Handling criticism...

Well I'll give it to you straight, I don't think I handle
criticism of my work to well.


Today a good friend of mine contacted me with the following e-mail:

Debbie,

See comments below. Mark the "Friend" art director showed your work around'

to a number of people. 

They made comments.

Mixed reviews, but reading it I was more encourages for you that not.

The comments about eyes, etc, are helpful if you decided to modify

your technique somewhat to fit them.

I think they could use you sometime, but it is a constant effort to "sell" them, so

if you want, put them on a follow yup in 2 months with something new.

I also think we could send you to the New Era. 

I'll do that next, by calling my friend Brent and let you know what he says.

Scott, I sent Debbie's blog link around. Here are the comments from the staff (editors and designers):

---

It's a bit Frida Kahlo-esque for me.

---

The bright colors and whimsical feel would probably catch the eye of our readers, but I don't think this would fit in with the type of art that kids expect (and love) from our magazine. Specifically, the intentional distortions in the facial features that characterize this art create a tone that is attention-grabbing, but not comforting. It seems like some of the feedback we've received about our art indicates that children like the more realistic art that reflects an idealized version of a familiar life.

That being said, if we tried it anywhere I think it would have to be for the tween section. I can see some older girls really liking it.

---

I'm not a fan.

---

I like everything about it except the faces. 

---

I like the general look of the art but there are some things that bother me like the eyes being to big and too high on the forehead. Those flaws make the work somewhat unappealing to me. But I bet she would take art direction and the problem could be ameliorated.

---

It's bright and fun, but I don't think it has the right feel for the Friend.

---

Scott, I think Debbie's work would resonate more with the young-to-mid teens. It might work in the Friend for the right project. Have her email me when she posts new stuff to her site and we'll keep her in mind.

Thanks, hope this helps.

Mark 

Although the reviews were not to harsh, I have to admit they 

stung a bit.  

It took a lot of courage for me to start showing my work, 

and when I did I was rewarded with such great feedback.

That rewarding feedback is what kept me going, kept me creating.  

It fed my confidence and strengthened my resolve to continue, 

to seek out my dream of being and ARTIST.

The timing of this review is just amazing.  

I have been participating in the e-course:

"HELLO SOUL, HELLO BUSINESS"

http://kellyraeroberts.com/hello-soul-hello-business

created by Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Nicholls.

We are starting our second week and the course so far has been 

AMAZING!!!!

Today we talked about our 

"WHO"

Who do you want to do business with?

Who do you want your customers to be?

Well in order to understand "WHO" we want to connect with, we need 

to connect with ourselves.

I love this idea and concept, so when I got the above mentioned e-mail from

my friend, I immediately started to ask myself the above questions.

 In doing this I knew instantly these people were not my 

"WHO".

They were not who I wanted to do business with, they didn't get me.

I want my work to be joyful, happy and express a positive message.

And I want my "WHO", to be those kind of people who also

want to be joyful, happy and positive.

I want to watch my "WHO" look at my ART, 

and then watch the SMILE that slowly spreads across

their face, because it has touched their soul.

So with all that being said I returned the following e-mail reply:

Hello Scott,

Thanks for giving it a try with the "Friend".  At this time I have to say that I like my art just the way it is.  Although I appreciate the feed back, I find that these types of comments only strengthen my reserve to "stay true to me."

I do so very much appreciate your enthusiasm and generosity in trying to help me.  If you would like to send it off Brent, I would not be apposed.

Thanks again!!!!

After I sent this reply I felt so empowered!!

Like it was "OK",

I have the right to voice my opinion, on how much I 

love and enjoy my work!!

I love every last funny looking face, and oversized eyes that grace 

my canvases.

Now I truly understand the coined phrase:

"Art is in the eye of the beholder"

With that said, I'll tell you I like what I am beholding!!!

Dear sweet friends thanks so much for listening to my rantings.
And thank you even more for your sweet friendship!!
xoxox