by Bob Freyer
Criticism and opinions. Two different words with different meanings, and yet people easily get these two confused. Social media is filled with trolls and they each think they’re the funniest one on the internet. On the other side of the coin there’s meaningful comments that come across as criticism. I personally handle each one differently.
Before addressing each type of comment, know that I match energy. If someone comes across as a troll and wants to be negative, attack me personally. I will match that energy and I have been known for crossing a line. I will defend myself as I see fit. The issue I have, while feedback is welcomed, going out of your way to be mean for no reason isn’t tolerated. I never ask for feedback, or thoughts on my art. So, comments degrading my work are out of pocket, and I fire back.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room. The negative comments, or how some might say “negative criticism.” We’re in a time where everyone thinks their voice and opinion matters. Well, I hate to be one to burst your bubble, but our opinions don’t mean shit, and our voice is only heard when we hear the echo of ourselves.
So, how do I handle the negative comments? I fire back with the same energy. My YouTube channel is filled with comments like “you suck”, “that’s horrible”, “my kid could have done that” and my favorite one “stop now, you suck”. Comments like this make me laugh and give me a boost in energy. I absolutely fire back, but I come back with 10x the energy that they come with. I will go over the line without hesitation, and smile while doing it. That’s the Gen X in me.
When the negative comments are actually criticism, that’s when I think about my answer, but more importantly I think of what they’re critiquing. I will take a good look at my work, or the piece they’re acknowledging and try to see what they’re seeing. On instances like this, I will look at their profile and see if they’re a creator of any kind, and see if they’re serious, or just having a bad day. Doing this it’s usually 9 times out of 10 that person is trying to give actual criticism, and honest feedback. I listen to them and take it in, and I hope to make my next piece better.
I’m not a perfect artist in any way, and I never will be. I can only improve. Criticism is weird to me, especially when it comes from a post that’s more or less saying “look what I just painted”. This is where people think they have spew out their personal opinions when it’s not even asked. They think their opinion matters, where in actuality it doesn’t. That goes for me too. I have a particular style of art I like, and I don’t like. I have numerous artist friends, and just because I don’t like their style of art, doesn’t mean that I don’t think what they paint is bad. It’s just not my style. I still wouldn’t ever think of giving them a negative comment, or think my opinion would change their process of how they paint.
Accepting criticism, meaningful criticism, can be a hard pill to swallow. No one ever wants to be told what they painted isn’t good, or what changes to make. I have learned a long time ago that criticism isn’t really negative if someone is explaining it to you, and giving honest feedback. I am always open to hear how I can do something different, suggestions on different techniques, or a talk about color and shape theory.
I don’t expect everyone to like my work. Hell, most of the time I post something I expect no one to like it. That’s my own insecurities as an artist, and I’ll probably always think like that. Here’s the thing, even if I don’t agree with the person, doesn’t mean that they are wrong or that I’m right. I understand 100% that art is subjective. My art is for anyone, just not for everyone.
Do I make the changes that have been suggested? Yes and no. It’s not always that the changes fit for how I paint, or I just don’t like their suggestions. At times I do see where they’re coming from and I agree with them. So, for something small that I will improve my art, yes I will try the suggested change, but I will not stop painting in my style.
My style is me, and if you don’t like it, cool. Just don’t come at me with a half ass trolling comment trying to make me feel a certain way or get me upset. At the end of the day, I paint for myself. I’m all for criticism and feedback when it’s actual criticism and not opinion based. I can learn from criticism, your opinions are yours. My favorite color is blue, and I don’t expect you to like that color.
Bob’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bobfreyer
Bob Freyer is an award-winning artist from Pittsburgh, PA who paints images from an alternate world. Since 2013, Freyer has been showcasing work in Pittsburgh and has participated in numerous shows throughout the U.S.
IG: @bobfreyer
Website: bobfreyerpaints.com
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