I spent 4 years of undergrad working on projects for pin-ups, where we tacked our work to the walls of our studio and were critiqued by our classmates, professors and industry professionals. I heard every kind of critique in the book, and I say critique because it was constructive and intended to help us. Even when we were literally told to start over, they just wanted to make us and our work better.
As an artist now, I find myself in a similar seat, where I’m presenting my designs to wedding clients or businesses, and then waiting for feedback. It’s vulnerable, and can be pretty stressful. I’ve discovered that while many clients are so excited to see the designs coming together and offer productive feedback, I get the occasional email with less than helpful words that give me nothing to work with, and that also hit pretty hard.
If you’re thinking about hiring an independent designer for your wedding, event, business or home, here are a few ways to give kind, thoughtful, and productive criticism and feedback that will help you get to the final product you both love. Our primary goal is for you to love what we create!
Can we re-work ________? I like ____ and ____, but would love to adjust the other piece so that I love the whole composition.
Let us know what you DO like, so that we can apply that to what you want changed. It’s as simple as that! It also reassures us that we aren’t totally off. The term “re-working” also gives space to make changes, and creates a more collaborative partnership.
“I really like this design you did before- can we approach my design more like that?”
Referencing the past work of an artist, designer or creator is a great way to give them an idea of what you want if you aren’t quite getting it. Sometimes, in an effort to make your design unique, we may try something new and miss the mark. Been there, multiple times.
“This isn’t quite feeling like me (or my event, my brand etc.). Here are some images to help keep the design on track!”
If you haven’t already shared images with your designer to give them an idea of what you’re looking for, DO IT! And if you did, SEND MORE! It helps, especially because most of us are visual, and sometimes people’s interpretations of certain words like “classic” or “boho” or “playful” can look different. Show us what you’re hoping for, just don’t ask us to copy or change our style. That’s a topic for another blog.
“I feel like this (design, piece, logo, product) isn’t meeting the guidelines we’d initially set. I’d like to start back at the beginning and approach it differently. Here are some notes that I think will help.”
Sometimes we’re just way off, or misinterpreted a guideline or desire of the client. Give your designer the benefit of the doubt, and request to start fresh and regroup before calling off the partnership.
A few of my favorite constructive comments I’ve gotten:
“Okay, so after looking this over I think we need to switch the layout, here’s what’s in our head. Can you use your expertise to make the sketch functional?”
“I really like the feel of the images I attached. I don’t wait to copy them, but if we can take our artwork and text and arrange it more like these, I think it will be perfect! I like all of the pieces, but something about the layout isn’t working for me.
“Yes! I found some typos and made a note of them, but other than that we’re so happy.”
Quick final notes:
Art is iterative, so expect edits or even re-do’s. Every creation is personal to the creator, and speaks to their style and craft. Leave room for creativity and originality.
Everyone wins when the environment is collaborative, open, honest and flexible!