Navigating Criticism: A Creative's Guide to Dealing with Both External and Internal Critiques

As a creative, our work is often scrutinized and evaluated by various audiences. This scrutiny can range from rational and constructive feedback to more personal and emotional critiques. We must be equipped to handle both external and internal criticisms to grow as artists and maintain our integrity. This article will explore how to approach and manage these types of opinions in a way that is both productive and self-empowering.

Understanding the Sources of Criticism

critiquing can come from two main sources: external and internal. Let's delve into each to see how they affect our creative process and mindset.

External Criticism

External criticism involves feedback or judgments given by others, such as peers, mentors, clients, or the public. This type of criticism may be based on objectivity, personal opinions, or a combination of both. External critiques can be valuable if they are helpful, insightful, and rational.

How to Handle External Criticism

The essence of managing external criticism lies in discerning the rationality and relevance of the feedback. Here are some steps to follow:

Evaluate the Source: Consider the credibility and experience of the person providing the critique. Are they knowledgeable in your field?

Assess the Relevance: Determine whether the feedback is directly related to the work or if it is more personal or subjective.

Identify the Rationality: Is the critique based on sound reasoning and evidence? Are there logical arguments that make sense?

Once you have evaluated these aspects, you can decide whether the feedback is worth incorporating into your work. If it is rational and informative, and if it offers tangible benefits, consider integrating it. If not, politely but firmly dismiss the comments that are irrational or irrelevant.

Internal Criticism

Internal criticism refers to self-critique, the inner voice that evaluates our creations, often leading to self-doubt and anxiety. This form of critique can be just as challenging as external critique, as it stems from within.

Managing Internal Criticism

To handle internal criticism effectively, it is essential to address it with self-awareness and self-compassion. Here are some strategies to help you navigate your internal critic:

Recognize the Source: Acknowledge that your internal critic is often a manifestation of fear of failure or self-doubt.

Develop Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges.

Reframe Thoughts: Challenge negative self-talk and reframe critical thoughts into constructive and encouraging ones.

Seek Constructive Feedback: When appropriate, ask for feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to gain different perspectives.

By addressing your internal critic with understanding and self-love, you can improve your resilience and confidence as a creator.

Combining External and Internal Criticism

While managing both external and internal critiques, it is crucial to find a balance. Here are some tips on integrating the two:

Set Professional Standards: Establish clear criteria for what constitutes constructive versus destructive criticism.

Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your work, making sure it aligns with your vision and values.

Develop a Growth Mindset: View criticism as an opportunity for growth and improvement, not as a personal attack.

By approaching criticism with a mindset that values growth and self-improvement, you can harness the energy of external and internal critiques to elevate your creative output.

Conclusion

Dealing with criticism is an essential part of the creative journey. By understanding the sources of external and internal critiques and learning how to handle them effectively, you can become a more resilient and successful artist. Whether the opinion comes from an external source or from your own mind, treat it as a tool to refine and enhance your work, not as a personal defeat.

Embrace the feedback that is rational, valuable, and relevant, while respectfully dismissing the irrational and irrelevant. Over time, you will develop a thicker skin and greater confidence in your creative abilities, allowing you to thrive in the world of criticism and beyond.