CRITIQUE
Constructive Criticism can take many forms but should always be treated as an essential part of the design process. In college it is normally expected to take place with your lecturer, as a one on one discussion, but the opinions and suggestions of your peers should not be discounted. It’s not a common thing to have such a diverse peer group so close, with which you can grow and develop together. Another form that is often ignored (or not used properly) is self-critique. Self-critique is crucial if you want to become a stronger designer. The ability to look at your own work with a critical eye will make you more professional and more attentive to the finer details. As they say: God is in the details.
The desired outcome of a good critique is greater understanding of what worked, what didn’t and what can be done about it in the future so similar mistakes are not made. It’s this review process that opens doorways to different creative methods. It lets you learn more about your personal way of working and gives you a perception on how others work. Because it is an appraisal, it is better left until the work is finished or near finishing. Many make the mistake of asking for opinions too early, therefore stifling the creative flow they may have been accessing. You should always allow yourself a chance to make the mistake, don’t try to second-guess yourself before you’ve started.
Constructive criticism can of course vary in many ways but is most legitimate when it is linked to the criteria of the design work. If a design sets out to present a certain view or technique, then criticism should take that into account. The critique should also take into account history (if any) of this chosen view/technique, interpretations and associations that may have been brought up.
Becoming a good critic can often be the best way to deal with people critiquing your work. It will make you understand where they are coming from, and normally it is from a place of sincere goodwill. The easiest technique is in describing, analysing and interpreting.
Describing: Start by describing what you see. This will put things into perspective and force you to really study what is before you. Remember to notice the negative space as well as what the lines are doing - do they have any particular emotion? What are the shapes like? Are they organic or man-made?
Analysing: After you have worked out what is actually there, you can start studying the structure of the work. The technique, the relationship of space and shape, the material used and the method employed. At this point you can also use some personal opinion, but make sure it is flagged as your individual view, not stated as fact.
Interpreting: Finally you can get onto establishing the meaning or significance of the work. What value, implication or effect does the piece have? Again feel free to have your own views but just make sure you indicate it as that.
For example: Jean Michel Basquiat
Jean Michel Basquiat Logo
Jean Michel Basquiat & Andy Warhol Zenith
Jean Michel Basquiat Untitled (Skull)
This is an art piece showing a head looking to the left, an unconventional portrait, not made up typical lines but a series of unrelated marks. The line work is extremely vibrant portraying an almost angry tone, or at least rushed - giving an urgency to the art (description).
It uses a variety of materials and is quite large (207 x 176). It has heavy use of line and contrasting colours that work well. I feel it is weighted to the right making the painting feel unbalanced. Although the black line to the left helps the balance somewhat. It might have been nice if the head had more space around it, to make it more focused. The shapes are quite abstract and partially formed (analyse).
The character seems quite thoughtful and a little downtrodden. It reminds me of someone who has had a hard life. Perhaps an ex-boxer or a street-person. It has an incredibly strong presence, and that is helped by the size. I’m not sure if I’m getting more of an insight into the painter or his subject (interpret).
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When critiquing someone’s work, remember to put yourself in his or her shoes. What would you feel if they were saying this about your work? It is not helpful to be malicious, but at the same time it is not helpful to be a sycophant. No body likes an ass kisser.
Constructive criticism should be exactly as the words imply, constructive and critical. Above all it should be well intended and helpful. If you view critique in this way it can never be negative experience, whether you’re giving or receiving. View each project as just one step in a great journey to learning and look forward to the chance of having others comment on your work.
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INSPIRATION + EXTRAS
