How to Get Better Feedback When You Want to Improve (#115)

For too long I have been noticing artists posting things like this on social media: ‘Fresh off the easel! What do you think?’ or ‘I'm experimenting with <this or that>. Let me know what you think!’

What do I think? Do you really want to know what I think?

In this solo episode of The Art Biz I want to talk about feedback. When you ask people ‘what do you think’ you are asking for their feedback, whether it’s intentional or not. We are often too quick to ask for feedback, and we ask for it in ways that can be more damaging than anything. In this episode, I’ll share what I’ve learned from wise women and from paying attention to my students and clients. I’ll give you tips on the right way to ask for feedback—in the right environment and with specificity. I’ll also share with you how to handle unsolicited advice and the best way to offer advice to others, all so that you can get better feedback when you are seeking to improve.

Highlights

• The best time and way to ask for feedback. (1:36)

• 4 criteria to meet before asking for feedback. (2:25)

• You don’t really need feedback from everyone else. (5:35)

• When feedback actually becomes necessary in order to improve. (7:45)

• Asking for feedback from the right people. (9:15)

• How to ask for feedback with specificity. (11:14)

• The right way to offer feedback to others. (12:38)

• How to respond to feedback graciously. (14:33)

Resources

• artbizsuccess.com/feedback

• Art Biz Connection

 

Mentioned

• Stumbling Toward Genius podcast with Cynthia Morris

• Playing Big: Practical Advice for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead by Tara Mohr

• The Art Biz Episode #61 — The Value of Critique Groups for Artists with Patirica Miranda

Quotes

• “We’re often too quick to ask for feedback, and we ask for it in ways that are damaging.” — Alyson Stanfield

• “You shouldn’t care what everyone thinks.” — Alyson Stanfield

• “You need time to figure out what you think about your art before you ask others what they think about it.” — Alyson Stanfield

• “At some point, feedback is necessary when you want to improve, but you have to set up the parameters.”— Alyson Stanfield

First posted: artbizsuccess.com/feedback