Every artist has to counter harsh criticism and unhealthy feedback for their artwork. As all published or displayed artworks are open for feedback and review, there is a chance that someone would share an opinion that might feel "hurtful" to the artist and thus dent one's confidence.
It is not easy to accept that you feel enraged and disappointed if your artworks receive harsh criticism. When you invest ideas, efforts and emotions in an art project and face negative feedback, it is undeniably challenging to take in, and such things make you question your abilities and skills.
As artists, you are exposed to all sorts of feedback; a harsh critique is the last thing you could wish for. It sure is an unpleasant experience, but if you have an unbridled commitment towards art, you must keep your cool and derive positive experiences to help you evolve as a better artist.
How do you deal with negative feedback as an artist?
Suppose you have the mindset of an artist. All criticism be constructive and turn into a constructive critique. It depends on the artist's attitude and confidence to assess whether it is valid.
Most professional artists will agree that they learnt more from their negative critiques than from pleasantries. It gives them a fresh viewpoint they may not have thought of and, thus, should investigate and make the necessary adjustments or even learn something new.
Here are a few tips on how you can deal with criticism -
- Keep moving ahead
Many artists, irrespective of their experience, feel dented by harsh criticism. The best advice is to continue learning and sharing art. Don't let one single complaint disrupt your artistic journey and thus hinder many positive reviews as well as genuine appreciation. Instead, review the assessment of your work and learn from the process. Enter juried contests to learn from another professional artist about the critique of your work. I entered more than one juried show of the same artwork, for one may reject it for one reason and the other the artwork was accepted. It is all in the viewer's opinion; just like a nose, we all have one.
- Verify the credibility of the critique
With the vast reach enabled by social media and the internet, your art is exposed to all sorts of audiences. The negative feedback is likely from some ambiguous source with no eligible experience in art. Thus, you can examine the critique and verify its authenticity. Professional artists would not openly comment negatively on social media; they would only do so when asked and respond privately.
- Examine if the criticism can help improve your art
Criticism can often help you find something positive, and if the critique has expressed a reasonable opinion, it is best to understand and benefit from it. After all, we do learn more from our mistakes.
- Go for an expert opinion
An unbiased expert perspective of your artwork can reveal all the essential credible points, and this way, you can cross-examine the same with the critique's feedback.
- In conclusion
It is imperative to say that we must take all criticism as constructive and respond to any feedback with a cool head. After all, it is a possibility that your critique of today could be your fan in the future!
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