Forum rules

A forum for those artists who would like a more critical critique of their work, apposed to a "that's cool" and a smiley.

A Guide to Positive Critiques (adapted from PoetryPlease)

• Does not solely concentrate on a pieces weak points, but tempers constructive criticism with acknowledgment of the good features.
• Is not made up of comments like “well done” or emoticons, as they do not explain why the piece is well done. Comments and emoticons belong in the introduction and summary only.
• A knowledge of technical artistist terms is desirable, but not necessary, to be able to provide constructive criticism.
• Try to keep your thoughts focused on the piece and how it affects you as the viewer.
• Explain why you liked or disliked the piece; don’t just state the emotion it triggered.
• Describe which elements are good, and how they enhance the piece.
• Describe which elements of the piece need improving and politely offer alternatives that can improve the work.
• Please include an honest, but polite, summary in your critique.

Please remember that even if you do not like a custom, or it has numerous faults, keep your comments polite and positive. Always offer alternatives. To merely tear something down and not offer a better alternative is merely destruction.

By concentrating on the piece, and not the artist, we will help each other improve. By concentrating on form rather than content we not only help other artists, but ourselves as well, by learning where our own weaknesses may lie.