CRITIQUE

Critiques (aka CRITS) are an extremely important part of any design/art process. The goal of critique is to gain new insights and ideas for your project and to improve the work. By engaging in the critique you can see if your work meets the project objectives, or your own intentions, and if not, what can or might be done to meet them. Critiques may be formal or informal, group or individual. They may be considered as part of the process in a project, or at the end of a project with an eye to future work. 

If you are giving the critique:

• It’s about the work, not the person.
• Be honest, but kind.
• Comments should be constructive (helpful).
• Look for specific things that work well, or don’t and try to avoid general meaningless statements like: I like, or don’t like this, unless you speak to a speak to a specific reason why its good or bad.
• If you are commenting on a work you can use the phrases: I like the way you…. and, I wonder if you tried…

When your work is being critiqued:

• Listen, REALLY LISTEN to what people are saying.
• WRITE IT DOWN in your sketchbook and then REFLECT on it.
• Try not to respond immediately and emotionally.
• Have your sketchbook available and open anytime you are talking about your work with someone in the studio. 

Reflections

Generally, as a part of most projects you will be asked to write either a reflection or an artist’s statement – or on occasion both.  There may be specific prompts you should address in your reflection, however generally you should consider the following:

• What worked and didn’t work in the project and why?
• What could I, or will I do to improve the work?

You should draft your reflection or statement in your sketchbook, and then post a finished version in your e-portfolio.

When you are writing a reflection, then use the prompts(if given) and your notes from your critique to structure your writing. Here is where you can respond to the critique and decide whether or not to accept or reject the suggestions. Ultimately its up to you, but you must explain why.

Artist's Statements

On occasion you will be asked to write a brief Artist's Statement. This is usually done of you will be exhibiting the work publicly. An artist’s statement is different than a reflection in that the focus is usually the artist’s/designer’s statement of intent. However artist statements often can include a reflective aspect within them. Be brief but comprehensive (concise).  Finally, while writing is important, this is not an English class, so while I expect a certain basic level of writing ability (grammar, spelling etc) and that you are able to communicate ideas effectively, I do not “grade” on minor technical details.

Some things to consider when writing an artist’s statement:

• What were you trying to do or say with the work?
• Why did you make the choices you did?
• Is there any context that might help people to understand your work better?