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As a contemporary artist, the word “no” can be daunting. Rejection often carries pain and sometimes shame, particularly when your work isn’t received as expected. However, feedback like “we don’t have the space” or “your portfolio isn’t a fit” doesn’t mean you should be disheartened. Instead, consider how “no” can be a valuable redirection, guiding you to refine your approach or explore new directions.

In the creative world, constant development is key. You’re always seeking new ways to evolve your skills, select engaging topics, and ensure your portfolio genuinely represents who you are. It’s crucial to ask yourself how your works speak to others. The reality is, even those who adore your work might say “no” due to timing, space constraints, or even differing quality perceptions.

Receiving rejection doesn’t have to be devastating. It’s crucial to understand that rejection is part of the artistic process. Your self-perspective plays a significant role here. Allow yourself—and your work— to be rejected. It’s acceptable if people don’t have room for your pieces or if they feel your work isn’t quite what they’re looking for. This doesn’t mean you can slack off; sometimes the issue might be with you, but that’s okay.

Remember, a “no” can sometimes be a blessing in disguise. A “yes” might come with strings attached—commitments neither party can uphold. Often, we chase opportunities that seem perfect but might not be right for us. The next time you hear “no,” take a deep breath and persist in your efforts.

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You’re not lazy. You’re simply procrastinating. You might not even be aware of it, but procrastination is quite normal within the creative or artistic process. These are the moments when you uncover new ideas or face tasks you’ve been avoiding. Interestingly, many confuse this as laziness. This misconception often leads to feelings of guilt or shame for not being constantly productive.

On social media, it seems everyone is creating something new 24/7. However, maintaining a constant state of productivity is unhealthy and a fast track to burnout. Taking breaks and allowing yourself to procrastinate is not just normal—it’s necessary.

Procrastination as a Tool for Creativity

Is it normal to have moments when you procrastinate or aren’t productive? Absolutely. In fact, I recommend it. Moments of doing nothing can lead to solutions, new ideas, or even just relaxation. Doing nothing is a vital aspect of being human. Allowing yourself to be bored or idle is beneficial.

If you still feel the urge to do something, choose an activity that is completely different from your usual tasks. You’re not always being lazy; sometimes, procrastination is a sign that you need a break.

• Embrace procrastination as part of the artistic process.
• Avoid comparing your productivity to others on social media.
• Allow yourself to have moments of inactivity.
• Use idle time to explore new or opposite activities.

For more insights into managing your creative process and to view my art that explores Afro-Caribbean narratives, subscribe to my newsletter or visit my shop.

It might not be about how you are doing your art; there are simply many players in the field. Social media is undoubtedly a powerful tool for distributing your artwork, yet I’ve noticed more complaints about algorithms than I see artists focusing on creating their unique shapes.

Perhaps it’s not about whether you are good enough. Any artist can critically assess their work and determine their level of skill. With so many artists on various platforms, comparing your work to others is inevitable. If your art isn’t quite hitting the mark, it’s something to acknowledge and improve upon.

Consider this: every second someone swipes, saves, or likes your post, they are quickly moving on to the next one. Your engagement is happening on someone else’s turf. Essentially, you’re building your castle on borrowed land.

So, what does this mean? You need to bring your interaction and engagement to a space where you have more control. This doesn’t mean abandoning social media entirely—unless you feel it’s time to do so. Instead, think about how to draw your audience to a platform that fosters similar levels of interaction and engagement, without the multitude of distractions.

Focus on refining what you offer. Perhaps a minor tweak can make a significant difference. Remember, on social media, your audience is always one swipe away from the next post. This is the dynamic we are dealing with.

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Hello People!

I’ve got to keep this brief, so let me dive straight in. From onyx to the club, let’s get started. You haven’t secured your tickets yet—what’s going on? Don’t worry, though, you still have until the end of the day, 15 September, to grab your free tickets for my upcoming exhibition happening between 22 and 26 October.

This exhibition poses the intriguing question: Is house music an ancestral algorithm? Or, is house music the inversion of ancestral intelligence? We know about artificial intelligence—AI—and then there’s ancestral intelligence. What does this mean for the art we create and experience? That’s precisely what this exhibition aims to explore.

You can get a behind-the-scenes look if you sign up for the newsletter, The Base. Once the link goes live in the bio, you’ll find two links: one to my website and one to The Base. Choose the second link. Today is your last chance to get a free ticket, so don’t miss out.

Call to Action

The exposition is of course already at it’s end but you get to watch. Via the next link you can watch the virtual exposition whenever you want. Buy your ticket here..

Can someone explain this to me? Yes, come closer, listen up. I’ve been mulling over something. It’s something that’s been bothering me from the beginning, and it’s still relevant now. So it’s not only an issue at the start but remains a constant concern. When you look at open calls for artists, especially here in the Netherlands, you often see age restrictions—typically between 18 and 35 years old or even younger.

What is that about? Why are they only looking at people between the ages of 18 and 35? What’s the point of having an age limit for something that can be created by anyone, at any age? I didn’t start when I was 18. I never went to art school or any academy. I’m an autodidact. I’m 42 years old now. Over time, I’ve expanded my thinking and become freer in what I want to create and how I approach my art.

So explain to me why there is still a need to impose age limits on competitions and open calls. If you tell me it’s about giving a certain group of people the chance to develop, promote themselves, and gain an audience for their work, then what happens to all the people who fall outside that age range? Do they not need the same opportunities? What’s the problem here?

That was the question I had. Perhaps there are people who can provide answers in the comments. Thank you all for listening to my thoughts.

Join the Conversation

If this resonates with you, I invite you to join the conversation. Sign up for my newsletter, explore my work, and visit my shop to see how I express these thoughts through my art.