literature

Crit Ticks for the Critics

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Daily Deviation

Daily Deviation

January 26, 2010
Crit Ticks for the Critics by =nycterent is full of useful points for all critics, no matter which type of art is under review. The piece is also useful for those who want critique, as it outlines what not to do when responding to criticism. Every artist and critic should keep these points in mind when giving or receiving feedback on art.
Featured by SparrowSong
Suggested by Armonah
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Literature Text

"He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help." - Abraham Lincoln



Introduction:

You've read guides, you've heard the propaganda, and now there's no going back. You've decided: "I want to write critiques too!"

Looking out over the gray expanse of dA, you spot a poem. Or a photograph. Or a juicy piece of digital art, and you know exactly what you want to say. Or maybe you don't, but you slog through, making the effort. And voila! A click and you navigate away, grinning, imagining the artist's delight when the deviant opens his or her message center upon the next log-in.

You left a critique, whether as a "critique" or in a comment box, but, as is inevitable in all short stories, something goes very very wrong. A mere day after you clicked submit, you receive a hurt and snarly reply informing you that you are a horrible-horrible person, and a shallow one at that. A literary terrorist, even, or a photographic floozy -- a wannabe painter who should stay away from art.

What happened?

You know critiquing is helpful to the artist, and you spent hard work and your own time making this critique. You staccato a furious response back, keyboard snipe tapping, and after shooting off your flame, decide you'll never-ever critique again.

What a waste of time.

________________________

So what's going on?
1. The myths
2. Approaches to critique
3. When Not to critique
4. How to handle responses
5. Making it worth it


________________________

1. The Myths:



Like with anything in life, there are myths, and there are reasons why they are myths. As a critic, you've probably kicked these myths hard in the ribs and sent them packing. The artist you're thinking of communicating with may not be on the same page.

"Writing is art. It's too subjective for critique!"

It is nearly impossible to define art, and so a critique should not try to do that. However, a good critique is a subjective evaluation of how a piece and different elements in it affect the viewer or reader and whether it achieves/communicates its goals. In short, a critique is feedback. It's an opinion.

"If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all."

While this is a good rule to live by when you see your girlfriend's bad hair day, it does not take into account what a criticism is. A critique is not given with the intent to hurt feelings. It's about sharing opinions and opening a dialogue between artist and audience. Think back; could you have learned half the things you know how to do well today, if someone hadn't given you feedback?

"If you can't do art, you critique."

You'll probably find that most famous classic writers were also literary critics, to pick an easy counter-example. But you don't need to be a great artist to offer a helpful opinion, but the more you critique, the more you will learn about art, and the more you will be able to apply that knowledge to your own works. Critiquing is practice looking and thinking about art -- what art's doing and why.

"The artist seems to know what s/he's doing. There's nothing useful I can say."

Not true! Every artist, viewer or reader -- even that absolute beginner with no idea what a comma does or how to draw a nose -- can leave a useful comment, if only s/he'd move past the crippling mental block of uncertainty. All your thoughts matter. Be confident and be honest about your reactions to a piece.

________________________

2. Giving Critique



"Criticism should not be querulous and wasting, all knife and root-puller, but guiding, instructive, inspiring." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Writing a Critique

There are as many approaches and styles of critique as there are critics. Defining a good response is like defining art; I won't even try. But here are a few scattered observations I'd like to share.


The flame:
...And not a romantic one.

You're anonymous. The person on the other side of the screen is just an abstract screenname (and often a silly one at that). You won't have to see their reaction, you won't have to worry about their emotional pain or their reaction. But that's no reason to dehumanize the other artist.

Critique is meant to be helpful; the ultimate goal is to help the artist, and even maybe make them swivel their chairs in delight.  Critique does not involve arguing, hurt feelings, or a destroyed sense of self-worth. Be gracious, because in the end, courtesy costs you nothing and it matters more than you know.

Of course, there are certain critical forums online that encourage creatively scathing responses and have a thick-skinned user-base. But with most artists, and not just on dA, being scathing will be more hurtful than helpful. There is no requirement to sugar-coat your critiques, but a critique can be both completely honest and gracious.


Critical Objectivity:
There is no such thing.

