- Now, it's never easy to take criticism,
even if it's warranted.
And in the creative world it's even harder
because design is so often subjective.
Even well meant unhelpful criticism of creative work
could be difficult to take when you've worked
so hard on a project that means a lot to you personally.
If you don't learn to take criticism effectively,
you'll never be able to grow as a designer.
You will also find it incredibly difficult to
build a professional career
in any of the creative fields or industries.
In my experience as a freelance designer
for over eight years I've had the opportunity to work with
hundreds of designers.
And I have seen a wide variety of personalities
and ways people deal with criticism, both good and bad.
I myself have also received
and dealt with a wide range of criticism.
So in this video, I'm going to discuss 10 ways
you can deal with criticism.
So let's get into it.
(gentle music)
So the first way to deal
with criticism is develop a positive attitude.
Now, this may be one of the most simple,
yet most important ways.
It's our state of mind and how we look at things
which can often determine how we deal with any situation.
If we are in a conscious, 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.
If anyone happens to criticize your work,
reacting positively can completely neutralize the situation.
A positive attitude allows you
to take control of the situation
and avoid any hostility or negativity.
No matter the context you receive criticism
make sure you're polite and that you don't
lose your professional cool.
Getting angry and defensive won't 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.
Learn to use criticism as fuel
and you will never run out of energy.
So another way is to develop a thick skin.
If you want to work in the creative industry,
you need to have a thick skin
and not let negative comments or criticism
impact you on a personal level.
This is something you will have to get used to
without letting it shake your confidence
or make you unsure about showing your design again.
In fact, it's often part of the teaching method
when you study graphic design.
Teachers, professors, and lecturers will often be
as critical as possible of all your assignments,
nitpicking every little detail.
This will help you become less protective
over your design work
and allow you to develop that all important thick skin.
Again, another way is to always be open
to hearing other people's thoughts.
Closing your mind off to criticism will stop you
from growing and developing your skills and eye for detail.
If you aren't willing to listen to a negative comment
then people will be unlikely to want to work with you again.
Criticism at its best is recreative not spirit killing.
Unless you're already a highly sought after designer
whose work speaks for itself
and your personal reputation doesn't matter
you may struggle to find a job in a creative field.
Keep in mind whenever you put your portfolio online
and out into the world in whatever context
you're going to get feedback you probably won't like.
This is just part of the creative industry.
If you aren't doing something worth talking about
good or bad why are you doing it all?
So another way is to learn to recognize the difference
between constructive and destructive criticism.
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.
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.
Destructive feedback will usually degrade your abilities
or won't offer any way to improve
by simply saying that the design is wrong
or not good enough.
That isn't helpful.
Think about how the critic phrased the feedback to decide
if it was constructive or destructive.
Another way is to always consider the opinion,
but remember it's just an opinion.
And whatever way feedback comes
it's always good to consider the opinion
and even thank the person for pointing it out.
After all, they did make an effort to comment.
Remember, you are never too pro to take criticism.
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't have to react
and make changes necessarily.
It was after all one person's opinion.
Experience will help you learn when to make changes
and when to ignore what's said.
So another way is to be ready to counter criticism.
Now more often than not, unless you have made a big mistake
criticism can simply be subjective.
When you undertake your design work
you should always aim to not make arbitrary decisions.
Make sure that you consider each decision well
and have a good reason and rationale behind it.
Good reasons always trump subjective and personal tastes.
If your design works
that it doesn't matter what anyone feels about it.
Remember design is not art.
And when it comes to design
likes and dislikes are irrelevant.
What matters is if a design works well
or not for its intended goal.
Sometimes the design will work and be appropriate,
but may not be to everyone's tastes.
Make sure the criticism is objective and not subjective.
If you ever find yourself receiving criticism
from a subjective, personal taste point of view
be ready to counter with good reasons and rationale.
Another way is to take personal feelings
out of the equation.
Now because creating a design is a personal endeavor
even when it's professional
it can be difficult to separate yourself from the criticism.
Though just remember that proper constructive criticism
is not a personal attack on you.
It's important to put the focus onto the work
and realize that the designs, style, and sentiment
may be an extension of you,
but the execution of the work is not.
It's completely okay for negative feedback to hurt,
but just remember that it's an opinion and that opinion
from another person doesn't define your creative abilities
or you as a person.
When dealing with any feedback and the person giving it,
it's important not to let those emotions
cloud your judgment.
Now another way is to silence them
if the timing is wrong.
Now well-intentioned feedback can often come completely
at the wrong time.
If there's nothing you can do to change your design
on display or in use currently
it may be best to ask the person
if you can pick up the conversation
after a campaign duration or piece is finished in a debrief.
That way, the negative feedback won't impact your focus
on the current project.
However, you'll still be able to digest the thoughts
and learn from the feedback for your next project.
So another way is to don't be afraid to ignore or walk away.
Now sometimes criticism will not be helpful
and will just end up hurting you.
In those cases, you should either ignore or simply
thank them for that opinion and walk away.
Continuing to engage after it's clear that the person
simply likes the sound of their own voice
will only be damaging.
This is especially true in this day and age where
people can sit behind a desktop computer, laptop,
or mobile device and be extremely vocal in their opinion.
Criticism like rain should be gentle enough to nourish
a man's growth without washing away his roots.
When facing unwarranted, unnecessary,
or overzealous criticism always remember the golden rule
of online interaction.
Don't feed the trolls, just ignore it.
And the last way is to always see criticism
as a learning opportunity.
Now, no matter how criticism comes or wherever it comes from
remember to always see it as
a potential learning opportunity.
After all, any criticism is better than no criticism.
Whatever criticism you receive
you have the power to take it or leave it.
And chances are there is something to learn from it.
As I said earlier, I've worked with hundreds of designers
over the years and I have received
huge amounts of criticism.
I have always tried to receive criticism well
from wherever it comes.
Even today, I am still learning and I maintain
a positive outlook.
So always be open to learning.
I have received a lot of criticism over the years,
both bad and good.
Without it I would not be the designer I am today.
So those are some of the ways you can deal with criticism.
It can be tough sometimes dealing with criticism,
but if you keep some of these points in mind,
they can keep you on the right track.
So what are your thoughts on criticism?
Do you have any stories or anything to add or share?
Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this video.
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Also, if you have any other design topics you would like
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And I'd love to create another discussion video
in the future.
Until then have fun guys and I'll see you next time.
(upbeat music)