It\u2019s never easy to take criticism, even if it\u2019s warranted and in the creative world, it\u2019s even harder because design is so often subjective. Even well-meant and helpful criticism of creative work can be difficult to take when you\u2019ve worked so hard on a project that means a lot to you personally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you don\u2019t learn to take criticism effectively, you\u2019ll never be able to grow as a designer<\/a>. You\u2019ll also find it incredibly difficult to build a professional career in any of the creative fields or industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In my experience as a freelancer for over 7 years, I\u2019ve worked with hundreds of designers and have seen a wide variety of personalities and ways people deal with criticism, some good and some bad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I myself have also received and dealt with a wide range of criticism. In this video I am going to discuss 10 ways you can deal with criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now this may be one of the simplest, yet most important, ways to cope with criticism. It’s our state of mind and how we look at things which can often determine how we deal with any situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If we are in an anxious, fearful, defensive state of mind when receiving criticism we may not react well. If we put ourselves in a positive mindset then whatever negativity we may face, we will be in a good place to take it and it won’t be so hard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If anyone happens to criticize your work, reacting positively can completely neutralise the situation. A positive attitude allows you to take control of the situation and avoid any hostility or negativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter the context you receive criticism, make sure you\u2019re firm but polite, and that you don\u2019t lose your professional cool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting angry and defensive won\u2019t make the situation any better. It will reflect far better on your reputation if you stay professional in all your dealings with creative critics, even destructive ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLearn to use criticism as fuel and you\u2019ll never run out of energy.\u201d<\/em> <\/strong><\/p>– Orrin Woodward<\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n If you want to work in a creative industry, you need to have a thick skin and not let negative comments or criticism impact you on a personal level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is something you have to get used to without letting it shake your confidence, or make you unsure about showcasing your designs again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, it\u2019s often part of the teaching method when you study graphic design<\/a>. Teachers, professors, and lecturers will often be as critical as possible of all your assignments\u2014nitpicking every little detail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This will help you become less protective over your design work and allow you to develop that all-important thick skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Closing your mind off to criticism will stop you from growing and developing your skills and eye for detail. If you aren\u2019t willing to even listen to a negative comment, then people will be unlikely to want to work with you. \u201cCriticism at its best is re-creative, not spirit killing.\u201d <\/em><\/strong><\/p>– Camille Paglia<\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Unless you\u2019re already a highly sought after designer whose work speaks for itself and your personal reputation doesn\u2019t matter, you may struggle to find a job in a creative field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just know, whenever you put your portfolio online<\/a> and out into the world in whatever context, you\u2019re going to get feedback you probably won\u2019t like\u2014unless you\u2019re showing your latest design to your grandmother. It\u2019s part of the creative industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you aren\u2019t doing something worth talking about\u2014good or bad\u2014why are you doing it all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, not all criticism is equal. Some people will try and help you improve, while others will try to tear you down just because they can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Constructive feedback will usually pinpoint specific areas you need to work on and provide examples, guidance or offer solutions on how to make those improvements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Destructive feedback will usually degrade your abilities or won\u2019t offer any way to improve by simply saying that the design is wrong or not good enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That isn\u2019t helpful. Think about how the critic phrased the feedback to decide if it was constructive or destructive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In whatever way feedback comes, it\u2019s always good to consider the opinion and even thank the person for pointing it out. After all, they did make an effort to comment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You are never too pro to take criticism! <\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n When you receive criticism, it’s healthy to consider how and if it could improve what you have done, though keep in mind you don\u2019t have to react and make changes necessarily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It was, after all, one person\u2019s opinion. Experience will help you learn<\/a> when to make changes and when to ignore what\u2019s said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More often than not, unless you have made a big mistake, criticism can be simply subjective. When you undertake your design work, you should always aim to avoid making arbitrary decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure that you consider each decision well and have a good reason and rationale behind it. Good reasons always trump subjective reasons and personal tastes. If your design works, then it doesn’t matter what anyone \u2018feels\u2019 about it. Remember, design is not art. When it comes to design, likes and dislikes are irrelevant!<\/p>\n\n\n\n What matters is if a design works well or not for its intended goal. Sometimes a design will work and be appropriate, but may not be to everyone’s tastes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you ever find yourself receiving criticism from a subjective, personal taste point of view, be ready to counter with good reasons and rationale. Make sure the criticism is objective, not subjective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because creating a design is a personal endeavor\u2014even when it\u2019s a profession\u2014it can be difficult to separate yourself from the criticism. Just remember that proper constructive criticism is not a personal attack on you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to put the focus onto the work and realize that the design\u2019s style and sentiment may be an extension of you, but the execution of the work is not. It\u2019s completely okay for negative feedback to hurt. In fact, it\u2019s important to acknowledge hurt feelings<\/a> from negative feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just remember that it\u2019s an opinion, and that opinion from another person doesn\u2019t define your creative abilities or you as a person. Then, when dealing with the feedback and the person giving it, it\u2019s important not to let those emotions cloud your judgement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That way, the negative feedback won\u2019t impact your focus on the current project. However, you\u2019ll still be able to digest the thoughts and learn from the feedback for your next project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes criticism won\u2019t be helpful and will just end up hurting you. In those cases, you need to thank them for their opinion and walk away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1 – Develop a Positive Attitude<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2 – Develop a Thick Skin<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3 – Always Be Open to Hearing Other People\u2019s Thoughts <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n4 – Learn to Recognize the Difference Between Constructive and Destructive Criticism<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5 – Always Consider the Opinion but Remember \u2018It’s Just an Opinion\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6 – Be Ready to Counter Criticism <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7 – Take Personal Feelings Out of the Equation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8 – Silence Them if the Timing is Wrong<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now well-intentioned feedback can often come completely at the wrong time. If there\u2019s nothing you can do to change a design on display or in use currently, it might be best to ask the person if you can pick up the conversation after a campaign or piece is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n9 – Don\u2019t Be Afraid to Ignore or Walk Away<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n