I don’t really like being criticized, I guess few people do. I mean a single criticism can ruin my whole day, even my whole week. Unless you live under a rock, do nothing, say nothing and be nothing, it’s a bit hard to avoid it sometimes.
I don’t really like that saying about developing a thicker skin much either. However, if we sit down and really look deep at the criticism aimed at us, there is some value in it — sometimes. So here is a few things I have learned from my critics.
1. Not all criticism is personal
While sometimes it is personal, it’s also true that sometimes people are just lashing out due to their own circumstances, more than a personal attack as such. We can’t always know their circumstances. So stop and listen, and perhaps think about things from their side. If possible. Although it is often difficult to distinguish between the two.
2. Don’t respond too quickly
When we speak too quickly to a critic, it’s often an emotional response that we regret later. I’m learning to keep quiet although it’s not easy. Take an hour, or even a day or two to ruminate on the context, before responding. I find once I have thought on it, I am often better able to respond with thought and intelligence, rather than anger. Is their point valid? Or just purely unhelpful?
3. Some criticism can be helpful
Occasionally, remarks that sting, hurt for a reason. I am often hurt by criticism. I just can’t help it — it’s who I am. But if I stop and consider WHY that comment was hurtful, it can often actually be helpful.
Perhaps I was silently concerned I did not do my best work. That criticism could cause me to re-look, evaluate and approach from a new and much better angle. Making that piece of art or image much better than the original.
Maybe I was quietly suffering from impostor syndrome and the comment, while hurtful made me realize that the piece evoked response, and not all responses are good. Critics can help define who you are, make you a better creative (whether that is writing, or art or photography or any creative outlet). However, change can be painful.
4. It can stop me from criticizing others
I know only too well the pain of criticism, especially what I consider unhelpful (or dumb) comments. So I try, to remember that when I am tempted to criticize others. Do I truly believe my comments could be helpful? Has comment been requested? Some people ask for constructive criticism and find it helpful. Some people receive it even when NOT asked for, that’s when I keep my mouth shut.
5. Decide on whether to really listen or not
Some people are just plain negative. Often they will argue and put you down, no matter what you do. They do it to everyone, it seems. They are just plain mean. Ignore and move on. Some people just should not be listened to at all. Sometimes we’d rather only hear the praise, but beware that’s not always helpful either.
6. Sometimes the critic is right
As much as we might hate it, good constructive criticism can help us grow. As people, as artists and creatives. Criticism helps us find areas that need improvement, areas to grow and learn and expand not only our knowledge but our self.
So next time you are criticized or even about to criticize someone else, take a moment to stop and think. Is it worth it? Is it helpful or hurtful?
Especially #2.
The whole “constructive criticism only” thing often gets misinterpreted as “positive comments only”. If someone says my photo is boring, or they don’t get it, that’s constructive as well as interesting.
That is so true too Jim, while positive is nice, it’s not always 100% helpful
Then again Jim, maybe they don’t see it because they don’t have your vision!
But that’s not the right way of saying it. The right way is: “I cannot find any interesting elements in this photo, and find in fact find it boring. Did I miss something?” A constructive discussion might start, whether an image needs to be “interesting” or “show” something. Usually, images are just not well done, and the photographer needs a hint on how to do better. I often need such a hint, for sure.
I often ask the question “What were you trying to capture, what story are you trying to convey” Or ask what their thoughts on the image were, that can start a dialog too. I would never say something was boring or uninteresting. Sometimes I go off the old addage if you can’t find something good to say, don’t say anything
Great article. Most critics I can take …bit there is always one that flips you….I generally wait til I get home and rant and rave at the walls. …if need be I will call a friend. After that I am back to normal
Thanks Sue. Yes having a private rant and rave is most helpful :-) . Why is there one negative comment that seems to sting that we take note of above all the praise, silly isn’t it?
How about if someone said. I like the shot, there are a couple of things I may change, you could try them out and see what you think. But that is just my opinion.
Criticism is what it says it is! Analysis sounds a lot better. It all depends who is giving it also and if you have respect for their work. Also helps if they know you well enough. The worse people (and not all) are the judges at camera club competitions. I would look up their work and wonder if they should be allowed to judge my work, most times I would not enter
I must say I have to agree with you that I too sometimes wonder what these judges are looking for?
Good point Iain, criticism has a negative undertone, but I guess it’s a term we are all familiar with. I try to offer helpful suggestions as well as opposed to I don’t like it. Even with images I do like I will say WHAT it is I like, such as the lighting or the colour and tones etc.
Julie, I see you touched a soft spot for a lot of us. Good rundown of the various facets to take into consideration when receiving criticism. It can be easy to dismiss when it comes from someone who really doesn’t know what they are talking about. It’s not even worth a reply. Others, as you mentioned, may have other things going on that led to their being critical. Sometimes I’ve found it comes from their jealousy, or insecurity about their own work. Then there can be a critique from someone whose work you respect. Even there you need to determine;… Read more »
Thanks Dave…yes I think collectively (we as creatives) tend to be a bit more sensitive to our own projects. That’s not a good or bad point, it’s just what it is. We often put so much of ourselves into our work. And you’re right some critical aspects is from petty jealousy or envy or insecurities. But I think yes as a whole we need to listen (like said, depending on the source) and see if it is actually valuable to listen to, even if it is difficult to hear.
Indeed, Indeed! The only time I dismiss outright is if the criticism seems laced with anger, disgust or similar — then whatever is going on, I know it is not me. I also tend to dismiss comments like “you are not allowed to…” I try to pull apart the comment otherwise… is the image just not what they expect it to be? Do they just see things differently than I? Are they critiquing WHAT I was trying to do (even if they do not know that) or actually HOW EFFECTIVELY I achieved that? I view all art as a form… Read more »
Art is subjective in any way, shape or form. As a student constructive criticism is always welcome, there are foundation of rules for a good photograph, the rest will be up to you on how satisfied you are with your craft, and how you go beyond telling the story through your medium.
Good constructive criticism can be helpful yes, but for some it can still be a bitter pill