Learn How to Accept Criticism for Professional Development
Getting feedback on your work and being open to constructive criticism is part of every creative’s job. Sometimes you get feedbacks in the middle of the project as you discuss things with clients or when the project is finished from people of interest, other colleagues or complete strangers who happen to stumble upon your work.
Accepting criticism is important in your professional development because it broadens your perspective and allows you to observe your projects more objectively.
Of course, you probably already think that receiving feedback and constructive criticism is something completely normal. Well, it is, but you also have to be prepared to properly take it.
Only accept criticism that’s actually constructive
Constructive criticism is reasonable and helpful.
When you receive constructive criticism you can see and feel that the person is tactfully offering their honest opinion without bashing your work. If they have something to add, they do it politely so that you don’t get all defensive and actually can notice the room for improvement yourself.
Constructive criticism is great as it offers you another point of view, which is something every creative needs. After all, it can be rather challenging to view your own work impartially, which is why it’s always helpful to see your project through other creative eyes as well.
Go in search for criticism
It’s perfectly OK to go look for criticism on your own!
Depending on the kind of creative work you do, you can share some of your projects in specialized social media groups and forums where people who share the same interests and passions can offer their honest commentary as well as constructive criticism.
Also, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from your colleagues. Even if the project you’ve been working on was all on you, you can always use advice from creatives who may not hold your exact position but still deal with the similar niche. Not to mention that you’re all team members and work towards one same goal.
Give a proper constructive review yourself
In order to receive constructive criticism that will help with your professional development, you also need to give one.
Don’t hesitate to leave your own reviews at forums and groups. What’s more, try to be as constructive and critical as possible (but polite of course) if a colleague asks you for an opinion on their work as well.
Essentially, don’t think about the person asking you for feedback but the project itself. Keep in mind the guidelines and things that the project had to achieve before evaluating it constructively. It’s not about the creative’s skills or your own likes, but about the professional, practical and functional aspect of the project in question.
Accept constructive criticism
Accepting criticism can be difficult for new creatives, but remember that constructive criticism adds to your professional development. After all, criticism is not meant to berate you but help you improve.
Essentially, keep in mind that proper criticism refers to your project and not to you as a person. People who offer constructive criticism, in fact, are trying to help you.
Even if you receive suggestions about possible changes that you can make to your work, it’s not absolutely necessary that you, in fact, do. It’s important that you evaluate the comment levelheadedly and determine if it’s possible to make those changes at all.
