When it comes to critique time, art school can be intense.Whether it's an in-class critique with your peers, a studio visit with an instructor or a review with a panel of strangers, critiques can be emotionally draining.You will be able to survive your critique thanks to proper preparation and confidence.
Step 1: A timelines for creating and finishing your project.
If you wait until the last minute to create artwork, you may find yourself creating something that you are not proud of and that will not be liked by your professors and peers.As soon as you are aware of the assignment, you should begin scheduling staggered deadlines for yourself to complete the project.If you want to remain on task, you need to set deadlines for yourself.It can be easier to break the task up into smaller parts on the day of the critique in order to make it feel less overwhelming.
Step 2: Key talking points should be developed before the critique.
You will fare better in the oral aspect of your critique if you have a well thought out "why" to your work, what it depicts, its purpose, and your thought process in creating it.If your art is not its best on that particular project, a strong sense of knowledge and awareness will be helpful.Keep some thoughts in your mind and write down some bullet points on a note card.If your project is a collection of pieces, you should be prepared to articulate how they are related.
Step 3: Send any questions or concerns to your professor.
Your professors and instructors have an expansive knowledge of art and technique and are often more than willing to give advice.If you have any doubts about making major decisions about projects, talk to them.If you're confused about an assignment, you might want to reach out to your professor via email and ask the question, "Is there a specific painting technique we are required to use?"
Step 4: Take a deep breath.
Stress can cause the body to tense up, making you forget to breathe, which can lead to greater levels of anxiety and stress.If you are breathing properly, you will be able to deal with the intensity of the moment and defend your work.One quick breathing exercise that you can do before, during and after the critique is to breathe deeply and slowly through your nose, lungs and mouth, pausing for three seconds and then exhale with your lips parted.
Step 5: Stand up for your idea.
Explain decisions in a meaningful way if you've made them.Sharing your reasoning for using a certain design or technique is important.If your decisions were intentional, don't allow others to think they were random.If your professor refers to your color choice as random, you might want to speak to how the color you choose is symbolic and has a deeper meaning.
Step 6: Try not to be defensive and keep an open mind.
It's hard to hear people pick apart your work, but remember to listen.They can help you further develop the piece and make it more successful by helping you to develop your skills as an artist.If you're confused about a point, it's helpful to ask for clarification.If you still feel that a rebuttal is necessary, look for something in the speaker's critique that you can agree with while respectfully disagreeing with their larger point.You could say, "I agree that my brush strokes in that area could have been more precise, but I do not think that a change in scenery would convey the message that I sought to portray."
Step 7: Don't get in the way of the conversation.
Allow for a thorough critique from others, even though you should speak to the strengths of your work as well as your design process.feedback on your craft will help you improve your workDon't interrupt anyone as they critique your work, but listen as intently as possible.
Step 8: Someone can take notes for you.
It is easy to forget the names of artists, suggestions and reactions during a critique.It would be difficult to remember all of the comments and suggestions if you didn't write them down.The experience can be overwhelming, so don't dwell on the details in the moment, but revisit them later in your notes.
Step 9: It is not a good idea to take it personally.
It is more likely than not that most of those offering critiques are trying to help.When editing your project, use the collective knowledge and strength in the room to your advantage, rather than taking their comments as being inherently negative.Positive feedback should not be used to overinflate your ego.Too much confidence can make you lazy with future projects.
Step 10: Take in the feedback.
If you need to vent, sort out your thoughts or celebrate, talk to someone.You may want to discuss the information with your classmates who have been through the same thing.You should consider both the positive and the negative feedback.You can use the notes from your critique to think about your work.Carefully read over them and think about how you can make a stronger project out of them.
Step 11: Pick the critiques you want to incorporate into your work.
Don't feel like you have to listen to everything everyone says, as this is very likely impossible as many may have conflicting ideas on how to improve your work.Pick and choose which ideas appeal to you, and make any alterations to those suggestions that you deem appropriate from the feedback you receive.
Step 12: Get to work!
You will want to incorporate the new approaches that you see most fit into your work.A stronger piece of artwork will be critiqued even less if a project that successfully and strategically synthesises good feedback is created.If you agree with feedback presented about your project, you will want to improve it.If someone suggested that you lighten up the work using more pastels, you could use this in your art to create a stronger and more pleasing aesthetic.