Constructive Criticism and You

I have been down that road where I have had my art criticised and broken down to the point where even the smallest out of place details were mentioned to me. In the end, this constructive criticism has made me a better person and a better artist. If you are an artist, something of that nature will always happen! I know this becuase I have given crticism and advice to people and some have taken it well and others…not so well. Because we are artists, this means that we have to learn to take actual constructive and helpful criticism and use it to better ourselves. This tutorial is moreso for those who think that the word criticism is a dirty word when in fact, if done right, can be quite helpful.

Understanding Good Critiques and Bad Critiques

First to understand constructive criticism, you must first understand the difference between good criticism and bad criticism. Good criticism is moreso constructive criticism, which means that this type of criticism points out things that are wrong, but in turn, states ways to fix the problem as well as give advice that will help the artist in future reference. Not to mention that the advice is stated in a very professional manner and not to be meant as a flame. Bad criticism is anything other than good! Bad things can be said such as telling someone they suck or even worst! This type of criticism can also be known as a flame and they offer no type of guiding light of improvement for the artist what so ever! Needless to say, people who flame you are not those that you should listen to. Always learn to distinguish between those who intend to help or harm you.

Listening to Critiques with a Positive Attitude

I know that it may be a bit frustrating at first to have someone tell you that something on your art is out of place but look at it in a positive manner. Listen to what the critic has to say and etch into your mind the fixes that you need to make. Never be afraid to take notes and experiment with different techniques to get the desired effects that you want. The key is to listen carefully and in the end, bring together the advices the critic gives you to either fix the problem right then and there or use for future references if you happen to have the same problem. Never lump this type of
criticism in with flames. In this type of situation, the person is trying to assist you the best that they can. The best that you can do is take heed and learn from the mistakes that you make. Trial and error can lead to tons of improvement!

You are Your Own Worst Critic

Look over your work and critically break it down yourself. Look over different sectors and take in what was just said to you by the critic. Use your problem solving skills to figure out ways help to improve according to the advices given. In most cases, you are your own worst critic. You must use that to drive yourself to improve beyond your current skill level. As you progress on, you will start to see your art improve. Of course Rome wasn't built in a day and it would be foolish to think that you would be able to improve yourself that quickly.

Always leave Room for Improvement

Never start to view yourself as the best. No matter how good you are, there is always someone better than you. Use that as a way to help you better yourelf as an artist. If you always going around saying that you are the best and that you are satisfied with your work, then you will never improve. Draw and draw and never stop drawing! It helps you to define your own personal art style as well as improve on techniques that you know and learn new techniques. Don't go thinking that you are the best artist in the world! Self-centered, a good artist does not make! Artist exist to make others happy with their work. But also, people want to see your art grow along with you as a person so don't get a big head and think you are perfect! You will always be stuck at that current level without probable reasons to improve yourself. Never get yourself stuck in a rut! It's not the smart thing to do!

Thanks for reading my criticism tutorial! I hope that you have learned something from this and for those of you who think that
they have a problem with taking criticism, just work slowly at it and soon enough you will develop tougher skin. And when you do, the process of constructive criticism will become more rewarding and then you will most definately realize your true potential!

~*Lace*