04/18/2022
Criticism vs Critique
Long, but great read!
This new beginning has sparked an old love in me - Writing! Eventually I want to move to my blog, which needs a remodel, but here is something I wrote in the meantime. I hope it reaches the person that needed to hear this today. ♥️
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“Criticism vs Critiques and How We Can Grow From Them”
The more we put ourselves out there, the more we become targets for both encouragement and criticism. The former uplifts us and ignites our spirits to keep creating, while the latter can deflate us and make us want to retract the vulnerable act of sharing our work.
Because art is so personal, we may find ourselves discouraged when our viewer reactions are not ego stroking. We are creatures of affirmation and it’s normal to want everyone to love everything we do. However, “wanting” and “expecting” are different things. I’m sure most of us work with the understanding “You can’t win them all”, but negative feedback can sting, nonetheless.
So what do we do when the (not sorry) sorry-just-my-opinion crowd surfaces spewing a less than desirable assessment? The answer is obvious. We hunt them down, find out where they live and kick over their yard gnomes. That’ll show them.
I’m kidding. 🤪
First, ask yourself if the person is actually intending to be hurtful or if their criticism is actually a critique. A critique, though sometimes negative in nature, can lend itself to an artist’s growth by way of goal orientation and technique enhancement. It’s constructive and typically comes from someone with expertise on the subject. It may read something like:
“This is a gorgeous piece and I really like the different techniques you used! Perhaps next time leave off the turquoise as it competes with the rest of the finish. Overall, this piece speaks and I love your brave approach!”
Or:
“This is beautiful! I bet if you used a dark stain rather than light it would create more of a contrast. I really love the stencil work in the center!”
Let’s be honest, we don’t want to hear the “bad” parts (or rather, suggestions) but are warmed by the compliments. Perspective: There is a learning opportunity in those statements. These critiques can gives us insight into our process and even birth new creative ideas! Overall the comments are well meaning and have enough positive reinforcement to sustain the feedback. The suggestions are hearty and descriptive but not necessarily the focus of the comment in entirety. I usually respond with a thank you or witty, non-combative sarcasm or humor. I try to end the thread with light and appreciation.
In contrast, criticism is typically demeaning in tone, vague without improvement suggestions, ignorant, judgmental and offered by people who have little to no working knowledge of the craft. It’s destructive. What’s another word for criticism? I’ll give you a hint… 👹
So now that we’ve defined the terms, let’s talk coping mechanisms and growth solutions!
For critiques, try to absorb what your viewer is saying with openness. So long the critique aligns with your artistic goals, should you choose to, give your followers what they want! It can benefit everyone involved and build relationships, not to mention improve your art. You can even follow up with questions or ask for further explanation. Make it a conversation (Perk - this will enhance that post’s engagement).
For criticisms - Gnomes.
Again, kidding. You can take the girl out of the hood, but not the hood out of the girl. 😉
For criticisms - Ignore! Ain’t nobody got time for that! This is easier said than done but the more you do it the more natural it becomes and can be quite empowering! Here’s some food for thought. Criticism:
• Should never be accepted from someone you wouldn’t take advice from
• Should never be accepted from someone without your best interest at heart
• Isn’t offered by someone respected or more skilled in the craft.
• Is often from someone on a power trip with little to no self-worth, therefore they seek to destroy yours. Abusive, much?
Repeat after me:
I will not own that. That is not for me.
Repeat, repeat, repeat as much as needed!
DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS! If you feel so inclined to clap back, which often I do (I never claimed to be a perfect specimen), try to do so in a way that doesn’t forfeit your power. I will often thank them or use a funny gif to rebut, rather than word vomiting in the shrill pitch of the caps lock. My favorite is to thank them for the boost in my post reach. Which leads me to:
Both critiques and criticism (and, of course, praise) are reach opportunities! You probably know that every comment on your social media page stimulates the algorithm, therefore distributing your post to more viewers. This organic reach, however obtained, is beneficial to your profile’s growth. I call that a win!
Remember, the internet is not a real place. You can’t take in dinner and a show at Facebook. Twitter doesn’t have a GPS location. Instagram doesn’t require a fresh tank of gas to get there. Yes, we can build meaningful relationships with people online, build careers, and even be a light and build communities! However, it is also a breeding ground for people to tear others down behind the safety of their screens. Misery loves company. Chances are, if you actually met this person in public you may even have pity on them. We never know what makes a person behave the way they do. That’s none of our business, much like their venom.
Repeat after me:
I will not own that. That is not for me.
Allow me to take this opportunity to give you some permissions. You have permission to create what you want, how you want. You have permission to love what you’ve created! You have permission to not defend your art. You have permission to exist.
These permissions don’t come from me, but rather, your God-given human rights. Seize your confidence. It’s there for the taking! And remember: Do you, Boo!
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Special thanks to the onslaught of trolls I’ve recently encountered. After years of writer’s block, you’ve given me the push and topic I needed to start writing again! Ah, the poetry! 😂😘
