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Ok, artists crit thread.
tl;dr - if you want a critique from an artist, ask. If you want a crit from me, ask. If you want to crit an artist, unsolicited, don't.
Now, I'll break down my opinions. Let's jump in.
tl;dr - if you want a critique from an artist, ask. If you want a crit from me, ask. If you want to crit an artist, unsolicited, don't.
Now, I'll break down my opinions. Let's jump in.
A lot of, let's call them "early" artists (people starting to get serious about art, of all ages, young or old), love learning and getting better. A lot of "later" artists (people having done art for a while) are always learning and growing. Hopefully, as an artist you never stop
Critiques, or crits, or constructive criticism, plays an important part in helping [you] get better because it's an unbiased (or biased) opinion about what you're doing right or wrong (meaning not achieving what you intend).
Keep in mind "right" and "wrong" are subjective
Keep in mind "right" and "wrong" are subjective
To really mess things up, "right" and "wrong" will be different for different people on the same artwork, and even between artistic metrics such as color, values, composition, what have you.
What does this mean to each artist? Nothing and everything.
What does this mean to each artist? Nothing and everything.
To crit an artist is a really powerful action and, like all interpersonal interactions, should not be forced by either party. It can be used as a weapon. Sucks. So don't give a crit under those circumstances.
For early artists, don't ever be afraid to ask for crits from any artist you respect. The worst they could do is not respond or say no. They could berate you in public for asking but then you'd know they aren't an artist you should respect.
If you ask for a crit, do this:
If you ask for a crit, do this:
1. Actively listen. This means whatever they say, mull it about in your brain shell and analyze all of the things it may mean.
2. Don't take it personally. Even the most brutal stuff should be taken professionally. If you last as an artist, it won't be the worst you'll ever hear.
2. Don't take it personally. Even the most brutal stuff should be taken professionally. If you last as an artist, it won't be the worst you'll ever hear.
3. Figure out what it means in relation to your art. Are they right? Wrong? Why are they wrong? Are you not communicating or executing your vision properly, and they can't see your genius? If so, why do you suck and why don't you execute properly?
4. Fix it or dismiss it.
4. Fix it or dismiss it.
Wash, rinse, repeat.
And this works for experienced artists as well. So long as we don't let ego or pride cloud our objective reasoning.
And this works for experienced artists as well. So long as we don't let ego or pride cloud our objective reasoning.
Ok, so awesome artists who know everything and have infinite wisdom to impart upon lesser mortals who could never match your omnipotence. When should you crit these inferiors and bestow your majestic knowledge?
Don't. Just don't.
Don't. Just don't.
If an artist is saying "notice me, sempai!", that's your cue to build them up. Let them know something they're doing right. They may totally suck, but use your mega power to guide them into not sucking.
Never, and I really mean never, offer unsolicited criticism.
Never, and I really mean never, offer unsolicited criticism.
If an early artist asks for a crit, don't take that opportunity to give them an arrow to the knee. Always take responsibility for sharing your knowledge and only do it for the express intent of helping them improve, geared towards what they need to improve.
Don't use your crit as a weapon.
Don't give a crit because you know more than them. Don't give a crit because you'll make them better. And if they say "no thanks," For god's sake shut up. Those crits are because you're selfish.
Don't give a crit because you know more than them. Don't give a crit because you'll make them better. And if they say "no thanks," For god's sake shut up. Those crits are because you're selfish.
If you're an experienced artist, please always make yourself available for early artists. Let yourself be open to questions. Be that sempai that notices them, and do it for their benefit, not yours.
You don't always have to, but it's nice to decline kindly.
You don't always have to, but it's nice to decline kindly.
I hope this helps some people, I just had some thoughts about this the last couple of months as I've seen a lot of "early" artists, and even a bunch of experienced artists struggle with blocks or stumbles or just exhaustion from 2020.
Please ignore as you wish.
Please ignore as you wish.
Epilogue: I've given a lot of crits throughout my time as an artist, I'm happy to participate. If you ever want an opinion or serious constructive criticism, please ask an artist you respect, doesn't have to be me. It'll help you progress if they respond.
