Critique, by simplest definition, is a detailed analysis and assessment of:

• How your work meets the prompt 

• What and how your work communicates

• NOT you as a person, as a student, or as an artist

Critique is a learning experience that can help everyone — the presenter, peers offering feedback, and the whole class — grow and improve.

What is a “good” or “bad” crit? That depends on what you’re looking for. A crit might seem “bad,” but actually be “good” if it helps your work move forward. 

• Peers disagreeing with your approach or a tense conversation might sound “bad,” but it could also be a sign of an engaging and thought-provoking crit that the whole class learns from. 

• Everyone liking your work and offering nothing but praise might sound “good,” but it might not help you understand how the work is successful or answer your own questions about it.  

No matter your feelings about how a crit went, remember that both success and failure are fleeting. What matters is what you gain from each experience and how you use that moving forward. 

• Take the time and effort to present your work as you intended it to be seen.

  • Your work matters just as much as anyone else’s; work with others to figure out locations that serve everyone’s work.

• Take an active role in your crit.

  • Ask follow-up questions, especially for feedback that seems subjective. 

  • Guide the conversation toward topics/elements that aren’t being addressed. 

  • If you are still getting used to public speaking, ask your instructor ahead of time to help facilitate the conversation.  

• Keep a notebook or sketchbook in hand and record others’ impressions and connections, references to specific artists or movements, and other inspiration that comes to you as you listen. 

• Before and after a critique, remind yourself who you are, why you’re here, and what you’re capable of. What happens in the crit should fuel your goals. 

• Every crit is a chance to show off your hard work and learn how to become even stronger. Try to enjoy it!

• Use the vocabulary you already know: sometimes the simplest expression is the clearest (and your vocabulary will continue growing all the time). 

• Ask for clarification of concepts, idioms, artist names, cultural references, etc. that are not familiar; you are most likely not the only one with the same questions. 

• Keep a notebook or sketchbook in hand and record new terms, interesting ideas, and any inspiration.

Sometimes a work references difficult or unfamiliar topics. This type of work often takes a lot of thought, effort, and courage to develop. Sharing this work requires trust in one’s peers. That trust diminishes when it is met with tense silence or harsh words. Instead, honor one another’s trust by responding with respect and honesty. 

• If the topic is unfamiliar, say so. The presenter or others might be able to recommend resources to help you learn more and respond more fully next time. 

• If you feel comfortable, share your personal connection to the topic and response to the work, framing it as one of many possible perspectives. 

• Ask questions, which can help start the discussion or move it in a new direction. 

• Lean into the learning and try to build new levels of understanding. 

Want to dive deeper into the topic? Here are some great resources to keep thinking about critique. Both are available at Fleet Library. 

• Art Critiques: A Guide, James Elkins, 2012

• The Critique Handbook: The Art Student's Sourcebook and Survival Guide, Kendall Busterand Paula Crawford, 2009