Fellow artists, I’m sure you can relate to unconstructive criticism. That awful feeling of someone seemingly attacking your creativity without rhyme or reason can leave you feeling pretty deflated.
Critique is something all creatives will face from time-to time, and it’s easy to be particularly sensitive when coming up against somebody offering less than flattering feedback.
There are many ways you can choose to handle this, but here are 4 steps in particular that I’ve found to be quite effective:
Step 1: Understanding the critique
You’ve put effort into a project only to have it fall on “deaf ears”, a live performance doesn’t get the desired reaction, a song concept is rejected by your peers but you’re not sure why – then ask!
In order to make sense of the reason for someone’s displeasure – you must ask. Unless you’re superhuman (specifically Professor X), you cannot read minds, and not asking creates the risk of making that same mistake again. After all, criticism is only constructive if you can learn from it!
In order for you to not become conceited, seeing every possible comment that isn’t a compliment, as a dig, you need to become aware of the fact that sometimes, opinion just means a person’s dislike of your work, is simply a matter of preference.
Step 2: Accepting the critique
You’ve understood the reasons behind the harsh words: You’ve managed to refrain from having a hissy fit or resorting to returning insults, and you’ve decided not take anything too personally. Great!
Accepting the fact that you might not appeal to everyone is a key element is getting along as an artist. Once you’ve understood the reasons behind the critique, and decided whether itís something you wish to take on board or not – it can no longer affect you.
Step 3: Embracing the criticiser
At all costs, …read more
Source:: Independent Rockstar