ISO: Constructive Comments Buddy
 

I'm looking to team up with another compatible stamper. We would provide kind but honest comments on each other's work by emailing pics to each other.

Gallery comments are fine --but they are rarely the kind I need. Who says -- yegads woman, what were you thinking?? LOL

I need someone to look at my stuff and say, well, it's nice, but it would be nicer if you tried this .....[fill in blank with awesome idea]. Or, you know, that really doesn't work. The colors are too drab and nothing really pops. I very much want my work to improve and I think this will help.

I am a nice person and will treat you with respect. (I feel like I'm in an online dating service....)

I may get a lot of responses or none. If you are interested, send me a PM and let's see if we are compatible. If I get a ton of responses I'll post here that I've received enough.

So, who's game??

I'm not applying, but I wonder how you go about finding what you are looking for. People's tastes in what they like are so diverse. So for instance I may not like the colors you choose, but that only reflects my preference, not necessarily an 'artist's' eye. If something isn't my style, I'm not going to say I don't like the card. SCS is a friendly place, but sometimes it is difficult to give an honest critique without feeling that you might hurt someone's feelings.

I do appreciate honesty though. A few months ago I was stamping with some ladies, just casual acquantances, not close friends, and I was experimenting with color blocking a card, then I went to far with experimenting with a distressed look and before you know it, it looked like crap. The other ladies sort of avoided 'the elephant in the room'. A few weeks later, I saw one of them at our LSS and I told her that my experimenting went too far and I had to throw it out, she smirked and admitted she didn't want to say it in front of me. Perhaps that is easier to do with close friends who don't worry about hurt feelings if they know you well enough.

Hmmm, could you should pm people whose work you admire and ask them for a critique? Maybe we should have a separate gallery for 'honest critiques', so that people know everything they view in there wants some advice. Every once in a while someone will post a thread asking for just this.

Well, I'm just curious how this will work for you, and please let us know how it goes. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

~ Kathy

I was going to suggest the same thing- if there is someone's work you admire and strive to emulate, then why not pm them and ask if they would be your "stamp critic"! You have a great idea for trying to improve yourself (although i do believe i have some of your stuff in my favs already!). Keep us posted if you find someone! (online dating! hee hee!)

yup, thought so- i have some of your art in my favs! you're very good already!

i would love to help you out..but i am still learning new things everyday i know my work is plain and simple ust wish maybe you were closer then we could stamp together and i could learn from you..lol your work is beautiful. Try holding your work further away and say to yourself what does this card still need..and it will come to you...keep up the good work
Dawn

But... but... but... your work is already fab!!!!

I have a "comment buddy" -- and if she's up for it, someday we'll let you know how it is going!

Yea. I agree! :-)

Its a little hard to critque someone's work that is already wonderful to start with. Your cards are beautiful!

Joan, You have got to be kidding! Your cards are wonderful...I dont have a clue as to why you think you need constructive comments. Keep them as they are...I like your style and you might just end up with someone who doesnt and changes your style into their own and we might not like that style!

I am guessing that Joan is looking for someone to say "add some bling" or "too much going on" or "wrong colors" or "prefect...leave it as is" and etc....sometimes I feel like my cards are missing something and I just ask my stamping friend what she thinks and take it from there. Joan...your work is great but I understand what you are looking for in a "buddy". Good luck and I agree that you might want to approach someone that has a similar "stamping style" as you so that you are compatible with each other. Have FUN! Can't wait to see your joint efforts.

I think everyone can benefit from a second set of eyes. I have an enormous desire to grow and get beyond my usual stuff. I'm glad I found someone willing to play along with me. I think it will be great to get suggestions!