Handling Criticism

Use It To Your Advantage

Handling criticism. In all honesty, nobody likes it and some people love dishing it out. How do you handle criticism when it’s aimed at you or your artwork?

Do you know how to handle criticism or do you let it crush you? (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright : Rafael Ben-Ari)

First of all, understand the different types of criticism.

Criticism is simply negative comments made in reference to someone or something. In this case, your artwork. The first type is the one we’re most familiar with. The type where someone tells you that your work sucks and suggests that you should just quit trying. The basic troll type criticism.

It’s negativity with very little intelligence behind the statement. If you asked the troll why they felt that way, you’d more than likely get the same statement again with very little added to it. There certainly won’t be any intelligent information.

Chances are, the person doing the criticizing has little to no knowledge about art, is not an artist, or just wants to tear someone down.

When someone dishes out disparaging comments about your work, consider the source. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright: Image 94108721 sifotography)

The second type of criticism is a critique. The word critique is from the Greek kritikē, from kritikos, or able to discern. In a nutshell a critique is “a critical essay or commentary, especially on artistic work”. Yes, a critique is a form of criticism, but it is generally given as something constructive.

The ability to discern requires some intelligence and so, a critique is well thought out and analyzed. A critique would offer reasons why the work didn’t measure up. For example, the balance of subject matter was awkward, the color didn’t harmonize well, the perspective was a bit off, or the anatomy was inaccurate. Statements like those offer a base for the artist to begin making improvements if they choose to do so.

Critiques and criticisms can both sting. So how do you approach handling criticism without losing your cool or being crushed by it?

Consider the source.

First of all, is it criticism from a troll or a critique from someone with some knowledge about art? If all the person can tell you sounds like… ”Your work sucks. I don’t know why, but it just does. In fact, you suck. You should just quit,” let it roll off your back. This person is obviously not an artist or they’d be able to elaborate on your work with specific art terms.

And secondly, they are obviously not articulate enough to even express how they feel in an intelligent manner. Even if they didn’t have an art background, a discerning person would be able to say something like…”The color seems to clash,” or “This area here seems off somehow.” They might not have the art terminology or an experienced eye, but they can at least tell you where they feel things need improvement.

Be wary of how you respond to haters. They’re usually looking for confrontation. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Copyright: Image 91361048 Cybernesco)

But how do you deal with it?

Obviously, your natural response is to tell the person off (especially if it’s online). But for trolls, that is exactly what they want you to do!

However, if you respond with something like, “Thanks so much for your opinion. I appreciate it!” they are immediately shut down and have nowhere else to go with their negativity. Boom. Problem solved.

If you’re dealing with a well thought out critique and initially it upsets you, again…consider the source. For example, are you going to listen to the guy missing most of his teeth when he gives you dental advice? Not likely. However, art is subjective. Appreciation or lack thereof is very specific to each individual.

If you painted a perfectly lovely still life of pink roses, but the person looking at it can’t stand anything pink…well, you can’t find fault with that, really. It’s a color preference and we’re each entitled.

Understand the difference.

Now if the same pink-hating individual said, “Personally, I don’t like pink at all, but your work was technically very well done. It seems to me though that this piece could use a bit more contrast to really bring those roses to life.” This person clearly analyzed your work with a discerning eye and was able to make an intelligent comment that was both constructive and helpful. That is a proper critique.

What if it still stings a little? Well, you could argue with them or ignore them. Or you could take it as an opportunity to learn something. Obviously, if the person was well-spoken, it might benefit you to take some time and consider whether or not there was any truth to what they said. If so, try it! Make the adjustments and learn from the process.

Take every opportunity to learn…especially from a well-thought out critique!

Every mistake or less than stellar work is a stepping stone. Every drawing, sketch, painting, etc. is an opportunity to learn and improve. Sometimes we get so caught up in our work that we get a sort of tunnel vision and we can no longer see the flaws. If you choose to ignore everyone’s opinions, you’re missing a huge opportunity to improve.

To tie things up on the subject of handling criticism…it’s going to happen. Brace yourself. Shut down the haters with kindness and don’t give them a second thought. Consider the source and take constructive critiques for all their worth. Take every opportunity to learn and improve your skills, even if you might not initially agree.

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