How to Turn Rejection Into Motivation

Graphic designers and illustrators are no strangers to rejection. It's a part of the creative process—sometimes your work will be rejected, and that's okay.

In fact, it can be used as motivation to keep pushing yourself to do better.

In this post, I'll provide some tips on how to turn rejection into motivation so you can continue moving forward in your career.

1. Everyone is subjected to rejection at some point in their lives.

When it comes to rejection, everyone faces it at some point in their lives. It could be because of a job application that was rejected, or a relationship that didn't work out.

Rejection can feel like a personal attack, but it's important to remember that it's not about you. It's about the other person and their needs, which may or may not have anything to do with you.

Rather than dwelling on the rejection, use it as motivation to succeed. Let it drive you to work harder and prove the naysayers wrong.

When you do achieve your goals, you'll know that you did it despite the rejection, and that will make it all the more satisfying.

2. Don't let rejection get you down—use it as motivation to push harder.

Don't let rejection get you down—use it as motivation to push harder. If someone doesn't want your services, that doesn't mean you're not good enough. It simply means you're not a good fit for them.

Keep trying until you find the right client or customer for you. And don't be afraid to reach out to new people and pitch them your services. The more rejection you face, the harder you'll work and the better your results will be.

So don't be discouraged if you get rejected—use it as motivation to keep going and find the right fit for you. With enough hard work and perseverance, you'll eventually find success.

3. Take a step back and figure out what you could have done better.

Maybe you didn't articulate your ideas well, or maybe you didn't sell yourself correctly. Whatever it is, take a step back and figure it out so you can improve for next time.

Rejection doesn't have to be the end of the world; it can actually be a source of motivation to do better next time.

4. Use rejection as a learning opportunity.

It can be challenging to maintain motivation when facing rejection. It is natural to feel disheartened when someone tells you that your work is subpar or that they do not wish to collaborate with you.

However, if you can learn to view rejection as an opportunity to grow, you will be able to recover much more quickly.

First, determine the reason for your rejection. What did the other individual say? What is their justification? Once you comprehend the reasons for your rejection, you can begin to address the issues.

Perhaps your work was subpar, or perhaps your attitude needs improvement. If you address the issues that led to your rejection, you will be in a far better position for future endeavours.

Second, use rejection as a source of motivation. Consider all of the reasons you want to succeed when you're feeling disheartened after being rejected.

What are your purposes? Why did you choose to pursue a career as a graphic designer? Remember why you began this journey in the first place, and use that as your driving force to continue.

If you can learn to use rejection as a learning opportunity and a source of motivation, you will be able to overcome any obstacle.

5. Don’t take it personally.

Don't take rejection personally. It's not a reflection on your worth as a person or as a designer. It just means that the client or project wasn't the right fit for you.

Remember that there are plenty of other opportunities out there, and don't let one rejection stop you from pursuing your dream career. Use rejection as motivation to work harder and prove everyone wrong.

6. Take lessons from your errors, and avoid repeating them.

Making mistakes is an unavoidable aspect of life. But making the same ones over and over again is just plain foolish.

If you want to be successful, you need to learn from your mistakes and move on. Don't let them bother you or hold you back. Simply use them to motivate yourself to do better the next time.

7. Keep your head up and remain optimistic no matter what life throws at you.

No one is immune to rejection. It can come in many different forms, such as a client turning down your work, being ignored by someone you have a crush on, or not getting the job you interviewed for.

Rejection hurts, and it's easy to feel down about yourself when it happens. But remember that everyone experiences rejection at some point in their lives. The most crucial factor is how you respond to it.

No matter how many times you are rejected, you must remain optimistic and focused. Consider that each rejection puts you closer to a yes. Therefore, do not give up and continue to advance. The only path to failure is quitting.

8. Remember that failure is not permanent, and you can always pick yourself up and try again.

When it comes to your graphic design career, it's important to remember that failure is not permanent. If you don't get a job or client project that you wanted, don't worry! It is always possible to pick yourself up and try again. Keep putting yourself out there and eventually you will succeed.

9. Keep learning and growing.

No matter how many times you're rejected, you can always keep learning and growing as a designer. As long as you're constantly challenging yourself and expanding your skill set, you'll be in a good place to succeed.

Keep learning new software, studying the latest design trends, and networking with other designers. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to overcome any obstacle.

Rejection is never easy, but it can be a powerful motivator. When you experience rejection, remember to stay focused on your goals and use criticism constructively to improve your work.

Remember that nobody succeeds without taking risks and facing setbacks along the way. Keep working hard and don't give up on your dream of becoming a successful graphic designer.

Thanks for reading!
—Gary