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Critiques on this site

Last post 03 Nov 2008 by

zenko

Page 1 of 1

mork

I am curious about this new website. I hope the quality of postings will be kept high. (please limit the post limit more). I even more hope it will not turn into one of those pointless back-patting communities like DA, Gfxartist and so many others.

By the "invite"-system I figure that this site aims to sort out the worst, and focus on the more advanced creators? Many of us are accustomed to nothing but highest praise from other sites, but we too need criticism to improve still further. Can we raise the bar for what is a "Amazing picture!!!1". Is this a place for hard critiques?

I want no mercy. I want forward!! (-in a megalomaniacal, rather disturbed voice)

Reply 10 Jun 2008

meredith

this is the only place i know of on the web that actually gives me "hard critiques" however it always takes two to network, and the best way to get the best comments, is to learn to leave the same type of comments with others. then you inevitably develop this relationship with other artists. its something that has to be constantly nurtured and its more up to the user than the site itself. the site is the carpet but its up to the artist to steer it.

Quote 10 Jun 2008

carly

I would say we are somewhat of a merge of both sides. When you have sites that you realise are one or the other you obviously are alienating a lot of people that feel like they don't fit in. We want for established artists to showcase their work, and also get critiques if that's what they want; but also to be able to nurture aspiring talent and help them learn and grow as well. Even the greats had to start out somewhere and I think it would be ridiculous to block new artists that are still learning yet have an amazing potential.

The invite system was originally created to filter artists at our testing stage, mostly people we already knew and respected. As to what I said before, it is not just to focus on more advanced creators, but also create a network of aspiring talent.....obviously also on a level to stop the people who come here to upload 300pictures of their kittens for the sake of it or use it as storage space for meaningless garbage.

I agree completely with Meredith that it takes two. You have to make yourself available for critiques and perhaps is something that people gauge as they get to know you as an artist. For Meredith in particular, you can see in her comments on her work that she wants feedback and is extremely grateful for it. She takes everything on board and improves on it. I would say most people that comment on her work know this of her so aren't afraid to say what they think, knowing she will respond with acceptance. I believe it to be one of her great assets as a person and that it has helped her grow leaps and bounds as an artist.

I think it's amazing when we're all at different levels and can get inspiration from each other in this way and without the need for malicious competition.

So I would say if you want criticism, then you should channel it :)

Quote 11 Jun 2008

devian

I essentially give criticism on where it deems fit. I just sugar coat the fuck out of it if I don't know you well.
----
I don't control my emotions. I just make them digital.

Quote 11 Jun 2008

carly

I find it difficult to critique when people don't put descriptions in their work. It makes it hard to see where they are coming from and what they wanted to achieve or the story they want to purvey...etc.

Quote 11 Jun 2008

mork

I'm just testing the water here, since I sometimes cause irritation on other sites. And that is not my goal at all.

If Creativestem does not want to end up like Gfxartist or DA I think a little encouragement by the site itself to prepare for honest critiques is needed. That it is not personal, opinons not facts, etc. Many are those in need of a complete attitude make-over about this.. This might not be Creativestem's goal at all, but it would be interesting to know what is its goal. In what way to be different than DA++, or just more like them?

The ambiguous term "constructive criticism" is tossed around quite a lot, and the underlying message is often not only to tread carefully, but weight your critique towards whatever positive can be pulled from the corner. And that it is absolutely necessary to think for the artist how it should be. (But how do you explain how a great but not genious portrait could become a Mona Lisa?)

My view is that if you can tell me what does not work in my image, then you are doing me a big favor. Tell me how it might be improved if you want, but if not - make me aware of where to put more attention. Or tell me what actually works, but I usually already have a better clue about that.

Quote 11 Jun 2008

meredith

carly said:

I find it difficult to critique when people don't put descriptions in their work. It makes it hard to see where they are coming from and what they wanted to achieve or the story they want to purvey...etc.

i agree a lot with this. as much as i might think my concept is clear it may just be that way in my perception.

descriptions are difficult because its easier for my art to speak for itself, however when you can't be there physically to answer questions as in person, its better to give good ones, even if they are purely technical and non emotional. descriptions do not always have to be personal. something creative to add to your piece to give someone an idea as to where you were going. its a great artwork that can allow for open interpretation even with a description. descriptions are part of the whole creative process. i like when the creative process doesn't just stop at the end of the artwork. for it to keep going on.

Quote 11 Jun 2008

meredith

mork said:

I'm just testing the water here, since I sometimes cause irritation on other sites. And that is not my goal at all.

If Creativestem does not want to end up like Gfxartist or DA I think a little encouragement by the site itself to prepare for honest critiques is needed. That it is not personal, opinons not facts, etc. Many are those in need of a complete attitude make-over about this.. This might not be Creativestem's goal at all, but it would be interesting to know what is its goal. In what way to be different than DA++, or just more like them?

The ambiguous term "constructive criticism" is tossed around quite a lot, and the underlying message is often not only to tread carefully, but weight your critique towards whatever positive can be pulled from the corner. And that it is absolutely necessary to think for the artist how it should be. (But how do you explain how a great but not genious portrait could become a Mona Lisa?)

My view is that if you can tell me what does not work in my image, then you are doing me a big favor. Tell me how it might be improved if you want, but if not - make me aware of where to put more attention. Or tell me what actually works, but I usually already have a better clue about that.

I think the site does well for itself in promoting art and growth, and i feel we have already surpassed any possibility of becoming a site like deviantart. That is something that happens at the core of creation that is deeply rooted. and Creativestems roots are planted in the art itself and as long as that stays the focus of purpose i think we should be good to go.

Mork, i am happy to have your perspective here, of those who want to improve upon their life's creative process. I think you will learn a lot about yourself with this outlook, remaining open to ideas and taking in other perspectives while you stay true to your style.

I think this thread below is of great relevance to you :]

http://www.creativestem.com/forum/genmusings/2680/constructive-criticismu/

Quote 11 Jun 2008

nickcreevy

I like this place better than deviantart, no sort of drama thing over pageviews as there is none, this is an undiscovered great community.

Quote 22 Oct 2008

zenko

I don't like to reborn old topics but just wanted to share my thoughts.

I agree just about 100% with all of your comments. Something that a lot of art communities are lacking is constructive criticism which not many have or at all none. I myself have always given that constructive criticism but sometimes I think we are so busy is easier for us to just leave short words but either way is always good to leave constructive criticism.

I am glad this site has that and I hope this site stays as professional and let me tell you is not easy for sites to stay this way but you guys have your genus so you figured it out already :D

thanks for CS!
----
You�re my angel in disguise, you look at me with gentle eyes�

Quote 03 Nov 2008

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