Are you THAT guy?

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Hey long time no see patients! I've oodles busy lately, but still developing new topics for discussion with you guys :D This blog is about what to do what to do if you happen to be that guy. By that guy, I mean someone who gets offended, hurt, defensive, or otherwise moody after a critique on his or her artwork. Now, I've talked extensively about unhelpful and abusive critiques, but have not yet talked about this. So let's talk about how to get more self aware and what to do if you are indeed that guy :D

:bulletred:Critical Responses Are NEVER Fun to Receive
I should begin this investigation by empathizing with you. Critical (or negative responses) toward something you have worked very hard on can be soul crushing. Unnecessarily personal or hurtful comments about the work (or yourself) can also be troublesome. I'm not at all negating your emotions during a strong critique of your artwork, so please bear with me here, the remainder of this blog might seem harsh at times, but it is for your betterment!

:bulletred:You are not special
That's a phrase I used to use with one of my sisters when she was being a pill, and it is also applicable here: you are not special. Don't adopt victim status because your feelings are hurt. The person critiquing your work usually does not have a personal vendetta against you; you are not being personally attacked.

:bulletred:"This is my style" Is Invalid
It's no secret that dA is home to hundreds of thousands of artists who work very stylistically. However, that does NOT give you immunity to a critique. You love drawing manga characters, that's great! However, if I'm critiquing your work, I'm trying to help you get better at doing that, and maybe that person's head does not need to be as big as you've drawn it in that image.

:bulletred:Zip It
If you are angry or upset after getting negative feedback, do not respond. Why? Because you'll probably say something you will either end up regretting, or, you'll start a fight you will not be prepared to end.

:bulletred:Listen
Your attention is the greatest respect you can give to an individual. An honest critique is of high value to an artist of any skill. Even if you don't particularly like what is being said, it could very well help you reach the next level in artistic adventures.

:bulletred: Ask Questions (if needed)
If there is something your critiquer said that you aren't familiar with or do not understand, ASK QUESTIONS. Critiques can help you learn about more than just what you can improve upon in your work.

:bulletred:Take Notes
Take note of what your critiquer is saying. Not to come up with clever counter responses later you sly fox! It's so that you can reflect on the in comparison to your work! If one of the critical elements was that your colors are dull, but you like using a limited palette, think of ways to complicate that palette and new ways of mixing color.

This is not me saying that anyone needs to grow a "thicker skin," but it is me saying that an emotional response to something as helpful as a critique will cause trouble. If you are having issues moving ahead in your work, but you have tantrums when someone truthfully tells you what you need to do, you very well may be in your own way. Honest crits are very difficult to come by, don't push them away! As always, discussion is encouraged in the comments section here, and if you have any extra info or questions don't hesitate to share!
:heart:Xadrea
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To-Ka-Ro's avatar
Wonderful article, so many good points.