It would be nice to pretend that there are hard rules or certain "right" ways to write or draw. But there aren't.

Your critique will be subjective and there is no getting around it. You can't get away from your environment and your preferences, your likes and dislikes, your past and experience. Other people might have different experiences and preferences.

But doesn't this invalidate the whole idea of critiquing? No, not at all. All it means is that when you say something didn't work for you, you'll be basing it on your own preference or a certain criteria, rather than some higher Truth. For example, is it "wrong" for a figure to be drawn in an anatomically inventive way? No, but you may say that the anatomy of the female is not realistic, citing what a human looks like, if that's something that's keeping you from enjoying the piece. Incorrect grammar isn't a sin, and some scribbles are called modern art. But if it doesn't work for you, point it out.

Just don't forget to back up your opinion with a reason.

Saying that a certain shading technique is just plain wrong because it's wrong, however, is a shortcut to making an ass of yourself and maybe even being called out on it.


The positives and negatives:
It's commonly held that a critique should both flatter and criticize.

There is nothing more encouraging to a beginner (or a serious artist, even) than an honest compliment. I have yet to find a story or art made in good faith that had absolutely nothing going for it.

Getting a positive response is just as valuable to an artist as seeing the mistakes pointed out. The positive comment will be about something the artist needs to keep developing, and you pointing it out will help the artist stay on track, knowing his strengths.

If you are unable to see even one redeeming feature, perhaps it's time to take a short break and come back to it later.

That said, I strongly believe that positive commentary should not be forced, nor should it mislead. Do not say "I love the idea" if that idea is cliché enough to nauseate you. It's easy to say something as vague as "I really like the message" but if you don't, it sends the artist the wrong signals.

In the end, if you are gracious and upbeat in your critique, you don't need to stretch yourself thin trying to find some sliver of a positive. Just offer your sincere opinion.

On a similar note, a lengthy compliment or a positive review isn't a critique. It's not in any way less worthy of the commentator or the artist, but length doesn't make a comment constructive.

An overview and summary

A quick summary of what you think the piece was aiming for or trying to accomplish is invaluable. The artist will appreciate knowing whether the piece achieved its goal or not, as well as this indication that the reader/viewer did more than scan for spelling errors. Above all else, every artist wants to know: has the overall goal been met? Did the idea come across?


Now, there are plenty of other things a critique should do, ranging from offering examples, suggestions, ideas, explanations...etc. But these few elements have always struck me as key, or all-too-often overlooked.

________________________

3. On knowing when not to critique.




"Silence is sometimes the severest criticism."
- Charles Buxton

A critique takes effort and time. Make the ones you give count; sometime it's best to pass a piece by. Consider doing so when:

1. The artist hasn't been online since 2006.
Yes, some artists are inactive. Check out their page. Does this person visit dA? Comment? Post?

2.The piece is personal and/or very emotional.
Some pieces just aren't meant to be revised or critiqued. Rants, baby or family pictures, self portraits, posts about how horrible one's life is or how the family dog died - better to ask first. Same applies to commissions, tributes, or un-judged contest entries.

3. The piece is finished, published, never-to-be-revised...
Sure, your thoughts might come in handy when the artist makes another piece that they do intent to edit/change or work on. But then, why not wait for that piece instead of wasting your time when you know your critique won't be used?

4. Everything has already been said.
Well, that's impossible. There's always something more to add. But if the piece has 67 comments, 50 of which are page-long critiques, perhaps it's not a piece that needs a critical breakdown anymore?

5. The artist isn't looking for critique.
Look for notes/comments asking for suggestions, the Critique Encouraged label, questions in the Artist's comment, etc.

6. The piece was made a long time ago.
If the piece was posted a while ago, chances are, the artist has changed and developed since then. You're more likely to get an exasperated "yes, I realized that already" than a thank you. Seek to critique newer pieces, rather than old.


How do I say no when someone asks?

Your pet cactus died, you had a long day, and you really, truly don't like the fractal chihuahua poetry category. But the person left you a comment asking for a critique. Ignoring them feels rude, but so does saying "I don't feel like it."

