Critics, Criticism & Critiques

The Audacity Of Some Strangers On The Internet

When it comes to art, especially art on social media, everybody and Whistler’s Mother thinks they’re an expert. And whether it’s wanted or not, the trend of (over)sharing critiques, criticism, feedback, and opinions doesn’t seem to be going away.

So artists and creatives around the online world are faced with deciding how to handle the onslaught of Other People’s Pinions. We’re not down with this OPP.

At Collide Press we have three simple rules about criticism:

1. If we want your opinion, we will ask you for it.

2. If you like our work, you can always buy, share, or support it.

3. If you don’t like our work, have a good day…thanks for stopping by.

Anyone who violates those rules risks being blocked. No one has the time or energy to deal with so much noise and nonsense.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Theodore Roosevelt

While most of us could benefit from constructive criticism and critiques, too many of keyboard critics bring their personal baggage to the table in a circle-knee-jerk effort to kick the cat of other people’s creative dreams and livelihoods.

If you post your work online, it’s important to remember there are those who love and want to support your work. And those who love to troll and want to ruin someone’s day. Don’t let it be yours.

It’s a sad reality for creatives on social media. To help you keep your cool about critics, criticism, the audacity of some strangers on the internet, here are a few things to consider.

ARTFUL CRITIQUES

Art critiques can play a pivotal role in an artist's growth. Emphasis on can.

When done correctly, constructive criticism can illuminate blind spots, offer fresh perspectives, and propel creatives towards greater heights.

The quality of art critiques vary widely, as do our ability to take many so-called critics seriously. Especially ones who are obviously frustrated creatives who would rather be doing anything but reviewing someone else’s creative output.

That said, creative critiques are typically useful only when they are requested.

Feel free to dismiss, ignore, or more anyone trying to tell you how to make your work better. Or how much it sucks. Unless you asked for it. And even then, critiques are just another person’s opinion. Proceed with caution.

QUEER CRITICISM

If you’re a queer artist, you’re probably familiar with online bullies and harassment. Something about the intersection of art, design, and queer identity attracts the most hateful keyboard cowards…I mean crusaders. Who are likely also cowards.

While I mostly block/mute them now, I have been known to put these asshats on blast. Play dumb games. Get dumb prizes. As a result, I’ve been blocked by at least as many as I’ve blocked. Turn about may not be fair play, but it can be satisfying.

Collectively and individually, we try to channel that energy into our work. In fact, ongoing LGBTQ+ infighting about identity labels and politics led us to design our Queer Together collection.

Queer Together Collection

We and fellow creatives often find solace in our art, using it to convey and explore our experiences, identities, and worlds.

Opinions that seek to diminish these narratives can be disheartening, but it's essential to remember that 1) art is subjective, 2) each artist and work work is different, and 3) asshats have existed since the beginning of time.

TAMING TROLLS

Trolls sometimes inspired troll-ish responses and robust wrangling. My philosophy about and strategies for giving trolls the middle finger is based on a line from one of my favorite 90s songs:

"And fuck the naysayers cause they don’t mean a thing
‘Cause this is what style we bring"
“All Mixed Up” by 311

• Ignore & Block
  Ignore negativity that doesn't contribute to your growth. Block anyone who seeks to bring you down. By any and all means necessary.

"Don't pay any attention to what they write about you. Just measure it in inches."
Andy Warhol

• Focus on Your Purpose
  Remember why you create. Stay true to your artistic purpose, and let it guide you through the noise.

"I have already settled it for myself so flattery and criticism go down the same drain, and I am quite free."
Georgia O'Keeffe

• Connect with Community
  Seek support within the vibrant community of queer creatives. Share experiences, learn from one another, and draw strength from the collective resilience.

"I don't think about art when I'm working. I try to think about life."
Jean-Michel Basquiat

Since online criticism is inevitable, devising a system for filtering the helpful from the hurtful is a necessary skill we all would do well to learn and practice.

All creatives, deserve a space to express, explore, and grow. Sometimes that means turning off comments. Sometimes that means not sharing a work-in-progress. Sometimes that means singing "Fuck the naysayers" at your smartphone.

Whatever works for you and your process, please continue giving them something to talk about. Cuz if it’s not you, it will be someone else. So you might as well dance. Or draw. Or…you get the idea.

Thanks for reading!
Clint

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