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Criticism, a Source of Inspiration

Creating visually pleasing designs for both print and the web in the contemporary media age is no longer about technical skill alone. Rather, it is about having that extra palate to taste the ‘fruits’ of criticism. A bee hive will be relatively quiet with busy bees unless poked with a stick or provoked somehow. Applying the same analogy, good design practice is not only about slaving out the hours within the confines of a workspace with an unforgiving deadline looming above. More importantly it requires an acquired ability to listen and absorb third-party (or client) viewpoints which may run contrary to your own ideas or creative creed. It requires a form of mental agility to think outside of ‘yourself’ and engage with opinions around you. 

‘Listen’ the Right Way

Constructive criticism remains one of the most understated sources of inspiration. It is in its own right an institutional haven for achieving design excellence. Sure, many of us would proclaim proudly on our respective portfolios that “we listen to feedback!”, but how much do we actually know about understanding criticism gracefully and how closely do we stick to this declaration? Why is criticism now more important than ever?

The answer is simple; creating intricate and timeless (also known as ‘awesome’ in some quarters) works of art are no longer an exception but a mandatory pre-requisite for admission into the design industry. With rising design and accessibility standards, it is no wonder that criticism emerges as a highly valued commodity; knowing what is wrong and how to prevent future likeminded mistakes is perhaps the single most important remedy for success and a potential leverage point of standing out from other web artisans. Criticism however, as ironic as it may seem, is often an uneasy bedfellow with Art.

The Inner Voice . . .

Art by nature is an uninhibited expression of an inner voice (for the creator); an alter-ego relishing the chance to outshine and outperform under intense scrutiny. An appraisal or criticism on a particular design concept can be confining and even frustrating; it sets the boundaries of what is publically perceived as ‘good’ work and ‘bad’ work. These binary distinctions are unavoidable. The mark of a true craftsman is his/her ability to ‘waltz’ with criticism. It involves a mental negotiation with ones’ mind on what feedback would prove useful and which comments lack constructive substance. Only with such a psychological duality in place, can we truly attempt to create something worthy of admiration.

The good news is that designers are beginning to embrace a critical culture. Working with a client’s criticisms on a particular project and subsequently initiating the appropriate revisions is a baby step towards a graceful acceptance of criticism. The true learning takes place when purely personal creations (work that is somewhat an essence and representation of yourself) takes a metaphorical battering; instead of switching on your defensive guard, take some time to stop and evaluate. It might just prove to be a masterstroke of genius.

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