I will be the first to tell you you can’t take things personally in art licensing. To shift your mindset from “no” being a personal attack to meaning “it’s just not a fit for us right now”.
I’m usually pretty good at it. I know that I’m designing for commercial purposes and what will work for one client won’t necessarily work – or appeal – to another. I get it. I’ve been at it for 12 years and building that “thick skin” people like to tell you about when you DO get your feelings hurt.
The reality is, some people have better communication skills than others and sometimes you can’t help but get your feelings hurt. The more important point is this: how quickly can you recover and get back to a place of creativity?
Last week, one of these these moments happened in my life. I got to talking with a few friends about the things people have said to me. One told me that if I had an agent, I wouldn’t have to hear those things – but might not hear much at all – good or bad. It’s true – one beautiful thing an agent can do for you is shield you from some less than tactful comments.
I thought I’d entertain you with a few things that come to mind that have been said to me over the years – that way when you hear something similar (hopefully you won’t!) – you won’t feel so alone. And hopefully being warned will help you recover from the sting quickly.
Here are a few that stand out – in no particular order…
“None of us liked the work you just sent. Call me.”
“We hate the colors. What were you thinking?”
“What the heck is that supposed to be? A hippo?”
(It was not even an animal and no one else was confused…)
“That is just stupid.”
“I hate your cartoon pets. Stop doing them.”
Any of these situations could have been met with a polite “We don’t think that will work for us” or “Can you change _____” – something constructive. The above comments add no real value – because in each instance, another client (or 3) had liked the designs and licensed them.
We need to listen to feedback, and we also need to recognize poor communication for what it is and try not to take it to heart.
Here’s to your thick-skinned creative success!
– Tara Reed
I have had my share of zingers from all types of zingees…lol Bouncing back is the success you make.
My favorite is one a friend of mine got, ” You expect to get paid for that? Don’t you have a husband to take care of you?”
Well that sucks that you had to hear those things. But you’re absolutely right, communication skills are something that if not taught at an early age, one does not have them. They can however be taught later on if a person is open. Coming out of the fashion industry in New York City, I’ve heard my share of zingers as well! Take a deep breath of “Balance,” exhale, do this a few times, maybe go to the gym and forget about it. It’s not worth letting anyone steal your power and thus your creativity.
Communication is truly becoming a LOST art form . . . especially constructive criticism!!! Tara, so VERY glad you proved them wrong . . . on ALL counts!!! Thanks for sharing these zingers . . .
These comments reflect some awful personality traits and to be honest, I would rather not do business with people like this that are so tactless. I say you got a lucky escape each time and moved on to bigger and better things.
A great reminder Tara to not to take life (or feedback) too seriously!
So good to be reminded to sift the comments and only let in the useful ones!
Oh my. I have had a few as well but with an agent I do think I am sheltered to a degree. I had one this last year that threw me for a loop though. Later this person did apologize to my agent. (not me though wha???). I do tend to think it says much more about the person that said it than the person it is said about.
Thanks for posting 🙂
after doing 36… yes 36 illustrations to extremely specific details only to be told that that particular director I was dealing with has left the company and the remaining ones don’t really ”get them” grrrr…… anyone want 36 rather nice illustrations very cute and marketable ??? lol… well I think so anyway
Tara,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This helps so much as I embark on this road.
To your continued success!
Karen Sikie
Great post! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I’m not sure if my skin has become thicker but my recovery time sure has. Comments that used to floor me, now just get an “ouch” and I move on.