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Constructive criticism?

Last post 14 May 2008 by

meredith

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andyhixon

I've noticed that there is not alot of constructive criticism on this site.I think politeness is mostly the reason.But criticism is very important part of growing as an artist/designer , learn from your mistakes etc.....I think there should be more ,whats your thoughts on this?

Reply 17 Apr 2008

meredith

I get quite a bit of constructive criticism from certain artists who comment and I do need it as i grow.. as a matter of fact i do not just need it, i crave it. It's actually been the driving force in my artwork in the past.. 20 months I've been involved in this site.

I personally hesitate or think twice about giving feedback because I do think immediately when taking in and interpreting an artwork in "who am i to say this or that" type thing a-lot. Mostly when its a style that i am unfamiliar with... i feel i am under qualified to comment or that my thoughts aren't always or may not be beneficial to the growth of that artist.

I think when you do decide to leave feedback politeness is a key incorporation when using constructive criticism. As its difficult when you want to give feedback but at the same time understand that people need to stay true to themselves and their style all at the same time, as with most a style does develop but there are core elements that remain always.

Difficult but interesting topic.. I would be interested in others thoughts also.

Quote 18 Apr 2008

mydeadpony

Ok, here it goes : You all suck, deal with it.

Quote 20 Apr 2008

mydeadpony

Do people really want criticism ?

I'd say most artists have in good part narcissictic personalities that they admit it or not. To receive criticism will never be well perceived if not entirely dismissed.
It's the reflection of your imperfection and for most it's nearly unbearable.

Unless you are REALLY willing to hear what other people have to say, there is a good chance that you'll find every rationalization possible to dismiss, dampen or avoid listening to the criticism.

so how do you criticize and based on what ?

Tastes ? too subjective although necessary
Theory ? We've not all studied the arts in depth
Technique ? I think it may be a starting point.

I think you can attempt some criticism when you can compare the art to something already existing (even remotely) and draw differences from there.

The person making the critic should be really vigilant as well in not using purely subjective (mainly emotional I'd say) basis for the criticism.
You should do it as an observation but never as a stern judgement.
Although if you don't like a piece, you should be entitled to say it on the condition that you explain it clearly enough.

Just a few confused thoughts.

Quote 20 Apr 2008

james

I like constructive criticism. I hate when people say "oh, I love that photo/design - its perfect" because, honestly, nothing is perfect. I need to get better and the only way I know I can is through people being honest with me which is something a lot of people don't do. While its great to hear "good work" all the time, its much better to hear "what an improvement!".

Quote 20 Apr 2008

angryblue

i thrive on criticism. the comments that usually end up wounding an ego only do so because there's enough truth to hurt.

otherwise, you just disagree with the criticism.

i'd much rather someone do like keith did on my russian circles poster and point out that it's rotated or even say, "i like what you're trying to do - but it's not working" as opposed to someone just going, "g00d jerb, d00dz... ludes... what?"

Quote 03 May 2008

devian

Eh, most of my comments are extremely polite/praise.

However, if I find something that can be changed or bothersome to me, I will mention it in it.

But my view of my own work keeps me jaded. I see my artwork as crap, something that can always get improved on, and never "good enough." When I view some of the works of people on this site, I'm blown away by it.

You also have to factor in the point that a lot of people on here upload very high quality work. Not saying criticism is not needed here, but with my jaded view, I can't see improvement to a majority of the pieces.
----
I don't control my emotions. I just make them digital.

Quote 06 May 2008

carly

devian said:

But my view of my own work keeps me jaded. I see my artwork as crap, something that can always get improved on, and never "good enough." When I view some of the works of people on this site, I'm blown away by it.

You also have to factor in the point that a lot of people on here upload very high quality work. Not saying criticism is not needed here, but with my jaded view, I can't see improvement to a majority of the pieces.

If you don't think your work is crap then you probably have a very jaded view of yourself...which means you're never going to grow. I think it's a good thing to recognise the need for improvement.