First, understand why you are reluctant to critique the piece. Is it the type of art? Is it the borderline self-entitlement in the request? Is it just that the piece doesn't speak to you at all? Did you have a bad day? Are you just too busy? Are you afraid of hurting your often-melodramatic and sensitive friend's feelings?

Be honest, but be friendly. Open with a thank you, whether for getting a chance to look at the artist's piece or just because he noticed you leave nice critiques and wants one too.  Then just come out and say you won't be critiquing, be it because you never do photographs in general, or because you don't have time to give the piece the consideration it deserves. And if the reason is that the piece doesn't talk to you, you can say that too.

This artist came to you for advice. Gently telling them that their piece doesn't grab you is still feedback. If the idea makes you uncomfortable, you can end instead with a referral to a link/club/resource the artist can use without draining your time.

You can still offer guidance without writing a full-length critique.

Final note: Don't be afraid to reply and ask for reasons, for questions, for what they want you to focus on and about the kind of critique they're looking for. This will not only help you write a response if you do decide to go ahead with it, but it will also clarify their expectations and tell you if they're serious.

Remember, when you write a critique, you are doing someone a favor -- you are giving a gift. Give without expectations of a return, but never allow the giving to become an obligation. It's not.


________________________

4. How to Handle Responses -- The Fallout



"Don't mind criticism. If it is untrue, disregard it; if unfair, keep from irritation; if it is ignorant, smile; if it is justified...learn from it."


Now, you may be the most friendly, careful and courteous critic in the world, but one day, inevitably, you'll log on to dA and see...

...THE BAD RESPONSE.

Your page-long critique and time spent were not appreciated.

Here's some of what you may see:

Insults, flames,
and maybe even a attempt to get back at you. This might come in the form of an insulting reply, a snarly note or a nasty comment on your page or a deviation.  There may be a personal army of fangirls involved.

Depending on how upset this makes you -- you might be genuinely hurt, or just laughing your head off -- react accordingly. If it's really upsetting you, put the user on your ignore list, effectively cutting his rant off mid-messages, find a friend and give yourself a chance to rant about it. Don't rise to the provocation; the flamer is hardly worth your time.

If it doesn't bother you, watch the overreaction while responding politely and with exemplary maturity.


The fifteen page essay…
... explaining how every single point you raised is completely off base and you clearly have no clue what you're talking about, because if you had just made that magical leap of intuition, you'd have known the deviation is perfect. [Insert insinuations about your intelligence, attention span and pedantry]

Not only does this kind of response highlight the fact that the artist doesn't care to hear feedback and that you've wasted your time (and their time), it's nearly irresistible to send back a couple sharp messages coupled with a wrist-slapping on being a polite human being.  It's up to you whether you want to do it, but frankly, you've wasted time on them already.

Do you want to waste more?


Put yourself first, whatever you decide.

There's a real difference between opening a discussion and slapping the critic with a rebuttal. If you're the artist and not sure about it, and you wish to reply to a critique, try asking questions, or request clarification instead.

The self-pitying whining...
...response: "I knew it! I can't write! I fail at life! I'm quitting art! +sob +sob +sadface"

This is hard on you because you probably never ever said they should stop making art - you were trying to empower them!

At this point, the best thing might be to reply with a brief message that the artist must have misunderstood - you never told them they should quit art, life, and breathing. Just the opposite. You also wish them the best of luck with whatever they decide to do, etc. Then, you move on.

Or just smile and nod.

Really, most people who "quit art" in a hissy ranting fit, usually end up returning/changing their mind half a day later. (I've seen it happen.) And in any case, you were courteous, careful, and kind. If a stranger's opinion caused them to stop doing something they love, perhaps they didn't love it all that much to begin with?

Passive aggressive iffiness. 
In my experience, this is the most common. It consists of the artist stiffly thanking you but still adding in a couple sharp remarks about how you ruined their life, misunderstood them, and just don't understand, all while hurriedly filling out the application to Victims R Us. Just smile and nod.  


"My teacher/mother/pet dog likes it!"
This is a version of the defensive response. The artist may cite their teacher/professor or claim that this piece was published or won some contests. Now, having been in school and knowing the market, I can say that teachers and professors are human, and that there are contests and magazines that will publish anything.

