Constructive Criticism: How To Guide

Constructive Criticism: How To Guide
The goal in constructive criticism is to critique an individual so they will benefit or improve.
How do we give constructive criticism without "patting them on the back" for subpar work or give unconstructive and pointless critiques that the person does not take it seriously?

Here are some pointers to constructive criticism.

1. Constructive criticism has to be genuine. A person giving this criticism has to genuinely feel it is important to give it.
2. The person receiving the criticism must have some level of understanding of your role, and understand that you truly want them to improve.
3. Do not use statements like, “I want you to…”, “You must understand…”, “You must see the difference…”, “I need you to…”. You are immediately setting the stage for the individual to become defensive, especially if there is already a bad history of communication.
4. Take a team approach. In other words, sentences like, “Let us look at the following…”, “We can fix this by...” By doing this, you have created a collegiate type atmosphere. Both individuals are on the same level. Now you can set the stage to critique, not criticize, and then begin to construct a foundation for improvement.
Constructive criticism takes time and practice. If we want others to accept constructive criticism immediately, that will not happen. Constructive criticism presented in a positive way, as well as open communication, takes practice. Constructive criticism must be used effectively if the receiver is to improve.

A good "template" to a constructive critique.

1. Start off the critique with a postive note about the artwork such as "This is a good start" or "This is nice piece". In all retrospect there is no such thing as bad art, since it is all relative.
2. Give the negative points of the artwork. This should still be done in a postive way. Avoid such words as "bad, horrible, ugly, I don't like, etc". Try using words that pull you into the work such as "This area needs..." or "I believe that this area...". These need to be honest but still nice toward the artist.
3. Give points on how to improve the negative areas you just pointed out. This is very key, if you say an area needs work and leave it at that, the artist will not know how to improve it. We can't read minds so we need to know what it is you are thinking. If all possible give examples bring yourself into their field.
4. Give positive points of the artwork. This is the time to build the artist up. By telling them the things that you like, this will help them realize what areas they are strong in. The negative shows them what areas they are weak in... see the pattern? You need to examine the picture, if you can't find a positive aspect then I suggest to look further or not give a critique.
5. Finally end with a strong postive note. "This is good." "Keep up the good work", "You're coming along nicely" etc.
By thinking about these aspects you can help and artist improve. And build moral after all is said and done.