Learning to Deal with Criticism

Learning to handle criticism is essential for young artists. When you're working from home and have never had any clients before, you probably think that what you're doing is the best.

However, contrary to what you may think, your work might not meet the standards of a modern visual effects facility.

In a studio setting, various opinions will surface about different aspects, including your projects. Regardless of what others think, the VFX supervisor ultimately has the final say, determining whether your work is good, not good, needs improvement, or is approved.

Before your work reaches the VFX supervisor, it must first be approved by either your lead or department supervisor. Thus, several layers of review occur before it even makes it to the VFX supervisor.

When artists begin their careers, they invest their heart and soul into their work, striving to make each shot outstanding. And this is quite common for artists from overseas. They might have worked in a lot of different industries and this is their chance to finally show what they are capable of.

This deep personal investment can make it difficult to accept criticism. Defensive reactions are common and can lead to decreased productivity and morale, making you feel as though your efforts are constantly being undermined.

Your work will be screened daily in front of your peers, and when a supervisor highlights something you've missed, you might want to disappear, regretting not considering every aspect of your work. Worse, you might become frustrated with yourself for not scrutinizing your work more thoroughly. Sometimes, this frustration is misdirected at others, including the supervisor, who may be judged for their perceived lack of insight.

It's important to remember that a VFX supervisor has to consider every shot in the sequence to ensure the overall quality of the film. Your focus shots differs significantly from the supervisor’s broader responsibilities.

Thus, it’s crucial to listen and refrain from arguing. Effective listening is a vital skill in this industry, allowing you to direct your efforts where they are most needed.

Training in a reputable school is invaluable. A good program will regularly screen your work, providing frequent feedback which is essential for your development.

Not all feedback sessions need to be in front of your entire class. Regular one-on-one reviews with an instructor are critical for your growth as an artist.