Backstage: Giving constructive criticism

Can anyone give criticism? Anyone can criticize yes, but with proper determination and practice anyone should be able to criticize constructively. Here are a few simple steps on how you too can begin writing proper critiques:

Introduction: Take a close look at the person's work and list in your head what appears to work well, then what doesn't appear to work well. Critiques are meant to be more or less neutral, but no matter how hard you try this is going to be someone's opinion, whether it's yours or the rule book's. A good tactic is to critique in the person's best interest; reflect on their style and how your suggestions could impact them.

Step 1: Begin your critique
Once you've made your list of what seems to work and what doesn't, it's time to write your critique. Start with the positive side: begin with a phrase praising the author's work, a comment on what they've done well.
- Nice job on the lighting!
- The contrast really brings out the eerie atmosphere!
- What an original idea!

This will encourage the artist and bring about a more relaxed mood before reading any further.

~~Gee this sucks!~~

Interesting idea!

Tell the author about the good aspects of their work. Depending on the media take ideas, "mis en oeuvre", display, atmosphere and composition into account. Next give one or two sentences about the quirks. There's always something to say, and spotting out the little flaws can only help the other person improve. As human beings we're experts at this.

- Is there a message the audience is supposed to get? If so, does it seem most of them would be able to get it?

- Does it trigger any feelings or are you left without emotion?

- Is there too much or too little of something?

~~The lines are shaky, and there's no dynamic, it doesn't look so good.~~

The yellow really brightens the image, but the illustrations are a little shaky and a bit more dynamic wouldn't hurt.

Step 2: Tell them how to improve

After pointing out what doesn't sit too well, you're going to have to say how the person can improve. That's the rule to constructive criticism: if you're going to say what's wrong then tell them how to make it better. If you're not too familiar with the subject, then gather information. It can be a great learning experience!

~~Forget it, I don't like this thing.~~

Try smoothing out the lines on Photoshop and adding some bolder colors.

Step 3: Give inspirational material

There's nothing wrong with adding a few links to something you believe the person might be interested in. You can also give a few pointers to starters as to how to promote their artwork efficiently. You can even add your constructive opinion, this sometimes helps the author to be aware of what the public thinks.

- I think that...

- I would suggest from personal experience that...

- It seems to me you...

End on a positive note and suggest that the artist go further.

- Your capable of great things, never give up!

- Eager to see more of your work!

- Good job, can't wait to see what comes next!

Step 4: Offer to help again

None of these steps are obligatory but this one is particularly optional. It's always nice to know you have someone to go to for advice on your next project, so by giving the author this option they may just come to you again. Who knows, maybe this time they'll teach you something.