This article is brought to you as part of the ASCAP Member Wellness Program.

Criticism is something that everybody has to deal with from time to time. But for those working in creative fields – where creating almost always requires you to put some of yourself into the work – it hits differently.

 

As a music creator, you’re probably well acquainted with criticism, be it self-inflicted or from external sources. Either way, criticism can be difficult to process.

 

When facing criticism, it’s important to consider factors such as where it is coming from, the intention behind it and its potential value for you as a creator.

 

Learning how to harness the power of criticism – to receive it, learn from it and move on – and ultimately parlay it into something constructive and positive, is an investment worth any creator’s time. Once you begin understanding how to deal with criticism in a healthy way, not only will you be in a better position to expand your thinking and further develop ideas and concepts, but you’ll also be able to more effectively leave lingering doubt and frustrations behind.

 

To help you unlock the power of criticism, we consulted two leading mental health experts with experience working with creators.

 

 

Let it sink in

It’s really easy to take criticism at face value. Sometimes, finding the deeper value in a piece of criticism can be as simple as allowing yourself time to step back, take a beat and fully absorb the critique.

 

“In music, taking a rest – a rhythmic silence – can have a dramatic effect; and in dance, a pause in movement can enhance its impact,” says Rayni Collins, a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience working with creatives including musicians, dancers and visual artists.

 

A pause can be similarly impactful when it comes to processing criticism, Collins says.

 

“In all art forms, taking a rest during the creative process is sometimes necessary, especially when dealing with criticism from yourself and others.”

 

Collins recommends resetting by taking a break for at least 30 minutes a day, whether it’s to take a walk, read a book, catch up with a friend or do anything else that helps you briefly take your mind off your creative task.

 

“Get lost in doing something else,” she says.

 

 

Consider the source

Social media has given a voice to everyone with an internet connection, which can be a good thing in many cases. However, that also means the volume of creators’ inbound communications – ranging from well-deserved praise to knee-jerk criticism – has increased exponentially.

 

When beginning to assess a piece of criticism, Collins recommends evaluating the origin to decide whether the criticism is coming from a worthwhile source, or if you should move on without further thought.

 

“If it’s not coming from a credible source, or if it’s not clear or useful feedback, ask yourself if that criticism should be considered at all,” she says.

 

Michelle Hintz, Psy.D., founder of the Cadenza Center for Psychotherapy and the Arts, recommends also considering what might be motivating the source of the criticism, particularly on social media.

 

“It’s possible it may be coming from someone more focused on building their own reputation or follower count,” she says, "in which case it’s best to just move on if it’s not serving you in any productive manner.”

 

 

Confidence trumps criticism

Criticism can be a catalyst for self-doubt, which can get in the way of honing your craft. A solid sense of self can make all the difference in keeping you anchored amidst any criticism that may come your way.

As a musician herself, Hintz is familiar with the struggles and insecurities that can cause a creator to doubt their work and even their own self-worth. As a result, she tries to help her clients understand the importance of strengthening their self-confidence in a healthy way.

 

“A healthy ego can maintain a stable sense of self in the midst of harsh criticism,” she says.

 

“At the end of the day, it's all about your message and what you’re putting out into the world,” adds Collins. “Trust in the work you are doing, and be true to yourself.”

 

 

Acknowledge your bias

Admittedly, as a creator it can sometimes be challenging to see the constructive aspects of even the most pointed and well-intentioned criticism.

“The ego is usually quick to accept positive feedback as true, while dismissing negative feedback as false,” Hintz says.

 

Being aware of this natural bias – and forcing yourself to consider the potential beneficial takeaways of any criticism – can be a game-changing factor in the advancement of your work and your career overall.

 

“Nearly all criticism can hold a nugget of truth,” Hintz says. “Ask yourself what can possibly be gained by considering rather than dismissing the negative parts.”

 

And if analyzing a certain piece of criticism is simply more than your ego can handle (we’re all human), bring in a credible third party, suggests Collins. “Seek support from trusted figures like mentors with whom you can process the criticism you received.”

 

 

Any reaction is better than no reaction

You know what was also criticized early on?

The internet.

 

Bicycles.

 

Coffee!

 

The list goes on.

 

Hintz urges creators to remember that any criticism is possibly just an expression of discomfort with something new or unfamiliar.

 

“Not everyone embraces novelty with excitement,” she says. “In fact, many people may become uncomfortable when presented with something new. If the goal was to elicit emotional or cathartic responses, then a harsh response might actually be proof of meeting that goal.”