Critique

What is critique?

Crtique is where someone talks to you about your work; they usually talk about what they like or dislike or hate or love about your work. This could be shortened down or at a long length to help you progress on knowing what needs to stay the same and what needs to be changed. 

Why do we get critiques?

We get critiques because we want to know what is wrong or right with our work. Nothing is perfect! The critique also lets us talk to a possible target audience and get to know their likes and dislikes; they might think your drawing of Jeff is in the wrong color, however, they might like the style used. They will also do this to ee your adapt and overcome obstacles. 

How do we critique correctly?

We can critique correctly by being honest to the person which means telling them things that may appear harsh to them, however, you want them to succeed so you must let them know what's strong and what is weak in their piece. examples of how you can tell someone about their work are: "I loved the colors of the drawing of Jeff, however, I want to see it in a cooler palette.", "The story of this character is a bit flat, maybe you could approach it from angle X" or "I admire how much hard work you have done, can you try and take it further this way?" 

How to take critique?

Some critique is done harshly and can come across nasty, don't think that (or at least do not overthink it) you must thank the person for their comments and take it in and try and add it into your work, so Jamie could tell you that it feels like you need to work on markers more to develop it further; you implement this into your work by doing more marker work. 

The effects of critique

Critique makes you a stronger creative person. Not only does it make you feel mentally stronger, it boosts your confidence in sharing you work with others, it also helps you with accepting you will do good and bad drawings. It can also help you in knowing what direction of life you should take. 

Freelance Work

 Freelance work is where you are on your own and someone hires you to do them a job. This could be to draw something for them or to help them design something. Below I will show examples I have done for other people. 

This one I did was for my friend Van who wanted me to draw out my favorite song by The Cure, mine at the time was To Wish Impossible Things and I drew this in Autodesk Sketchbook. 

This was done as I was late to meeting my ex-best friend. She wanted me to do her a demon dashound which was green, with an orangey red backdrop; these went against all my laws of drawing as I despise green and orange clashing. I made the glowing eye in PicsArt and drew the dog in Autodesk Sketchbook. 

This one I drew for my friends DTIYS and she really loved the shading used and how much I pushed myself out my boundaries. I also really enjoyed how natural this one looked and it made me want to more natural, landscape pieces in the future. This was their main OC. 

This one was drawn up for my friends DTIYS, she wanted people to draw her OC either the way she had referenced (which I did) or in a different pose. I really enjoyed doing this one because I had been following her account for a while before then so I knew roughly how do make him my own.  

Personal Statement

 What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is where one makes an essay to apply to enter places such as University, new job or college. This statement should talk about your experiences, your ambitions (both short term and long term), achivements (such as GCSEs, A-Levels, B-Tec, awards won) as well as any hobbies that help with your work. 

How important is a personal statement?

It is very important because it is most likely going to be asked when applying for universities. They will most likely rad them to help select the perfect candidate, they also will read them to know YOU as a person and not just as a stranger or student. Universities also like people who are original and who stand out from the rest, universities will like to see empowering phrases/sentences. 

What to put on a Personal Statement? 

You should put on your hobbies; so for me I could talk about my intense interest for old comedy shows and game shows and/or my love for animals especially things from fantasy or sci fi films/books I could also mention my passion for singing, playing keys and guitar. You could also include extra-curricular activities you have or are currently doing such as for me it is drama club and Youth club as well as Karate classes; these will help the reader learn what you've done in the past and you as a person. You can also talk about how you got into your chosen area of study, example of this is "I got into illustration through seeing Quentin Blake's illustrations growing up and watching Eddsworld in my teenage years." 

How to start a Personal Statement?

Start by discussing why you are applying, also do a short introduction of yourself. You do not want to drown on (or waffle) at the start as that'll make it drag and look boring and unreadable. Start planning a Personal Statement by making drafts and showing people for feedback and making sure all errors. DO NOT put a title on your Personal Statement, also you shouldn't use quotes from people or places as it will look like plagiarism. 

What NOT to put in a Personal Statement?

Never put any slang, the place you are applying for will probably not understand it and will consider it as informal language. Try to keep spelling and grammar mistakes to a minimal, these will down grade you and you'll be marked down for poor spelling. Do not use any quotes; whether they are from Einstein or Micky Mouse, never ever use them, this is because it is not original and it is plagiarism. DO NOT talk about the negatives of you; negatives that could put someone off are things like your own mental health history, family problems, your drug problems and money. You also shouldn't use cliches that do not relate to you because it will look bad and unflattering. 

How to End it?

You can talk about how excited/nervous you are for these new experiences and how it will help you in your future. You can mention how you hope to meet them soon and also make sure it is short and simple, never waffle.