing can let you see the opportunity of something else opening.
Ah it happens to the best of us Wendy, it's so hard to pick yourself up and dust yourself off and start all over again, but it's always worth it! :) And it sounds like it's actually pushed you to find the right (dare I say better?) routes to market for you. Every cloud... ;) x
Rejection is a bit of a blow but from what I know of you it's not enough to knock you over.
There are many more paths to travel and I wish you well in all that you do. Maybe you could get your cards printed independently and put them on your website and maybe in local shops etc.
I've not done a post for this week but hopefully I will get around everyone.
Jan x
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