The Infinite Feedback Loop
Episode #305 | Art by Lee White
Ever wonder how your favorite illustrators design their workspaces? Jake Parker, Sam Cotterill, and Lee White take you into their studios, past, present, and future. Plus, discover the accessories they can’t live without!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Not all feedback is created equal. Ask people with experience in your field, rather than fishing for compliments on social media.
Different people have different opinions, and you can’t please them all. Look for common threads in feedback from others, and focus more on technique than taste preferences.
Criticism is about your work, not your worth. Let it build your artistry, not destroy your confidence.
If you know you’re on the right track, you don’t need others to validate you. Follow your gut and use feedback to improve the skills you need to build your dream.
SUMMARY
Have you ever been caught in the feedback loop?
Hung up on conflicting opinions, wondering which voice to listen to, and doubting your instincts?
We’re big proponents of receiving critiques, but to get the most out of them, you need to know how to filter the responses you receive. Use the following questions to help you ask for feedback effectively and evaluate it wisely.
Why am I asking?
Do you want to improve your work or just receive a pat on the back? We all love getting our egos stroked, but helpful critiques show us our weaknesses and things we’ve overlooked.Whom am I asking?
Social media is many things, but one thing it definitely isn’t is a collection of highly experienced individuals with valuable insights. More often than not, it’s a mix of hypemen (people excited about your work, but with no ability to help you improve it) and trolls. If you want a gold star, talk to your mom. If you want actionable advice, ask artists with experience.What’s the common thread?
When you ask multiple people for their opinions, you’re bound to get diverse answers. Not every suggestion or preference will ring true for you, and some will be more taste- than technique-based. Rather than trying to accommodate every opinion, find the common threads between them. If multiple people disagree with your composition or narrative choices, for example, that’s a signal to reevaluate.
Feedback is important, but knowing how to sift through it, pick out the most valuable information, and apply it while staying true to your vision—that’s what will make the real difference in your progression.
Who has given you valuable feedback along your journey? Send this their way and say thank you!