Every so often...well, more often than not, I'm participating in design forums; receiving creative wisdom or imparting my nuggets of knowledge in the interest of helping my fellow designer in some way.
Once in a while there will be that occassional post that merits a spotlight because it touches on a common issue, this is one such situation. One rather disgruntled sounding poster "barked,"
Since when did 'critique' mean: "Entirely pick the hell out of someone's piece that they spent hours upon hours to create. Tell them how bad it sucks, and sound as though you actually have ground to stand on (ignore the fact that you've never undergone any formal education in the the field because, hell, you're part of this virtual nirvana and nobody will ever know anyway!!!"
Sound like a familiar scenario? Here was my opinion on how a designer should approach a public forum full of professionals without getting their ligatures bitten off.
In fairness look at it from this perspective. While I agree that you may have put in hours of effort and are pleased with your output which may have exceeded your expectations, look at who you're presenting your work to—people who are seasoned professionals in this field. That's almost like taking a painting and presenting it to museum/gallery curators for their opinion—they're going to offer you their professional view based on the standards they are accustomed to, standards that are likely higher than the average Joe.
That's what many students and novices don't understand. Many of these people are not peers and to be a bit on the harsh side, often don't present the quality of caliber these folks consider their standard. If you want to play with the big kids you have to be ready to bring your A-game. If your A-game isn't up to their A-game, then you aren't ready to play. This game is no different from any other in life.
Now, if you introduce yourself in a manner that establishes your modest intentions to this group, in other words, not as a peer, but someone who is looking to be mentored by these professionals to elevate your own standards, the responses will likely end up a bit more welcoming. You have to show respect, to do less demonstrates an arrogant duplicity on your part, whether it's intentional or not.
For example, I'm sure you've seen plenty of folks who sign up, try to integrate themselves into the group. So far, so good. However, then they open up a critique thread with something like this:
"Hey guys, here's a logo I've been working on for Company X, tell me what you think."
[/post]
Right off the bat, this is a creative forum no-no. Number one, you've offered no background information on the project. If you want an honest critique, we have to know if it's a good fit for the client and their market. This one liner demonstrates a lack of basic design branding fundamentals. Second, it gives off an immediate feeling of trying to present yourself as an equal. If this is the case, be prepared to be met in kind. In this business, our work has been brutally scrutinized by peers, clients and employers at one time or another, it's the more merciless side of the industry. Those who understand this can read between the lines and respond accordingly, those who don't leave defeated and offended. Again, if this line is your A-game opener, you've just made a major bush league mistake.
As another example, another person posted some samples of a rock band's logo that he was designing. He opened his dialogue this way:
"I made this graphic for a local band I like...I really want to know what you guys think of this and what I can improve on...I love design and I hope to have something to do with design for a job..."
From the onset, he's establishing an important distinction that guaranteed a more sympathetic response from people, the fact that he is learning and is seeking advice on how to improve his output. There is no show of arrogance and no attempt to pass himself off as a peer here, so even though his work and presentation required more refining on his part, the responses reflected a more genuine and gentler desire to guide his creative direction. By the way, he was a fourteen year old kid. Great compositional eye for his age...or even for older folks.
Don't give up on some of these critique forums if you really want to elevate your game and play with the big kids. Although some venues offer a more "kinder and gentler" assessment, make no mistake that they also likely hold high standards as well. By making your position and intentions clear, we will have a better idea of how to respond in kind.
The "Barker," as I'll hence dub him, also had this to add:
My point: more of you 'know-it-alls' need to post your work-why not? Is it because it takes balls to do so? (don't be afraid of how someone with nothing more than a sharp opinion will cut it up, you'll survive). It does take balls to let your work undergo the scrutiny of this forum, unless you've posted your work, LEAVE YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELVES!
My reply:
Why post work for a second opinion when we don't need to? That's not what the crit section is for. It's for getting help, not showing off to others. Besides, you're saying that the only advice you'll take is from someone who's work you deem worthy? How about the value of the trained artistic eye...is there no respect there? Remember that there are many people in and around this industry who's roots lie elsewhere but who's input not only has merit, but is respected as well.
Three last parting shots:
1. If you are any kind of professional then you'll know that in this industry, everyone's work gets this sort of bare knuckles critique at some point or another, it's the nature of the business. You either roll with the blows and try to glean the best advice that will help you improve or find another line of work.
2. If you can't take criticism, then don't post on a PUBLIC FORUM. This sort of rant demonstrates to me a need to hear more praise rather than a realistic assessment of your work, which can help you improve your development process and execution. I suggest if this is the case (not saying that it is, mind you) show your work to your friends and family instead, they'll be more likely to respond more favorably to spare your feelings.
