How To Handle Criticism

I have struggled with criticism continuously for years and even though it is often difficult it is surely something you can learn to take well. When you find solace in art or when you enjoy the process of creation there is obviously no reason for you to stop it or suppress it. However, some people aren't as confident about their work and the fear of criticism can often worsen the whole experience. Is it inevitable? 

As individuals it is important to criticise or should I use the work critique ourselves, in order to drive ourselves on to the right path. Our intuition and experience will often lead us on to better ourselves. For example, if we consider a person (let’s call him Jack), who would like to begin painting as a hobby, we will learn that his first attempt at fine art is somewhat questionable. The painting strikes the eye of the viewer with simplicity, unrealistic shapes and a lack of perspective. Jack however realises that and is ready to rip the painting in half and throw it out. Jack’s problem is the harshly realistic outlook he has on the concept of painting. He had seen the work of Da Vinci and he knows his work is nothing in comparison. He had let himself get overwhelmed by what he had seen and what he knows. Instead, it is important to understand that the ability to do art is a talent, although it is also a skill that can be learnt and approved upon. There is no reason why we should pressure ourselves to be someone we are not or to meet someone else’s expectations if art is something we love doing. Naturally, questioning is a massive part of creation and without it nothing would be as it is. In terms of art we need to ask ourselves if this shade of paint will look better in contrast with that shade of paint, if the hinge on that door should be on this side or the other. The vital part is to not let ourselves submerge in negativity but be proud that after creating this work, the process of improving has started, that there is a lesson or lessons to be learnt.

"Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots"- by Frank A. Clark


Let yourself be your own most important critique and don’t be too harsh on yourself. Do listen to what other people have to say, think about it, learn from it but do not overthink it, simply move on. There are a lot of advantages that come with constructive criticism, like the opportunity to view your work from a different perspective or a valuable insight or an idea that could possibly improve it. Be careful though because there are those people who have acquired the name ‘haters’ who only offer destructive criticism which has one major purpose - to hurt you, so do not waste your time on such comments. Just like many things in life, handling criticism is a skill, the better you get at it, the more you will create and consequently the more happiness and satisfaction you will find.