What do you do if your graphic design work is met with criticism?

???? Embrace open-mindedness: View feedback as a chance to learn and grow. Clarify with questions to grasp the critique fully. ??Seek specifics: When feedback comes from a client or boss, request examples of their concerns and preferred alternatives. ??Evaluate the source: Assess feedback considering the individual's expertise and experience. Insights from colleagues or industry experts can be particularly valuable. ??Understand intent: Determine whether the criticism aims to enhance the design or addresses personal matters. This comprehension guides your response effectively. ?????

When your work is criticized, staying calm and listening carefully to the feedback is important. Try to understand the points made and ask for clarification if needed. Consider the source of the criticism and evaluate it objectively. Use the feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve your skills. Don't let criticism discourage you; use it as motivation to become a better designer.

Hvis dit design (som du selv synes er lige i skabet) bliver m?dt af kritik, s? lad v?r med at tage kritikken personligt. Pr?v at lave en ny version, men gem den gamle. Det kan v?re den nye version bliver bedre, s? var kritikken positiv. Det kan ogs? v?re du stadig synes den f?rste version var bedst, s? bruger du bare den i dit portfolio. Her bestemmer du selv hvilken version du vil vise. Husk at dit portfolio er en reflektion af hvem du er, mens dine konkrete design opgaver handler mere om hvem din kunde eller m?lgruppe er. Det kan v?re godt at skille de to ting ad, hvis du tager designkritik personligt. Mit r?d er derfor: gem en version du selv kan li’, den kan ingen ta’ fra dig.

Actionable Tips: Approach criticism with an open and curious mindset, asking clarifying questions to fully understand the feedback. If the criticism comes from a client or boss, inquire about specific aspects of the design they are not satisfied with and ask for examples of what they had in mind. If it comes from a colleague or another designer, consider their expertise and perspective, and how it might provide you with an opportunity to see your work in a new light.

When reflecting on my career in graphic design, my advice is not to take criticism personally and to remain open to constructive conversations. Instead of being defensive, ask the client what they like about the design and use their feedback to improve or come up with a new design. If the client does not like anything about the design, ask the client to provide favorable visual examples to help understand them. Remember to stay positive and be supportive of the client's branding needs; ultimately, that's what graphic design is all about.

When I face criticism, being able to explain my design choices and how they align with the project goals is important. Design is subjective. There are "rules" and best practices but there are also times when the right solution comes from bending, breaking or ignoring the rules. Evaluating the feedback, understanding the source and not taking the critique personally can all lead to new and unexpected solutions. The thing to remember is that criticism doesn’t mean that the design was bad. Sometimes we nail a design on the first try. Sometimes our explanation of the design choices sells the client on the design and sometimes we have to rework with a revised understanding of the project and preferences.

Specificity: Is the feedback clear and actionable? Vague criticism like "I don't like it" isn't very helpful. Look for specific suggestions for improvement. Validity: Carefully consider the feedback itself. Is there merit to their critique? Does it align with the project goals and target audience?

A ball can be too round, too soft or too hard. Can bounce too much or not enough. Can be warm or cold. There are always two ends to a line and everything in between. Does the feedback fall on this line? Is it closer to one of the ends? Are the ends the ones which should be reached? Does the source of feedback is on the X axis while you're trying to move on Y? Remember, you can move in the CMYK spectrum while the feedbacker move in RGB and only by accident you found similar point. Which might not be the desired effect from both sides because moving in any direction throw the whole concept off.

When my graphic designs are criticized, I see it as a chance to refine my craft. Rather than taking it personally, I focus on understanding the feedback and how it can improve my work. I ask for clarification if needed and use the input to enhance my designs for future projects. Seeking advice from peers helps me gain different perspectives and refine my skills. Criticism isn't a setback; it's an opportunity for growth and development as a designer.

Even though criticism can come with a sting, in order to improve, you need to listen to the points that are made. While not losing the drive to create something interesting and fun.

You may need to respond if the client has bad taste, or is not aware of PROVEN rules that work--and not just graphic design/colors, but marketing rules such as: - Four color increases recall almost 100%. - Do not use all CAPS anywhere--retards reading - Fewer than 60 characters across--best is 35-40 - Text arranged in a shape of an image (fish) reduces readership - Line spacing (vs indents) to separate paragraphs increases readership 12% - Do not put periods at the end of heading - Copy that stars with drop-initials jump-starts the reader and increases readership 13% - Centered text should be limited to two lines - Paragraphs should contain no more than 6 lines - Avoid reverse text (lighter on dark) Regardless--give them what they want

Stay Calm My Friend !! Use strategies to defend your Art. When facing criticism on your graphics, consider addressing it by sharing references from big brands you admire. This can help your client understand the concept better. Stay open to feedback and use it as an opportunity to improve.

Most of the time, you are being paid to offer specialist advice and considered design. The client knows this and so do you. When you receive feedback that goes against the very fibre of the design, it comes down to you to be able to articulate or demonstrate the impact of making harmful amendments. The better you have done this, the more likely you will be able to implement better design. It doesn't always work and I would say that in those cases, fulfil what they want to the best of your ability whilst continuing to clearly recommend better solutions, in an optimistic way. In this case, if the design doesn't get the impact it needed, they will remember your advice and helpful approach and it will help your relationship.