3. Opinions are like rear ends...everyone has one. Take the best advice that will help you improve and move on.
Once in a while there will be that occassional post that merits a spotlight because it touches on a common issue, this is one such situation. One rather disgruntled sounding poster "barked,"
Since when did 'critique' mean: "Entirely pick the hell out of someone's piece that they spent hours upon hours to create. Tell them how bad it sucks, and sound as though you actually have ground to stand on (ignore the fact that you've never undergone any formal education in the the field because, hell, you're part of this virtual nirvana and nobody will ever know anyway!!!"
Sound like a familiar scenario? Here was my opinion on how a designer should approach a public forum full of professionals without getting their ligatures bitten off.
In fairness look at it from this perspective. While I agree that you may have put in hours of effort and are pleased with your output which may have exceeded your expectations, look at who you're presenting your work to—people who are seasoned professionals in this field. That's almost like taking a painting and presenting it to museum/gallery curators for their opinion—they're going to offer you their professional view based on the standards they are accustomed to, standards that are likely higher than the average Joe.
That's what many students and novices don't understand. Many of these people are not peers and to be a bit on the harsh side, often don't present the quality of caliber these folks consider their standard. If you want to play with the big kids you have to be ready to bring your A-game. If your A-game isn't up to their A-game, then you aren't ready to play. This game is no different from any other in life.
Now, if you introduce yourself in a manner that establishes your modest intentions to this group, in other words, not as a peer, but someone who is looking to be mentored by these professionals to elevate your own standards, the responses will likely end up a bit more welcoming. You have to show respect, to do less demonstrates an arrogant duplicity on your part, whether it's intentional or not.
For example, I'm sure you've seen plenty of folks who sign up, try to integrate themselves into the group. So far, so good. However, then they open up a critique thread with something like this:
"Hey guys, here's a logo I've been working on for Company X, tell me what you think."
[/post]
Right off the bat, this is a creative forum no-no. Number one, you've offered no background information on the project. If you want an honest critique, we have to know if it's a good fit for the client and their market. This one liner demonstrates a lack of basic design branding fundamentals. Second, it gives off an immediate feeling of trying to present yourself as an equal. If this is the case, be prepared to be met in kind. In this business, our work has been brutally scrutinized by peers, clients and employers at one time or another, it's the more merciless side of the industry. Those who understand this can read between the lines and respond accordingly, those who don't leave defeated and offended. Again, if this line is your A-game opener, you've just made a major bush league mistake.
As another example, another person posted some samples of a rock band's logo that he was designing. He opened his dialogue this way:
"I made this graphic for a local band I like...I really want to know what you guys think of this and what I can improve on...I love design and I hope to have something to do with design for a job..."
From the onset, he's establishing an important distinction that guaranteed a more sympathetic response from people, the fact that he is learning and is seeking advice on how to improve his output. There is no show of arrogance and no attempt to pass himself off as a peer here, so even though his work and presentation required more refining on his part, the responses reflected a more genuine and gentler desire to guide his creative direction. By the way, he was a fourteen year old kid. Great compositional eye for his age...or even for older folks.
Don't give up on some of these critique forums if you really want to elevate your game and play with the big kids. Although some venues offer a more "kinder and gentler" assessment, make no mistake that they also likely hold high standards as well. By making your position and intentions clear, we will have a better idea of how to respond in kind.
The "Barker," as I'll hence dub him, also had this to add:
My point: more of you 'know-it-alls' need to post your work-why not? Is it because it takes balls to do so? (don't be afraid of how someone with nothing more than a sharp opinion will cut it up, you'll survive). It does take balls to let your work undergo the scrutiny of this forum, unless you've posted your work, LEAVE YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELVES!
My reply:
Why post work for a second opinion when we don't need to? That's not what the crit section is for. It's for getting help, not showing off to others. Besides, you're saying that the only advice you'll take is from someone who's work you deem worthy? How about the value of the trained artistic eye...is there no respect there? Remember that there are many people in and around this industry who's roots lie elsewhere but who's input not only has merit, but is respected as well.
Three last parting shots:
1. If you are any kind of professional then you'll know that in this industry, everyone's work gets this sort of bare knuckles critique at some point or another, it's the nature of the business. You either roll with the blows and try to glean the best advice that will help you improve or find another line of work.
2. If you can't take criticism, then don't post on a PUBLIC FORUM. This sort of rant demonstrates to me a need to hear more praise rather than a realistic assessment of your work, which can help you improve your development process and execution. I suggest if this is the case (not saying that it is, mind you) show your work to your friends and family instead, they'll be more likely to respond more favorably to spare your feelings.
3. Opinions are like rear ends...everyone has one. Take the best advice that will help you improve and move on.
2 comments:
Very nicely done.
Thanks. It practically wrote itself, really.
You should pop over to About and meet my "muse." You won't be disappointed.
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