A freelance copywriter sent me a review questionnaire asking “Is there anything you’d like to see improved?”. I replied to this question with specific details of the copy deck that was sent to me for inserting into the client’s website: how to better structure the deck, knowing the difference between writing for the web versus traditional advertising, writing in a tone that connects with the site consumer. The response? “Thanks for the input. However, many of your comments below are actually confusing to me and some I don’t agree with. But thanks anyway.”
I want everyone in the blessed world to write this down and say it with me:
Constructive criticism is not a personal attack.
If you cannot separate your emotions from your work, you will fail and fail often. Be proud of your work, absolutely, but learn to accept constructive criticism. Especially when you ask for feedback on your work and performance. You cannot improve your work if you don’t know what could be done better.
Example of constructive criticism:
“When it comes to the web, the rules of writing are different. Using italics on a word adds emphasis. Using italics on a heading or entire paragraph translates as parenthetical dialogue. Set text in a bolder weight to create visual impact.”
Example of an ad hominem attack:
“I think you’re a bitch.”
Huge world of difference there, people.
If I work really hard on a design for a client and the feedback is mostly negative, then I need to acknowledge that I failed to meet the expectations of the project. Communication of what is expected should be reviewed and given another approach. If my work is welcomed but with massive amounts of changes, then again, communication is the problem and must be quickly addressed.
Now, same project, effort and work produced, only this time the client likes the work but wants to make changes. That is called reality. And as a designer, it is my responsibility to step back from the work, look at the project through the client’s eyes, and accept criticism in a professional manner. Inflexibility to the needs of others is not an option.
If you find you cannot take constructive criticism without interpreting it as a personal attack, then you have a couple options:
- quit what you’re doing and take up another career not based in services
- recognize your issues with control and begin practicing flexibility
A minute to be frank here? The economy is getting worse by the day and the market grows ever more saturated with professionals looking for a client. How will you fare in this situation if you are perceived as more prima donna than adaptive?