Artists and Criticism: How To Be A Better Critic

Criticism: it is a natural thing to receive when you create something. It is something that is expected, and also dreaded. We as people are full of opinions, responses, and feedback when we see something that isn't exactly correct, or even if it is correct. As an artist, criticism can be the biggest wall to cross when creating pieces. Being told you aren't good enough, or even worse, that your art that you made isn't good enough, is terrifying for most. So how can we climb that wall and take what is given to us to help us grow, rather than shrivel up? Let's talk about it.

Criticism comes in many forms. Constructive, destructive, practical, self, and so much more. All are basically different ways to beat the bush, some more harmful than others. Constructive criticism is the most preferred, but often the least used naturally. It's where you provide feedback that has some good things done and the things that need to be worked on. You help the creator establish a solid foundation of what they did right, and how they can approve upon that. Destructive criticism is the exact opposite, and sadly the one most naturally used. Destructive criticism tears apart the piece and leaves almost nothing left for the creator to hold on to. This often causes the artist to start over completely, and they often feel defeated going in again. Practical criticism is often stating what would or would not work in the reality of things. A design can be as amazing as it wants, but if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. Self criticism which, in my opinion, is one of the harshest and most soul crushing of the criticisms. Self criticism is when you, the creator, tears apart your piece inch by inch, until there is nothing you like about it left. Not everyone is a super harsh self criticizer, but those who are often lose the light at the end of their artistic tunnel.

Whether you are providing the criticism, or receiving it, there are some things that need to be kept in mind:

People worked really hard on whatever it was that was created. It may not be perfect, but the artist decided to show it to the world for everyone to view. So keep that in mind before offering criticism. Also, just because you use a softer word like: feedback, commentary, assessment, observation, or whatever word you use, does not mean your criticism should be destructive.

Why does this matter? Why should you as a client, or you as an artist, or just you as a viewer care? Because it costs 0$ to be a decent human. Offering both pros and cons on a piece is art school critiquing 101. You don't have to lie, but there is bound to be something in a piece that you do like. Line work, shading, fonts, negative spacing, etc. So, next time you comment on someone's work, don't make a snarky comment, or say something that you think is funny or bad about a piece. Instead, actually offer something valuable to the table for the artist to take back to their studio and put to use.

Sincerely,

Just Your Average Graphic Designer in totally Digital World

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