I've been a deviant for for 2 years with two different accounts and when viewing works that have asked for critiques. I realize you have to have a premium membership to participate in these critiques. But the main thing I noticed is, not alot of members give them. Sure they get alot of comments, but most of the comments seen are 2 words. Is a critique too hard because it has to have over 100 words? And how can someone take the time out of our busy day to do a 100 word or more critique?
  
  I will admit though, after winning a 3 month membership I was scared to do a critique, I had never gotten one, so I was weary about. So during my 1 month membership, posted a poll and offered to do a critique or two. So she critiqued 2 of my works. She was thoughtful, fair, kind, and honest. And because of her, I figured out how to do one. I don't think I could've done one without mine being done first to give me an example of what to look for and what to do in a critique.  
  
  So I went to do my first critique for a 14 year old photographer. Her photo was great but it needed a few pointers. But when I got to 50 words, I was stuck on what more to write about. So I reviewed the image again and again. I had to think of something because I really wanted to do my first critique. So I started thinking how I would've taken the photo and then I saved the photo and opened it up in my Windows Photo Gallery, my operating system is Windows Vista and on The Photo Gallery you get the option to quick fix the photo. So I tried out the contrast, color temperature, saturation, and more *unsaved of course* and then that totally brightened up my critique, I was able to get more into details and what would be good to try out, since Art is all about having fun and experimenting. Well I she liked my critique, so afterward I wanted to do another critique but had trouble finding another photo that asked for one, so I joined and started watching this photography group where that really opened up for me to try it out again and see if I could do it.
  
  So I found a wonderful photo by so I critiqued it, tried it out on quick fix photo gallery and I loved how the photo had a story and a meaning. It had a few problems with it, such as making you look towards the middle/top of the photo, but the problem that lied there was it was headache to look at due to the angle. But it was a wonderful photo. So I critiqued it then I looked at his profile and realized he was a professional and I was an amateur.
  
  Right then I was terribly intimidated by this fact and wish I could take the critique back, but he replied back to me and liked what I had to say and even quoted what I said. I was really excited. All the sudden I realized, yes, he may be a professional, but he's human too. After all that, that is the feeling I felt.
  
  The reason why I say human, is because sometimes comments seem lifeless. Nothing against them though, we're all for comments and love/hate on our work, but a critique actually felt like I was there talking to them face to face and that makes it easier. Two word comments doesn't feel human. I used to make comments like that only because I didn't want to take the time to really take a look at the photo/picture in front of me. But is that any way to be an artist? To not have time to help another artist? Yes we're all busy, but they put their works that they are proud of and we just put it away for later with no comment.
  
  Same with favorites. We love favorites, but if no comment/critique is being made about our work, why should we be here? This is kind of inspiring to me in a way, because if there is anything I love doing is taking time out my day and doing a few critiques or comments. And not 2 word comments, but detailed comments.

  Are people afraid to comment in case they hurt the artist's feelings or maybe they will argue back? What have some of us become? I was reading this wishlist journal where there is an artist who lets everyone put up their own wishlist linked to their journal. If there was anything I noticed, it was alot of people wishing to socialize, get friends, even snail mail, or e-mail friends. The best way to make those wishes happen is to go out of your way on here and write detailed comments. I wrote a critique for and since that critique, I now do alot of critiques and comments for his work, not because there is a problem, but because we became friends over it. His work is wonderful. I love critiquing his work. I have so much fun.
  
  But I just wanted to write on this subject, even if no one reads this. Comments are fun and awesome to get, but all we really want is someone to tell you the truth on the matter.


Piray-Vamp