Year of Rejection; How Did It Go?

If you’re one of my patrons then you’ll know about my year of rejection challenge in detail. In 2025 I’ve been entering more things than usual in a bid to get used to being rejected, so that the fear or rejection doesn’t hold me back.

I thought I’d briefly surmise what I entered and the result.

• Blue Shop Galleries Open Call ✔️

• Arborealists Associate Application ❌

• Jackson’s Art Prize ❌

• LAOTY ❌

• Wells Art Contemporary ❌

• ING Discerning Eye ❌

• Mylo Art❓

• Hampstead Art Society ❌

• Canal Boat Contemporary ✔️

The idea was to actually enter 100 things but open call fees and lack of time to research open calls hindered me somewhat. I was pleased to be accepted to two open calls. Mylo Art wasn’t an open call, I contacted the gallery owner out of the blue and they were very kind, it wasn’t an outright no but not quite a yes so one I may revisit next year.

The main thing is that I do feel better about rejection now and I will put myself out there more in 2026.