Sometimes, one of the toughest things we hear in a day is criticism. We never want to hear that we are not doing something the right way.
We get criticism our entire life. Our parents criticize us, which is how we learn right from wrong. Our teachers in school criticize our school work which is how we learn and how we improve our work.
As an artist, criticism is part of the job. Other people have also a boss, doctor, director, principal, superintendent with whom they have to check in.
Often, we don’t respond well to criticism. When we told that we’ve done something in the wrong manner or told that we need to improve we get defensive. I mean, hey, we did work on this project for a really long time!
Why do we have criticism and why should we listen?
As much as we don’t like to admit it, we just don’t know everything. We always have something to learn.
No matter what area of art you work or specialize, there is always new information to learn. Research is constantly being completed to prove that something does work, that something doesn’t work or a new technique to teach.
So what can you do?
Accept criticism and learn. Criticism is a learning experience.
Know your limitations. We all like to think that after 6 years of school we have learned a little something and we have. We also have continuing education requirements that mean that we have to keep up with current research and current assessment of social, scientific and cultural developments.
When you ask questions, accept the answers. Sometimes we ask questions. It may be in person, it may be through email or on social media. If you ask a question, it usually means that you need an answer. Don’t become defensive when somebody offers you advice or offers an answer to your question.
It is important to understand that we constantly grow and improve. Don’t let your past mistakes dictate the artist you will be. The important thing is that we then learn from that mistake and correct it.
Be the artist that continually grows, keeps up with research and accepts change. In a constantly growing world, we need to be constantly growing performers.
Shaharee Vyaas 
Yup it’s all practice 🤓 grow and evolve 👍💫 have a joyful day Urban ~ smiles Hedy
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At least someone who agrees with me. Thank you for coming by. Urban
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First of all, oh my goodness, love the muppets picture you included for this! And I really agree with this post as well- criticism is a learning experience, as hard as it can be to hear sometimes. Great post!
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Statler and Waldorf are a pair of Muppet characters known for their cantankerous opinions and shared penchant for heckling. To put their image on top of this post is my way to place criticism in a more digestible perspective. Thanks for coming by.
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Agree with your post! Although in the Internet age I think people are (sometimes) lacking that line between constructive criticism and just plain rude which naturally puts people on the defensive.
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In today’s hectic world people are used to make snap decisions; even about important issues. Hence the high divorce rate in the so called industrialized countries. Art wants to invite people to stand still and reflect for a moment. Unfortunately, most people are so much into the habit of making rash decisions that they don’t grasp this concept. And then you have this pressure upon everyone to have opinions about everything. Even about the subjects they know nothing about. When have you last time heard people holding their tongue and admitting they don’t know enough to give a fair judgement?
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