Sunday, September 27, 2009

Company Rejections

It seems odd to talk about rejections, but they came up in a friend's blog. I had two very nice rejections in the past couple months. One from Cartoon Network, and the other from Pixar. Rejections don't have to be horrible. Quite often it's the person at the receiving end of the rejection that blows them out of proportion. So I'd like to take a moment to talk about them.

I'm really amazed at Cartoon Network's politeness. I was called up and told that they'd gone with another artist (usually the case as I'm rather green in the industry) but that they felt awful about throwing away my portfolio. I told them that I didn't mind, as I had moved, and picking it up wasn't much of an option at the moment. But they insisted.

"I don't like to throw out the good ones..."

I stopped for a moment. Did she say what I think she said? She did. The lady on the phone then persuaded me to hand over my current address and I thanked her for her time. You know, you can get a rejection, and yes, rejection sucks, but that gave me warm fuzzies. My folio arrived in the mail a few days later. So cheers Cartoon Network! You guys are awesome :)

Second was my rejection from Pixar. They had a story position open a few months ago, and I sent up my portfolio. Now, with large studios, sometimes you never get a call back. You never get an email or a letter. It's simply understood that not hearing back means you didn't get the job. That said, it was nice to hear from them, even if it was a simple email to say, "We're impressed but we got someone else."

Rejections are far from the end of the world, and sometimes, getting a rejection can also be a positive thing. It's always good to read inbetween the lines. I'm proud of my collection of rejection letters. It keeps me grounded.

3 comments:

Jose Saenz said...

Wow Karen, your work is amazing! I'm really enjoying your blog. I have to say that if talented artists like you are getting rejected, then I'm in big trouble. I haven't applied to any of the big studios in a couple of years because I'm been preoccupied on other projects, but I was planning to start sending out portfolios again this year. Reading about your company rejections, albeit very nice ones, is concerning. More and more I see that this is just the way the industry is...and only the stubborn survive ;). I wish you the best of luck...because it looks like that's all you need. The talent is obviously already there.

Karen K. said...

Aww thanks Jose! I just saw this haha. Ugh. I'm such a slacker when it comes to checking this thing :) Honestly, glancing at your work, I wouldn't worry. Part of the reason for rejections is because right now, finding a job in ANY field is difficult. Your work is killer, and has a LOT of charm and appeal, something that cannot be taught and cannot be learned. Ya either got it or you dont :) Cheers and good luck!

Anonymous said...

I came across your blog and have to say that I really respect and admire your attitude. Rejections are always hard, especially when your green (I am a student and don't look forward to it). Reading between the lines is a great optimism and I was inspired by this post. Thanks!