One thing I am learning being an artist is how to handle rejection.

Applying for something opens up endless possibilities; “I could win first prize!”, “I could meet lot’s of new customers”, ” I could be recognized by people I admire” but when it doesn’t happen life comes to a halt and those things don’t happen.

How do you move forward if your applications aren’t accepted? You are still in the same place as yesterday.

The only thing I can do is keep my eyes open for more opportunities – things I may be good enough for. I don’t apply for things I am not ready for – like the Big Design Market and Finders Keepers . I know they are big markets and there are very impressive stall set ups which I just don’t have the money for.

A few things I have applied for and didn’t get accepted:

• #etsyart
• Signed and Numbered
• Markit at fed square
• Etsy Design awards

I have learned that part of the reason is that my work doesn’t “fit in” with the other designers. I understand cohesion but I don’t want to create art with other people in mind.

I need to create to my vision and ‘push the boundaries’, whatever those boundaries are.

I want to be recognizable for my own style.