'Criticism Welcome' Prefixes in Fan Art, or Something Similar

[SFyr 1,982]

I looked around a bit, and couldn't find anything mentioning this in recent topics, so I'm not sure if it's been tossed out. Either way, I thought it might be worth at least mentioning.   Sorry if it's been brought up before.

 

 

So yeah, I haven't been around horribly long, but I've kicked about the forums a bit, and noticed that sometimes I've felt a little... unsure of how to respond to some posts in the fan art section. More specifically, it's a bit ambiguous what kind of feedback the topic creator is looking for or finds valuable. While I'm all for encouraging people as I can, sometimes people are simply receptive to different things.

 

Personally, I think it'd be discouraging for people who want to just show off something they're proud of, to get flaws and missteps pointed out in mass. Likewise, some people may value improving over all else, and get the very common "looks great!" response with little else. I think the default desire is to show off something they're proud of, especially since fan art is full of general "good job!" posts as evidence, but sometimes it's hard to tell if the poster really wanted something substantial to work with too.   I think I recall a few topic-creators that were really grateful to person or two that went into detail and even touched on weaker areas of the piece they spent hours on, and other cases where criticism seemed much less welcome, but was offered anyways.

 

Relatedly, if I had a piece of artwork that I want to use to get constructive criticism on (and maybe show off a bit while I'm at it), where do I post it? Would I go to creative resources since I'm seeking help/feedback above all else, or fan art where people seem big on encouragement through positive words rather than criticism? Since you can spell out the criticism wanted bit in the title, I think it'd fit best in the fan art section since you're showing off a piece regardless of purpose, but it seems like a solid point of confusion to me. I think if there was a prefix for what the author is looking for (or just the rare 'criticism wanted' prefix to distinguish from others just showing off their art), it may be a little more conducive to the spirit of improvement... or at least give repliers more clarity/reason to spent their time offering constructive criticism.

 

Personally my default is to just stick to positives, because I don't know if criticism will be taken badly. 

 

But yeah, "criticism welcome", "criticism wanted", "art showcase", or anything like that. Basic idea is that maybe something to better differentiate the reasons people are creating a topic might allow readers/repliers to better know what they're getting into when considering writing back.   But, I am a single person, and by no means do I claim to know conclusively if this idea is a plus or negative overall. It may add confusion or clutter in some ways, or instead offer clarity. I can't know, but I thought it was at least worth throwing out for consideration.

 

((Also, there's room to use the alteration to visually seperate out artist's long "art threads" from single pieces, but that's not my main point, haha.))

 

 

 

Thank you to anyone who took the time to read all of this. 

Edited September 3, 2015 by SFyr

[Troblems 5,619]

@@SFyr, How about a "Critique wanted" pre-fix for Creative Resources, along with a note on the section that specifies that it needs to be constructive before people post?

[SFyr 1,982]

@, 

 

I think that could serve the purpose I'm aiming for.   Though, scrolling through creative resources, it seems largely focused on advice, opinions, and discussion, rather than individual pieces of art~ I'd love to expand it to include an honest venue for critiquing works... but I kind of wonder if fan art is already closer in content and tone? Like, that's where people are already going to post their works, and maybe expanding into getting their work shown off and critiqued might be a little more wholesome.

I dunno. I guess I'm afraid of fan art becoming all about posting a picture and collecting never-critical support.    I'm one of those types that would happily throw up my new bat-pony-such-and-such drawing, then get people telling me I need to work on my leg proportions or vary the line thickness better. Then post another for them to rip into the eyes next.

 

But, I also don't want to suggest I know what's best either, haha. I'll happily support any changes (or lack there of) ya'll decide on; I just wanted to toss an idea out and see if anyone other than me likes the idea too. 

Edited September 4, 2015 by SFyr

[Guest]

I think this would be a much welcomed addition to the forum, Iv always felt the same way when it came to critiquing artworks here. :grin2: 

 

There was actually this huge thread that was made a long while back going over critiques on the form both giving and receiving. The topic was actually locked because of a few sour arguments made about the subject.

I guess the post I made there could in essence be made here as well. 

 

The idea was that the biggest problem with critiquing people on this site specifically, is that it may result in lost intentions simply because this sight inst necessarily an art web site. Or rather because the art community is not as strong here as it could be, both giving and receiving a critique inst very common. At base it was and may still be that the majority of people making post in the fan art section are/were not dedicated artist. More that it fell on the idea of someone just feeling a burst of creative inspiration and felt to share it in the art section. In shot, someone who inst really an aspiring artist or someone who isn't looking to improve but rather just take part in an art thread mostly for the social aspect of it.

