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The talk about final straws reminded me that I wanted to talk about something else in that same vein and forgot. The other day one of my very close friends received some harsh unsolicted "concrit" on one of their YouTube videos. This friend has been a performer for years
She has a degree in theatre. Anyone with an arts degree of any kind knows that a huge part of that training is learning how to give and receive constructive criticism.
There are a few key things with constructive criticism. The first one is that it has to be wanted or asked for and I think this is one that really trips people up, or at least a certain kind of person.
In nearly all my theatre classes there was some form of critique whether we were doing scenes, monologues, or presentations. We as students often critiqued our classmates. But it wasn't a free for all, and it was, first and foremost, an environment where you expect critique
The critique is a specific part of our training process, and the students giving the critique are also training. Which means we were held to certain standards in giving it so that it's actually constructive. Obviously, and unfortunately, in the "real" world, not everyone
is going to be sensitive in their critique but again, if you're in rehearsal or doing an audition, it's understood that you're consenting to criticism AND that the people giving it are qualified to do so
When you give a public performance in a movie or a play, or release music, have an art show, whatever, there is also an expectation that it will be reviewed. The purpose of those reviews are different from constructive criticism though. Reviews are for the audience to decide
whether they want to spend their time and/or money on something. Generally, the reviewer has some qualifications for giving concrit but it's also okay if they're just an audience member because the reviews are for the audience.
And importantly, an artist can choose whether or not they want to read the reviews.
A lot of people think that just because art is put on the Internet that there is implicit consent to constructive criticism. I cannot emphasize more how that isn't the case.
A lot of people think that just because art is put on the Internet that there is implicit consent to constructive criticism. I cannot emphasize more how that isn't the case.
Obviously someone can have an opinion on it but you don't have to tell an artist that directly. Do a review, bitch to your friends, put it on your own blog. Don't just shit all over their comments section, no matter how qualified you think you are to "help" them.
1. You probably aren't as qualified as you think and 2. if you're giving unsolicited concrit you've already failed the first step by not asking so your "concrit" very likely isn't specific or helpful either, which are also requirements for effective concrit.
If you really, really, truly think that you have the secret that no one they've ever worked with has provided, that will take their art to the very next level, if you truly truly feel you want to help someone, just fucking ASK if you can give some crit
And I know this is hard considering we're probably dealing with a heck of a lot of entitlement here, if they say "No, thank you," you just gotta walk away. Say "Okay, thanks!" and just, let it go. It's not the end of the world.
Here's the thing, when they say no, or if they react negatively to unsolicited concrit, this doesn't mean they're unable to handle criticism, as much as you'd like to think that's the reason. Because what other reason could there be for them not being in awe of your expertise?
They just, maybe don't want to hear it from a stranger because they have a mentor or a teacher or a trusted group of friends who are honest with them. Maybe they're usually okay with it but today is a terrible day and they just don't want it.
Which brings me back around to the beginning. My friend can take criticism. She's been doing it her whole life, even before her professional life. I've WITNESSED her taking criticism on her work. I've given it to her, and sometimes I'm blunt because I can be with her.
That day was a really bad day in a string of bad days and while she was able to just delete it without getting into a long argument with the person, it was devastating. She is wildly, wildly talented and knows her voice is incredible. But that day, it made her question everything
Now, with most people who have been working professionally for years this kind of thing isn't going to make them quit altogether. Even though one negative comment feels like it wipes out a thousand positive ones, it was relatively easy for her to bounce back
But imagine someone who's just starting out, who doesn't have a body of work and training to fall back on. Imagine how one comment on a bad day can deflate a person so that it makes them want to give up. I know the insensitive asshats will say 'Well you have to have a thick skin'
This is TRUE. But a callous doesn't form in one day, and believe me you can grow a thick skin from honest, solicited, helpful, specific constructive criticism just as well as with a bunch of randos telling you "get gud."
And you know what? Even if someone can't take criticism it's none of your fucking business. Maybe they aren't trying to grow and learn and become a professional. Maybe they're just dicking around.
One last thing. If someone says sure, give me the crit! And you give some truly useful notes. They're still well within their rights to say "Okay I'll take that on board" and then never think about you again.
TL;DR learn how to actually give concrit, always ask even if it's on the internet, take no for an answer
Obligatory disclaimer that I'm talking about artistic critique not confronting people about bigotry in their work
