Episode 3 : Reframing Rejection with Jillian Nichole
Rejection is an inevitable part of the creative journey, yet it often feels deeply personal and discouraging. Whether it’s an ignored email, a declined pitch, or a harsh critique, rejection can shake our confidence and make us question our path. But what if we could see it differently—not as a roadblock, but as an essential stepping stone toward growth? In a recent episode of Creative Diaries, I sat down with Jillian Anderson, a creative entrepreneur who has learned to navigate rejection with resilience and determination. Through her journey, she’s discovered powerful ways to turn rejection into motivation and fuel her success.
Jillian’s approach to rejection was shaped early on by her understanding that hearing “no” was simply part of the process. Instead of fearing it, she embraced it as a natural occurrence in the creative industry. Knowing that rejection wasn’t a reflection of her worth, but rather a numbers game, helped her push forward. She understood that every “no” brought her one step closer to the right “yes.” This mindset shift transformed her relationship with rejection, allowing her to persist even in the face of countless setbacks.
One of the most compelling parts of Jillian’s story is how she strategically handled rejection. Instead of allowing a “no” to deter her, she used it as an opportunity to refine her craft. When a wallpaper company she admired initially rejected her work, she didn’t take it as a failure. Instead, she took it as a challenge—an invitation to improve. She studied their aesthetic, adapted her approach while staying true to her style, and returned with artwork that better fit their vision. This persistence paid off, eventually leading to a successful collaboration.
Jillian also highlighted the importance of resilience and consistency. She shared how following up with companies, keeping track of outreach efforts, and continually pitching her work led to significant opportunities. The creative industry is saturated with talented individuals, and often, success is less about innate ability and more about staying in the game long enough to find the right fit. By treating rejection as part of the process rather than a personal failure, creatives can cultivate resilience and remain motivated despite obstacles.
Ultimately, rejection is not the end of the road—it’s a necessary part of creative growth. Jillian’s story reminds us that our creative paths are shaped by perseverance, adaptability, and belief in our work. The next time you face rejection, consider asking yourself: What can I learn from this? How can I refine my approach? With the right mindset, rejection becomes less of a barrier and more of an opportunity to grow.
🎧 Want to hear more? Listen to the full episode of Creative Diaries here and gain insights on how to turn rejection into resilience.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Rejection is not personal. It’s part of the creative process, not a reflection of your worth.
Adopt the numbers game mindset. Every "no" brings you closer to the right "yes."
Use rejection as motivation. View it as feedback and an opportunity to refine your work.
Persistence leads to success. Following up, improving, and staying consistent can open doors over time.
Your work has value. Keep creating, keep pitching, and trust that the right opportunities will come.
About Jillian Nichole
Jillian Nichole is a vibrant surface pattern designer, illustrator, and the founder of Paper Whim, a brand celebrated for its whimsical calendars, cards, and sketchbooks. A self-taught artist with a passion for color, storytelling, and playful design, Jillian’s work draws inspiration from nature, childhood nostalgia, and her imaginative outlook on life. Her creations bring a sense of joy and wonder to everyday products, reflecting her belief in the power of art to uplift and connect.
Like many creatives, Jillian has encountered rejection and moments of self-doubt. Instead of letting these challenges define her, she embraced them as opportunities for growth. By adopting the “numbers game” approach, she redefined rejection as a natural part of the creative process—each “no” became a step closer to a “yes.” This mindset has allowed her to push forward with resilience and persistence, ultimately shaping her journey as an artist and entrepreneur.
In addition to leading Paper Whim, Jillian offers 1-on-1 coaching to help other creatives find their footing, overcome challenges, and unlock their potential. Her work has been featured on a variety of products, and she has cultivated an engaged social media following by authentically sharing her creative journey. Jillian’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of persistence, the beauty of imperfection, and the magic of believing in your creative vision.
📌 Explore Jillian’s work here and follow her creative journey on Instagram.
📖 Interested in learning more about navigating rejection? Click here to read more!