How to Deal with Crushing Feedback on Your Creative Work | Mark Mr

This article begins with a familiar story, one I've experienced. Blogger McGuinness describes what happened to Sarah, a Web designer whose confidence has been shaken by a client's criticism of her work. McGuinness writes:

Chances are you've been in Sarah's shoes: you produce work you're really proud of, then someone with none of your professional skill, knowledge, or expertise judges it in an instant - often based on vague or subjective criteria. They don't know much about art but they know what they don't like.

And as long as they are your client (or your boss) you have to work with them, to help them articulate their response to your work, and find a way to move the project forward.

He continues, describing three actions a creative person can take when dealing with crushing feedback. Here's a summary of his steps:

1. Take a deep breath - and focus on getting what you want. ... Don't react defensively - or aggressively - no matter how hurt, disappointed, or annoyed you feel. ...
2. Clarify the feedback. Before you explain, defend or offer to fix your work, it's essential that you understand exactly what the other person doesn't like about it. ...
3. Ask solution-focused questions. ... To ask a solution-focused question, describe a potential solution and ask whether it would be acceptable to the other person. ...

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McGuinness' article is featured today, Jan. 30, 2013, in my daily online paper, Garbl's Creativity Connections. It's available at the Creativity tab above and by free email subscription.