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Critique
15 years ago
General
There seems to be some controversy going on about the subject of critique lately. And some pretty extreme attitudes about it that would seem to further the chasm between artists and fans.
The idea being put forth is that artists _must_ accept any and all criticism of what they post on FA. This seems to come along with a sub-message that artists who don't are egotistical on their high horses, and FA has been all about worshiping them rather than giving honest feedback. So there seems to be the idea that any artist who gets upset by commentary on their work needs to be cut down and brought to earth somehow.
I really can't agree with any of that. And here are some reasons why:
1) There's an assumption being made that critique is valuable and necessary to the development of an artist's skill. While good critique can be an effective tool to this purpose, development of artistic skill actually comes primarily from personal practice and study of the field. The development of an artist's technical skill is not actually dependent upon FA comments.
2) Often times, artists need encouragement more than they need technical critique. While it seems popular to propagate the notion that artists are egotistical, in fact the reverse is usually true. Most artists struggle to feel confidence in their work. Art flows much more easily and better when you're feeling confident in your skill. And lack of confidence can lead to giving up art entirely.
3) The difference between critique and insult can be a fine line indeed. Especially if someone is intentionally trying to straddle that line. Even well intentioned criticism can cause more harm than good. It's not as simple as saying all critique should be blindly accepted.
4) What a lot of people want to call critique really isn't. Most of the 'critique' on FA is really just demands to draw whatever subject or style the commenter wants.
I think it needs to be up to the artist whether they want critique and who they want it from.
For myself, I was initially afraid to post my work on FA. I feared I would be ripped to shreds with criticism. I was pleased to receive a lot of encouragement instead. Frankly, it kept me from giving up on art and propelled me to advance my talents.
If I had a ton of 'critique' rammed down my throat, I would surely have thrown my pen in the trash and left.
Does this make me egotistical somehow? I don't think so. I'm actually very aware of the weaknesses in my artwork. I don't really need them to be pointed out by someone else. Indeed, I am overly aware of my weaknesses... probably more so than they're really that bad.
I don't want to say that I never want any critique, but... be gentle, okay? And I certainly don't want anyone ever telling me work is good when they don't actually think so. Please don't ever shine me on.
Anyway, I think people need to calm down about this critique thing. It's importance is really being overblown.
I think it's a good idea for artists who want public critique to openly say so. And I think artists who don't shouldn't be bashed for that choice. It's all good, folks.
The idea being put forth is that artists _must_ accept any and all criticism of what they post on FA. This seems to come along with a sub-message that artists who don't are egotistical on their high horses, and FA has been all about worshiping them rather than giving honest feedback. So there seems to be the idea that any artist who gets upset by commentary on their work needs to be cut down and brought to earth somehow.
I really can't agree with any of that. And here are some reasons why:
1) There's an assumption being made that critique is valuable and necessary to the development of an artist's skill. While good critique can be an effective tool to this purpose, development of artistic skill actually comes primarily from personal practice and study of the field. The development of an artist's technical skill is not actually dependent upon FA comments.
2) Often times, artists need encouragement more than they need technical critique. While it seems popular to propagate the notion that artists are egotistical, in fact the reverse is usually true. Most artists struggle to feel confidence in their work. Art flows much more easily and better when you're feeling confident in your skill. And lack of confidence can lead to giving up art entirely.
3) The difference between critique and insult can be a fine line indeed. Especially if someone is intentionally trying to straddle that line. Even well intentioned criticism can cause more harm than good. It's not as simple as saying all critique should be blindly accepted.
4) What a lot of people want to call critique really isn't. Most of the 'critique' on FA is really just demands to draw whatever subject or style the commenter wants.
I think it needs to be up to the artist whether they want critique and who they want it from.
For myself, I was initially afraid to post my work on FA. I feared I would be ripped to shreds with criticism. I was pleased to receive a lot of encouragement instead. Frankly, it kept me from giving up on art and propelled me to advance my talents.