On the other hand, it might not be even that. The piece might be great, but you just weren't the target audience and maybe didn't get it. It happens. We don't all like the same food, the same movies, or the same novels, even if they're classics. But, you offered your honest opinion. Their defensive response says it all.

In any case, a 'published' badge is never a reason to automatically love (or hate) a story. You can think for yourself and have your own opinions. (Obviously, if you're critiquing, you do.)

________________________

Do they want critique or not? Some people sincerely think they do want a critical response to their pet project or new piece. But when they do receive even the kindest hint that their piece is not perfect, it may feel like an attack. Bottom line, these people should have been self-aware enough to not ask for critique, but they weren't. Perhaps they haven't found the right emotional distance, or they are having a bad day, or they have only ever gotten fluffy-kitten-comments in lieu of critique, but whatever it is, it ended with time wasted on both sides. Still, remember that the person behind the screen is just as human as you.

In short, don't let it get to you. It can be discouraging to think that you might hurt someone's feelings or cause them some sort of mental anguish. However, as a critic, you do more good than evil, and from the positive responses you'll be getting, you know you are making a difference for some artists. You are not being cruel or patronizing in your critiques (or shouldn't be).

Don't let one person's inability to see a helping hand stop you from offering it.

________________________

5. Making it Worth It



"We need very strong ears to hear ourselves judged frankly, and because there are few who can endure frank criticism without being stung by it, those who venture to criticize us perform a remarkable act of friendship for to undertake to wound or offend a man for his own good is to have a healthy love for him." - Michel de Montaigne

What now?

Arriving at a site - ready to improve, willing to learn - a problem smacks you in the face. On-site, you are more likely to receive a nice and flattering two word comment, than a lengthy response.

There are several reasons and solutions to this.

→ Realistically, you won't get several five page critiques on every item you post. Equally, you won't be able to leave twenty critiques per day. It's just not going to happen.  A solid criticism takes effort and time and consists of giving complete focus and attention to a piece, composing a coherent response.

→ If you are interested in reviews, you need to be pro-active. It is not enough to sit back and hit the "add deviation" button. It is not enough to post a link in the Thumbshare forum.

→  Don't be afraid to seek out critique. Often, when you leave quality comments, the average artist may be intimidated about responding or leaving you a comment, afraid that it wouldn't measure up.

→ Make contact with the artist, build a rapport through messages, discuss techniques and styles, and then feel free to hint that you'd love to hear the artist's thoughts on your deviations.

→ Consider asking for an exchange of critiques, rather than just asking. If you do just ask without giving, through note or comment, take some time to leave a few comments on the critic's page.

Hints:
a. Join a critically-oriented group, club, or chatroom.
b. Critique the users whose comments look like the type you want.
c. Make contacts; talk to the people on whose deviations you leave critique and who leave critiques on your art. Start networking.
d. Look in the Artist Comments and the question they ask - are they looking to improve? Leave similar questions and notes on your pieces; it's much easier to dive in to writing  critique when you have something more than "Critique welcome." to bounce off of. Ask for critical comments in your deviations.
e. Do not be afraid to note a deviant with a critique request. Most people I know are more than happy to respond.


Make that extra effort.

Anything worth having is worth seeking out.
I have read many critique guides, all great overviews. So, rather than paraphrase their advice, I decided to just try and dodge that inevitability and leave a few bulletpoints aimed at the critics. :smooch:

A warm thank-you to SparrowSong and Armonah for the daily deviation. To celebrate, I challenge every person who stops by to leave a critique somewhere on site! Spread the love. :w00t:
© 2009 - 2024 nycterent
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JosephAnthonyF's avatar
When the opening quote is from Abraham Lincoln, the rest of the article now has its expectation to live up to.
And it did!
What a wonderful piece.
I believe you are unique in stating that a critique is subjective.
In stating such, you reveal a necessary and fundamental understanding that “critiques” often miss: that somehow criticizers know the rules and the artist doesn’t or broke them without purpose. Too often the sub context of a criticism is “You were supposed to dazzle me, change my life, set me on fire, and you didn’t!” That can and does happen, but isn’t the purpose of a critique.

Thank you so much for wonderful article!