Our work goes beyond personal artistic expression; it's a service for which we're compensated. This means that our creative output will inevitably undergo the scrutiny of others. While it might seem a bit daunting, it doesn't have to be a horrible experience. In fact, if you embrace feedback and view it as an opportunity for learning, growth, and development, it can become one of the most rewarding aspects of your creative journey.
Feedback and constructive criticism are integral to the creative process, much like in various other professions. Like bakers receiving feedback on the taste of their cakes, authors have editors who suggest rewrites, and carpenters being evaluated on the quality of their furniture, we, as creative professionals, rely on feedback to enhance our work.
Firing up your creative evolution.
Creating is not an isolated endeavour; it's a collaborative effort where the brief, the brand, the client, and the specific audience play pivotal roles in guiding our work. It’s also where the creative process can act like a cauldron, where raw ideas are refined into masterpieces. Feedback serves as the catalyst for this transformation. It functions as a mirror, reflecting our work's strengths and areas needing improvement. Like a sculptor revealing a beautiful statue within a block of marble, constructive criticism helps us chip away imperfections, allowing our creative brilliance to shine through.
Constructive feedback also offers us valuable perspectives that we might have missed within our own little creative bubble. It enables us to see our work from different angles, uncovering nuances that contribute to its depth and quality. Diverse viewpoints can enrich our creations, making them resonate with a broader audience and leaving a more lasting impact.
Rather than viewing feedback as a roadblock, consider it a stepping stone on your path to creative nirvana. It's the bridge connecting where you are to where you aspire to be.
Creative Resilience: Thriving on constructive feedback without breaking a sweat.
I understand that it's not always easy, especially when you feel your work is already brilliant and perfectly on point. So, here are a few strategies to help you deal with constructive feedback regularly and perhaps even look forward to it!
Maintain an open and receptive attitude when receiving feedback. Be genuinely willing to listen and consider the input from others. It's about approaching it with eagerness to learn and recognising its potential for personal and professional growth, even if it feels uncomfortable at times.
Separating your work from your identity is essential for preserving your self-esteem. Understand that feedback pertains to your creative output, not your worth as an individual. This mental boundary enables you to objectively assess and act upon feedback without feeling personally attacked.
Asking clarifying questions for better understanding is a proactive way to engage with feedback. It demonstrates your commitment to improvement and respect for the feedback giver. By seeking additional insights, you can uncover hidden gems within the feedback that might have otherwise been missed.
Avoiding defensiveness is key to making the most of feedback. When you consider feedback as a gift, your perspective shifts. You see it as an opportunity to refine your work and connect with those who are invested in your success, rather than as criticism or an attack on your abilities.
Using feedback to fuel your creative development means viewing each piece of input as a source of inspiration and growth. When you integrate feedback into your creative process, you're constantly evolving and getting closer to your creative goals, making the most of the valuable insights provided by others.
Embrace constructive feedback with an open heart and a willingness to learn, and you'll thrive creatively. Remember, your work doesn't define your worth, ask questions, and view feedback as a gift rather than criticism. With this approach, every input becomes a building block for your creative growth and an abundant source of inspiration.
Handling Less-Than-Helpful Feedback.
But what about criticism that isn't helpful or constructive? In a future episode, I'll address how we can offer our own constructive feedback , making sure it's consistently understood, supportive, and contributes to overall excellence. But for now, let's look at dealing with feedback on your work that doesn't fit into these categories.
We've all encountered comments like 'I just don't like it' or 'I'm not feeling it' with no further explanation. There are also times when we receive feedback from multiple stakeholders with inconsistent and even opposing viewpoints, among other types of feedback that can leave us feeling perplexed and frustrated.
Handling criticism that lacks helpfulness, constructiveness, support, or even understanding can be challenging, yet it's an essential skill for any creative professional.
Here are some strategies and examples of how to handle such criticism:
Seek Clarification: When faced with vague or unhelpful criticism, aim for an open conversation. For instance, if someone says, "I don't like it," you can kindly ask, "I value your opinion. Can you share more about what you think could be improved?"
Identify Patterns: If you receive similar vague feedback from multiple sources, look for common themes. For example, if several people say, "It's not working for me," explore your work, be honest with yourself, or even seek a trusted colleague’s opinion to find elements that might need tweaking.
Focus on Common Ground: When you encounter conflicting feedback, look for areas of agreement. For instance, if one person prefers bright colours and another prefers muted tones, aim to strike a balance that incorporates both perspectives.
Stay Open-Minded: Remember that creative work can be a matter of personal taste. Be open to the idea that your work may not resonate with everyone. For example, if someone says, "I'm not feeling it," acknowledge their viewpoint and consider whether it aligns with the brand, brief, and target audience's expectations.
Use Your Intuition: Trust your creative instincts. If you believe in your work and can explain your choices, it's okay to politely acknowledge feedback while staying true to your vision. For example, you can say, "I really appreciate your input, and I'm definitely taking it into consideration as I continue."
Educate and Manage Expectations: Sometimes, stakeholders may not fully grasp the creative process. Seize the opportunity to educate them about the complexities and nuances of your work (or have your CD or ECD do it with you). Learn how to share insights into your decisions and constraints. For example, if a client says, "Can you make it more exciting?" You can respond with, "I understand why you would want ‘excitement’! To achieve that, we can consider using more vibrant colours and dynamic elements. However, it's important to remember that the brief wanted us to convey a sense of sophistication, which we'll need to balance."
Dealing with unclear criticism can be challenging but approaching it with patience and friendly communication will help you navigate these situations while preserving your creative vision.
In our world, where our work can be both a personal expression and a service, feedback and constructive criticism are inevitable and can be the spark that fuels growth. Embracing these elements can transform what may appear as challenges into profoundly rewarding experiences. With an open heart, curiosity, and the humility to learn, we unlock the true potential of our creative endeavours. Even when faced with feedback that may not initially seem helpful, remember that it's a chance to hone your skills as a creative professional.
Examples where constructive feedback was taken onboard and paid off, BIGTIME!
Pixar's "Toy Story": Did you know that the very first draft of the script for "Toy Story" was met with strong criticism from the team at Pixar. They believed it was too dark and didn't resonate with children. The feedback led to a significant rewrite, resulting in the beloved animated film that kick-started Pixar's success and the worldwide phenomenon it is today.
J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter": J.K. Rowling's initial submission of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was rejected by multiple publishers. However, after receiving feedback and making revisions, the book was eventually published and went on to become one of the most successful book series in history.
Mentor tip
Sometimes we must deal with a client who insists on something that you believe is not meeting the brief, is not on brand or is truly not right for the project. This is your chance to try and communicate effectively and to educate your client. Share your professional insights and explain the reasons behind your creative choices. Provide alternative solutions that align with the project's objectives and the brief. Building a clear and persuasive case for your creative decisions can often help clients see the value of your expertise and lead to more constructive collaboration. It's essential to strike a balance between accommodating client preferences and maintaining the quality and effectiveness of your creative work.
Contact me
Have you got a subject you'd like me to address in a future article? Either comment below or email me the topic, or I'm happy to answer a short question privately. belinda@bellacreative.com.au
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