If I had a ton of 'critique' rammed down my throat, I would surely have thrown my pen in the trash and left.
Does this make me egotistical somehow? I don't think so. I'm actually very aware of the weaknesses in my artwork. I don't really need them to be pointed out by someone else. Indeed, I am overly aware of my weaknesses... probably more so than they're really that bad.
I don't want to say that I never want any critique, but... be gentle, okay? And I certainly don't want anyone ever telling me work is good when they don't actually think so. Please don't ever shine me on.
Anyway, I think people need to calm down about this critique thing. It's importance is really being overblown.
I think it's a good idea for artists who want public critique to openly say so. And I think artists who don't shouldn't be bashed for that choice. It's all good, folks.
The fine line is that some people don't seem to understand they cross when they critique so heavily.
I'd quite like to see these moronic pundits produce a piece of work even approaching the quality of what they're putting down.
Most of the critique I have seen on sites like FA tend to be something like this: This site is for art that is like X, and your art is not like X.
There is of course real and useful critique out there, but it is pretty rare.
I think the reason critiques tend to be bad is simply that people tend to suck at communication. "This sucks" is about as helpful as "This is awesome" but we take one MUCH better than the other. It's hard to be verbose though, especially with the sheer amount of art that is posted here. Personally I wish every person that rad anyone in my gallery posed several paragraphs about it, but I know *I* could never do that with everything I look at, so I understand.
I'm rambling.
In my college art classes, part of our education included learning how to make constructive criticism; in this way, the person who was called on to critique someone else's work HAD to use their brain and their knowledge of art (tone, color, composition, analyzing the artist's choices, etc.) to make observations on what works and why, and what doesn't work and why. Honestly, how many critiques like that do you see on this site?
"This is awesome," is not critique.
"This sucks," is not critique.
"You should draw more foxherms with huge dongs," is not critique.
"The use of stark contrast in this piece really emphasizes the gravity of the scene you have depicted. The object in the background takes away from the focus however, so maybe it should be softened with neutral colors and soft edges instead," is more like critique.
True critique is analyzation, it is methodical. It highlights strengths and reveals weaknesses an artist may never have been aware of.
So, if you ever get that gut-reaction, my opinion is the only opinion kind of commenting, try not to let it bother you. If you ever have the chance to have a real critique done on your work, you shouldn't feel ashamed of whatever "wrong" things the person points out, because that person really took the time and effort to really look at and think about your work.
In the end, it is just something someone else said. You can take it or leave it. If you are honestly happy with the direction your work has taken, then more power to you. If you think you can improve in some way, then honest, tactful people with good critiquing skills are a good resource.
FA is a public site and when an artist posts something they're putting it up for the whole furry world to see. The fandom does have a tendency to treat the artists like royalty and kiss their asses any chance they can get. I'm all for positive reinforcement and encouragement but I feel negative (not insulting mind you) comments are just as valid as positive ones.
In general though, there is hardly ever any genuine critique happening here, most of it is opinions taking on the guise of critique.
one have to be careful in the way one express the critic, and it's certainly far from being easy, as most of the time one dont really know closely the artist, and one dont know the current mood or situation of the artist.
so it's a delicate balance to find and I would say it is most difficult to do :(
if artists are in their right to ask to be taken with care, they should also be able to overcome a little bit of bad worded critic.
Maybe it isn't but I think an important factor is how they respond to the various comments, some blatantly show a total disrespect to an artists work and on the flip side sometimes their reactions to really kind caring crits are rude, offensive and shows no appreciation, not even a "oh interesting, ok buddy".
I guess its because your posting to a public forum/site, if people wish to only receive ass pats then simply share with friends or a private LJ. I assume half the problem is they can't simply just delete the comment, I've been in a situation where I've received one of those "oh dis looks totally shit" comments, hoping I could delete it... I was wrong
All in all, its just words... I see much worse happening to artists in real life then on FA.
Or well, most of it, at least for me I think I would appreciate a lil' criticism.. Especially on my grammar, I suck at english text. :(