In my previous post, I made the case that not every viewer is your viewer—and that’s okay. But that’s easier said than lived.
Because the truth is, even when we know art is subjective—even when we know our satisfaction should be the measure that matters—it still hurts when someone doesn’t respond to a piece we’ve worked hard on. It can feel personal. Dismissive. Sometimes even destabilizing.
As a gallery owner, I’ve seen how deeply artists can be affected by a throwaway comment, an indifferent glance, or a sale that doesn’t come. It’s not just bruised ego. It’s something more elemental: the very human need to be seen.
The Validation Trap
There’s a kind of vulnerability that comes with making art. You’re not just producing a product; you’re offering a piece of your vision, your voice, maybe even your story. So it’s only natural to want that effort to be recognized—and for that recognition to be affirming.
But here’s where things can go sideways.
When external validation becomes the primary goal, rather than a side effect of honest work, it changes the way an artist creates. I’ve seen this shift happen in subtle ways:
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A bold, exploratory body of work suddenly gives way to “safe” pieces that feel more marketable.
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An artist who once painted for the love of it begins to produce only what sold last time.
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Creative risk-taking slows. Joy fades. The work becomes thinner, more cautious.
And ironically, that usually makes the work less compelling—not more.
What Buyers Actually Respond To
There’s a misconception that collectors only want what’s easy, polished, or familiar. In my experience, that’s not true.
What buyers respond to—what stops them in their tracks—is conviction. Originality. A clear point of view. They don’t need to understand every element of a piece; they need to feel that the artist meant it.
But that kind of authenticity only comes when the artist is listening inward first. It doesn’t happen when the work is designed by committee, real or imagined.
The Artist’s Voice Is the Anchor
It’s easy to lose your footing in the back-and-forth of shows, social media, sales, and silence. The only reliable anchor is your own voice.
Not every piece will resonate with others. Not every show will be a hit. But if you’re proud of what you’re making—if it reflects your intent and evolution as an artist—then you’re still on course.
I often encourage artists to measure their progress not in likes or sales, but in:
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Creative risks taken
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Satisfaction with the work itself
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Moments of growth or surprise in the studio
When you start using those metrics, the need for outside affirmation loses some of its grip.
Confidence Without Arrogance
None of this is about developing a thick skin and blocking the world out. It’s about developing discernment. Knowing which voices are worth listening to—and when your own voice matters more.
There’s strength in vulnerability, but only when it’s paired with clarity.
Keep sharing your work. Keep listening. But keep your compass pointed inward.
Because when the art is grounded in your own conviction, you’re not just making something to be liked—you’re making something that lasts.
This balance—between staying open to feedback and staying grounded in your own voice—is one of the toughest challenges artists face. What has helped you build confidence in your work, especially during seasons when validation is hard to come by? And how do you stay connected to your creative instincts when external feedback starts to get loud? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
I so needed to hear this today! I have just been rejected by a gallery show. I worked so hard on the two paintings submitted and really felt they were strong and the vision I had tried to portray met with their criteria. I am still proud of the work and always judge it by what I’m feeling about a piece when completed. So yes, it’s hard but I will pick up my bruised soul and forge ahead to another day.
Susan, I’m sorry to hear about the rejection—but I admire your outlook. The fact that you’re proud of the work and standing by your vision says a lot about your integrity as an artist. Rejections sting, no question, but they don’t diminish the value of the work or your growth. Keep showing up. The next opportunity may be a better fit than you imagined.
I agree that when artist do get negative feedback, they become more self conscious of there art. And there is so much talent out there, it is hard to keep your voice and passion going. You want people to look at your art and say, “wow thats something”, but in reality, people like what they want to like. As an artist that did not do work for years, and trying to get out there, and spread my story and voice, it is scary. Because when you have this vision and idea and want the world to hear you or see you, it just does not happen for a lot of us. I look at some of the amazing art out there, and I wonder why I try. And the answer is, I do it because I love it and want to create. And I love my art and have learned negative feedback is a way to grow and not try to be like others. I’m different and that is what makes us human
Elizabeth, your honesty is powerful—and you’ve touched on something so many artists feel but don’t always say out loud. It *is* scary to put your work and voice out there, especially in such a crowded, unpredictable landscape. But your answer is the right one: you do it because you love it. That passion, and your willingness to keep going in the face of doubt, is what gives your work its power and individuality. Different isn’t just okay—it’s the point.
I do several street (tent) shows each year. I prepare my best work. I arrange my booth to be as inviting as possible. The visitors start to walk through, and no one even looks toward my booth! That’s disheartening! It makes it really hard to stay upbeat and positive for those who do come in, look around, and even buy!
Kathy, I know how discouraging that can be—and how much energy it takes to stay positive in those moments. You’re putting in the work, showing up with intention, and creating a welcoming space. Sometimes it’s not about your effort at all, just the unpredictable rhythm of the crowd. Keep doing what you do with pride—often the breakthrough comes when you least expect it.
I am not the greatest promoter of my own art. I’m aware that my work is not “for ” everyone.
But recently, I noticed that both my daughter and my sister connected with two separate pieces, for different reasons. My daughter was interested in the materials and techniques I used. My sister was moved to tears because of the symbolism in one piece.
A young girl at an artisan fair also connected with the sameone my daughter liked, because she recognized what could be done with “throwaway ” ( found) materials and the possibilities of such items. She was totally excited and I may have converted another person to mixed media art! ( and the questionable habit of seeing potential in “junk”! Lol.)
Claudia, those moments of connection—especially when they come from such different places—are so meaningful. It’s a reminder that your work doesn’t have to resonate with everyone to be powerful. The impact it has on even a few people, especially when it sparks curiosity or emotion, speaks volumes. And converting someone to mixed media (and treasure-hunting!) is a pretty great bonus.
Valuable invormation. Thank you.
Sound words Jason Thanks as always
I started a new series almost a year ago one I was passionate about and people love , everyone stops in their tracks and admires, like one would do in a museum .. but so far no sales it’s so perplexing. I guess figurative art is a hard sell . Might have to go back to landscapes ? Yawns ..
Sherri, that’s such a tough spot—and one I’ve seen many artists wrestle with. When the response is strong but sales lag behind, it can feel like the market isn’t catching up to the work. Figurative pieces can take longer to find the right buyer, but that doesn’t mean they’re the wrong direction. If this series lights you up and stops people in their tracks, it’s worth staying with it a little longer. Sometimes it just takes time—and the right venue—for the connection to turn into a sale.
Thank you again for your perspective of staying true to yourself!!! I will be telling myself that with every painting I create!!
Thank you again for your valuable insight!!!!
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Very well said, Jason. Thank you.
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If I wasn’t pleased and proud of my artistic rendering of things, places and people there’d be no point in showing the works and talking about the journey and joy of inspiration.
Half the fun is the process of creating; taking the inspiration to the paper and embellishing.
Every drawing has a backstory and for the most part folks want to hear it. Talking about the works is part of the fun, and when someone just has to take one home that adds to the enjoyment.
I’m not sure what’s more exciting, creating the art or the process of adopting it out. Swapping stories with folks almost always leads to new ideas and inspiration, which takes me full circle back to the drawing table.
And so far every artwork has an element of new techniques to learn and new challenges to work through, and more stories to tell.
Norman, your comment captures the heart of what keeps so many artists going—the joy in the process, the connection with viewers, and the ongoing cycle of inspiration. That full-circle moment, from creation to conversation and back again, is where some of the richest artistic growth happens. I appreciate how you framed it as both personal and shared experience—that’s what makes the work resonate.