Putting yourself out there is always very difficult, for me anyway.
As an artist, putting yourself out there means finding ways for people to see your work. This year, my goal is to secure more gallery representation and expand my work. I applied to be in a show at the end of last year. I had high hopes, and my confidence was soaring. Unfortunately, the universe had other plans for me. Yesterday, I was notified that I was not invited to participate in the exhibition. I felt like I hit a brick wall. I really thought I was on a roll. Apparently, I am not.
MY REJECTED PIECE
But this is life, isn’t it? I tell my kids all the time that there will be more disappointments than not, and everything leads you to where you need to be. So, I should listen to my own advice. Not so easy, is it?
It is not. I even lashed out at my husband all night after he got home from work; I was obviously taking out my frustrations on him. He did not deserve that, and it didn’t even make me feel better; it actually made me feel worse. But I will get over this just like I do with everything else that has happened in my life and move on. I told myself to keep working. But then that little Voice, you know, that little annoying voice started telling me why? I keep making stuff, and no one cares! But I can’t give up, I must keep going! Where is that other voice? You know, the good one telling you to have faith? I don’t hear it, but I will pretend that I do because what’s my other choice? Giving up. Not an option!
I would love to put myself out on more platforms. I always plan on starting a YouTube channel (like I talked about in my Dec. 8th blog) or filming myself while I’m working, but I never seem to remember to turn that camera on. Even as I’m working, I say to myself, “shoot! Stop and turn the camera on!” But I don’t. I don’t want to; I just want to work. I don’t want to spend time filming, editing, posting, figuring out hashtags, figuring out optimization, whatever that is. And even now that I’m writing this, I’ll bet you I’ll get all sponsored advertisements for classes on how to do it. I’ve taken some. Somethings work, but just because you get out there still doesn’t mean you’re selling your work.
I keep coming up with excuses like, I should’ve jumped on TikTok when it first came out. Seems like all those artists who did are doing fantabulous. And I’m very happy for them. I have a little jealousy deep down inside, but honestly, I’m happy for anyone successful at whatever they love doing. I think it’s too late for me to join TikTok, and again, my excuse is that I just don’t know what I’m doing and never remember to turn that freaking camera on!
We are halfway into the first month of the new year, and I’m already having my doubts. I do not want to waste another year. Another year that I tell myself this is the year! Only to have it not be. Especially since 2025 ended so nicely. I really thought it was going to keep going. But life is life. You cannot let it get you down. I refuse to give in! After all, I’ve always been a rebel. Why stop now?
Stay inspired,
Dawn xo
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