As artists, we want to hear that others like our work. We love it when someone says how great our artwork is, and how much they love it. But, if this is the only perspective we are receiving, we may be in danger of producing only artwork that pleases people.
As artists, we need objective feedback from non-biased individuals who understand art, who are able to give constructive criticism.
Feedback is very valuable to us as artists.
Listed below are some of the benefits of constructive criticism.
Feedback can Improve your Art
Feedback can let artists know how their artworks can be improved and how they can do better. Constructive criticism can help us ascertain where we went wrong and how we can fix it. It may be poor design, or a poorly photographed artwork that may garnish criticism. As artists, we should take that criticism, and use it to make our future artworks better.
I find that people online do not generally give negative feedback, unless it is anonymous. Some probably fear that the artist may take it the wrong way. Thus, they often choose to give no feedback at all. Thus, on the internet, receiving no feedback at all may a form of negative feedback. If you regularly post artworks to Facebook or Google Plus, and always receive positive feedback, but a certain piece receives zero amount of comments, this may mean that your audience may not like it. Consider asking the question “What do you think of this painting? – constructive criticism welcome”, or something similar, to provoke responses.
Positive Feedback is Encouraging
Artworks posted online generally receive more positive feedback than negative. This may be from other artists who are more likely to appreciate what you have created. Positive criticism lets an artist know they are going in the right direction. It can be the fuel that inspires you to keep creating, and displaying artworks at social networks and your artist website.
Negative Feedback will Help you to Respond to Criticism
If someone criticizes your artwork, or your art in general, do not get offended. Most assuredly do not start an argument or flaming war. Reply with a constructive non-defensive comment. Ask them for suggestions or why they feel that way.
Of course, it is up to you if you want to take their advice, but this will make you appear diplomatic, instead of someone who cannot take criticism.
Be Wary of the Wrong Kind of Feedback
There are those who may criticize artwork because they do not understand art. Some people also may give contradictory comments – saying they love the artwork, then criticizing it. There are those who love to put down others, thinking no art is better than theirs. Just take their comments with a grain of salt. Try not to start an argument, but reply with a “why?” question, or ask them to state reasons. Of course, you always have the choice of deleting any negative feedback, but this is not recommended.
The Right Way to Give Feedback
If you are presented with the opportunity to criticize an artwork, or comment on a piece online whereby the artist requests feedback, remember to be honest and to the point. Do not just say you like it or don’t. Give reasons why you like or dislike the artwork. If you have criticisms, state why, or how it can be improved. Always follow the critic’s golden rule: Give feedback in the same way you would want to be criticized by others.
List of Art Criticism Websites
- Artfeedback.com
I just came across a new site called Artfeedback.com which artists can use to give and receive feedback on their artworks. The website is set up very simple. First when you enter, a random artwork or photo from a member appears. The visitor has the opportunity to rate it, anywhere from poor to great. We all are familiar with rating, but a site dedicated primarily to rating art and receiving feedback is a rarity.
Artfeedback doesn’t seem to have a large community, and most of the artwork I saw on there was mediocre. But, this may be a good thing, since artists who post their works there will stand out from the crowd.
- Paintings I Love
Paintings I Love is a portfolio site dedicated exclusively to artists who paint. For a full review, please visit:
Paintings I Love
- Portfolio Sites and Social Networks for Artists
Many free portfolio sites and artist social networks have rating and commenting systems. These are there so members can rate artwork and leave feedback.
Please visit these posts for a great lists of places to receive comments:
Portfolio Reviews and Tutorials
Social Networks for Artists
- Art Blogs
Artist blogs allow commenting from viewers. There are also various rating widgets available for Wordpress and Blogger.
Where to Get Honest Constructive Criticism
Going to art school, or taking an art class where part of the curriculum is a class critique is one of the best ways to get and receive constructive criticism. It may be very difficult to receive a constructive answer online, but there are ways you can entice useful comments. Post your artwork (at Facebook, art blog, etc.) and specifically ask them one thing they like about it, and one thing they dislike. Thank everyone for their feedback.
Are you good at giving and receiving feedback, or is there anything you dislike about it? What types of comments have you received from people online about your art?
Please give your own feedback to these questions below. :)
Visitor and customer feedback is the best way to track your own progress. Though some of these criticisms will surely hurt, especially if they happen to find what you have put all your effort into to be senseless, learning how to cope and learn from them is an essential skill of any artist.
ReplyDeleteAs a professional Artist whose sole income comes from my work it is very important that I actually sell my paintings. I get a lot of positive feedback online and from other Artists but the buying public are the ones that really count. It's challenging to garner a positive response from commercial galleries and juried shows but I've found their comments, both negative and positive very useful, even motivational. When a gallery takes my Art I'm enjoy working with their team to produce what their customers want: I think they are the best judge of what sells in their particular location. Naturally when there is a cost to enter a show I select those where my work is appreciated. I live in the countryside but perhaps my work is more suited to the city. I do much better away from home so I'm slowly becoming less supportive of the local Art community. I can see where this trend is going and that's probably not a bad thing.
ReplyDelete@Sea Dean
ReplyDeleteThanks Sea Dean and John Ernest!!
When I create I usually do not think about my people' s reactions to my creation.
ReplyDeleteIt is exactly what happens to a parent who wants to create life by giving birth to new human being. And I also don't care about being disqualified. With one exception: if only I get a special order, then I like to make my art commercially acceptable.