Constructive criticism: to comment or not to comment?
Many artists are always pushing themselves extremely hard to better themselves. So what's the harm in affirming what might seem slightly off? Or rather, what's the harm in giving tips to an artist that may help achieve a desired look or effect? You type in a comment and hit submit, smiling while knowing that what you wrote may help the artist become even more amazing.
As it turns out, not all criticism is the same and as a criticizer you may be hurting more than helping. There's Constructive criticism, which provides a positive or negative look at the artist's work while offering some kind of info that can benefit the artist. Then there's what I call Destructive criticism, which provides only a negative look at the artists work with no helpful intent.
Both provide the artist with an observer's opinion, but in a different way. You may notice that internet trolls tend to use destructive criticism for obvious reasons. However, many people provide destructive criticism without even realizing it.
Before I continue I should say that I'm not an expert at criticism and have made mistakes with criticisms before and still today. However, I have been on the receiving end of heavy and harsh criticism myself through teaching. It can really mess up your day when you read an evaluation and a student you had really lets you have it regardless of the reason. For that reason I sympathize with many offended persons. So let's dive into those cold waters, eh?
Criticizers - ABC (Always Be Constructive)
This seems like common sense to some, but I still see comments out there that are blatant and harsh. Here are a few real examples of "bad" criticisms:
"I don't like the way the shading is on the feathers."
In all of those cases, there is nothing positive to be said about the art and there is nothing to be gained. The criticizers may believe they are offering the artist good criticism, but really this is the destructive criticism I mentioned earlier. The comments only put down the picture and don't offer anything at all to the artist for improvement. Furthermore, never express such blatant general disgust or disappointment. Now to show the opposite, here are some real examples of constructive criticism:
"The head looks a bit disproportionate to the body, but otherwise this looks great!
"The background makes it too hard to focus on the pair in the pic."
"You need to lighten up the image. It's too hard to see some features."
Notice the difference? In those three examples there is a reasonable point a comment is making and there is info the artist can use to improve. It is important to remember that constructive criticism doesn't have to be positive, but it helps. If you are going to comment on a particular issue you see within a picture, just remember to Always Be Constructive!
Artists - Be a good sport
Criticism does not only invoke responsibility from the criticizing party.
Any criticism is not just a post, but a conversation between one person and another. Likewise, a receiver of criticism is also responsible for interpreting criticism in the appropriate way. This is something that isn't understood by many folks and it took me years to even grasp the concept. Just like a joke made at your expense among friends, you must react the appropriate way and how you react will affect your friends' view of you.
The internet makes interpretation of criticism a bit difficult, but most can tell the difference between lighthearted remarks and malicious trolling. As an artist, if you wish to place your art on public display you also have to learn how to handle criticism, even the bad kind. You may be tempted to get offended at all criticism you receive. After all, you've put hard work into your craft. However, you have to remove yourself from your work emotionally when reading comments. Remember, regardless of how harsh a critical comment may be, there still can be something to gain from it as long as it's constructive. Try to look past any negativity you see. It's hard, but can be done.
Criticizers and artists - Opt out
This is a valid option if you really just want to avoid criticism as a whole.
Many artists wish to not receive criticism. This is fine. Artists don't always want to improve themselves based on their observers' comments. They may wish to just be left alone and figure things out for themselves. Or perhaps they are just happy with their skill level. Regardless of the reason, when an artist says they don't want any criticism you should respect their decision. Don't play the "I can say whatever I want," or "I'm just helping you out" cards. You will only offend the artist more.
Likewise, perhaps an observer sees something that seems a bit off in a picture, but doesn't want to offend the artist or isn't sure how they will handle the comment. Even if the artist welcomes criticism it is perfectly acceptable to say nothing at all regarding the picture's flaws.
Remember, I say artist a lot in this post, but this applies to writers as well.
