Comments on: Seek Criticism, Not Praise

By: David Levy

David Levy — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:58:25 +0000

It is a good agenda you have, Mike. Can’t wait to see what you guys do next.

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:07:14 +0000

I definitely agree Dave. Over-analysis can easily kill energy and creativity. A sense of fun and play should always be there. At the same time, when you embrace criticism with a positive attitude, it can become a part of the ride to enjoy just as much as anything else. I’ve found that opening myself to criticism can go a long way to developing a lighter/free-er attitude, which in turn improves my work.

As an example, when I first started editing interviews for radio broadcast at StoryCorps, I labored over them for hours before asking my supervising editor to give notes. I was overly focused on making sure it was “good” before they heard it. However, as I became more open to critique, I began asking for feedback earlier and earlier on in the process. My edits quickly improved and a larger percentage made it on air. And because I was working looser and freer, I got 2 times as much work done, and had 3 times the fun doing it.

It’s not easy to approach things with the attitude I’m talking about. I fail often, I’m sure. But I keep it as a personal goal.

By: David Levy

David Levy — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:42:00 +0000

While I agree with your post, my advice is to enjoy the ride. Don’t forget the fun in what you are doing and how lucky you are to be doing what you love. Resist the need to turn every encounter into a graphed chart for future analysis. Let a little looseness in the door. I think it helps one feel lighter… and a lighter/free-er attitude can make people want to work with you too. Its infectious to be around people having fun.

By: Bob Flynn

Bob Flynn — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Great thoughts, Mike. I couldn’t agree more, and it’s probably the thing I miss most about art school…especially because the criticism was coming from my peers. I was surrounded by people praising me left and right growing up—high school art teachers included.

It really wasn’t until I had one tough drawing professor in college that I got real criticism for once. He only told me I did a good job on my final project. Every other thing I showed him before that he just blatantly told me what was wrong with it.

I don’t think I get enough real criticism anymore. Especially on personal art blogs, most people drop comments of praise. Which is great for motivation, but getting the right kind of constructive criticism is how you can improve your work, and grow as an individual.