The Art of Rejection - March newsletter
Learning to Handle Rejection in Creative Work
It always surprises me how quickly another month comes around. At this time of year, I tend to be tucked away in the studio, spending more time on passion projects and slowly working through ideas that don’t always have a deadline attached. That said… I have actually made it out into the real world. I promise.
Last week I was invited into a local primary school for an “artist day” (more on that soon), and around the same time I received an email from an art student asking for advice.
It got me thinking about what I might say to someone in art college today.
Art school is a brilliant space. I really grew into myself there. But it can also be quite brutal in ways you don’t fully understand until you’re in it. You learn to develop a thick skin pretty quickly. You get used to critique, to feedback that isn’t always wrapped gently, and to shrugging off things that might otherwise knock your confidence. And I suppose I could say all the usual things — make lots of work, experiment freely, don’t be afraid of mistakes because that’s often where your style begins to emerge.
All of that is true but the more I thought about it, the more I kept coming back to something I was never really taught at art school: the art of rejection, because no one really prepares you for how often you’ll hear the word no once you leave.
Over the years, I’ve had plenty of it — from jobs, competitions, memberships, courses, and opportunities I was genuinely excited about at the time. And like most creatives, I think it’s easy to take those things quite personally at first. Your work feels so closely tied to you that it’s hard not to read rejection as rejection of you. That little sting doesn’t completely go away but I’ve learned to sit with it differently now.
Rejection has become something I recognise as part of the process, rather than something that interrupts it. Not every opportunity is meant to stick.
Recently, I came across a challenge from The Good Ship Illustration about collecting 100 “no thank yous” — essentially reframing rejection as something to gather, rather than avoid. I really liked that idea. It takes some of the weight out of it and turns it into something almost neutral. Just part of the rhythm of things.
There’s also a stat I’ve heard more than once — that around 70% of the opportunities we apply for will end in rejection.
So I suppose it’s more about learning to work with that reality, rather than against it. To keep making work anyway. To keep showing up, even when you know the answer won’t always be yes.
Because it won’t.
And that’s okay.
What else have I been up to this month? Let’s jump in.
Illustrating the winning stories
Specsavers Short Story Competition
The junior winner, Charles Dominic Gallagher’s story “The Puca’s Eyes”
I was delighted to be involved in the An Post Irish Book Awards 2025, where I illustrated the winning entries from the Specsavers Short Story Competition.
This year’s winners — Charles Dominic Gallagher (age 8, Donegal) in the junior category, and Esme Hadlow Davison (age 11, Cork) in the senior category — were chosen from a record number of submissions, standing out for their imagination and storytelling.
As part of their prize, each story was transformed into a beautifully printed book, complete with bespoke illustrations. It was a real privilege to help bring their words to life and create something they can keep for years to come.
Senior winner, Esme Hadlow Davison’s story “No Turning Back”
It was such a joy to bring their stories and characters to life and to be part of celebrating such talented young writers.
Artist in School
Inspiring Creativity Through a Draw-Along Workshop
I recently spent some time in a local primary school here in Co. Meath, running a draw-along workshop with a few classes. The visit was short, so I wanted to make it as engaging and hands-on as possible.
I based the session around simple shape drawing — showing how even the most complex things can be broken down into basic forms. Once you start to see animals, objects, and people in this way, drawing feels much more approachable.
As we worked through the drawings together, I also spoke about the importance of keeping things individual. No two drawings should ever look the same. In the same way that everyone’s handwriting is different, each person brings their own style to what they create.
It’s something I always try to come back to — that in creativity, your own way of seeing things is the most valuable part. And hopefully that’s something they’ll carry with them.
In Wedding News
Weddings Online Awards
A rare night out at the Wedding Online Awards at Mount Wolseley.
I recently attended the Wedding Online Awards at the beautiful Mount Wolseley Hotel, where I was really pleased to be shortlisted as a finalist for Wedding Caricature/Artist of the Year.
I didn’t come away with the award this time, but it was such an enjoyable evening — and a rare chance to step away from work for a night. It was also lovely to catch up with so many familiar faces from across the wedding industry.
What’s drawing me in…
What I’m watching:
I’m obsessed with BBC’s “Big Cat’s 24/7” Ok it sounds very boring but trust me, it isnt! The series follows various prides of big cats in a nature reserve in Botswana. I’m fully invested in these guys now!
The Oscars - Well done Jessie Buckley, and what a beautiful speech.
What I’m listening to:
The Godfather - you cant beat a classic!
What I’m loving:
I took a deep dive into Mary Blair’s work (once again) and found this wonderful 20 minute documentary “The Ceramic Mural: Modern Use of Ancient Art.” The short follows the art process, documenting the creation of the Mary Blair designed ceramic mural at the Jules Stein Eye Institute paediatric waiting room back in 1967. I found it fascinating. You can watch this over on YouTube here
The Irish animation short “Retirement Plan” nominated for an Oscar but sadly didnt win. Can be viewed on RTE player, its brilliant and worth a watch!
That’s all folks..
Ow I didnt mean to ramble on so much. That’s all for now, I hope to report back in April
Linda x
