Tuesday, April 20, 2010

1 minute photoshop: protection


I am not good with criticism, which has been noted here before. I have always been this way, and I suppose it's not that abnormal however I don't like the cycle of emotions I personally experience when faced with unfavorable feedback. I get sad, then angry, then defensive, all in a matter of seconds. It's pretty gross, especially if you're on the receiving end of it (hello parents, teachers, bosses, boyfriend).

I am 100% aware that not all news is good news. I also know that choosing to put my opinions or personal creations out there is my choice and opposing views are inevitable. Common sense does not always communicate with my less rational side though. If for example I intend to keep making things like my Need to Want Less series (which for some reason I feel compelled to defend with this statement... "I'm making fun of MYSELF dumbasses") I'm going to have to deal with intelligent critiques like "awful, preachy puns masquerading as insightful. fuck off" and "wow, that sucked". Please... don't hold back.

It's probably hypocritical of me to be confused by such venom, but I never claimed to be some sage of the design world. I fully admit I barely know what I'm doing sometimes, so how I could be so offensive is unclear. And this is when living in a bubble seems like a nice alternative. Seeing as that is not too feasible I guess I will have to learn to read selectively and care more about the positive. That said, if you have CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, I'm all ears. Thanks for listening to my rant about ranters. Now I'm going to go remind myself how to not take myself so seriously.

7 comments:

cerebral e said...

Haven't those wankers learnt from their mothers, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all?"

I like all your posts, especially your original work. I am guilty of not posting any positive feedback in the comments here.

Leonie Waldron said...

oh my goodness, we could totally be the same person.

your stuff kicks ass :)

leonie
xo

erin said...

aw you guys are so nice! i promise i wasn't begging for praise as much as it probably came across that way. none-the-less i appreciate your feedback!

Ecotone said...

Hi! I just discovered your work recently on Poppytalk, cruised on over to your site, and totally fell for your work! It takes so much guts to put yourself out there (which is why I don't have a web presence for my own work yet!) Anyway, I adore your clever signs, use of words, clean images and the simplicity of it all. There are several I want to purchase, especially the one with the bubble! Also LOVE the colorful typographic reminder signs around the house as well. Thanks for sharing your creativity. Your site is super well crafted too by the way!

erin said...

Hi Brooke! Thanks for the feedback!!! I don't know if I necessarily have guts... I just lack a filter sometimes. A thin skinned girl with no filter... yikes. Anyway, I appreciate the encouragement and so glad you like some of my work.

saint said...

There is a difference in criticism vs. insulticism, but most people on the internet and the world at large have forgotten about that. Or just don't care. When you say "That sucks," your opinion isn't really relevant to anything except the way you feel, and therefor is meaningless as a criticism (unless it's meant as constructive criticism about a vacuum cleaner).

Also, don't listen to anyone that puts fuck into their criticism unless it's also peppered with $25 dollar words (inflation...).

erin said...

you are so right and articulate my sentiment way better than i could. thanks!