Thoughts on Critiquing

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I just want to get this out of the way. Look...Taking cheap digs at the artist is not a critique. A critique in my opinion is pointing out the flaws of a work, while staying away from any harsh comments about the ARTIST. Be thorough with critique all you want, but using tones that sound like you have a grudge against an artist is no way to go about it. Instead, try to ignore your feelings towards that artist, and instead focus on the piece instead. After all, a critique is meant to help, not hurt. You're hurting an artist by taking cheap digs at the artist or the piece. By using insults to get your point across, it makes me less willing to take you seriously, regardless of whether or not you're trying to help. Here's what a critique should look:

1) Greet the artist

- Be polite and formal

2) Point out the good

- Point out things you like about the piece.
- Compliment the artist on their progress

3) Point out the bad

*This is the hardest to do for a lot of people without sounding rude or harsh, but here's how you do it*

- Point out flaws in the work.
"I noticed the character's proportions are uneven in several areas."
 - Point out the areas where it is flawed.
"The left arm is slightly longer than the right arm, the legs are uneven..."
 - Do not sugarcoat it, but at the same time, leave the artist out of the discussion when doing this. Remember, this is about the ART itself rather than the artist.

4) Help the artist improve

- This is also hard to do, especially if you have had bad experiences with the artist in the past, and while understandable, you HAVE to be polite.
 - Encourage the artist. Point out things you liked, but point out things that can be improved.
- Give the artist articles, and other resources he/she can use to better their art.
- Encourage them by telling them how to improve. Give them something good to look at when they see your critique. While a critique is there to point out flaws, it's also there to help a work improve, and helping an artist grow is essentially done by praising them in certain areas and telling them to never give up. Give them tools and resources.

What if they don't take it?

Look...No artist improves overnight; it's just not going to happen. Do not be frustrated if they don't take your tips right away. If they thank you for your feedback, give them a thumbs up. The artist has to realize that you're taking time out of your day to comment on their work, and if they don't at least acknowledge that, just leave them alone. Don't start any hostile relations with that artist; just make them realize what happens when they take your advice for granted.