Not Accepted…
It has been just in the recent months that I started submitting a few projects to various magazines. I have been fortunate to win contest and get a few things picked up here and there. I’m in the October issue of Paper Crafts {page 16 & 30} and I have some other stuff coming up. I can say that I am a lucky girl. When I first started submitting I knew that I would get rejected more than I would get accepted. The concept of that is not that difficult to grasp and I knew from the beginning that I should not let my feelings get hurt if stuff didn’t get picked up for publication. This past month I submitted A LOT of stuff. Two things got picked up. Any other month I would have been bouncing off the walls in joy that this happened. This month I was a little bummed that some of the stuff that I really liked didn’t get chosen. After giving myself a little pep talk, I realized that I am still a very very lucky girl. I needed to pick up my big girl panties and get on with it and not be throwing myself a pity party. I realized that I was submitting just to get published, not because I actually liked what they were calling for. Yes, I really like some of the projects I made, but some of them show that my heart was not in it. I made a little deal with myself to only go for the stuff that my heart is in. I know that some of that stuff won’t get chosen and I’m okay with that. I don’t want to have my name in lights just because I can come up with something based on what someone else wants. I want to submit and get chosen because the projects reflect what my chosen and cherished hobby {not my job!} is and that I love to do it and my heart is in it.
Anyways, with that said, here is one of the projects that did not get picked up. Now I get to use it as part of a gift to give someone. Something tells me that I will get at least the same amount of joy from that.
I’m so glad you share you pep talk to us, felt like you’re talking to me. I also found that I started to submit things just to submit. Not necessary because I like the project or passionate about it. And what didn’t get published, doesn’t mean is bad. In my eyes, they’re wonderful projects because I was inspired to do it. Or, if it’s someone else’s project, it taught me something (be it in color, technique, or just pure inspiration).
So, thanks for making a point to address it.
I love it! Congrats on the two projects that were chosen. I read your blog daily and really enjoy all your ideas and projects!
I’ve never submitted anything for publication. I’ve thought about it, but haven’t tried. Something tells me I may be just a little too *thin skinned* for it.
I LOVE your project. I know it may not be much consolation, but at least you got to share it with us so we can enjoy it. Keep up the good work!
Your project is great…LOVE it!!
Jen, you are so right to give yourself a pep talk! I ghost write and design quilting books. I can’t tell you how many times I was upset over the “author’s” re-writes or critizisms.
I have so admired your work, for so long. I’m happy you did get two designs picked up! Congrats!
Faith
Congrats on the two that got published! Woohoo! These cards are fantastic, Jen! I love the little matching envelope. It’s so hard to stay emotionally guarded when you have your art out there for others to accept or reject. Kudos on the decision to stay true to yourself and do what you love. In my opinion, too many stampers change their style to get published and that’s why all the samples in the publications pretty much look the same. So chin up, girlie! You’re awesome, AND your cards are awesome!
what a great thing to share with everyone! I also believe putting your heart into something is much more reward than the accomplishment itself. Congratulations on the others! personally I think this is a great project!
These are beautiful! I love the color choices-not ones I would naturally pick- but they work great together.
That’s good your able to pep yourself up.
Focus on your sucesses…
Thankyou for sharing!
Laura
http://www.bookclub4boys.com
I saw the projects in the last issue or Papercrafts that I picked up and that little halloween bag was so cute! I think these projects are just adorable too. What a great attitude to take though. Here is to more of your items being published.
Bravo! That is definitely the healthiest and best attitude to have! Could you really be your proudest if the projects didn’t come straight from your heart? Congratulations on ALL the times you’ve been previously published and also on the multitude of times in the future that you will be published! You’re an inspiration to us all, Jen. Thanks!
Wow - this is way cute! Should have been accepted — I agree! Anyway — I am marveled at all you do do and good for you that you do submit. So glad too that you blog and share your ideas with fellow stampers !
Hi Jen-
I so know what you are talking about. Im amazed at what DOES get picked sometimes. I agree about the heart in it comment! I find those usually get picked over the “doing it cause I have to cards”
Its a very difficult “buisness”. Your work is always gorgeous! Keep being true to you!
{{{hugs}}}} thanks for putting your honest thoughts and struggles out there for your blog readers. I know that many more people than you struggle with this issue. Just know that your stuff ROCKS!
I Love these projects! they are stunning! and im sure that the person recieving the gift will love them too!
Well, they are definitely winners in my book! I think they’re awesome!
I’m glad you know you’re very lucky (talented), cuz you are! I can’t get anything picked up for the life of me! That you did it on your first try is even more amazing. Keep your chin up and send some of your luck (talent) my way please!!!
Love this bag and card, it’s uber adorable!
Amy
ROFL…big girl panties…you crack me up!
Congrats on the two projects that did get picked up. I think you are very talented and I really enjoy your blog.
Oh, Jen. We love you here at Stampington! Your article on faux eyelets is looking great!
Beautiful project Jen, I too, share your sentiments when it comes to publication. I am trying to submit when something I have created fits the call instead of the other way around. Tough not to get emotionally attached to your created items though. I’m still developing that “thick skin”.
I think your ideas are great! As long as YOU are liking what you are making then that is all that counts! You’re right too, you will get just as much satisfaction giving this gift to someone, especially to someone who appreciates a nice homemade gift!! I’m happy you aren’t going to give up submitting though.
Congratulations on your projects that were chosen!! Your showcased project is amazing! It is certainly a winner to me!
This is a beautiful project. Loved the line about the big girl panties. Keep chugging along doing what makes YOU happy.
Tina
Congrats on having two things published! That is GREAT! I am so glad I read this today—having the same feelings myself. I have been submitting hard recently (and to some calls I was not crazy about). But, I decided that I am not going to do that anymore. I will stick to the stuff that grabs my attention and get back to the JOY of creating. Thanks for the wake up call!!!
Congrats on the upcoming pubs. I’ll be watching for them. Hey, at least you got some good blog fodder out of this project. I think it’s quite striking with the black accents and matching envie.
very cute! i think it is okay to have a pity party for a moment. sometimes it just feels better after you let yourself have that. i don’t ever submit anything because i don’t want the rejection so hats off to you for going for it. congrats on the projects that were chosen.
Oh Jen these are fabulous!!!! And I saw your projects in Paper Crafts and they are super terrific too!
Love your projects. Congrats on your items that have been published. I love the “Have a swinging day!” card on the paper crafts magazine Celebrate Sports exclusive on-line bonus! Very cute!
Jen, thanks for the pep talk. I have just begun to submit projects for publication, and it’s a great reminder to just keep doing it because I LOVE it! To be published would be such a BONUS! Congrats on your published work — I love your October PaperCrafts creations (and ALL your creations)!
Jen, Havings sold things I have made before, I found that when I “had” to do make something it took the enjoyment out it, so I no longer “sell” and I do whatever makes me happy. Therefore I think your pep talk to yourself is ‘right’ on the button. Do what makes you happy, it will be in the results and you will probably see more published. I remember seeing some of your projects in Paper Crafts. I love seeing SCS names and cards published it is fun to look for. Keep up the good work.