Constructive Criticism
Not a nice feeling you get when you first hear or read it, huh?
Well, that comes naturally. None of us really like having our work (that we've spent such precious time on) criticized, especially when you personally love it, as it is.
So, today, I went to class and today was a big day. It happened to be our first deadline for our first assignments. Here's what went on;
Our instructor had us take our finished line arts and had them all pinned in two rows side by side on the wall. Then he had us go with him and observe each and every piece picking out its strengths and weaknesses. No doubt, I myself had a tiny knot in my stomach but then, I was excited as well. I wanted to know exactly what I needed to work on so that I could do even better on the next project. Our next project will involve shading, which is one of the most challenging but fun things about drawing for me.
Everyone did beautifully, especially for a first time. Some did their lines stunningly well, while others went a little lighter, or really light. Mine was deemed wonderful on detail and the line work was well done and well placed, yet my subject's size was a little too small on the paper. I should have gone bigger. Good to know. Besides, trying to plan on how you're going to draw on your paper actually takes some planning. Exactly how big should the image be and where will your subjects be placed?
I've learned on what to do next and I was encouraged, rather than discouraged. If you're encouraged when you receive someone's opinion (especially when they're a better artist than you) then that's a good critique, right there. Of course, there might be things that could work better in your drawing and you may have to change a few things... to what?
To make it better, therefore you can better yourself.
That is the point of criticism. So then online, where you're just sitting there fishing for compliments all the time and your own art is just staying the same, you're not going to improve, little to none at all. So many young people online, all they want is praise for work that is lazily done (with hardly any time and effort put into it) or they just can't take critique at all, however it's delivered to them.
That's another thing; no one likes critique. Even our professor expressed that he too experienced embarrassment and cringed at his own work being compared to others better pieces. Yes, it doesn't feel all too good but it's essential if you really aim for genuine improvement. So here's a way to critique while also encouraging the artist to keep it up.
1.) Go with the pros. Say what you love about the piece. Try to comment on each bit you admire. Lines, shadows, composition etc.
2.) Then go with the cons. By delicately pointing out anything that the picture lacks.
3.) Speak to the artist about any suggestions that you would do to make the piece even better.
After that, it's up to that artist to take the advice or not. Again, you have to really want it.
Be prepared because there are some out there who hate critique and being able to take it is a skill within itself. If you're able to, then you're on the right track as an artist.
Keep drawing. Keep writing!
~ K.C