“You are in control of your own story—failure is just a chapter, not the ending.”
~Vinh Van Lam
Failure is often perceived as a stopping point, a dead end that defines who we are and what we are capable of achieving. For creative professionals such as artists, surface designers, and graphic designers, failure can feel deeply personal because their work often reflects their identity and passion. However, this perception of failure is a misconception. Instead, it is a temporary chapter in a much larger story—a story that we have the power to write and rewrite.
In creative industries, failure is not only inevitable but also necessary. It serves as a catalyst for growth, pushing artists and designers to refine their skills, experiment with new techniques, and ultimately discover their unique voice. Embracing failure as part of the journey, rather than fearing it as the end, allows creatives to take risks, innovate, and transform challenges into opportunities.
The Power of Perspective in Creative Practice
For a surface designer, submitting a portfolio to a licensee and facing rejection can feel like the ultimate failure, a blow to both confidence and motivation. It’s natural to spiral into self-doubt, questioning your artistic abilities, the commercial viability of your work, or even your place in the industry. However, when viewed through the lens of the quote, “failure is just a chapter,” rejection takes on a different meaning. Instead of a stopping point, it becomes a valuable learning experience—a chance to refine your approach and grow stronger.
Rejection often reflects not the quality of your talent, but a misalignment between your work and the current needs or vision of the industry. Perhaps the designs you submitted didn’t align with current market trends, didn’t reflect the type of art or aesthetic the licensee was envisioning, or missed the mark in showcasing their commercial potential. It could also be something as simple as a lack of polished mockups to illustrate how your designs might come to life on products like fabrics, stationery, or home décor. These insights, while initially discouraging, are invaluable. They reveal the specific areas where improvement is needed, offering a roadmap for future success.
Understanding these gaps allows you to adapt your designs, presentation, or overall strategy to better meet industry expectations. Maybe it’s about researching market trends more thoroughly, refining your portfolio to target specific niches, or investing in professional mockups to elevate the perceived value of your work. Each rejection becomes a stepping stone, teaching you not just how to improve but also how to build resilience and confidence in your creative journey. With this mindset, what once felt like failure transforms into progress
Case Study: Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh is a quintessential example of how failure can be reframed in the context of creative practice. During his lifetime, van Gogh sold only one painting, a disheartening reality for any artist. He struggled with rejection, poverty, and mental health challenges, leading many to view his career as a failure. But van Gogh’s story didn’t end there.
Today, van Gogh’s work is celebrated globally, with his paintings fetching millions of dollars and inspiring countless artists. His failure, once seen as definitive, was merely a chapter in a story that would eventually redefine the art world. What van Gogh teaches us is that the value of creative work is not always immediate. The process of creating, the lessons learned, and the courage to keep going are what truly shape an artist’s legacy.
Learning from Failure in Surface Design
Consider a surface designer creating patterns for home textiles. Suppose their first collection is rejected by a manufacturer for being “too niche.” At first glance, this seems like a failure. But by analyzing the feedback, the designer may discover that their patterns lack versatility or don’t fit current consumer demands. Armed with this knowledge, they can adapt their designs to include more universal themes or create mockups that highlight the patterns’ potential applications.
This iterative process—designing, receiving feedback, and refining—is the backbone of success in surface design. Each rejection is not an ending but a stepping stone toward creating work that resonates with clients and consumers.
The Role of Resilience in Graphic Design
Graphic designers, too, face their share of failures. Perhaps a freelance designer pitches a branding project to a high-profile client, only to lose the job to a competitor. While disappointing, this experience offers a chance to assess and improve. Was the proposal clear and visually compelling? Did it address the client’s needs? Did the designer present a unique perspective?
Instead of dwelling on the rejection, the designer can refine their pitch, enhance their portfolio, or seek mentorship to strengthen their skills. Each of these actions moves the story forward, turning a moment of failure into a catalyst for growth.
Practical Steps to Reframe Failure
Embrace Reflection: After experiencing failure, take time to reflect on what went wrong and why. Be honest with yourself without being overly critical.
Seek Feedback: Constructive criticism from peers, clients, or mentors can provide valuable insights that help you improve.
Experiment and Iterate: Use failure as a license to experiment. Whether it’s trying a new artistic medium or exploring unconventional design ideas, allow yourself to grow through trial and error.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge small wins along the way, even if the ultimate goal feels far off. Each step forward is part of the story you’re writing.
Stay Persistent: Remember that success in creative industries often takes years of consistent effort. Keep submitting your work, refining your skills, and building relationships.
Building a Narrative of Success
Reframing failure also involves shifting the narrative you tell yourself. For example, instead of saying, “I ruined my business,” try saying, “I learned how not to run my business.” This subtle change reinforces the idea that failure is a chapter, not the entire book. It acknowledges the lesson without internalizing the failure as an identity.
Final Thoughts: Own Your Story
For artists, surface designers, and graphic designers, the creative journey is rarely linear. It’s a series of highs and lows, successes and failures, all of which contribute to a richer, more authentic story. By choosing to see failure as a chapter rather than the conclusion, you reclaim control over your narrative.
The ability to persist, adapt, and innovate in the face of setbacks is what defines a successful creative professional. Just as every masterpiece begins with a blank canvas, every story of success begins with moments of failure. But remember—you hold the pen. You decide how the story unfolds. And no matter how many chapters are marked by failure, the ending is yours to create.
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