 

Back in the day (not sure how much now though) the dedicated art community here was very minuscule, so much so that I would only ever critique an artwork if it was specifically asked for and even then, I was very hesitant on critiquing someone in fear that I may come off as insulting or offensive. Sometimes even offering some links to an art web site or two that have a section for specifically for critiques so that they may get more info form a bit more reliable source. In granite, I guess you could say the ironic part about that is there is sort of an art in critiquing itself. Sharpening your critiquing skills to keep a good balance of positive with negative err rather, well thought constructive criticism.   

 

I think I'm rambling too much xD

Anyway, yeah I like this idea. I hope it helps to make the artistic and creative side of this forum a bit more solid.   

[SFyr 1,982]

@@~Onylex, it's actually really interesting to hear what went on some time ago.  Honestly, as awesome as the critique topic would've been, I could see it devolving into bad blood a bit. Both accepting and giving solid criticism doesn't come easy for most, and takes a good bit of care. Like you said, critiquing is an art, and personally I think taking criticism gracefully isn't always easy either.

 

Anyways... I do think you're completely right about how the art situation is set up. It really does seem like the majority of artists here are not really the ones highly dedicated to it as a craft/hobby, but more... well as you said, "someone just feeling a burst of creative inspiration and felt to share it". That seems really fitting, and honestly there's nothing wrong with that, but I could see why the emphasis on critique would be a lot less relevant to such a group. 

 

So yeah. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, and it's great to hear from someone on a similar page.   Here's to hoping the art side of the forums continues to grow~

[Troblems 5,619]

@@SFyr, @@~Onylex, The pre-fix has been added, as well as a disclaimer that people might say negative things about your art.

 

That said, if one of you (or both) wants to attempt another critiquing art thread, you're welcome to try. Something akin to the Writing Center, but for other forms of art than writing, you're welcome to do that. I can't say it won't get shut down again, but if one of you (or anyone else) wants to give it a shot, I'll personally keep a better eye on it so it won't implode (as quickly). I can also pin said thread.

 

I can also add an "Offering Critique" pre-fix if you guys think it's necessary. 

[SFyr 1,982]

@, I think starting up another thread could be pretty interesting.  I know I'm not the best art-wise, but I like to think I could offer some solid critique or opinions to chew on as an amateur who's been looking over art stuff for a few years, if nothing else.

Yeah, I'd be for it. 

I also think the "offering critique" prefix would fit nicely with it too.   Thank you so much for your involvement and assistance, Matron. You're the best~!

 

@@~Onylex, what do you think? 

Edited September 4, 2015 by SFyr

[Jeric 46,860]

Good job with the prefix. I know the idea of a living 'art school' topic had been kicked around between me and RKA a few months ago. Something in between the famous reddit and EqD own Training Grounds with non contests related prompts and detailed feedback.

 

Long ago there was even discussion on having vetted members who would be more qualified to post such feedback and operate as quasi staff. There was even an application process.

[Guest]

@, I think starting up another thread could be pretty interesting.  I know I'm not the best art-wise, but I like to think I could offer some solid critique or opinions to chew on as an amateur who's been looking over art stuff for a few years, if nothing else.

Yeah, I'd be for it. 

I also think the "offering critique" prefix would fit nicely with it too.   Thank you so much for your involvement and assistance, Matron. You're the best~!

 

@@~Onylex, what do you think? 

Heh, I didn't really have much to do with it.

My post was more or less just an over enthusiastic and really long way of saying that I completely agree.  

 

This is all thanks to you man!  :grin2: 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JknrFvii_4E

[SFyr 1,982]

@@Jeric, that actually sounds like a really awesome idea.  I'd be in full support of it if the staff here implemented such a thing. Is the idea of an art school of sorts still on the table?

 

@@~Onylex, thanks, though I think your post strengthens the idea that there are others who may want this to be a thing. 

 

 

I think I'll try to put together something of a critique master thread then within a few days here, if y'all are chill with it. See if I can outline some stuff about the purpose, criticism, taking criticism, and all that in a nice way.   Not something I'm familiar with, but it could be fun.

[DND 2,355]

We totally needed something like this! Context and intention is key with critiques.