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#402: Creative Feedback (Only Trust the First Second)
December 19, 2020 — Creative feedback can be confusing, but if you want clarity, pay attention to how people react in the first second before they start analyzing.
You’re not clairvoyant.
If you want to improve, you need honest feedback.
The problem is, as soon as you ask someone what they think, their biases kick in…
Your friends don’t want to hurt your feelings; your Mom is worried you’re being too “edgy”; your boss wants to put their stamp on the idea, etc.
So…the only source of feedback you can 100% trust is a person’s instant, subconscious reaction.
The 1-Second Rule
I don’t ask for feedback anymore.
I just put a sketch down in front of someone (with no explanation) and see how they react.
I watch their face and body language.
Does my comic make them smile? Laugh? Say: “WOAH!!”
- If yes, then it’s worth posting.
- If not, then it needs more work.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t consider people’s opinions, but the truth is…
99% of what matters in creative feedback happens within the first second.
p.s. You can find this article on fthelines.com, along with other stories about #creativity, #minimalism, and #mentalhealth. Thanks for reading! (: 🖖