I dealt with a lot of "Nos" last week. Two "we've already hired someone" replies in my email box about two full-time local graphic designer jobs. One client wanted me to compete against other designers for a CHANCE to get paid, IF my work got selected (NEVER, NEVER, EVER accept this as a designer unless you don't value yourself and your skill set) - I asked them why, then they told me I wasn't selected. I didn't really want the job then anyways (I could've designed their stuff in my sleep), but it still hurt a little. Another potential client wasn't jiving with my style after looking at the samples in my online portfolio. That one hurt. So I've decided to do something about that: really brush up my online portfolio, stylize my logo - and start designing and seeking clients that reflect more the work I WANT to do (and not necessarily the work I can, or have to, do).
Honestly, it's hard not to let this stuff get to me as an artist. When rejection hits me I basically think/feel two things: one, I'm just not good enough at design; and two, I should just do something else with my life. These are both lies and truths, yet how we respond makes all the difference. Rejection is push. It pushes out of the center, the comfortable, the complacent. What direction it pushes us is entirely up to us though.
The teeter-totter will either rock towards quitting, or fighting. I've decided to just keep on learning, developing, growing, and making myself better... it's either that or give up! And I can't give up, I love design too much.
Last week I also applied for a really cool job down in Carlsbad, CA that I'm hoping beyond all odds that I get. This company is well known, is creative and graphically expert, and really takes care of their employees. They're also sports oriented - "win-win" for a creative jock wannabe like myself.
All self-debasing jokes aside, for my application I'd thought I'd design a collectible sports card to show off some of my design skills. It was a lot of fun to make. I played with some new (to me) treatments like, pantone dots and boxed text. I even incorporated some little sketches of graphic designer gear.
I also went with some different colors than I'm used to using: orangy reds, aqua tones, and chocolate browns. I got the color scheme from some ancient color-saturated tobacco trading card; from the 40's I think. It gave it somewhat a retro feel.
Dorky picture , yes, but I think I might be getting closer to my inner signature "style" as a graphic designer.
Knowledge: When we get rejected it's an emotional and mental battle. Believe in yourself more, fight for yourself more. Don't let the only voices in your head be the rejections, they don't have the monopoly on truth. Chances are it's not that they don't like your art, it's just that your art wasn't for them, or their project. Many quit trying after a certain amount of rejection... understandable, but being a valued artist means that you practice everyday on mastering your craft. Take a class, read books, articles and blogs, attend a conference, collaborate with other designers, design, design, design. Put some energy into your passion... the "Yes" will come! Let rejection push you into being that much more focused and better as a designer.
