Critiques

(I dug up some old notes on critique etiquette.  Can we add to or otherwise improve this list?)


Critiques are a time for:

• feedback, not judgment
• suspending egos (of the artist and reviewers)
• patience to understand the artist’s goals and give suggestions on how to meet them (not just how to tailor the project to the reviewer’s taste)
• artists to reconsider their art in a larger context

A bad critique:

• uses phrases such as “don’t like” or “like” without using solid examples and relating them to the artist’s goals (false and empty compliments are as pernicious as personal attacks)
• fails to allow every reviewer a chance to speak or ask questions
• has reviewers who disrespect or belittle each other’s statements
• is vague or involves blanket judgments
• has inattentive reviewers
• gets personal
• has an artist who isn’t ready to consider advice or grow

Suggestions for reviewers:

• Voice opinions as questions whenever reasonable. This helps keep everyone’s focus on eliciting information and avoiding defensiveness.
• If an intuitive appreciation for the artwork is all you have to offer, at least identify what element draws you to it.
• You can respect an artwork even if you don’t like it at all.

Suggestions for artists:

• Ask specific questions for the audience.
• Take notes.
• Even if you don’t like a response or suggestion, consider it later.  Thinking it over doesn’t mean you have to act on it.
• Remember that the only reason for a critique is to help you grow.