Being on the receiving end of criticism is part of being an artist. Your work won’t always appeal to everyone, and sometimes, a critique will sting deeply. However, if you want to grow and improve, learning how to cope with constructive criticism can help you refine your creative process. These 7 tips show you how to handle other people’s opinions, making them work for you.
1. Control Your Reaction
Our knee-jerk reaction to a negative critique is to go on the defensive. Although we cannot control what we instinctively feel, we can control our reaction.
Before you lash out at critics, think about what they’re saying and why. In a professional capacity, you cannot always argue when someone voices an opinion. It’s best to practice accepting criticism and acknowledging their point—even if you disagree.
2. Consider the Source
In his paper, The Psychology of the Critic and Psychological Criticism, Philip Weissman argues that critics should be connoisseurs and have a sound knowledge of art. This is something you can consider when looking at the source of the critique.
Ask yourself if the person criticizing your work is an artist or has knowledge of your medium. Do you respect them, and can you learn from what they’ve said? If they’re offering a valid opinion, that’s based on experience, chances are, it’s useful feedback.
3. Weigh Up The Why
Constructive criticism can be incredibly valuable. You may be falling short in your design process or need practice in certain areas. An outside, unbiased opinion can highlight what you need to work on. This helps you master your art, perfect your technique, and push yourself in new directions.
Sometimes, criticism may be based on personal preference or the need to meet specific criteria for a brand. If you’re working on a logo or design for a client, you need to follow their directives, even if they differ from your vision. In cases such as this, the ‘why’ doesn’t refer to your art but to meeting a brief’s directives.
4. Focus On What’s Useful
As an artist, it’s important not to compromise your beliefs or stop being creative just because others don’t like your work. If the feedback you’re receiving doesn’t resonate with you and stops you from doing what you love, ignore it.
Take what’s useful and forget about the rest—art is subjective. If you have a specific style you don’t want to compromise on, retain your artistic integrity and power through. Focus on the positive reviews your work receives and forget the negative.
5. Take Time To Really Listen
Rather than simply thinking someone doesn’t like your work, consider why they’re voicing an opinion. You may view your designs in a whole new light, or realizing there’s a way of improving your work in a way you hadn’t previously considered.
For instance, you may have designed a logo and not thought about how it would look when printed on an inkjet printer. Or perhaps your photographs may be a few shades too dark and losing contrast.
A different perspective often offers great insight and gives you room to excel in unexpected ways.
6. Engage Critics In Conversation
To get a better understanding of why your work has elicited a negative response, engage in dialogue with your critics. Respectfully offer your ideas and standpoint, and acknowledge if you’ve made mistakes.
By taking ownership of the good and the bad, you can use criticism to your advantage.
7. Show Appreciation for Feedback
Even if the criticism you receive is less than flattering, someone has taken the time to look at your work. This means you’ve gotten their attention and they’ve felt compelled to communicate with you.
Art is all about making an impact, and in today’s busy world, someone telling you they’ve truly seen what you’re doing has value.
We never stop learning. Whether you’re creating a logo for a business, working on a commission for a client, or painting for a gallery show, people will always have an opinion of your work. Knowing how to deconstruct feedback and take what’s of value is important and will serve you well in the long run.
Megan Hudson is a content champion for various online publications, often covering a range of business topics from finance for startups to small business accounting tips. She currently lives in Florida.