About Unsolicited Constructive Criticism

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Alright, so, I'm going to try my best to not go whole hog here.

So, lately, I've been very bothered by a certain aspect of the art community as a whole, this including those who simply appreciate art, as well as create it. What is this aspect? Unsolicitied criticism, constructive or otherwise. "What is that?" Some of you might ask? Well, it's when someone gives constructive criticism or advice when the creator of a piece of art (Writing, painting, etc) in no way asked for it. They didn't ask for help regarding their pieces or advice on how they could improve it. Now, don't get me wrong, constructive criticism IS a good thing and it does help people improve. The majority of people giving constructive criticism ARE TRYING TO HELP. Their intentions are good, and I appreciate the intention.


However, at least as far as my opinion on something, when you give someone constructive criticism they didn't ask for, all you're doing is potentially punching holes in their confidence as an artist. Perhaps they made something they were really proud of, despite a bit of wonkiness or awkwardness here or there. Now someone comes along and states 'This is (mostly) nice, but if you looked up this and changed this, it would look a lot better/it would improve your art (skills)". Now that artist potentially feels bad about a work they were previously happy or proud about. That's as far as constructive criticism on technically things, like anatomy, composition, etc.


Now, there's also the subject of trying to give advice/criticism regarding character design or personality or something similar. This one is a good bit touchier, as sometimes characters get their shapes and designs from ideas and feelings only familiar/important to their creator. Unless they ASK for it, don't give critique on a character's design or color scheme or name or backstory. If they ask, that's all fine and dandy, but otherwise you could very well be poking at something you shouldn't be.


Now, if someone asks for advice or critique on something? By all means, please, do all in your power to help them, but do keep in mind to still try and remain civil about it. I'm not asking for false niceties or candy coating. Touch on things that could help improve - don't just say 'Yeah, this and this are bad/poor'. That doesn't help anyone.


In the future I would like if people could respect this. Please do not leave constructive criticism on my work unless it is either flagged for critique or I state in the description that I desire advice. Perhaps my feelings on this are simply related to my frail self-confidence, but it is how I feel. I in turn will do the same and respect others and not give my opinions or advice unless asked to so.



Tldr; Don't give advice/constructive criticism if it wasn't asked for, even if you're just trying to help, please.

EDIT: Was missing a couple words in the second paragraph so those have been added (Specifically 'they didn't ask for' and 'potentially').



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cannibaloveaffair's avatar
Because of 'DeviantArt ranters' on YouTube, I've never really liked unsolicited constructive criticism. They make it a big deal if someone doesn't want to take their critique and I feel they give constructive criticism a bad name.