My Skin Used to Be Soft. Now it’s Lizard Tough
5 Power Moves to Deal with Creative Rejection
I used to bruise like a peach. Sensitive, soft, and vulnerable — like lambskin. But these days? Nah, my skin’s gone full-on lizard mode: tough, weathered, and way less bothered by the sting of a “no.” It’s not that I don’t care anymore; I’ve just been hit with so many rejections — publishers, editors, brands, account execs, A&R guys — you name it. I’ve reached a point where my response to a rejection is, “Oh, cool. Thanks!” and I keep it moving. It’s like getting ghosted in the middle of some deal and just texting, alright>cya>next
You’ve got to ask: Do you get a thicker hide as you age, or do you run out of energy to care? Why should I care about what anyone thinks of my work? And that’s the truth — why should any of us care? I’m busy, so thanks for the feedback, and I’m onto the next project. That’s what you’ve got to say.
Creative rejection is just part of the game, people. Whether you’re posting a new song, putting out art, posting ‘content,’ or pitching the next big idea, you’ll get feedback. Some of it’s legit, full of pro advice that’ll help you grow, but some? It’s going to suck. Yeah, that’s just the fact of it.
I once knew a guy who stuck a pencil in the ceiling whenever he got rejected. By the time I…
