Is this thing on?

Feedback is extremely important, but it's also the scariest part of the creative process. You've created something, poured your heart and soul into it, done your best, and now you put it out there for someone to critique. Do your goals and intentions come through in your work? What did they like, and--scary!--what didn't they like? I love what Anne Lamott said about if someone doesn't like your work, then they are a terrible human being, and probably doesn't know anything about art or literature. In short, they have no redeemable qualities. This is comical, but exposes our natural reaction to feedback that's anything less than praise nearing worship. "Well of course it's a masterpiece, thanks for reviewing it for me!" That's what we all want--and expect--to hear, but it will rarely come. So we must follow Anne's advice about seeking out someone who we already know and trust, someone who is comfortable being honest with us. We may not always get positive feedback, but the feedback should be constructive and gracious. If it isn't, then choose someone who is sensitive to the process. On the other hand, it's important not to ask feedback from those who aren't willing to give you honest feedback. Padding your ego and coddling you will do nothing for your progress as an artist. So don't ask your mom. Finding a person whom we trust to give us feedback on our work is an important--often overlooked--quest as an artist.

My goal for receiving feedback is finding someone who I respect as an artist, someone who has a similar creative vision, and is experienced in the field and form of my work. I expect them to be completely honest in their feedback, yet sensitive to the fact that my work is an extension of myself. My initial response is usually similar to Anne Lamott's. I reject the changes and dismiss what they say. However, I've learned to set it aside for a while until I've calmed down, then return to it with a fresh attitude. I find this to be an effective exercise. My goal is to seek out why they didn't like or understand a particular section, and get to the root of why, and then fix the underlying problems, instead of just accepting the changes or alterations that they suggested. You know the inner workings of your story or work, and are the chief architect. The feedback and suggestions you get are valuable, but instead of just accepting them, figure out what prompted the feedback, and fix the underlying issues.

In class, I learned that not everybody has something valuable to say. Some people are ignorant and do not understand your work, the creative process, or anything that has to do with real life in general. However, there are also those who have great, positive, valuable feedback.