The Politics of Critique

[tealslippers]

This has come up in a recent thread and it's an issue I see across forums... How can we foster an environment that allows for constructive criticism, but also maintains sensitivity? How do we deal with folks who do not want any criticism? How can we trust when someone asks for criticism?

Just generally, what are our thoughts on criticism?

 

[SailorLibra]

I agree with SS also. As someone posted over at the Arena about this, they call it the "Critique Sandwich" where you say something nice about it, but in the part that needs to be worked on, then say something else nice about it. It's a good method and should be used on the custom/artwork boards. A person really trully gets no real feedback if all that everyone is saying is nice job. They've gotta know what is wrong if anything. Then there are those pieces that are just fabulous.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. One person may like it while another thinks it's terrible.

I see the critisim as feedback on what I need to try to improve on for the next round. I know I'm not a great artist, but I do have fun trying. There are many here and around the world that are wwaaaayyyy better artists than I am.

With the critisim, the poster of the piece needs to be sure to put on their "tough skin" armor and be ready if someone has some "tweaking" suggestions for them.

 

[adrilahan]

The person receiving constructive criticism should keep a very important thing in mind. Constructive criticism is only provided by those who wish to see you do well. If they didn't wish you well, they wouldn't take the time to provide constructive and informative critique.

It also helps if those offering critique don't rubbish the entire thing. I've had that happen elsewhere, and it's not fun reading through trash-talking for the tiniest bit of constructive criticism.

The best critiques I've had have been those where, as well as pointing out good and bad points, people have offered advice on how they get a particular effect, or posted a tutorial that may be pertinent to the problem they've identified. For example, perhaps the bird wings on a custom looked a little odd? I might post pictures of wing anatomy, feathers, and birds to help explain what's not quite right, or I might dig up a tutorial I found on how to sculpt wings. It's all part of helping another artist improve

 

[Lizardbeth]

I've unfortunatly seen it before where people would post a piece they've done (drawings usually), and say "Critiques are ok! " but get upset or defensive when they recieved negative critiques. For whatever reason, they have it in their head that their work is already very good, nothing needs changing, and saying "I want critiques" just makes the compliments they will get that much more fulfilling.

Thankfully, those people are few and far in between.

Generally, I only give critiques if people ask for it. Even so, I try to do the "here's one good thing I like, and here's one thing that needs work." A lot of folks do this as jut a fun hobby, or aren't necessarily ready for a stream of "you should fix this, and this, and this, and..." no matter how nicely it's put. Pointing out the things someone did RIGHT is just as important as pointing out things they could change and try for next time.

If you're a starting artist or customizer, encouragement should always be delivered with critique and advice. Because if all someone hears is what they could change in their work, even if it's not ALL bad, it can be very intimidating.

On the flip side though, people who say flat out "I'm accepting critiques" need to understand what they're agreeing to by saying that. If you don't want critiques, than that should ALSO be said when posting a picture. And if you do say you want them, than it's very important to understand that people posting about errors or fixes or things you could do to make it better aren't saying "Oh, this is a bad custom", they just want to help you to make it the BEST possible custom you can.

 

[Highlander_II]

On the flip side though, people who say flat out "I'm accepting critiques" need to understand what they're agreeing to by saying that. If you don't want critiques, than that should ALSO be said when posting a picture. And if you do say you want them, than it's very important to understand that people posting about errors or fixes or things you could do to make it better aren't saying "Oh, this is a bad custom", they just want to help you to make it the BEST possible custom you can.

This, I think, is almost more important than the critiques being phrased properly, because the only way to NOT take something personally is to realize that it's NOT personal.

The same situations come up with fic-writing - people ask for 'feedback' and don't realize that 'feedback' is compliments *AND* critiques. Then they're irritated and angry when critiques roll in instead of glowing praise.

I've almost gotten to the point, as a moderator on other boards, where, if it's not malicious, it's constructive criticism and I'm not gonna hug you and pat you on the head and tell you everything will be okay, because at some point, you just have to put on your big girl panties (or big boy shorts) and deal with it. Life is life and not everything will be candy and roses. (( all of that is the 'generic' 'you' of course ))

 

[PoniesnJules]

I like this thread.
Great points are made here. And yes, I also agree critiques should be given with the intent on assisting the budding attempt into the next stage - not just pick and leave. Points that are good or getting better should be brought to attention, as well.
Its all been said - just reiterating :biggrin:

If one is not sure if another wants to be critiqued, it seems it would be OK to ask, "Would you like some pointers/suggestions?" or "May I make a/some suggestion(s)?"
The key is to wait for their reply - maybe even help them save face by PM'ing the OK'ed tips rather then in public. I know I'd rather an instructor NOT make an example of my paper in front of the entire class...