Art is Subjective

Keeping Criticism in Its Place

As an artist, beginner or veteran, it’s important to remember that art is subjective. In today’s world, the internet and social media makes it incredibly easy for people all over the world to comment on your artwork. In general, most comment favorably and are encouraging. But we all know that trolls lurk in the shadows and will attack when you least expect it.

Trolls will show up when you least expect it. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright : Denis Pepin)

This post is not about trolls in particular. But a quick reminder is prudent. Remember that…

1. Trolls are uneducated and, in most cases, cannot comment intelligently about art.
2. Anyone who enjoys bringing others down is a miserable person. Misery loves company.
3. Trolls have nothing better to do.

That being said, let’s move on to other types of criticism.

If you’re an art student, you may receive criticism from your teachers. In fact, that’s what art school is all about. Every assignment is followed by a class critique. Your teacher and often times, your classmates will give input. A critique is constructive criticism, but it’s criticism, nonetheless.

Art students and art professionals both have their share of critics. (Photo Credit:: 123RF.com Copyright : Dmitrii Shironosov)

As a professional artist, you would be receiving criticism from prospective employers who tell you that your work is not what they’re looking for. It may come from an existing employer who tells you that your work is missing the mark.

Whatever the case may be…

If the criticism comes from a reliable source, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First of all, honestly take into consideration what that reliable source has stated. Consider their words as though you were not the artist who created the artwork in question and look at it objectively to determine if they have a valid point. It’s easy to take offense but it’s important to be open to legitimately reliable sources. If all you do is take offense, you leave no room for learning and growth.

Secondly, remember that art is subjective. Simply put, not everyone likes the same things that you do. Some people like vanilla. Others like chocolate. Some like sherbet. Think about movies. Some like romantic comedies. Some like horror. You starting to get the point? Whatever genre your artwork might fall into, might not float everyone’s boat. And that’s totally okay! You don’t like everything that other people do all the time either, right?

It’s understandable that your initial reaction might be to take offense.

You put your time and effort into your artwork. But by taking note of whether or not criticism comes from an educated source, you can leave yourself open to improvement. And by remembering that art is subjective, you can focus on moving onto your next project even quicker. Perhaps you might even look into finding your tribe of other folks who like the same type of art that you do. Social media groups make it easy to find other like-minded artists and fans.

Social media groups can help you find your tribe, which can help limit the number of trolls that cross your path. (Photo Credit: unknown)

Keeping subjectivity in mind will not only help you grow as an artist, but it will also help you deal with criticism with grace, poise, and self-assurance. Nothing screams insecure more than coming off like a hothead trying to defend your work. If you allow criticism to be negative, it will be. If you allow it to be a source of learning, it will be (so long as the source is an educated one).