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I’m seeing a lot of talk about crits that break artists down rather than build them up. After hundreds, maybe thousands? of portfolio reviews, Here’s some tips on what you as an artist deserve:
How to Constructively Critique
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How to Constructively Critique
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1. Remember the goal: this person wants to make good art. A good critique gives them new insight, new direction, and energy to do that.
2. Notice what you like. That might be line quality, something quite improved, or even just noticing the work and effort they put in. Really, pointing out the effort helps with point 1, the goal
3. Offer perspective on where they need work. Again, something specific or something about their approach. Maybe they need to work on figures or color or composition, or maybe they just need to make more work.
I’ll add to 3 that this should be as honest as you can. This is a gift IF delivered with point 1 in mind.
And don’t overwhelm. If there’s a lot to work on, pick one or two things they can bite off.
And don’t overwhelm. If there’s a lot to work on, pick one or two things they can bite off.
4. Circle back: remind them of what’s working, encourage them to KEEP doing that, and offer real suggestions on how to improve the weaker points. If they need to learn something, give them resources to dig deeper, or a set of shorter exercises to learn on their own.
Imho as an instructor, half of teaching is convincing someone to keep trying.
It costs nothing to believe in someone who is putting in the work. And you reap immense emotional rewards when you watch them succeed with your encouragement.
It costs nothing to believe in someone who is putting in the work. And you reap immense emotional rewards when you watch them succeed with your encouragement.
What if you really think they don’t have a chance in X industry?
I’d say, go the extra mile. Offer them guidance on where they might fit. Give them the confidence to look beyond where they assumed they wanted to be.
I’d say, go the extra mile. Offer them guidance on where they might fit. Give them the confidence to look beyond where they assumed they wanted to be.
I think it’s useful to have this understanding as a student. When I went back to art school I had already watched design crits at a tech firm. I knew it was ok to ask for more info, more specifics. And if someone just wanted to rip on the work, the work wouldn’t improve.
So as a student, ask for these things. Ask for specifics. Ask for tools. Ask for clarity if you need it. And ask for, nay, _expect_ support in reaching your goals. You are putting in the work and that’s absolutely worth something.
One of the best crits I ever got was from a notoriously tough AD. I showed him my book and he looked and said “cool thanks”
Silence. It was clear the review was done.
I said I knew it needed work and did he have time to share what he thought. Any specifics would be amazing.
Silence. It was clear the review was done.
I said I knew it needed work and did he have time to share what he thought. Any specifics would be amazing.
He sat with me for another 45 minutes going through every piece pointing out flaws and what I needed to work on.
So take it from someone with the confidence of a mediocre white man: ask for guidance. It’s ok!
So take it from someone with the confidence of a mediocre white man: ask for guidance. It’s ok!
I’ll add that this is coming from my white male perspective. If you’re someone who experiences prejudice or dismissal of your work for your gender presentation or skin color, find allies who will stand with you to demand these things for you.
I know that is not always easy. And honestly if you have an instructor who is exhibiting the kind of problematic behavior I’m hearing about (mean crits, ignoring students who are female, LGBTQI, or BIPOC) please know for sure that is not ok.
And fwiw if an AD treats you poorly in a crit consider it a bullet dodged. You don’t want to work with them. I’ve never heard a single story of success built on putting up with shitty working relationships.
There’s plenty more ADs. Find us or ask us where to find more.
There’s plenty more ADs. Find us or ask us where to find more.
If it’s a teacher, ask to switch classes. Find a teacher who wants you to win. Ask to work with them.
You’re not alone. Everyone is nervous and scared and afraid that they might give up. Band together, look out for each other, and find the helpers. Maybe it’s another student, AD, teacher, or someone with more privilege. We exist and will stand with you. You deserve this.
Update: since this blew up I’ll add that @Planetpinto and I run the @DrawnAndDrafted community where the rules above are the norm. A place where everyone is _excited_ to share honest feedback and make artistic/business growth.
Our resources are here https://gumroad.com/drawnanddrafted
Our resources are here https://gumroad.com/drawnanddrafted
And the art school where I teach is a mentorship program that is based on discussion and live critiques and paintovers. We are an online program that started in 2012.
http://www.smarterartschool.com
http://www.smarterartschool.com