Quote 07 May 2008

devian

carly said:

devian said:
But my view of my own work keeps me jaded. I see my artwork as crap, something that can always get improved on, and never "good enough." When I view some of the works of people on this site, I'm blown away by it.

You also have to factor in the point that a lot of people on here upload very high quality work. Not saying criticism is not needed here, but with my jaded view, I can't see improvement to a majority of the pieces.

If you don't think your work is crap then you probably have a very jaded view of yourself...which means you're never going to grow. I think it's a good thing to recognise the need for improvement.

Aye, it's a bitch of a cycle. You can love your work and never improve, or hate your work and keep improving. If only there was a way to balance both, but unfortunately it would slow or dampen the other.
----
I don't control my emotions. I just make them digital.

Quote 08 May 2008

meredith

so to summarize, we know we suck, so we all deal by trying to balance our lives and regardless of everything ... wait what were we talking about?

Quote 09 May 2008

zwoelf

Maybe Keith and I will working on a concept about construcitve criticism some day...

Actually I believe that I could really do that (that's what I was studying anyway)... but then (according to experience) people just cannot handle it. For some (comprehensible) reason, people just don't like it when others comment too deeply on their stuff. Usually other ppl's work are kinda like an open book to me (to a certain point of course), I can analyse technical issues to death - and usually, hardly anyone can stand a comparison to stuff I usually look at (which I don't care, I am not Rubens either). At that point, when people read stuff about their own image, they often just reply "I wanted it to look EXACTLY that way" just to defend themselves.

Asking for personal criticism by a professional is some sort of a public striptease. Only a few people like that, even less can handle it.
----
NOEMA.

Quote 11 May 2008

devian

zwoelf said:

Maybe Keith and I will working on a concept about construcitve criticism some day...

Actually I believe that I could really do that (that's what I was studying anyway)... but then (according to experience) people just cannot handle it. For some (comprehensible) reason, people just don't like it when others comment too deeply on their stuff. Usually other ppl's work are kinda like an open book to me (to a certain point of course), I can analyse technical issues to death - and usually, hardly anyone can stand a comparison to stuff I usually look at (which I don't care, I am not Rubens either). At that point, when people read stuff about their own image, they often just reply "I wanted it to look EXACTLY that way" just to defend themselves.

Asking for personal criticism by a professional is some sort of a public striptease. Only a few people like that, even less can handle it.

True. Personally you can tear my work apart. In the long run, it'll make me a better artist.
----
I don't control my emotions. I just make them digital.

Quote 12 May 2008

keith

I agree wholly Andy and with everyone else.

Speaking personally any time I leave a comment I really try and be constructive and helpful. Something that isn't always easy and doesn't always flow which is why I still have 300+ artworks to comment. On top of that a lot of people are not used to giving a constructive critique of an artwork and I agree that politeness does hold a lot of sway here too.

Of course there is the fact that in other people's eyes the art is just perfect to them and they wouldn't want it changed. I see that a lot in many people's works, so I just try and appreciate it more.

Writing a critical comment. Its not easy by any means and I am really happy that everyone is talking about this because feedback; love them or hate them make us all grow as artists.
----
Positive or negative. Your comments always help. Just be constructive.

Quote 12 May 2008

mydeadpony

zwoelf said:

Actually I believe that I could really do that (that's what I was studying anyway)... but then (according to experience) people just cannot handle it. For some (comprehensible) reason, people just don't like it when others comment too deeply on their stuff. Usually other ppl's work are kinda like an open book to me (to a certain point of course), I can analyse technical issues to death - and usually, hardly anyone can stand a comparison to stuff I usually look at (which I don't care, I am not Rubens either). At that point, when people read stuff about their own image, they often just reply "I wanted it to look EXACTLY that way" just to defend themselves.

Asking for personal criticism by a professional is some sort of a public striptease. Only a few people like that, even less can handle it.

Man by all means when you have the time or the inclination do that to my works I'd be glad to see where I lack knowledge because I am absolutely clueless about everything i am doing :D

Quote 14 May 2008

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