Good with the Bad

February 16, 2025


As artists, our work is an extension of ourselves. Every brushstroke, every detail, every design holds a piece of our soul. It’s only natural that when others comment on our creations—whether positively or negatively—it can feel personal. But no matter how long you’ve been practicing your craft, criticism is something that comes with the territory. The key to navigating it lies in how you handle both the praise and the criticism that come your way. Here’s how to take the good with the bad, disregard what’s not helpful, and stay grounded as you continue to develop your unique voice.

Taking the Good with the Bad

Criticism can be a tricky beast. It can be positive or negative, constructive or dismissive. When you receive praise, it’s easy to let it fuel your ego, but this is where balance comes into play. Similarly, negative feedback can sting, but it’s important not to internalize it too much.

Taking the good with the bad means accepting both the compliments and the critiques without letting them derail your sense of self-worth. Positive feedback can be a sign that you’re on the right track, but it’s not the end-all, be-all. Negative feedback doesn’t mean your art is flawed, but rather it’s a chance to examine what could be improved. Art is subjective, and not everyone will see it the same way—learning to accept both ends of the spectrum without getting too attached to either is crucial.

Disregard What’s Not Helpful

Not all criticism is created equal. Some opinions come from a place of genuine concern and offer valuable insights. Others, however, may come from a place of bias, jealousy, or ignorance. It’s important to develop the skill of discerning what feedback is constructive and what is not worth your time or emotional energy.

If someone offers criticism without offering suggestions for improvement, or if they focus solely on what they dislike rather than what you could do differently, it’s okay to disregard it. Not every piece of advice is going to be beneficial, and sometimes, it’s just noise. Focus on feedback that allows you to grow, and don’t let trivial or overly harsh comments take up space in your mind.

Learning from Others’ Perspectives

One of the most valuable aspects of criticism is learning how others perceive your work. While their opinions might not always align with your own, they can offer a fresh perspective that you might not have considered. Taking the time to listen—without becoming defensive—can open your eyes to things you may have missed or ways to refine your craft.

Whether it's a critique of your technique, composition, or concept, someone else’s perspective might highlight an area for growth. Even if you don’t agree with all of their points, consider how you can use their feedback to improve and push yourself further as an artist. Remember, growth comes from being open to new ideas, even if it challenges your existing approach.

Developing a Thick Skin

As an artist, you’re putting a part of yourself on display for the world to judge. Whether you're sharing a piece on social media, entering an exhibition, or simply showing your work to friends and family, criticism is inevitable. Developing a thick skin is key to handling it gracefully.

This doesn't mean ignoring your emotions or pretending that negative feedback doesn’t hurt, but it does mean learning not to take every critique personally. Criticism isn’t about you as a person—it’s about your art. Learning to separate your sense of identity from your creative work helps you avoid getting lost in the weight of others’ opinions. Over time, this will give you the confidence to keep going, even when the feedback isn’t what you expected.

Don’t Let Criticism Derail You

Whether the feedback is positive or negative, it’s easy to get distracted by external opinions. Too much praise can lead to complacency, while too much criticism can make you doubt your abilities. Both extremes can veer you off course, making you lose sight of your artistic vision.

Stay grounded in your intentions and goals. Art is about expressing yourself, not meeting the expectations of others. Of course, it’s important to listen to feedback and use it to improve, but don’t let it define your direction. If you stay true to what you believe in and what excites you creatively, you’ll be able to filter out the noise and focus on what really matters—your own growth as an artist.

Stay True to Yourself

The most important piece of advice when handling criticism is to stay true to yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to please others or fit into trends, especially when the feedback you receive seems to suggest that your art would be more popular or accepted if you changed a few things.

However, art is about self-expression and authenticity. If you’re constantly trying to meet the expectations of others, you may lose the very essence of what makes your work unique. Trust your instincts, your vision, and your voice. After all, it’s your art, and only you can define what it means to you.