This post is a continuation of graphic design tip #70 in our article “101 Graphic Design Tips for Business Success.“

Got A Vaccine For Rejection?

If only they made a vaccination for rejection. It never feels good when you get hit with a bad case of it. And you will from time to time, as sure as you will get the occasional cold or flu. The only real solution for dealing with rejection is to build up a strong tolerance for pain and develop a thick skin. Realize you will survive rejection and if taken with grace and logic, you will be stronger for each experience.

Rejection will happen and when it does, keep moving on. One of the worst things you can do is hold on to the thought that someone doesn’t like you or your work. You should not take offence to others; it will slowly drag you down with a negative self-image. Everyone is free to their own opinion and if it’s not in your favor, move on and keep your head high.

Rejection As Motivation

Even the most talented designers have critics. In fact, it seems the more talented you are the stronger the critique. These designers have utilized rejection as a motivation to succeed and learned how to brush off trivial opinions and envy. People have many different motivations for their likes and dislikes. They may have a strong negative reaction to your work because it reminds them of a previous project that had been unsuccessful. Give them the benefit of the doubt.

Be selective of whose opinion really matters, consider the source and determine if it’s relevant. Some of these people may not even realize that they have offended you by with their criticism. Try to draw a positive conclusion to each scenario. Maybe you have intimated them by the sheer awesomeness of your skills and that is why they have lashed out at you. You’ll find that even thanking them for their opinion will soften the blow. It’s all about how you rise above it.