Giving and Receiving Feedback
One of the most useful things on deviantart is the option to give and receive feedback. There are different kinds of feedback. This article aims to inform you on how to give quality feedback and hopefully receive it.
Types of Feedback
- Comments
- Comments
One of the quickest ways to interact with others. From journals, to forums, to art, to profiles, comments are used everywhere. However, the quality can range from spam, to constructive.
Critiques
Any deviant can write them,(~,*,=,`,^ etc.) but only premium members can request them. Constructive comments can substitute for these. Critiques take some time to write, and really provide insight. If used correctly, can be a wonderful way to give/receive constructive criticism.
Giving Feedback
This is important to receiving feedback. If you give, you are likely to receive.
Commenting:
Quality control is a must. Spamming cool, nice, beautiful, etc. Are not constructive. Say what you like about a piece.
Example: A lovely flower photograph..
Instead of, "Pretty"
Consider writing something like: I like the way you've centered this. The colors look lovely, vivid, and clear. However I would suggest minor (improvement here). I bet it smells lovely. (comment on composition as needed..)
It takes a bit more time, but in the end it's worth it. Aim to be precise, constructive, and kind. Respectfully suggest improvements. Avoid bashing other's art.
Aim to write more than one - three words. Two to three sentences of quality feedback is a good start. Comments can be just as good as critiques. Keep that in mind.
If you really want more feedback, it's highly recommended that you give.
Critiques:
Critique precisely. Also, when writing a critique, do not spam at the end/advertise to hit that 100 word mark. A critique should be fair, constructive, and well written. Be honest, but in a kind way.
Things to consider while commenting/critiquing constructively are:
Astrikos
Commenting:
Quality control is a must. Spamming cool, nice, beautiful, etc. Are not constructive. Say what you like about a piece.
Example: A lovely flower photograph..
Instead of, "Pretty"
Consider writing something like: I like the way you've centered this. The colors look lovely, vivid, and clear. However I would suggest minor (improvement here). I bet it smells lovely. (comment on composition as needed..)
It takes a bit more time, but in the end it's worth it. Aim to be precise, constructive, and kind. Respectfully suggest improvements. Avoid bashing other's art.
Aim to write more than one - three words. Two to three sentences of quality feedback is a good start. Comments can be just as good as critiques. Keep that in mind.
If you really want more feedback, it's highly recommended that you give.
Critiques:
Critique precisely. Also, when writing a critique, do not spam at the end/advertise to hit that 100 word mark. A critique should be fair, constructive, and well written. Be honest, but in a kind way.
Things to consider while commenting/critiquing constructively are:
- Colors
- Contrast
- Composition and balance
- Originality
- Technique
- Details
- Concepts
- Mood/atmosphere.
How to Comment- Pointers and Examples ProjectComment
More Resources on Giving Feedback:
How to Write an Artist's (or Authors) Comment 3wyl
A guide to commenting pullingcandy
Receiving Feedback
There are quite a few ways to get your work known.
Thumbshare in the forums, and sharezone, iphotograph, writersroom, in +Chat. Request specifically for comments/ critiques.
Get involved in group critique nights.
Feedback Related Groups
General:
Comment Centered:
Critique Centered:
Targeted Critique Groups -
Astrikos