Is critizism a bad thing??

my two cents about the topic:

I always try say i like / or dislike the model (the latter hasn't occured yet though!) just to let the topic owner know that i've BEEN watching his miniature. I myself find it sometimes dissapointing to get like 200 views, but only "critizism" from 5 persons...

and i agree with deaf what he said above

Well... the easy answer first (so to stay on topic!) Criticism is a GOOD THING.

Now, for my opinion (feel free to ignore it... I take it as a sign of love! )

When I post pics, I ask for criticism because is the ONLY way I can learn. I'm NOT at a Golden Tom level yet... but my goal is to be. I have lot to learn still, but I got much of the basic techniques down, so I do not tend to fail much on those techniques... the advanced techniques are another matter. I need all the help I can get! Basing? Unimaginative at best. Blending? NMM? I can't even dream about it! This is not to say I can't be helped on the basics (sometimes my palette of colors is just boring!), but nice technical advice from the heavy hitters (like Cianty, Deafnala, Tom and several others who escape my elder mind right now) would be VERY useful! I mean... I post pics in HOPE to drink from the fountain of knowledge. I like praise like the next guy, but some 'tough love' is very helpful.

I had the balls to enter in a Golden Demon back in 2007 with my . My goal was to make the 1st Cut... which I failed miserably! You know, after I picked up my Trygon from the Golden Demon exhibit I got a chance to take the model for a critique to 'Eavy Metal's Kirsten Williams (guest speaker)... she painted most of the GW models for the Assault on Black Reach (WH40k) boxset and won the Staff Slayer Sword! She was nice... yet brutal. It went something like...

Quote :

Ohh... is it yours? Cool! You know, it almost made it to the 1st Cut... close call! The competition this year was brutal! To tell you the truth, there is no highlights nor blending on the lower part of the body and tail. The carapace is bloody good... as a matter of fact, you GOTTA tell me how you did the glitter. If you promise you practice highlights and blending, I will try your technique and pass it along to the guys at the Studio. Good luck next year!

I was shocked in many levels. First, the fact that I almost made my personal goal. Glitter of hope! Then the fact that I had no concept of blending or highlighting (now I have an idea, but still can't pull it!) Finally, that she asked little ol' ME for pointers. Holy s%!#!!! I shared the information and I know that sometime she will use it (making many improvements on the way I'm sure)... she won't remember me (that also I'm sure) but the fact that I could help her become a better artist was the highlight of the trip for me.

Now, not being in the bottom of the barrel does mean that I have the moral obligation to help those who ask for help and I can help. I have writen several comments to try and guide the artist to improve. There are some models that are (IMHO)... horrible. I rather remain quiet than give an empty 'keep on painting'. I understand we all started somewhere, but I may come across as a cruel insensitive bastard and that is not the idea.

I want (and NEED) the help... and the reason I only ask for it here (rather than on other forums) is because the talent is here and that the group is friendly & mature enough to help each other out. Those who are starting, realize that you have stumbled on a gold-mine... the veterans here can help you cut down the learning curve by years.

Now, those who can paint (I'm looking at you old man!) should help us that are still learning...

and there dear Mordheimer, u strike a good point. Everybody has different motives to post

Myself, i am not "that" great a painter, nor am i aiming for becoming one. I'm just a lost soul who needs an external motive to keep on painting! And by sharing the stuff i paint so others might be put on new and innovative ideas

Well, first of all I'm a big fan of critizism.

I'll rarely get opinions what I can do better with my minis. I like to here them, but people rarely tells me.. so feel free everybody!

I've worked for gamesworkshop (Stockholm) for 3-4 years. And being one of the leading gamesworkshops in the world both money wise and painting/modeling wise. (Now I work as a tattoo artist). During that journey I've have a great experience when it comes to models and scenery. I have even forked some for the 'Eavy metal team, with doing some courses of painting.

After worked so much with helping people get better and develope there painting/modeling skills. I know I can be mush help here on the forum and Im gladly to help out.

I know I havent put out any decent photos on miniatures I've been painting (just some crappy on a slayer), but for the moment I have a good camera and are going to take some pictures during the week.

So tell me if you want me to help and critizise miniature (just the ones that asked for it in there tread). This don't meen that i will tell what the person done wrong (that wont help at all) . I'll tell them thats great with just there mini and tell them what they can practice more on.

How do that sounds?

@Cavonius: That sounds like the proper way of replying to a post. The idea being to help the poster improve their skills without stomping on their possibly fragile feelings. I can see where your critiques will be MOST welcome. WAY TO GO, Amigo!

I love a good critic when he tells me what I could do better. I need to get a good scolding for always being in a hurry on my models, I want to see them done, but they come out alot worse than if I take my time on em.

Constructive Criticism will always make someone a better person.

@DeafNala: You stay the way you are. People need a boost just as much as criticism. My fellow mordheimer and I say that reading your posts lifts our spirits and inspire us to do more!

I think is a general consensus... Constructive Criticism is a great thing; but in order to be THE best, posters should ask for it clearly.

Sometimes we post our 'masterpieces' for show an encouragement... sometimes we post WIP and we want some pointers and help. If we are clear in our intentions when we post, we all gain. You know... a critique doesn't do much good for a specific finished model (only helps for future stuff!).

Those who are just sharing could get some cheerleader rally. Those who need improvement can get the emotional "attaboy' (encouragements) plus the help they requested to improve.