How Can We Take the Best From Critiques?

The critiques in the Communication Design are essential for the creative process. Critique is an important tool for feedback on what to get better and highlight what worked. It helps us move forward in our process. In Design, we create for users who are different from us, and critiques play an important role in bringing this feedback from different users, with different opinions, backgrounds, and necessities. Also, in the work world we will never work alone, so learning how to take critiques/feedback in the best way will just improve our work and relationships.

Now, how can we get the best from it? Here is a list of some points that you might consider when going through a critique or even your reviews:

• First things first! Doing your homework is the first step to success not only in critique but in your course. Even if you did not understand much, try to bring something so you can have the critique. Many good ideas come “out of the box” so you might bring something different from the homework but might be brilliant you just don’t
  know yet.
• Bring questions that you had while working on your homework;
• Do research on the topic that you are working on, so you know what people are talking about your work and to argue back the “whys” of your choices;

• Make NOTES! Can’t say enough how important notes are, not only on critiques but during class. Make notes from critiques so you can go back when doing your homework.
• And an important one, do not take them personally! The critiques are referent to the work you are presenting and with the little the person knows about it. They might have different tastes, visions, opinions, and this does not qualify your work. Having a different perception is normal in the art world because there is not only one correct way to do things, there are many actually.
• Last but not least, always when you still have questions, reach out to the professor or CAs. They are here to help you succeed. Email them with questions, and get another round of critique with them during their office hours. Take the best from College while you are here. 

Take the best from your time in College, especially the critiques!! They will help you build your portfolio, create an experience in the topics, and have a critical eye for things that hopefully will be used throughout your career and life. 

Camila Consalvi is a current junior and is a self-motivated designer and educator who wants to take the best from College experience.