My Application Regrets

What You’ll Find in This Issue

1. My Application Regrets

2. Need Support With Your Application?

3. Final Thoughts

My Application Regrets

I’ve spent a significant part of my art career working freelance, and by choice, as I prefer the creative freedom of not being tied to an institution. However, of the challenges of working independently is the lack of instant access to resources (I was not born into monetary wealth 🤷🏾‍♀️),so like many others, I’ve often relied on applying for grants, bursaries, residencies and fellowships. These usually involve an application process, and I’ve received my fair share of nos. Sometimes, those nos confirmed the opportunity wasn’t right for me. Other times, they taught me valuable lessons about how I approached the application and even in the cases where I was successful, I haven’t always given my best.

I’ve sent out a bonus newsletter over the last couple of Thursdays, focusing on funding – particularly in relation to Arts Council England’s Developing Your Creative (DYCP) fund, which is now open. It’s prompted me to reflect on some of my application regrets, and not just funding, but residencies an fellowships too.

I share these regrets in the hope that they might help you So here they are:

1. Overcommitting in My Plans

I used to think a more packed our proposal meant a stronger one. But overpacking my proposal often led to:

• Unrealistic timelines (e.g. my 6 month DYCP plan that really needed a year)

• A stretched budget where I didn’t pay myself (application was unsuccessful)

• Pressure and anxiety to deliver the undeliverable

What I’d do differently:

• Prioritise paying myself fairly

• Include breathing space in my timeline

• Propose fewer, better-planned activities I have the room to excel in

What you can do:

• Include your pay — funders will not view you as some kind of martyr for not paying yourself. You don’t get extra brownie points for missing out on YOU

• Ask yourself: “Does this timeline actually work for my life?”

• List your proposed activities in order of importance

• Cut anything that doesn’t fit and save it for another opportunity

2. Applying Too Close to the Deadline

They say diamonds are formed under pressure and must admit that I do work well under pressure, however, the procrastination hasn’t always worked in my favour. Earlier this year, I looked into applying for the Clore Fellowship. I left applying to the week before and had even booked a coaching session for support with my application, because well, if you know about the Clore Fellowship, then you know. On the morning I was meant to meet with my mentor for my session, I woke up to the most violent food poisoning episode. I was in bed for a good few days — And yes, I missed the deadline.

In other applications, I’ve rushed through drafts and submitted applications that were not a true reflection of who I was or what I was proposing. I have also gotten towards deadline only to realise I needed a letter of support to include. Of course my referee wasn’t going to answer my email for a reference at 11pm on a Sunday night, for me to submit at midnight!

I understand that we sometimes come across opportunities so close to the deadline. This is really about the ones we know about with los of time, but choose to procrastinate on.

What I’d do differently:

• Set a personal deadline for submission of my complete application a week before the real one

• Allow time for editing and feedback. A fresh pair of eyes is always good!

What you can do:

• Create a mini-timeline with clear milestones (draft, feedback, final edits)

• Submit a day early at the latest to avoid last-minute stress

• Use downtime (e.g. commute or admin days) to chip away at your draft. As Tesco say —Every Little Helps

3. Wasting Time on Applications That My Heart Wasn’t In

I once spent a whole day (my only day off) in LA holed up in a hotel lobby, whilst others went out and did fun things. All because I was “working” on an application I wasn’t passionate about. I spent more time looking at my screen rather than actually typing out. I didn’t submit the application in the end, because it wasn’t for me I realised later I only wanted the name and status that came with it – not the actual experience. That day could have been spent HAVING FUN!

What I’d do differently:

• Be honest with myself about my motivations

What you can do:

• Ask: “Why do I want this?” If the answer feels vague or external, it might not be the right opportunity or time. Let go of what doesn’t feel right and make way for what does.

Need Support With Your Application?

If you're applying for DYCP or another fund under £20,000, or perhaps a residency or exhibition opal call — I offer tailored 1:1 support, including:

• A one-hour call to talk through your idea and shape your approach

• Detailed feedback on your draft before submission

Bookings close: Monday 12th May
Feedback delivered by: Thursday 16th May (one week before the deadline)

This support is offered on a donation basis.
Email me to book or find out more. 

In Case You Missed It

Final Thoughts

The deadline for DYCP is midday on 22nd May. If you are ready, what are you waiting for?

This newsletter is independently-led. If you are ever moved to support this work, you can make a one-time or monthly donation through Ko-fi or PayPal for the price of a coffee. Every bit of support goes directly toward the time, energy, and resources it takes to keep this newsletter going. It helps me show up more fully for you. Thanks to all who have and continue to support.