How To Give And Receive Critique Like An Artist

Connect Mobilize Deliver

Having your creations evaluated and judged by other people is hard.

And, sometimes critiquing another person's work is even more difficult.

This process of giving and receiving critique is a regular part of an artist's world.

And, there are many lessons non-artists can learn from this practice.

Today's guest is visual artist and professor, Shannon Johnston.

Shannon shares from an artist's perspective what she's learned in her career about giving and receiving critique.

It's a valuable process in any career.

So, listen to Shannon's tips and begin applying them in your work so you can boost your career.

Today's Guest

Shannon Johnston

In addition to being an artist, Shannon Johnston identifies as a daughter, sister, friend, introvert, teacher, student, feminist, collector, maker, consumer, and nail-biter. All of this informs her creative practice.
It is engagement within and reflection upon community, both large and small, that ground Johnston’s practice. Repetition, generosity, and regeneration drive her making. Collection that borders compulsion builds her palette and ritual forms her process.

Shannon holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Painting from Wichita State University. She currently lives in Wichita, KS with her husband where she is Assistant Professor of Art and Director of Steckline Gallery at Newman University.

You'll Learn

• The benefit of being curious and willing to learn and be surprised when receiving critique
• The power of valuing input from others even when they don't know as much as you do
• How to leverage daily debriefs to give and receive critique
• How our worldview and perspective impacts the critique we give
• The value of seeking input from outsiders, peers, mentors, and those with less experience

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest

1. Pursue critique often, regularly, and when it's not required

Get input early in the creative process from your manager and your customers so you can adjust if needed.
Make getting critique a normal part of your building process.

2. Learn to filter critique

Just because someone gives feedback doesn't mean it's the right feedback.
Know what critique to take and what to leave.

3. Be gracious when giving critique

Lead with positive comments when providing feedback.
Include compliments with the critique to build relationship.
Remind the person you are critiquing their work, not them.
We are not what we create. Our work is not our identity.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Check out Shannon Johnston's website.

Follow Shannon on Instagram (@Shannie2345).

Connect with Shannon Johnston on LinkedIn.

Listen to Shannon on previous Connect Mobilize Deliver episodes

• Connecting Through A Weird Piece Of Art, with Shannon Johnston
• How To Lead When You Don’t Fit In, with Shannon Johnston

See the show notes at GregHarrod.com.