Growth without Criticism?

I think not. How can we learn to do better if no one points out our shortcomings? How do we know that the bar can or should be set higher if no one says "you could do better"??? We can't learn from constant pats on the back. We don't become better people, craftsmen or artists by a steady stream of nice words. We need to hear when we fall short. We MUST know!!

Case in point:
I have been following a certain group of writers here on Blogger. I thought that by connecting with other writers, I might be inspired to do more with my writing. What I found was a bunch of writers, some wanna-bees and some actually published, that constantly praised each other's work. Yes, there are some good writers out there...for sure. There are even more that are just beginning...and it shows.

I have to say that this certain circle of writers really were a disappointment. I have not read any critiques directed to a writer that would make them better for it. It's like a constant lovefest between these people. Everyone loves everyone else's work and it's always roses and sunshine and no writer in this group can do any wrong, even when someone writes total drivel. PUH-LEEEEEZZZZ!!!!!!

I'm telling you...I have sat in on a workshop at the Iowa Writer's Workshop (one of the most prestigious MA writing degrees in the country and by invitation only). These people wouldn't last a day in a crowd of "real" writers. The criticism can be harsh at that level and the competition is often, but not always, cut-throat. Pansies need not apply.

Encouragement is great. Everyone needs it along the way and we should all know how to give it. Praise for a job well done is also good. Again, we all need to hear about the good things we do. HOWEVER.....in learning any craft we are not born as experts. We are not perfect artists, writers and craftsmen when we start out. Everyone needs to learn their craft, practice it often and seek out qualified criticism to make your art better. In learning your craft, you will mess up. You will make mistakes. You will have projects that completely tank, while others shine. You may have a concept that is about 80% complete, but lacks that final push to make it over the top. This is where criticism comes in.

I have been an artist and designer for 14 years. The structure of learning art is such that class critiques are necessary. I have had nice critiques, mixed critiques and I have also been reduced to tears by one instructor who felt the need to make an example of me and what I did wrong. Exposing your art is a personal thing, but when you sign on for design school it's just part of the deal. You are wide open for critiques.

Despite their sometimes harsh nature, critiques do serve a purpose. You get to hear what you did right. You get to learn where you went wrong. You get to hear why people do or do not like your art. In all of this, you learn not to take it personally and you build up a thick skin. You learn to absorb the comments, process them and you get back out there and you do it all over again.

Since no art pleases everyone, it is almost impossible that these writers all truly enjoy EVERYONE'S writing ALL THE TIME. Since no artist is perfect, it would be impossible to think that this certain group of writers are always error free and perfect in their craft. To read the comments they all leave for each other, you would think they were all perfect. "Great job" "Loved It" "You are such a good/sensitive/talented/thoughtful/insert-any-adjective-here writer." ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

We MUST deal with criticism to grow. Criticism doesn't always mean a negative....it can embrace the positive aspects. But, in order to reach deeper, to try harder, to perfect our given craft, we must hear the good AND THE BAD. Otherwise, we are stagnent...we wither and our craft dies.

Do someone a favor today: Offer them your honest opinion. Tell it like it is, the good and the bad. You will both be better for it.