How can I make the most of the critique session?

craigrussellart · 4 Nov 2015, 11:45

Hi Guys!

I signed up for the open critique session on 10th Oct. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how I could make the most of it?

I mostly draw characters, but I have experimented with environments a little. I'm not very good with colour though.

Basically, I just don't know what to draw. Should I stick with what I know, or push for a full illustrated scene? Sorry, this is so vague. I have no idea what I'm doing. Haha!

Thanks!

Craig

Jiří Kůs · 4 Nov 2015, 12:04

@craigrussellart said:

how I could make the most of it?

From my experience doing 3rd Thursday you will get the best feedback from a polished piece. Try to illustrate something as good as you can, possibly to the point where you dont know how to improve it. Reviewer then can address all kinds of flaws - composition, color, values, structure, perspective, concept. I think you should also include what the target was - some scene from a book, book cover of such and such, etc.

I have no idea what I'm doing.

If you dont know what to draw, look at your drawings and draw what you are bad at. Either from photos, from life or copy other artists.

Ace Connell · 4 Nov 2015, 12:34

Good points @Jiří-Kůs

Ace

craigrussellart · 4 Nov 2015, 12:41

@Jiří-Kůs

Thanks a lot. That's great advice. I'll really push myself to create something that tests my abilities. Don't want to waste a spot in the critique session that could have better served someone else.

Thanks again for the advice.

Craig

Leontine · 4 Nov 2015, 16:48

Hi Craig, Me to!, and already lie awake at night whahaha. I think its best if you finish up a 'total illustration, like the months prompt. So If you really don't have a clue, pick a former monthly assignment , don't look at the contributions but go your own way. Go for it, and meet you on tuesday!

Kevin Longueil · 4 Nov 2015, 19:23

Getting the most out of a critique requires that the folks critiquing you are well informed - it is very easy to wander off into the weeds when critiquing someone - i do this when i give my impressions too soon in someones process only to find that they have expertly taken care of the issue i was focused on in their next step - no big deal in the forum but it would be a bummer if that happened in the critique with the Pros - in the directions for the Live Critiques it says "all images must be submitted by" this obviously means that it is o.k. to send more than one - - i think doing a piece for the critique that is your very best effort is a great idea - but i would also send in several other pieces of what you would say is your best work - this will give them a much better idea where you stand and what questions you really need answered - i would send your submissions in as far ahead of the deadline as possible too - this will give the instructors more time to digest your work and have a better understanding of who you are - It is not asked for but i would also send in a short list of questions that You have about your own work - it is not a portfolio review so i don't know if this will be well received but it would be good to try in my opinion - I think when critiquing someones work that you cannot see face to face it is difficult to be sure you are not doing harm - so it is a good idea to mention what someones strong point in a piece is and then go into observations and critique - many times i feel that i can see where something is not quite right and i will point it out but i often do not have the expertise to suggest a fix - this though is the Most important information to us - the "How do i work on that?" part - so prescriptions for improvement is what i would ask for or hope for if i had a spot on the Live Critique - what exercises would i need to do to improve where i am most in need of improvement - anyways...long winded as usual : )

Sarah LuAnn · 4 Nov 2015, 19:19

I find that for me, it is best when being critiqued to make notes, not excuses. Even if they suggest something you don't agree with, just jot it down instead of reacting emotionally in the moment. Then, I sleep on it and don't make any changes until at least the next day. I find it easier to be objective about the feedback as well as easier to think of different ways to solve the issues pointed out if I give myself some time to process first.

Along with that, I second the suggestion that you submit work you are proud of. If you submit something you think isn't that great or you already know how you want to fix it, when they point out flaws you think, "Well I already knew that, this doesn't help" etc.

craigrussellart · 4 Nov 2015, 21:45

Thanks for all the great feedback guys. I'll keep it in mind when the session comes up.

@Kevin-Longueil I assumed they said "all images", because there is more than one person submitting. But I totally agree that I should submit it ahead of the deadline.

Thanks again.

Craig