WHEN ART NEEDS CRITIQUE

WHEN ART NEEDS CRITIQUE

It has come to my attention that a lot of people in the online art community (or at least the majority I fall into) really SUCK at making crits on the artwork of peers. It's such a pain in the ass because then when someone makes a crit, they come off as an asshole and it's so annoying. It feels a bit oppressive to me.

Normally I wouldn't do this in a journal (if I had to choose, it'd be my DA one, but DA gives me issues these days), but this little criteria of critiquing will be in use in another place and I don't think I have anywhere else to put it at the moment.

Anyway.

The first thing you need to do before critique is to know WHY anyone critiques and why anyone needs to know how. As artists, our visions are constantly growing and expanding, as well as our skills. Our growth as artists has everything to do with the life around us, our peers and our idols, our life experiences and what we choose to pay attention to. Sometimes one needs a little guidance or advice in improving. Art is like life. And that's when crits come in.

I know some people aren't comfortable enough with their work to accept crits and that's fine. Some people just don't like them and it's also fine. But it's so annoying to ask for crits and get nothing, or only get icky ones!

The first thing to do is have PROPER GRAMMAR.

FOR THE SAKE OF ALL THINGS GOOD AND GUMDROPPY, DO NOT CRIT WHEN YOU CANNOT TYPE YOUR WAY OUT OF A PAPER BAG. This is my biggest pet peeve. Critiques to me look professional, and I'm not saying you should treat it like a graded essay but if you talk like, "lol. i luv how u got dat hole bg all full of dots and stuff yanno? eventrually i need to do u giftart b/c i think ur art is soooo great!!! xDDD;;;"

... Ew.

So yeah, personally, I like it when people have the courtesy to at least clean themselves up when they type me a crit, you know? Even if they don't type that way normally. If you fix how you type a bit more, especially for a crit, it makes you look like you're taking the situation and the artist's pic seriously. It's harder to take things the wrong way if you're communicating clearly and it just makes you look more intelligent as a whole.

Second thing. You ALWAYS! want to stroke the artist's ego before you do anything else! Point out everything they did well and everything you particularly like. But don't say everything at once (JUST MOST OF IT!). Once you've mentioned a few good points, then GENTLY point out things that seem awkward, and ALWAYS offer some sort of advice on how to fix it in the future. Give them suggestions. Another pet peeve of mine is when someone points out something is wrong in like a list and offers no alternatives: "I think the stomach is too thin. Your arms are bent awkwardly and your thighs are set too short. Your legs aren't shaped right and I don't like how you drew the face", etc, is an example of a crit I wouldn't like, especially if that was the whole comment. If you're able to spend the time and effort, why not do a quick image search of a ref the artist could use in the future? Or make a redline (which is just copypasting the person's picture into a program, dulling the pic a bit and then drawing over it the way it should be drawn). Visual aids are SO helpful if you're kinda rusty on your words, and sometimes an example of the right thing to do is just easier and more helpful than explaining it all in words. So yeah, point out a few good things, say some awkward things, point out some more good if you're able, and always finish it off on a good note. Make sure to leave an artist a compliment of some sort at the end of the crit so they don't feel bad about their errors.

And don't just say how you like the way something is drawn. Some artists like it when there audience are more personal in their comment. If the picture reminds you of a story or a memory, share it! If the picture conveys to you a certain mood, then share it!

It basically runs down to the kindergarten rule of old: "Treat others the way you would want to be treated." So crit how you would like to be critted! Respectfully and helpfully!

So, a quick review.

Good grammar and spelling
Compliments, compliments, compliments!
Being polite and gentle
Redlines
Reference images
- Grocery List
- Lack of representation (not offering how to fix something that isn't right)
- BAD GRAMMAR VERY BAD NO BISCUIT

And for the love of lollipops, DO NOT GET OFFENDED! UNLESS IT IS A DIRECT ATTACK.

If you get a disagreeable crit, maybe the person just didn't know how to give one. Or they're lazy or something. If you can't take the crit, then ignore it. Don't get mad about it, because if you get angry and get defensive about it, the critter will also get defensive and before you know it, you got a flame war on your hands. If someone crits something and you disagree, just say so... but politely! Disagreeing with a critique is much the same principle as giving one out. First, try to see through the other person's eyes and try to see how they might see what they pointed out in your artwork. And tell them that you can see where they're coming from. Then say you disagree, and politely say why. Maybe they just misinterpreted your character, something along those lines. Just don't get angry at a crit, because unless the person is DELIBERATELY FLAMING YOU they are only trying to HELP.

Yes, I realize a proper crit is usually a long one. xD Here's a website that give a few tips on critiquing art on a more advanced level: http://www.goshen.edu/art/ed/critique1.html

And think of critting as an art form on itself. Through critting other people's work, you learn to self-evaluize, and through self-evaluization (am I making these words up? xDD), you learn to self-correct. So by critting people's art, you may be helping.. your own! And don't forget that like all things, critting needs practice.


I think that about covers it, unless anyone has anything to add. Or make fun of. Whatever. xD Hope it was helpful.