Not too long ago, I received an email in which the writer proceeded to bad mouth the work of a very well-known designer, calling their work “boring” and questioning why anyone would hire them. I was so taken back by the voraciousness of the email that I decided not to even answer it. I did, however, consider printing it here but decided it would be best not to give the negative words any more airtime.
You see, I know what it feels like to be judged. On more than one occasion, I have heard or been told that my work is so “overdone” that it boarders on “tasteless” and “vulgar“. While I am human and it is never easy to have your art dismissed, my response has always been, “You may take your opinion and go to h…“. Not everyone will like my work or yours, but it’s one thing to respect the work of the artist and simply say “it’s not for me” than it is to judge and condemn it. We all have opinions– and are all entitled to them– but what surprises me is that those who are quick to judge often look past the fact that there are clients who like our work.
Those are the opinions that matter to us.
I believe the idea that we are the ultimate taste makers is perpetuated by many of the reality TV shows currently on television. As artists, we should always remember that our designs should feel “right” to us and be designed with care and integrity. If we follow this basic outline, we will often find that those designs will feel “right” to our respective clients.
My advice, from one artist to another, is to be open to constructive criticism from loved ones who understand your vision and ignore those who try to use judgement to kill your dreams.
There is a difference.
Blessings,
Preston
Question:
Who is the one person whose opinion you trust in regards to evaluating your work?
As an artist, are you affected by the judgments of others, even strangers?
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Sandy
July 30, 2012
This makes me feel a bit guilty. I once commented on your blog that I didn’t like the final outcome of one of your projects. You had asked for opinions and so I gave mine saying I was sorry and that I’d liked everything else you had done. I felt bad then and now. I suppose the best thing is to say nothing instead of something negative. Your work is wonderful and I think you are an awesome, classy, talented man. I apologize and hope you will never let anyone’s negative words get you down.
Navjot Kaur
July 30, 2012
When it comes to judgement then I value opinion of my mentors who’s opinion matters
most as I know that is in my best interest to listen and learn from their experiences. Not many in this world conduct the positive criticism. I find passion in what I do and for that very reason I always revaluate my own work under a micro and always willing to “change”. It certainly hurts to hear negative comments from others but have to draw the line.
Talia
July 30, 2012
The one person that I trust is my husband. He is honest, and even though I may cross my arms and look crazy when he doesn’t like something I do, but he still keeps it real. I have only been in business for about 2 years, but I learned early that people can be super nasty. Especially in these online communities So me and my Jesus had a talk and I decided early on that I wouldn’t worry about it. Humans are as they are. I always remember that in this business we are working for OUR client, so my outlook is that as long as the person I am being commissioned by adores it, all others may kick rocks with an open toe shoe…LOL! Blessings to you too Preston!
Amanda
July 31, 2012
What a great way to turn a negative into a positive. I really appreciate your perspective and thoughts. At first I was in disbelief that anyone would ever criticize your work, but I see that that (unfounded) criticism helped you to become even better! Its not about what happens to us in this world, its how we react to it. Right?