How to deal with negative comments of your Art on social media
It's very hard to spend time and energy on a work of art ---> only to hear someone that you didn't ask criticize it.
It happens to all of us artists at one time or another with negative comments on social media or in person. Of course, it is different if you are asking, often those suggestions will help you grow even if you have to take a breath and take it in, then exhale it out.
Art is a great meditation and helps many people get though rough times. It is healing. Don't let negative comments stifle your creative soul.
It's easy to get upset
Rude comments touch a nerve. You start getting hot, maybe sweaty and upset , you might struggle in knowing how to handle the situation, or how to respond to rude comments. Whether the bad behavior is online or in person if you tiptoe around it it will come back later (in your head repeating it and rethinking and driving yourself nuts! )Standing up for yourself in a classy respected way. For rude comments online take a moment to yourself , taking a breath, listen and try not being defensive right away.
"When commenters say rude comments it reveals something about them as a person and not you."
This also will be looked at for you and the way you decide to answer or address online rudeness. In your moment think about how or why is this comment being said. "Is there anything to learn?" "Are they being rude or is it because you disagree?" "Are they just being out right Mean with nothing good to say?"
Before you explain your position hear them out. They might be curious or you think it is criticism when it actually not.
For example I Got this comment on my youtube channel the Art Chick
"it really bugs me that you dont show us what it looks like with the clear coat, it would be nice to know how the clear makes the piece pop or not, we come here to learn and its unfulfilling when we dont get to see the final finish."
This wasn't too rude it was a bit lets say sting(y) Could it have been said differently , yes, of course. I checked back to the video and realized I had forgotten to put the ending there so I did learn something and responded:
"Oh my gosh you are totally right and I even filmed it. I will be putting it up after editing - probably 2 days or less. I would have never known I forgot that."
This is online and I don;t want to come off rude because my art channel is about having fun and learning.
Out right nasty? Best to not respond.
Let them look like the jerk.
There is one I left alone on that same video here: Out Right RUDE
I could have deleted if I wanted , but people stuck up for me which I thought was cool so I left it.
That is the harder thing to do. On many social medias there are just plain nasty rude humans. They say it and move on to another leaving behind so much negativity in their wake. If it's on your post it's ok to simply remove and or block them if necessary.
If it is just rude and you are able to say your response with wit or dignity take that road.
I recently put an item up for sale and it had a flag and eagle on it. I was very proud of it and didn't make it for any one party or anything like that. I started it when I saw all the essential workers step up during the corona virus outbreak.
I love our flag and see hope, hope to be better, I see freedom , freedom for all! I happily listed it for sale and second day received and email (yep you read it right --> an email they actually took the time I was so surprised) I won't go into details, but it wasn't a good one and even said disparaging flag ideals. I was pretty de-flated that day. When I posted to social media so far great comments and it's strange that that one sticks around stinging.
If your new to Art and want to try something a little easier check out this playlist of: Simple Wall Art on Canvas.
Dealing with public and your art is often a tricky situation. Over time it is easier to develop a thick skin. Don't make excuses for your work. It came from your heart and there is a piece of you in it. Appreciate the support you do get and try to let that sink in deeper.
❤️ I hope I could help some. ❤️ You are love
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