I'm kinda glad you wrote that because I see it, too. Not too many people give constructive criticism. I do it to other people - luckily no one has had a problem with it so far. I think there's a way to be constructive, and a way to be a total asshole. You need to know the line. For me personally, I wish more people would be constructive with my work. I had a teacher who would look at a drawing that I spent 7+ hours on and would tell me it sucked and make me do it over. Brutal, I know. But it made me a better artist. It made me a more critical artist. So basically - I would say to keep doing what you're doing, but be professional about it. If they get all bent out of shape about it, they probably have never gotten criticism before and don't know how to take it. I wouldn't take it personally. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.... just don't be jerk about it.

I prefer people telling me whats bad about my art, because when they do I go away and I change it, my art isnt amazing, and I didn't do any sort of art as a GSCE or anything so I'm quite reliant on other people's opinions, the people who hide your comments or whatever obviously dont know what criticism means!!!

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- - [ Hamtaro-Marie ] - -

I'm the same way. I try to give a helpful or useful critique. Sometimes its taken, a lot of times its not, and sometimes it is just the usual 'Thanks!'. One time I apparently caused a melt down to someone and I didn't think I was that harsh!

Oh well. You never know who you touch or how something you say will affect someone. I just always hope that my critiques are taken in the spirit they are given.

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"Objectively check the color of your own finish before you call the kettle black."
~:devrealitysquared

Let's face it, some people aren't interested in getting better or just want praise. Frankly, I find nothing wrong with that, as its their art after all -- they're perfectly within their rights to ignore your opinion as you are in your right to express it (then again, I also think that anybody who puts up his work to be seen by others should really be prepared for what people would say). Not clicking "discourage criticism" isn't quite the same as saying "I _honestly_ want people to tell me how to get better".

"Should I stop wasting my time trying to help people better themselves?"

Give criticism to those who ask for it. Unfortunately, that's still not a fool-proof plan (heck, I've been blasted by people who've_asked_ for my opinion, wtf), but limiting what you say to people whom you know are willing to listen makes life less stressful.

Basically you have to find people who really want criticism. For the most part, it seems a good majority of users just want to ego boost each other with "wow," "cool," "awesome," and other nonconstructive comments. I think it also relates to the fact that there are many really young artists here who haven't learned to accept constructive criticism yet.

Yeah it confuses me when people dont listen to critisism. Although sometimes the critisism isnt delivered very well and can be taken the wrong way, possibly due to over sensitive types.

Most of the art that I post is very done (regardless of how bad or good it is). So if I received a critique which suggested I go back and rework it, well I just would not go back and rework it.

Now if the critique was helpful, I would certainly keep it in mind for the next painting.

And if I specifically wanted critiques, I would come right out and ask for them. But I usually do this before my work is completely finished.

Just my view....

I'm very professional with what I write. I tell them the honest truth, and spend time to make sure I'm not being a dick about it. And the only reason why I take it personally is because I feel like I've wasted my time ... lol really I don't feel the need to be bothered anymore Dx
thanks for the response <3

haha thanks, I feel the same way. As long as people are being honest and not just rambling off a bunch of crap to try to get a rise outta me, I love criticism. It forces me to actually think the next time I draw to make sure I'm not making silly mistakes.

I always tell people in the last couple sentences something like "please don't take this as bashing, I'm really just trying to help you better yourself as an artist" and I almost always say 2 or 3 compliments :/ ... I didn't think that was a bad thing D8 . People these days just seem to like the "HOMG SUPAH KAWAII!!!! I LOVE U U R TEH GR8EST EVAH!" responses >.<;;;;