What is Worth Critiquing?

This article outlines a few questions to ask yourself before you request critique on anything.

Have I self-critiqued my piece?

Have you given the piece a thorough examination, looking for ways you can improve, parts that could be removed/added to, techniques that might work better, etc? If you haven't reviewed the piece for yourself, I highly suggest doing so before you request critique. Self-review is a skill you need to develop as an artist in order to improve. Critique from others is wonderful, but learning to apply your own critique to your pieces will help you produce better art on your first attempt.

Is the piece of good quality?

Do not request critiques on doodles, first writing drafts, snapshot photographs, etc. Critique should be reserved for a piece you want to learn from and improve, which means the piece should have required thought and time to complete.

Am I ready for critique?

This guide is helpful for determining if you are ready to receive honest and helpful critique. It is often not easy to swallow criticism, however tactfully it may delivered, so making sure you are really ready to receive it is very important before you request critique.

What do I want critiqued, specifically, about this piece?

Some critics have their own system in place for giving critique, and while that system may work well, it helps them to know just what kind of advice you are looking for before they start reviewing. On dA, a good way to let your critic know what you'd like help improving is to leave a few comments in the Artist's Comments on your deviation. For example, a photographer might ask for advice about depth of field, color, lighting, etc. A writer may ask about verb choice, use of tenses, description, etc.

In Closing...

I hope this guide will be a tool used to help improve the way critiques are requested. Remember that critique should be a tool to help artists improve, not a way to gain lots of praise. So only ask for critique if you are serious about getting it.

Happy Critiquing!
KneelingGlory
Club Creator