…And Enjoy The Process!

by Greg Vineyard

Some of my acquaintances were amused by my extreme excitement recently when my portfolio was very promptly rejected by one of the most famous artist representatives in the country.

I’m not intending to be disrespectful in my description here. Quite the opposite, actually.

This one particular agency has been on my short list since the early 90’s. When I first forayed into a more formal attempt at illustration a few years ago, I had an artist representative for a bit and I liked it. So this time around, I find myself once again knee-deep in the activity of outreach.

Getting picked up by any particular rep is a long shot for many reasons, the most simple of which is numbers. Just hearing back from any cold call is a bit rare (imagine: a thousand artists, seeking approvals and acceptance, in your voicemail or Inbox.)

Anyway, this particular person answered my email promptly. He was professional and courteous. And for me, it was like I got through on the Red Phone.

The main reason I am enthused about having taken this action is because it was sort of Bucket List-ish. You know. Things like: “See Australia,” “Be an extra in a Star Trek reboot,” and “Actually put your portfolio out there to the highest authorities.”

But wait! I’m not just getting rejected in New York, but also all across America. And there’s more! I’ve gone global! I’ve been rejected by agencies in England, Canada and Australia, too! That’s right, the entire Commonwealth doesn’t want my art.

OK, so far it’s just one company in each country. But I’m actually quite motivated simply from having taken an easy risk. And about how, in several cases, someone on the other end of the communication has taken a moment to say … well, anything!

It’s a reminder that there really are quality businesses out there, with real human beings checking their emails. And one can cheerily move along to the next target, and make notes in one’s calendar about when next to reach out (‘cause that really famous rep didn’t say to not ever contact him again…)

Some considerations when pursuing this type, or any type, of passionate venture:

1) Have inventory. What if someone says “OK!” Do I have more than the nine images in that pretty little grid I sent?

2) Know your niche. Research your target companies. Does your work fit the overall “look” of the company? Does your style step on the toes of anyone else on the roster?

3) Hone your confidants list. Stick with folks who will give you useful, on-strategy critiques, and who will hold you and your success in their hearts, minds and souls at 110%.

4) Evaluate your portfolio. Are the images clean, clear, organized, and thematically appropriate? Are they digital, and in whatever format and size that has been requested?

5) Don’t take it personally. A “no” is not usually a rejection of us as people. Folks are just evaluating what they need for their business at the time. And take any feedback under consideration.

6) Try, try again. Never give up.

One can apply these concepts to any business where one works with a product or service. All this is really about being prepared and aiming high. It helps to shoot for the moon.

Even if one doesn’t quite hit a mark 238,900 miles away, one still ends up landing above the horizon line, say, perhaps, in a major city on the coast, rather than in a ditch. And it can feel really good to take action –any action – no matter what a target’s answer turns out to be.

Putting it out there is what matters most. And if you try it consistently enough, and in a conscientious way, something is bound to stick. I urge you to go out and seek, don’t give up, in whatever your main goals are in life. At some point the answer will be “yes!”, and you’ll be glad you valued the journey.