Stay calm: Avoid getting defensive or argumentative. Thank them for their feedback and ask clarifying questions to fully understand their concerns.

Remain professional. Don’t call them stupid or some other negative slur. Give the historical information on performance of the specific item that is questioned. Site sources. Attempt reason. Sometimes even that doesn’t work so decided to go with it or walk away.

Dealing with criticism over the work where you've invested multiple hours can be difficult but not in vain. The client's feedback will push you to brainstorm more innovative ideas to bring their vision into reality. Criticism is also a kind of motivation which will keep you learning new things and with each block you'll unleash a skill of yours.

In every creative industry, including graphic design, handling criticism can be difficult but also a chance for improvement. >Should remember, it's about the work, not as a person. >Take careful note of the advice given. >Never be afraid to ask for clarification if you need additional information or if the critique is not clear.

Design is subjective. I don't take it personally, especially when I am confident in the design. Instead of taking offense I re-focus my efforts to align the design to meet the client's needs. I think through my design decisions so I am prepared to defend the design when criticised.

In the end, critique and criticism is not about you, the designer. This simply means that the client doesn’t feel like the message is getting through. Not that the client always knows what they want, but you have to find a way to walk that line of what they want and what you know is best to communicate the message. Feedback is also just a way to round out your design. It can be so easy to design in a vacuum, so yes it is important to get it out there and re evaluate to see that the messaging is clear.

In my experience taking on the feedback with a pinch of salt and be confident. You have trained in this industry and you should be confident with what you produce, however, it's very important to listen and learn from the feedback. Listen actively, Seek Clarification and Experiment. Experimenting is part of the design process and enjoying the creative industry we are in. Feedback is a helpful tool that we should embrace.

If you're in an in-house team that has values that value the act of being encouraging and recognising good design from each other, it is easy. However, it's not the case for most designers to be around this kind of environment. Seeking positive feedback can seem daunting but I have been in the position of pushing for regular informal performance reviews (eg. weekly, fortnightly, monthly) just to go over 'wins' and 'challenges' that clients or your manager has seen, over projects with you. This process would be valuable to them as it will help track progress and improves communication, thereby impacting the work - and they will likely be aware of the value of this process. An upside is that positive feedback will be communicated to you.

Use your judgement: You don't have to accept every suggestion. If the feedback strays from the project goals or isn't well-supported, politely explain your design decisions.

After receiving criticism on a particular project, take on a personal project that allows you to explore an aspect of design you're passionate about, free from external expectations. This could be designing a series of posters for a fictional event, rebranding a local business as a conceptual exercise, or creating digital illustrations that reflect a personal interest. Not only does this keep your creative juices flowing, but it also builds your resilience to criticism, reinforcing the idea that each piece of work is a step towards becoming a more skilled and expressive designer.

Every criticism gives you an opportunity to learn something new. Take it as a challenge to improve your design skills. Create personal projects. Even if some criticism feels negative or harsh always remember that you have the power to think positive and turn it into constructive criticism.

Don't lose hope; keep on creating. Your next creation could be your best yet. Every setback is a chance to learn and grow. Stay resilient and keep pushing forward with your creative endeavors.

Here’s what I’ve learned. If you ask for feedback there will always be some negative critiques. It’s actually easier to say what you don’t like about a design/idea than to roll out positives. Remember: Design is subjective & often aimed at a specific audience. That’s the commentary that will be most useful. Learn from that. It’s not the end of the world if you get negative comments. It’s an opportunity. Your client chose that design & you chose to present it. If it bombs, pull up your big boy pants and work out why! As you mature you’ll look back on some of your work & think ‘why in God’s name did I do that? We all do. And that’s when we know we’ve got better at our craft & better at our own ability to critique work!

As a vendor who has hired graphic designers (while at GE, Motorola, Harcourt, etc.), I usually give examples and completed copy (if applicable) in advance--this way they don't have to start from scratch. In my early career, if I wanted even the most basic changes, I had to bribe my in-house designer with a pizza. It was amazing when I found a designer who gave me a great 1st draft and would explain his reasoning if he varied from the brief, but would still make any edits I wanted without hesitancy. However, I cringe when I see a person requesting changes with bad taste or is ignorant of marketing rules that work. Marketing provides the PROVEN rules (not personal preferences)--design makes it look good.

Seek positive feedback: Don't rely solely on criticism. Actively seek out feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors who can provide positive reinforcement and encouragement. Keep creating: Don't let criticism discourage you. Use it as a learning opportunity and keep creating great design work.

Respect is earned and the customer isn't always right. Creative work tends to be devalued, and SOME of that comes from us creatives allowing it, and ourselves, to be devalued. Learn the difference between a client who is bad at articulating feedback but raises valid points vs. a client who justifies rude, petty, or otherwise unhelpful feedback simply because they hired you. Feedback is essential. It can push your work to new heights. But don't confuse valid critique for unwarranted disrespect. ?

I have always found it helpful to ask more questions to explain the feedback to help me understand why it was given. Is there data to support the criticism or is it subjective criticism. You must also consider scope as well as who it is coming from and naturally weigh the importance of taking action on the feedback vs. not. I always tend to say yes I agree, but also let’s test both ideas. Or let’s try this as an mvp approach and we can enhance at a later date.