Every artist hears it at some point. A comment that starts with,
“I like your work, but…”
“This isn’t meant to be mean, but…”
“I like what you’re trying to do.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but…”
“This is just my opinion, but I think you should…”
It pretends to be helpful. Supportive. Generous. Here’s the truth: not all feedback is offered in good faith. As artists, we pour so much of ourselves into what we make: time, energy, love, and an uncomfortable amount of overthinking. We open the door to connection and community, which also means (unfortunately) opening the door to critique. Some of it helps us grow. Some of it…doesn’t.
What Real Feedback Looks Like
Constructive feedback is a gift. It’s kind. It’s specific. It comes from someone who:
- Understands your work
- Wants you to succeed
- Speaks with care and clarity
- Appreciates that style and storytelling are intentional
- Knows you and wants what’s best for you
- Respects the vulnerability that comes with creating anything
- Whom you admire and value their opinion
Unsolicited Critique
Is rarely coming from someone who’s in the arena with you; making their own messy, beautiful things. It’s often from the sidelines. Almost always from someone doing less than you. It’s not about helping. It’s about feeling important. “I’m feeling insecure about my own work, so let me lash out under the guise of “feedback.”
Growth Doesn’t Require Negativity
It can come from exploration. From community. From kindness. From time. From rest. Creators are allowed to grow at their own pace, in their own direction. Not everything needs to be “fixed,” especially by strangers who don’t understand your vision.
How to deal with Unsolicited Feedback:
No Response Needed (my personal favorite)
Sometimes the best response… is none at all. Silence is a boundary too.
- Ignore it completely. Not everything deserves your energy.
- Delete the comment. Your space, your rules.
- Remove or block the person. You’re allowed to protect your peace.
The Calm Acknowledgment (if you feel safe responding)
If you do want to respond, but stay in control. This is especially helpful if you want to set a tone for other followers watching how you handle things.
- “Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m happy with the direction I’m going right now.”
- “Appreciate the input! I’m exploring things at my own pace.”
- “This project is really personal to me, so I’m keeping the focus on what feels right.”
- “Appreciate the feedback. I’m always evolving, but I’m proud of what I’ve made so far.”
The Boundary Set (for repeat offenders)
If someone’s crossing lines or being condescending. It’s okay to be direct when someone mistakes access for entitlement.
- “I value feedback from people I trust or invite into the process. Thanks for understanding.”
- “I’ve chosen to keep this space focused on support and encouragement—please respect that.”
- “Thank you, but I didn’t ask for critique on this piece. I’m focusing on trusting my creative process right now.”
- “I know people mean well, but I’ve found I grow best when feedback is invited, not assumed.”
Your creative journey is yours. You get to decide what voices have access to it, what energy is allowed to linger, and what kind of feedback actually helps you grow. Not all critique is created equal, and not every opinion is owed a reply. Protecting your process is essential. So keep fueling your beautiful, messy, passion filled projects. Let it evolve on your terms, at your pace. The people who are meant to find it, and love it, will.
