Speaking as an artist...

[fatrockstar]

I really do appreciate the feedback I get from people on the things I create, whether it's music, writing, sculpture, or other craftyness. When I ask for feedback, like most artsy-fartsy people are prone to do, I'm not necessarily looking for someone to stroke my ego: I'm looking for an opinion. The more honest, the better.

Currently I'm a member of a community that offers its opinion on many things. Unfortunately, the people asking for the opinions will never see the true impression of their work. They instead get a lot of "oooh, that's so cute/awesome/rockin'/tasty-looking" from everyone, every time. I think this is unfair. If you're an artist/craftsman looking for an impression of a product you're developing, blowing sunshine up the ol' wazzoo isn't going to perfect that product.

I appreciate everyone's feedback on the creative things I've posted here. It's helped me realize what I do and don't want to do with my artistic endeavors. This post isn't about my work, though. It's about the countless people out there who aren't clear about why they want your thoughts and then wonder why the real world doesn't agree with them.

/trigger pulled. not much in the gun. sorry.

Comments

[dustin-00.livejournal.com]

I want a Santa!

I have no artistic skills, which makes feedback hard other than "That! I like that! Gimme one!"

OK.. now I have to go listen to Franz Ferdinand again.

:-)

[winifred.livejournal.com]

I guess I'm making Santas again this year!

For something you like, that's important. If you like something because you like it, and you'd pay for one should the urge arise, saying so whether you have the skillz/talent or not is one thing. If you just say that it's nice to be supportive, that's not terribly helpful, knowhutImean?

[dustin-00.livejournal.com]

In the Santa case, I'm happy to put money where my mouth is (was it $30?).

But when I don't like some art, I usually can't think of anything constructive to give as feedback. Unless saying "I just don't care for H. R. Giger's work" is somehow constructive to him. I doubt it is.

Or "Rowlings writing is fine, it's just that every time Hegemony opens her mouth, I want to shove Harry's wand down her throat" probably won't cause many changes. (yes, I do know what her real name is -- I just refuse to use it)

[winifred.livejournal.com]

You'd pay $30 for a Santa? See, now THAT is constructive criticism. ;)

In this case, though, it's an opinion given to a more intimate audience. Like when you post your book chapters -- are you sharing or looking for feedback? There's the rub. You want to share with and hear from people who like similar literature so you can discuss how your work affects and/or impresses them. Knowing that much shapes your direction as an artist, no?

[dustin-00.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I suppose.

Heh.. in that case, my feedback to Giger would probably encourage him to do more.

And if I can buy 3 santas, that would be cool. But if there are others that want one, I'd rather you spread the love than letting me hog 'em all. :-)

[veiltail.livejournal.com]

I love constructive criticism, especially for something that can be worked upon further or 'improved' if one so chooses. Even if it can't be altered, at least it gives you another point of view to consider and take on board, or come up with an answer for. Maybe next time you create something you might think about the comment, etc. And maybe it will change what you do - you may go with it or completely go the other way. Know what I mean?

[winifred.livejournal.com]

Exactly.

I follow a number of journals anonymously, and there's this one kid (not on my flist) who is trying to market her crafts but can't get any takers. The only feedback I've seen has been from her friends who think the product is awesome, so it has to be something else... OR, her friends aren't being totally honest with her. This is the kind of stuff I'm talking about.

Perhaps it's the cynic in me, but I tend to take a chunk of positive feedback with a grain of salt. The negative feedback is way more valuable when I'm trying to market my creations.