A friend and one of our talented artists, KC Moore, recently wrote an interesting article about rejection, How To Handle Rejection As An Artist | Art Marketing Secrets, and it called to mind other infamous snubs that have many of us scratching our heads:
JK Rowling (the force behind the wildly successful Harry Potter books, as we all know), was rejected by 12 publishers. After one year, a small house decided to take a chance, but told her not to give up her day job because she’d never make any money writing children’s books. Margaret Mitchell submitted “Gone with the Wind” to 38 publishers before one realized it had struck gold.
“Fantasia,” the legendary Disney cartoon, brilliantly animating with famous classical music selections, was criticized by musical purists and failed miserably at the box office; it is now included on many ‘Top 100 Films of all Time’ lists. “Easy Rider,” a low budget film with low expectations, has gone on to become a generation-defining road trip movie.
Even “I Love Lucy,” almost didn’t make it on the air because TV executives didn’t think audiences would relate to Desi Arnaz. Lucille Ball, to her immense credit, wouldn’t take no for an answer and the rest, as they say, is history.
So many have faced their own adversities before us, and I find it inspiring to think of the determination and resilience they showed as I crawl over roadblocks and sidestep obstacles while walking my own path. It’s not only about achieving our goals…so much can be learned during the journey as well.
I’m one of those in the trough … OK, now I’m inspired. Will press on! Thanks for words of encouragement. If the inauspicious start is a harbinger of better things to come, I’m in for some major success!
Yes, this must be the topic of the week; I’ve felt resonance. Everyone will face a wall; if we have a dream, a vision, a path we should pursue.