CRITIQUES are unavoidable. You will get them when you’re building your portfolio. Showing your work to your friends. Submitting to agents and editors. Making your books. Even after you made your books! Let’s talk about the art of it all.
Types of critiques and why we need it
Let’s start easy. Here are the three main places you can get critiques from when making art / books.
From Friends and Family
Helpful because these are your cheerleaders! They will love you and your art / book no matter what.
Not helpful because they don’t have trained eye to give you actionable points to help develop your art / book.
From friends and peers that are already in the industry
Helpful because these are people that understands your vision AND give you feedback based on their professional experiences and practices.
Not helpful if they don’t try to understand your art / book.
From Industry professionals
Helpful because it’s a direct feedback from people who will hire you.
Not helpful when you get variety of feedback on your art / book. Art is still subjective so remember that your art can’t impress everyone.
So do we want to listen to them all? Probably not. When you listen to everything you will be overwhelmed. You might even stop working on your art / book. Identifying where the critique is coming from can help with what and when to take it to heart to. I hope you remember that you don’t have to please everyone. You don’t have to take action on every critique. It’s your art and your story. You have the ownership.
Signs of critiques to listen to
So when should we listen? Here are signs I’ve noticed.
When you get the same feedback over and over again
This is the biggest sign! If you’re getting similar feedback over and over again, at least try to address it. That way you know you tried it and see why it worked or didn’t.
When they ask you questions
They are asking questions because they are either confused or want you to notice something is off. I would encourage you to listen to why they are asking. And try not to get defensive. If you’re explaining your art / book, that’s a sign that it still needs work because you can’t go to every reader and explain your art / book.
When the whole group agrees on a particular feedback
This can happen in a group critique session. When one person is giving a feedback and the whole room nods. That’s a sign. Instead of focusing on getting your response ready, look at their faces. Which part of the critique are they nodding agreeing to?
Best practices : How to receive critiques
I know. You feel like everyone is attacking your precious creation. I had to learn how to receive critiques when I was in art college. Every illustration class I took had critique time. Our illustrations went up on the classroom wall. Class critiqued my art. When I knew mine looked bad my face got bright red. I was nervous. And I had to just sit and take it all because the teachers didn’t allow me to explain. I was sad. Annoyed. Crushed. Then it got worse. I started to hate getting critiques. So I stopped asking. It was fun at first. I got to create art the way I wanted to intepret (I was taking editorial illustration class so I still needed to illustrate an article aka someone else’s opinion). But I quickly realized that without helpful critiques I missed the point of the illustration. I was focusing too much on the linework. The color. The composition. And not about what the article was about.
Since then I’ve learned how to receive critiques. Here are some tips.
Start with a statement : “I am looking for this kind of feedback”
Sometimes it’s helpful for the group to know what kind of feedback you’re looking for. Is your art / book in the early development stage? Or is it about to be submitted to your agent? Let them know. That way they can tailor their feedback.
Listen. Don’t defend
This is the most common mistake I see in critique groups. I know it’s so tempting to defend your work. But try not to interrupt. Sometimes the person critiquing can take a while to get to the point. Again, listen. They are spending time and effort to think about your work. You’re ok to discuss and ask questions if the feedback is unclear. But try not to defend your work. When you defent I often notice tensions build up. And the critiques can start to feel personal. That’s never fun. Everyone gathered to help you. Take a deep breathe and listen.
After the critique I often appreciate a little honesty. I confess things like “oh yea I’m struggling with this part because it’s not hitting this emotion.“ That’s my invitation for the group to brainstorm with me. And truly wonderful ideas comes up.
Choose who to get critiqued when
The easiest way to receive critiques is by finding your people! I used to be a part of critique groups that the organization provided. It was a great way to meet people who were passionate about making art / book. But then I started to gravitate towards people who give good critiques. So I asked them individually if they would meet up for a coffee + critique session. Now I’m part of two critique groups (authors, author illustrators and illustrators in the mix!) and one kidlit friend I really trust. I’m so happy. I hope you find your people too <3
Best practices : How to give critiques
So naturally if you get critiques you probably have to give some too. And yay for someone trusting you! Here’s some tips!
Be prepared with notes before the meeting
Most critique groups send stuff to critiques before the meeting. It’s nice to be prepared with your notes so you’re more organized at the meeting. And by preparing ahead you can focus on the main critiques and send the smaller notes later.
Ask “what kind of feedback are you looking for?“
We usually ask this question so that the receiver has a chance to set the scene. That way the group can focus on the feedback that addresses the person’s needs first. And if you have extra time, the group can talk about everything else (again, sharing all of the notes later via email is helful!).
Maybe offer to read the book out loud (especially picture books)
Especially picture books are meant to be read out loud. Pick one person to read the story. By listening to others read your book, you get to hear all of the places that works and doesn’t. Also you get to hear the tone of your book from other’s perspective.
Use the sandwich method
Sanwich method means start with positive feedback. Then focus on areas to improve. Lastly end with something positive. Honest critiques are important. But that doesn’t mean everything has to be just about improving. Let the person know what is working as much as what to improve.
Critiques are part of book making. I’m sure even the most awarded authors and illustrators still have critiques from peers, editors and art directors! Sometimes it boosts your confidence. Sometimes it stings. But I think it’s all with love and passion for your fantastic creation. I hope you find your people.
Thank you so much for reading. See you next month <3
Love and timid feelings, Shiho