anticipating a rejection

[frogjumpsout]

Hi everyone,

So, I've been working on a long-term artistic project. The last such project didn't succeed out in the world and it took a long time to get over the rejections and start again. This time, I haven't been showing my work to as many people, just trying to encourage myself, not think about the marketplace, and get 'er done. It's been good to work like that.

But now,  a pretty good arts organization has asked me to submit a piece of my work for consideration (for an exhibition possibility.) At first, I was excited. But now, as I'm trying to extract and polish a piece of this work-in-progress for the committee's eyes, I find myself doing a lot of self-criticism and feeling very anxious. I feel like a part of me is using perfectionism to try to ward off the possibility of rejection, which is impossible, I know (but that part of me doesn't.)

And another part of me is saying a bunch of awful things about the work in the anticipation that I'll hear them from the selection committee in the near future -- this isn't likely now but it was always likely I'd hear something crappy from my FOO as a child -- people here can probably relate. I guess it made it hurt less if I said it first.

Has anyone ever been in a similar situation? I'd be grateful for any stories or insights.

I also don't know whether to ask a knowledgeable friend for input, or just to send it. (In addition to hating rejection, I fear criticism.) If anyone has an opinion about which choice is potentially healthier, I'd be grateful for that, too.

Thanks very much for reading and for being here!

[Starboard Song]

I also don't know whether to ask a knowledgeable friend for input, or just to send it. (In addition to hating rejection, I fear criticism.) If anyone has an opinion about which choice is potentially healthier, I'd be grateful for that, too.

Do that. A trusted friend feels safer. Their critique would land softer. And their praise will be a trusted license to proceed. Commit to yourself, on any account, to take this chance. My wife was turned down by a zillion agents before one wanted her novel. Learning to process that type of rejection in a healthy way will be life changing.

[frogjumpsout]

Thanks for the solid advice, Starboard! And your wife's story is really inspiring -- so glad she stuck with it.

[1footouttadefog]

Be true to you in all of this.
Make it the best of what you intended it to be.

How cool, sounds line a good opportunity.  Enjoy the networking either way it comes out.

[frogjumpsout]

Thanks so much, 1foot! I'll try . . . am actually also going to recommend someone else for the same opportunity, even though that's potentially adding some competition. It seems like the 'right thing' and what a confident person would do.