Topic 1: The State of Things
Topic 2: Some Ideas
Topic 3: Your thoughts?
Guidelines updaed by Ludjia
Rules: gimmefeedback.deviantart.com/j…
This checklist's been written to show everyone that giving good feedback is not hard
Here are some simple key points to keep in mind along with detailed descriptions on why to apply them to your critiques and how.Remember you want to help someone improve their work, think like a teacher.
1) Show your respect.
Be criticial, but be nice. Feedback is a gift, your way of supporting a fellow artist. Talk like you would to a friend.
2) Discuss why you like at least one good thing.
Remember, feedback is not about giving praise. If you like something, explain why.
3) Discuss at least one thing to improve.
Avoid phrases like "I don't like...". Rather say "I think ... can be improved." Tell how you would improve things. What would you do to make it better if it was your picture?
4) You can give feedback on any aspect of the art.
The level of realism in a drawing is only one thing and is easy to critique, but consider giving feedback on how the image made you feel, what you thought you saw in the first impression, or what you think the artist is trying to say. These things are often very different than what the artist had in mind, without them knowing, and is thus valuable feedback.
Consider the context. Did the artist make a "cool design" or an artwork to convey emotion? Tell them what you think would make the purpose of the work better. Is it a character sheet? What about giving feedback on how it is presented as well as the design itself? Every element in an image should serve it's function, so if you are critiquing a "beautiful environment" painting, the feedback would obvisouly not be the same as if you were critiquing a speedsketch of moving objects.
5) Accept if the artist does not take your advice.
Don't feel bad if that should happen, it rarely does. However, receiving critique takes strength, especially if it hits a mark. Be gentle, make sure that there is no misunderstanding and accept if they still disagree. People (and especially artists) perceive the world in different ways. That is what makes art so great!
It is very common for artists to get defensive even if they really do want critique, respect this, they probably take up your advice subconciously even if they initially reject it.
6) "Skill" doesn't matter!
No matter how "unskilled" you feel, your opinion is always valuable. If you really feel you can't give feedback because you don't draw realistically or similar, refer to point 4, and talk about the other aspects of the artwork.
