How to Participate in Critique
1. Provide thorough feedback. No 1 or 2 liners.
2. Your feedback should be specific and use correct art vocabulary. Avoid phrases like “I like…” or “I don’t like…” Do not use words such as “ugly” or “pretty.”
A personal opinion on art does not make it good or bad. There are many great works of art that I do not like, it doesn’t mean that the work is “bad art.” It is good art, that I happen not to like.
You can provide much more valuable feedback if you offer specific suggestions. Point out strengths, weaknesses, and alternative solutions. Examples of comments you might make:
The lines on the left side of the work are faded. The work is right heavy. You could darken the lines on the left to increase the contrast and balance the work.
3. Finally, try to avoid being defensive about your work. When someone makes a suggestion about your work, you do not have to agree with it. You should not, however, lash out at it. When you react defensively, it stifles open discussion. When people make suggestions for your artwork, it is not a negative reflection of you as an artist. They can offer different ways of resolving the problem. You may not take their suggestion, but it may lead you to think of your image differently. It is not necessary to respond to everyone’s feedback. Sometimes it is best to just listen.
Art Is Good 