Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood

Why Rejection Hurts—and What to Do With It


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Today, we’re talking about something that every artist encounters—but few talk about openly: rejection.

Whether it’s a juried show, a gallery application, or simply putting your work on social media, the fear of hearing “no” often holds artists back in big ways. But here’s the truth: rejection isn’t the problem. It’s the meaning we attach to it that creates so much pain and paralysis.

Antrese breaks down:

  • Why rejection feels so intense—and why that’s totally normal
  • The science behind the physical response to rejection (it’s not all in your head)
  • How your brain turns a simple “no” into a worst-case-scenario spiral
  • Real stories from Growth Studio artists navigating fear, discomfort, and unexpected wins
  • What it means to build rejection resilience—and how to do it

You’ll also hear about a two-month Rejection Challenge happening inside Growth Studio, and why some artists are already discovering that the “no’s” they feared are turning into surprising “yeses.”

If rejection has ever stopped you from taking action, this episode is for you.

Links and Resources:

  • Learn more about Growth Studio
  • Connect with Antrese: @savvypainterpodcast

Like what you hear?
Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it helps more artists find this show. And if you know someone who needs to hear this, send it their way.



Do you spend more time thinking about making art than actually making it? Start things you never finish? Make work and then stack it against the wall, facing inward, so you don't have to look at it?

If any of that sounds familiar, I'd love to chat.

Click here: savvypainter.com/survey to tell me what's going on. If it seems like I need more info, I'll reach out to schedule a call.

Thanks so much!

Support the show

And hey - if this episode hit home, do me a favor, leave a review on Apple Podcast or come say hi on Instagram: @savvypainterpodcast
I’d love to hear this episode resonated you. ❤️

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Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese WoodBy Antrese Wood

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