Classroom Critique Guideline
Why?
Art is tricky in that is not right or wrong. However, there are moments when students need to learn how to look objectively at a piece of art. I also believe Students need to learn how to process criticism in order to grow in their skills. By creating these guidelines, I hope to build students' ability to respectfully give constructive criticism to help each other improve in their work.
Follow these guidelines when participating in a class critique.
Be Objective.
Critiques are not opinion based. This is not the time to say if you do or don’t like something. This is meant to help improve each others’ work. You can agree or disagree with what someone else may say but do so respectfully.
Analyze the work.
Pay attention to the choices the designer made. Consider the colors, typeface, potential symbolism, specific details, and composition as a whole. Remember the elements of art and principles of design
Think about these questions:
What do you find successful?
Where can the design be improved?
Is there a singular element of the design holding it back?
What is the strongest part of the design?
What is one thing you would add?
How is the overall composition? Does something seem off?
Say this:
“This works because…”
“X would improve your work because…”
“I think x is a very strong choice”
“Maybe try this”
"X is distracting from the other elements."
NOT this:
“I don’t like…”
“I like…”
“This is bad”
“This is good”
“It’s ugly”
“It’s pretty”