I have had a problem with people offering criticism to my work, both good and bad, for a long time. Actually, it's been happening all my life. I have a problem understanding when they are trying to be helpful or not. Usually, when someone is a critic, I shut them out, cause I really hate having people tell me how to things. The chapter helped me to understand that if someone is offering up criticism to me, they are more than likely close enough to me that they are sincere and earnest in their thoughts. I may be insecure about my art, I"m not much of a 2D artist, or so I've always thought. I shouldn't get mad at someone for trying to benefit me, as long as that's really what he or she is trying to do. When the criticism gets harsh and unfriendly, that's the time when I need to block them out and try to regain my focus on the assigned task. If this fails, maybe then do I need to back up and take a good look at the project at hand and determine if my changes/ideas need to be morphed into something else. .
The part of the chapter that talked about timing was a crucial subject matter for me. As I previously stated, I"m not much for people giving me criticism. If the timing is right, I welcome it. Lets say I"m just starting a project that I have planned out well, and taken time to layout in my head. At this point, I have nothing on my paper/other media; I would graciously take any constructive criticism anyone offered me. Further down the line, it becomes harder and harder to take the criticism without being hurt by other's thoughts. People that can work their opinions into the process at the right time are few and far between, but when they do come about, they are a pleasing break. A little constrictive criticism can go a long ways. .
The hardest thing to deal with may be the inner critic. This person will probably never be fully accepting of the work, or at least that's how it has been in my experience.
