As part of the artist community, this is a topic that I’ve stumbled upon many times. Dealing with criticism is something everyone seems to have a different outlook on.
Some people argue: ‘Everyone can give me feedback at any time, I learn from this!’
Others argue: ‘I’d like to only get feedback when I ask people.’
Sometimes, this second one is perceived as, fragile, weak, arrogant, or stubborn, while truly it may not be the case at all. There are many good reasons why someone does not want to hear tips, tricks, ways to improve or suggested edits, by anyone at any given time.
So why do some artists not want your feedback?
Potential clients may see the critiques and assume the artist is not that good.
If the art is commercial work, it may already have been printed, published, used etc. This way the artist has no means to correct it.
Sometimes, someone’s idea of wrong is another person’s idea of right.
You can’t tell how much of a time restrain the artist has had to be able to make their best work.
The more the artist is known, the more people tent to give them their two cents. Often times all those critiques and suggestions are even opposing of one another.
Most of all, a lot of people who openly critique other artists work, are at their current knowledge peek and think they know stuff and only later realise that they don’t. Accept that you don't know everything, and that you're not inclined to feed people your 'knowledge'.
It’s obnoxious and impolite. Would you randomly critique a strangers choice of clothing? No, right?
So, how do people improve if they don’t have people openly criticise their work?
Studying. Not everyone needs to hold another's hand in order to learn new things. Analysing and putting all the fundamentals to practise, does a lot of good.
Art-directors and clients often fulfil this role, who are you to take their place if the art wasn’t made for you?
Some people have their own circle of people to who'm they can rely on their eyes and expertise with confidence.
So let’s say someone has posted a piece of art and you see something you’d do differently. Check the following:
When someone DOES ask for your feedback. Be smart, be nice.
The whole stereotype on the idea that being nice is sugarcoating something, or the mentality of: 'Just fucking wreck my shit!' does not make you a badass. Being polite and helpful will get you a long way and hey, may even gain you a new friend!
So here’s some tips.
Wording. Starting off with: ‘I would personally-’, ‘Have you considered-’, makes whatever follows a lot politer.
Explaining. If something is wrong in your eyes, explain them why.
Suggesting. After explaining why something seems wrong to you, suggest something to fix it, but do so knowing you’re not talking to a toddler.
There is a flipside to this coin as well. Let’s say you’re someone who’ve just gotten feedback.
If you didn’t ask for it, you can either ignore them, remove the comment, or politely explain why you explicitly did not want feedback. Or (my favourite) simply comment with ‘No’ or a fitting meme. (I love memes…). There will always be people who think to help you (and often mean well) but there’s also people who spend their days sending out feedback, rather then working on their own improvements.
Now let’s say you actually ASKED for feedback! If you did so publicly and everyone and their mother has given you their deal, it’s up to you to decide which ones to live up to and which ones not to. But if you’ve personally asked a friend or someone whom you consider your artistic superior, do your best to understand the given feedback, be thankful and try and apply it the best you can. Even if you may not agree at first! I’ve asked them… so.. You must’ve wanted to improve and deemed them capable of helping you with it.
There is nothing wrong with asking for feedback or needing help, but someone is never obligated to help you, ever. It does not make them an ass if they don’t.
This about covers it for me. Feel free to add your ideas on this topic in the comments!
Thanks for reading!
Suzanne Helmigh