How to Give and Take Criticism!

Giving and taking criticism is a fundamental skill one must posses in the spriting community. Yes, it is a SKILL! Here is why.

Giving Criticism

Giving criticism is good for both the giver and the taker. The one giving the criticism is seen as a well knowledgeable individual, if they offer good criticism, and the one taking criticism is given opportunity to improve their sprite animations. However, even giving good criticism where lots is needed can be troublesome and make you sound like a jerk. Don't be a jerk, be a friend.

A lot of the times when someone is giving constructive criticism that makes them look like a jerk it is because they want to express something that makes them look like they better animator. This ranges from saying things like "What you are doing sucks and you are doing it wrong!" to "I am better than you at animating you need to make you animations like mine by..." As said by, Granny (Thanks Gran-Gran) This is NOT constructive criticism but just criticizing the person who made the animation. So, yeah, you get the point. Don't be that guy that is giving unnecessary criticism and instead give constructive criticism. Instead try saying "I like what you are doing here but try..." or "This was really good at this point but at this point..." See what I am saying? If you don't then don't worry I'm gonna explain.

One of the best ways to offer good, constructive criticism is to find 2 things that you like and 1 thing that needs improvement. (If there are other parts in the animation that need help then other animators will see it, trust me. If not just comment again saying something like "Also, this area seemed to need a bit of work when...") Organizing your criticism goes as follows: You begin with a positive attribute of the animation that you liked or thought was done well, bring in the part that you didn't like or needed more work, and finish with one other thing that you liked or thought was done well.

This way allows the animator to know what it is that people like and what things they need to improve in as well.

Taking Criticism

Taking criticism for some is a hard skill to master. Especially to those that are indeed talented but believe that their animations are flawless. But remember that there will always be someone better than you or someone that will surpass you...unless you're Mr. Lange, obviously.

One of the biggest problems with taking criticism is that people take it personally. This is normal so do not feel ashamed if you are that person. A way to avoid this would be to not get too attached to your animation. I know that sounds silly, especially when you've worked so hard on it for so long but by separating you animation from yourself you can actually criticize it yourself and avoid having a hurt ego.

Now there will be guys that haven't read this tutorial that will be complete jerks and give nonconstructive criticism. They will say things like "This sucks!!" or "You're gay! Stop trying and just quit!" Just avoid getting hot-headed when dealing with those people. You know what they say doesn't matter so just ignore it. But if you must get back at them then kill them with kindness. Nothing dumbfounds jerks more than when you treat them kindly. After they've ranted on your stuff just calmly say to them "I appreciate your concern over my animation. Thank you!" This makes you look like the more mature person and shows that you don't let childish things bother you.

Also, if you don't understand someones critic or understand a certain idea said in a critic then ask questions. If someone points out that you need more physics in your animation then ask them about what they mean. "How do I incorporate more physics into my animations?" "What does adding physics do to my animation?" Questions like these will help you get a better idea and help you improve as an animator.

And always, ALWAYS, ALWAYS say Thank you. The best way to reassure someone that their criticism was helpful is to tell them thanks and describe how it will help them improve.

In conclusion, mastering the art of taking and giving criticism is beneficial to you and the community. Very helpful tips are being spread to help everyone become better and people are conversing in positive and constructive ways. Also, this is a very helpful skill to have even outside of sprite animation as you will always be receiving criticism from everyone and being able to take it and dish it out effectively will make you that much better of an individual.

*jumps out of 11th story window*

Well there's a difference between criticism and constructive criticism, should probably point that out in your "you suck" vs "this was good but work on ___" part.
Other then that i think you got it all

@Granadico wrote:Well there's a difference between criticism and constructive criticism, should probably point that out in your "you suck" vs "this was good but work on ___" part.
Other then that i think you got it all

Thanks for pointing that out! That's a very important detail I forgot to include.

Did you just make this so you could add it to your tutorial list? xDDD

@NS01 wrote:Did you just make this so you could add it to your tutorial list? xDDD

No, I thought of the tutorial list AFTER I made this. I swear xD

I just really enjoy making tutorials and I thought this might be of some help...

@Rapidfir3Pho3nix wrote:

@NS01 wrote:Did you just make this so you could add it to your tutorial list? xDDD

No, I thought of the tutorial list AFTER I made this. I swear xD

I just really enjoy making tutorials and I thought this might be of some help...

This is really great. A quick read and very helpful...for people like me. So Thanks for that man. Wish i had this years ago..when i made console all stars.....(Memories)

No problem! I'm just trying to help out where I can! haha

Aaronkun should read this. Poor Asko ;(

@Rapidfir3Pho3nix wrote: But remember that there will always be someone better than you or someone that will surpass you...unless you're Mr. Lange, obviously.

Or Alvin Earth worm

Mr. Lange > Alvin IMO

@Rapidfir3Pho3nix wrote:Mr. Lange > Alvin IMO

this by far.

sorry guys, lange beats alvin outright. especially with his recent death battles. but, this isn't the topic for that. just saiyan.

@SXR123 wrote:just saiyan.

I see what you did there

No offense to you, but I should have wrote this.

How to give criticism:
Dont be a douche and try to help

How to take criticism:
-Squat down
-Hold breathe and push forcefully
-Queef all the sand out of your vagina
-Take the advice that you were given

@Patt wrote:No offense to you, but I should have wrote this.

PATT PATT PATT PATT PATT <3

@Patt wrote:No offense to you, but I should have wrote this.

None taken! Haha, good to see ya alive and well though

@Patt wrote:No offense to you, but I should have wrote this.

Then come back and do it your arse D:

nice job dude.
IT'S VERY CONSTRUCTIVE!

yeah but some ppl compare your work to experts and give criticism which is stupid its like comparing a beginners work to and experts. it ruins their motivation

no, it's supposed to help them. Experts giving them tips is what they want.

@SXR123 wrote:no, it's supposed to help them. Experts giving them tips is what they want.

no he means when they say something sucks because it isn't as good as NASF

That makes sense, but that's now what we do here. We don't take a shitty animation and compare it to SMBZ, for example, and go "see, yours isn't like this, so it sucks. Do better."

cool :) i like tuto its help me ^^

@Rapidfir3Pho3nix wrote:One of the best ways to offer good, constructive criticism is to find 2 things that you like and 1 thing that needs improvement. (If there are other parts in the animation that need help then other animators will see it, trust me. If not just comment again saying something like "Also, this area seemed to need a bit of work when...") Organizing your criticism goes as follows: You begin with a positive attribute of the animation that you liked or thought was done well, bring in the part that you didn't like or needed more work, and finish with one other thing that you liked or thought was done well.

*jumps out of 11th story window*

Well said. I always lacked in the "giving criticism department" so this should help me out quite a lot. Very constructive with the classic feedback sandwich.

Also, I laughed a lot more than I should have at the end there.

Holy shit I forgot about this lmfao well, anywho, I'm glad that ya find it helpful. :)

Well we can do one of two things, lock it since it's two years old, or if you think it's useful, pin it. Then again we've got a lot of things pinned already.