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A Guide to Critique
12 years ago
CRITIQUE - TO GIVE, OR NOT TO GIVE?
In the art world, critique is a staple of improvement.
Regardless of how someone feels about it, having extra sets of eyes scanning your work is always helpful.
Sometimes, as artists, we stare at something for so long we begin to gloss over our mistakes-- both small and large. This is where critique comes in!
For some of us, we have a hard time listening to the thoughts or opinions of others.
Sometimes, they're being nit-picky, sometimes we don't think it matters as long as the customer is happy, and sometimes we just feel personally attacked due to the things people say about us or our work.
For those of us with no formal art training, we may have never experienced something a lot of art students are conditioned to.
But I can assure you, learning to filter through the words is the key part of what makes you grow.
Sometimes people really don't know what they're talking about, and their critique stems from personal opinions rather than helpful advice.
Sometimes people are simply trying to be hurtful. It is your job to figure out who is genuine and who isn't-- and at the end of the day,
there is no law that says you have to listen to anyone, but it's always worth hearing the advice of your potential client pool when you're in such a niche market as furry!
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As a criticizer, you need to know how to respectfully point out flaws you may see in someone's work. There are different ways of doing this.
Speak in an adult matter-of-fact tone. Do not speak with an air of superiority, but more as a friend lending a helpful -but firm- observation.
Critique is not your personal opinion on how something should look because you don't like it,
it's how it should look because it is either anatomically or physically done wrong.
"I don't like the color of this fur." is NOT a critique-- that is your personal opinion.
"The eyes seem to be crooked." IS a critique.
There is a method called sandwiching in which you point out something the person has done well,
then insert your critique, then end it on another portion that they have done well.
That way, the rough part is easier to "swallow."
For example:
"I really love the way you did the eyes on this suit, however-- those ears appear to be a bit crooked, but I really like the expression!"
See? You have complimented two things you like, as well as made them aware of what they might be able to improve, and it was done in a friendly fashion.
If the artist chooses to give you a reason why something is the way it is, accept it and move on.
You do not need to like the way they did something, and it is your every right not to.
Arguing about it will probably not get you anywhere except in their bad graces. Sometimes it is better to just move on.
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At the end of the day, it is up to the artist if they choose to take the advice you give them,
and it is up to you to be the helpful extra set of eyes to let them know what they might think about improving upon.
Please remain respectful and helpful, always.
IF THE ARTIST ASKS FOR NO CRITIQUES, DO NOT GIVE IT. MOVE ON.
The critique is for those looking to ether repair a suit or improve on new ones. Critiques are offered via comment on the review or note to ether the maker or submitter.
if you're critiquing a piece (and not just here) and the artist isn't receptive, just drop it.
It does not mean we will be pulling reviews.
And I get that this group is going to allow folks to post their own work for peer review/in depth critique <i>and</i> allow reviews of suits, so two jobs, one community.
I just think it's going to be a bit of juggling act on reviews if you want to allow people to comment honestly on the reviews, but not necessarily critique the builder.
Since the builder then of course has the choice to post the same suit here and ask where they went wrong, how to improve for next time, etc., but most likely wont; and I just see the same dilemma of only allowing positive comments on reviews or builders complaining about what's said coming up.
It's not for anyone to post their own work for crit.
We originally wanted it to replace FMR, BUT if this is what a lot of people were wanting, I'm sure we would be happy to expand.
I will bring this up with the admins presently!
The facebook group linked on the main page however will offer critiques with glee at any work people have made.
I think that's a good thing personally, but many don't- especially artists who get not so flattering reviews on a suit.
I wrote this guide to help people realize what IS and what IS NOT critique.
We won't be shutting down any conversation unless it roams into the territory of harassment.
Good luck with everything! I hope no dreaded TTs of doom come this community`s way!
Thank you.