Criticism, Can you take it? Options

[freeflow]

How well can you take criticism?

In the past week or so I noticed that lately a lot of people can't. I know I tend to "defend" myself in some cases, but its life and you have to learn that not everyone is going to like what you've done. Whether its a graphic/layout or a project you did for school or work.

Personally, I think I can it pretty well. Without all the criticism people gave me I wouldn't be getting where I am. I was mentioning yesterday that you don't really know how good you are at something with out some criticism. I mean you can think your doing something right for a while but no one ever says anything besides "positive" feedback and that doesn't always help.

But anyways question is How well can you take it?

[Jeng]

Hmm okayish, it's there for a reason, you either take it too serously, or you take it to help you, which can relate to me, I take critism where I can make my work better/improve.

[*Duchess_of_Dork*]

For the most part, I thrive on criticism, especially when it comes to graphics because it's a big part of the learning process.

There are types of criticism that makes me crazy though. Things like, "that sucks" just doesn't help at all. Sure, you don't have to like it, but offer something that is a critique, please.

[tokyo-rose]

Yes, as long as it's constructive and not just saying my work sucks. I'm always looking to improve what I make.

Besides, I usually know that something is wrong with the graphic because I'll feel off about it and just not know how to fix it. Criticism helps that.

[michellerrific]

I see criticism as a chance for improvement. That's all.

[feferity]

lol. i remember about this time last year, I used to haunt the graphic display forum here and give THE most scathing 3 paragraph critiques on almost every topic there whenever i could. eventually, i got bitched out by someone, and like, 3 anonymous chicks kept emailing me and threatening me and shit.

i give critique well, and i take it well from people who know what they're talking about. someone who's all "ew, i dont like it" and doesn't provide a reason, I'll tell them to gtfo.

[*IVIike*]

I used to be the worst... toya you should know if someone said something was bad, or that something was not as good as someone elses i would go into a rage and filp out. I can't remember how many times i got into conflicts with toya and holly. I think i have gotten much better at taking it, and as well as giving it to people.

As a few of you have said above i can take it as long as it is constructive and now just a statement like "ugly."

[flaymzofice]

I've never submitted anything for use so I couldn't really say on that account but I have put some stuff into the Myspace showcase and have had some critical comments. No one said anything like, "ew I hate that"; I think for the most part people were constructive about why they didn't like it and what parts brought the layout down.

So as people have said, as long as it's constructive, there's no need to flip out. And people forget that cBers aren't here to stoke egos. If you submit something, you're putting it out there for people to JUDGE and that doesn't necessitate positive comments.

I think sometimes, people can offer constructive criticism in what can be perceived as an overly critical manner, but the good designers will take on board the meaning behind the statement, rather than the statement at face value, and commentors shouldn't feel the need to defend themselves.

And I know we weren't asked to name names, but Ourania is the one submitter who drives me insane with her inability to take criticism. She point blank REFUSES to acknowledge what we're/I'm saying to her and I'm not even TRYING to be mean! Just honest!

[kawaiiisland]

I could, if they are giving me helpful suggestions to help me improve my designing and are constructive. If it's just like: 'Your layout sucks'. I just get annoyed since it's best to know HOW people think of your designs, instead of just saying 'it suxs'. It seems like they are just trying to offend you >.<

[*StanleyThePanda*]

I definitely take criticism very well. If its something I can't improve from, like "Your layout sucks", I just ignore it or ask them to explain in detail, so that I can improve.
But yeah, if its helpful stuff, I take it well.

[technicolour]

I can take it well.

As long as they explain their criticism thoroughly.

If they put "This sucks, never open up photoshop again"...that I can't take. I get angry. Like the HULK! ROAOOAARRRR!

[clarity]

I'm sort of iffy on it. It depends on how things are worded. I am easily sensitive though, and I CAN take things out perspective. But thats the way I am, I can't change it.

[iDecay]

It depends on what type of criticism, really. But I guess you're talking about graphics and design so I take it pretty well. It's just to help, y'know?

I remember giving criticism to some people before and they got mad at me even when they asked for it..

[Lanochka]

I can take criticism really well, IMO. If I don't agree with someone's opinion then I'll just ignore it. I don't really care that some single person out of millions thinks my work is a piece of shit. I'm fine with that. But I do take constructive criticism into consideration... something I know will benefit me and I appreciate that kind of criticism. It's not always the criticism that is a page long. All that stuff is fluff.

I love giving LONG write ups on layouts and graphics and stuff scrutinizing every single detail that I like and dislike about it.

I'm thinking of doing that once in a while =] But I know if I did then like everyone would hate haha.

[Gigi]

I can take it as long as people are truthful and polite, having good backup for their criticism. Also, I'll look at their past work to see if they even have a valid opinion. After all, why should I take advice from a crap designer?

There's nothing I can't stand more than someone who is completely rude when you're just asking for simple clarification.

[*Duchess_of_Dork*]

I love giving LONG write ups on layouts and graphics and stuff scrutinizing every single detail that I like and dislike about it.

I'm thinking of doing that once in a while =] But I know if I did then like everyone would hate haha.

That is exactly the type of criticism that is so needed. I wish more people, especially experienced designers would do that.

[YourSuperior]

I used to be really bad about taking criticism, but now I've learned to take it pretty well.

[marzipan]

I've learned to take it. As long as it's constructive...

[YourSuperior]

^Yeah, it's the same with me. It must be constructive criticism. I know sometimes people say their giving constructive criticism when they're real intentions were to be mean.