The roof is on fire

On April 15, 2019, the world watched in stunned silence as the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames. 800 years of art, history, and hard work were destroyed in a matter of minutes. After a thorough investigation, it was concluded that the fire was not caused by a deliberate act. That story has stuck with me over the last few months because I think artists and creatives of all kinds can actually relate to this. Let me “paint the picture” for you.

Imagine, you just finished up on a project you were really excited about. You just created something that you can take pride in. This creation of yours is the result of thousands of hours of studying to become better at your craft. You have devoted yourself to practicing your skills in order to one day get to this point. Not only have you invested your time, but you have invested your hard earned money into equipment and your education. People are starting to notice that your work is improving and they are now approaching you in order to employ you for your skills. This creation itself took days, weeks, months to finish and now it’s time to present your creation to the world. You’re sitting on cloud nine. You know that your audience is going to absolutely love this. It is your best work to date. The crowd is patiently waiting as you take your spot on stage. You eagerly grab the corners of the sheet that is hiding your marvelous work as you tremble with excitement. When you can no longer stand the suspense, you rip the sheet away. You’re met with a thunderous roar of applause and praise from the audience. Cheers and congratulations are heard all around and then it happens. One person steps forward out of the crowd. All the cheers are silenced as the lone crowd member stares at you work. She turns her head to the left to get a different angle. She then slowly turns it to the right. She slowly walks around It, looking at it up and down. You stand there eagerly waiting for her to tell you her opinion. See, this is no ordinary person amongst the crowd. This person is who you created this for. This is the person’s who’s opinion and validation you are seeking the most. Just as you’re about to ask them for that opinion, they stop. They take one last look at you and then look back at your creation. Finally, they pull out a small box of matches… 

This photography journey has taught me that when you create something, you become very sensitive about it and even the smallest criticism about your work could ruin your whole mood. I draw a correlation to this and the Notre Damn fire because just like the fire NOT being a deliberate act, often times a person will offer criticism of your work that is NOT deliberately trying to hurt you. 

Why So Sensitive

Artistry and the act of creating comes from a deep emotional place within us. That emotional space is filled with many experiences that we gain while on our creative journey. All the set backs, long hours, heart aches, failures, successes, growths, and accomplishment reside in this space along with other major life events (both bad and good). And it is from this emotional space that many artist create from. An artist pours these emotions into their creations and those creations begin to become a physical manifestation and representation of that artist. Therefore, an artist or creator will often times, take even the smallest of criticism extremely personal.

Et Tu Brute?

But criticism will always be there. Artist and creatives know this. It comes with the territory of opening yourself up to the world. But sometimes it’s not what is is said that cuts the deepest but who said it. Family, friends, or even the one for whom the artwork was created for are the ones who will stab the artist with their velvet daggers. Those velvety smooth daggers slide into the artist’s back with ease and cuts very deeply. What is a velvet dagger you may ask. A velvet dagger is a comment that on the surface seems innocent but causes a deep wound. For example

• Ewwww, I don’t like these photos you took because I don’t like my (Insert a random body part here______)

• If it were me, I would change this, this, and this.

• When I worked with this other artist they did things like this.

• I like what you did, but I want to edit and change it up a bit.

• I really like your work. You must have a really nice camera.

• Your work looks great!!! It has so much potential.

• Wow, you actually made this? I wouldn’t expect this from you.

Backhanded comments like these always tend to cut deep. Like the roof, these comments are usually not deliberately made to hurt the artist. But nevertheless, they do hurt. These comments never take into account the sacrifice and emotions an artist pours into their work. These comments have the potential to cut down years of hard work in a matter of seconds.

Grow a pair

Being an artist should come with a warning to all those who want to create. We live in a world where “everyone Is a critic” and they all have soap boxes called social media to stand on. Trolling has become an art form itself and should be expected the moment you set out to create something. But despite how criticism may make an artist feel, not all criticism is bad. As a creator, we are too close to the things we create and cannot have an objective point of view about those creations. Constructive criticism should be used in a way to improve on areas that an artist is weak in. Any artist that aims to make money off their work, then constructive criticism should be welcomed at every turn! Thick skin is a must have item in this creative world. 

Big Bang Theory

If you’re a creator and you’re serious about your work, then welcome the criticism that comes your way. If you’re brave enough, search out those constructive criticisms. Find people who will give you an unbiased view. For me, I have an old military buddy who critiques my work  from time to time. Let’s call this buddy Sheldon Cooper. Sheldon and I rarely agree about anything and will argue about everything. Before Sheldon even opens his mouth about my work, I already know what he is about to say is going to piss me off. If I want to feel good about my work, Sheldon is not the one I take it too. Even though I will never give Sheldon the satisfaction of agreeing with him, his opinion is greatly valued. I take it and use it to get better. His voice scratches in my brain at the next shoot and I make adjustments if for no other reason, to silence that voice. But the result is a better photo and a lesson learned. ( I know you’re reading this Sheldon, and I will fight you if you even think about considering this a victory lol). 

As for the backhanded comments and velvet daggers…Those have to be shaken off. Most of the time, they are born out of that person’s own insecurities. These kind of comments open the door for a conversation. It gives you a chance to explain the hard work and sacrifice that you put into your craft. As artist, we have to check our ego’s at the door. Don’t misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with with defending your work. You should be your own biggest fan and staunches supporter. But if that ego goes uncheck and constructive criticism is taken personally every time someone offers it, then growth stops and that negativity will start to seep into your work. Next thing you know, you’re crying on Instagram about why nobody wants to work with you, why you keep getting stood up, and how it’s everybody else’s fault your work is NOT getting the attention you think it deserves. Just saying 🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤔

I want to hear from other artist and creatives. What is your opinion on criticism of your work and when should it or should not be given?