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Published: 2007-04-17 10:10:58 +0000 UTC; Views: 97171; Favourites: 1747; Downloads: 1099
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Description
Deviant Guide: Good CommentsSince deviantART was first born on August 7th 2000, comments have always retained an air of mystery. deviantART was one of the first dedicated art communities of its kind, and it inspired a standard that is our duty to uphold today. As a deviant, you can play an important role in helping a fellow artist develop their skills, and helping the community retain a level of quality to be proud of.
And all it takes is a comment.
Why Does It Concern Me?
deviantART has a favorite system that has slowly diminished the importance of good critique throughout the site, and reduced the level of effort required for feedback to an artist. In communities where such a system does not exist, receiving a comment is an honor that members of deviantART will sadly never experience the same way members of these other communities will.
However, deviantART has something no other community has: spirit. Like no other community of its kind, deviantART exhibits passion and interest in art that is shown no where else. As such, the importance of maintaining this spirit is foremost. Improving the quality of our comments is one way we can do this.
A truly outstanding comment is always hard to compose, always hard to receive, and always hard to come by. For an artist however, a comment is of the greatest importance. It provides feedback on a deviation that will continue to remain unmatched by that of a favorite. To an artist, a comment is the difference between progression and refinement of ones skills, and continuity of an undeveloped style.
Where Is Critique Appropriate?
The golden rule of critique is always to ask yourself "is it appropriate to this work?" There are many examples of work here on deviantART where it is not necessary to give a massive comment, or where it is impossible to sit and analyze a piece of work for techniques. Make sure you ask yourself that question before you start to comment and save yourself wasted time.
Also make sure you only give critique where it is desired. deviantART has a wonderful system where deviants can select their desired level of critique, and having respect for an artists wishes can save you from a whole depth of trouble.
Consider yourself pre-warned: not everybody appreciates critique, and not everybody will take warmly to your opinion. Just know it's for the benefit of the recipient.
How To Give A Good Comment
A good comment is almost always composed of three important key topics. These are:
Techniques
Effects
Improvements
A good comment will always touch on one or more elements contained in these three areas, and will be highly beneficial to the receiving artist.
A good way to remember these three keep topics is to remember “TEI”, pronounced “tea”. Whenever you view a deviation, think about how you’re going to give them some “tea”.
Techniques
To most deviants, this is the element of commenting that is hardest to perfect and understand, and is often the reason why both givers and receivers of good critique are often confused.
The key step to this part of a comment is to look before you write. It is always tempting as a deviant to jump in and comment right away, but a good comment requires more than just a quick glance at a deviation.
Look at the deviation and ask yourself the following questions, which all refer to techniques the composer has used deliberately:
What are the colors like?
Do the colors blend together, or do they stick out? Is the piece comprised of a small number of colors, or does it utilize many?
How are the elements of the piece arranged? (This is called composition)
Where does your eye first move to? From what angle does the scene appear to be portrayed from? How light or dark is the picture?
How big or small is the subject of the picture?
Is it very far zoomed in or a great distance zoomed out?
Is the picture warped or realistic?
Are there lots of definite shapes in the piece, or is it very indefinite (often a technique of surreal or abstract art)?
What sort of focus does the piece use?
Does the composer use intricate detail, or is the picture very blurry? Does the shot highlight a small part of the scene, or does it capture a vast area?
Does the deviation contain textures?
If you were to touch the texture, how would it feel? Rough? Soft? Sandy?
These are six questions you should ask yourself every time you look at a deviation. Make sure you take an appropriate amount of time to inspect the piece for these techniques.
Effects
This part of a comment is perhaps the easiest, and surely the most practiced part of commenting around the deviantART community.
Describing the effects of the techniques upon you is as easy as saying how the piece makes you feel as the viewer.
There is nothing hard about listing your emotions. However there are some questions you can use to make sure what you are saying is relevant:
How does the piece make you feel?
Does it make you feel happy or sad? Does it make you want to cry or burst out laughing?
Does the piece remind you of something?
Does anything in the scene remind you of something from your childhood? Do the objects look similar to something you’ve seen somewhere before?
What do you like about the picture?
Is there a color that you like? Do you like how the piece is arranged? (Refer to the techniques you’ve already listed)
Make sure your passionate about what you write in this part. If the piece does not make you happy, try not to come across too nasty or unappreciative.
Improvements
This is where the comment can get personal and often get a deviant off side with you. It is important to remember that a deviant spent their time making this piece. However tempting it is to be nasty, don’t ever just write that you “hate the piece” or “dislike it” without having some evidence to back it up.
The purpose of providing the techniques and effects in parts one and two of the comment is to provide this evidence, and if done correctly, it should accurately reflect you attitude to this part of the comment. If it doesn’t, go back and rethink the questions we asked ourselves earlier on.
Offering improvements to a deviant is often going to end up with a sad receiver. Everybody adapts to their own style after a while, and it often hurts to be told that it’s not that great. On the same token, offering improvements to a deviant can be the greatest gift you can ever give.
Here are two questions to ask yourself while giving improvements:
What would make this piece even better?
Always refer to the techniques you used in part one. This will make your comment sound much more professional, and come across as helpful rather than forceful. Find techniques that you think could have been done better, and if possible, post links to another deviation that examples what you’re referring to. This can be inspiring to the deviant and give them a great example to bounce ideas off.
Why do I think you’re a good artist and why do I like your work?
All this time we’ve been professional and offering tips and examples. This is the part where you get to give some real praise. Leaving a comment ending with just improvements would leave the artist feeling down. A kind word never goes astray, so tell them why you liked their work, and why you think they deserve your help! Don’t shy up, nothing will make a deviant happier to hear how much you appreciate their input to the community!
Favorite?
Of course, it’s well within your rights to offer a favorite, so don’t be afraid to tell them they deserve it if you decide to give one! Make sure you really think it deserves a favorite though. If everybody favorites it, it’s not going to mean much to a deviant after a while.
Whats ddi yuo jst tyep?
Never forget to revise what you've written! The best comments are not only honest and well written, but they actually make sense!
Spelling and grammar may not be your thing, but you can at least do the deviant the favor of making it legible. They'll love you even more.
Length
Many deviants are unsure of how long a comment should be. But it’s really simple: how much do you need to write?
Just because a comment is short, doesn’t mean it’s not a good comment, and vice versa for a long comment. Length means nothing. It’s the content that counts.
Is That It Already?
You better believe it! Making good comments is really that easy! Just follow the steps provided, and you’re on your way to making comments that everybody is going to love you for.
Remember one important thing though: always be yourself. No matter what formula you use, nothing means more to an artist to receive an honest comment from somebody who shows that they care about what a piece means to them.
Happy commenting everybody!
Nathan (~kle0012 ) and Kitty (~kittysyellowjacket )
Related content
Comments: 780
bringbackart In reply to ??? [2007-06-03 11:22:03 +0000 UTC]
Hey, really glad it inspires you! Makes me so proud to see that people really can use our guides!
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tharami In reply to ??? [2007-05-29 11:59:06 +0000 UTC]
I find it quite simply to comment: The more faith I have that this person could get better, the more extensive I get in critique. I've applied this technique for many years now and my honesty has gotten me both friends and enemies, improvement and shattered dreams.
But I just remind myself that I warn everyone beforehand that I'm honest, and that if I wouldn't feel they've got potential they wouldn't have recieved such comments.
It's a bit paradoxal, but the more I 'bitch' on something, the more I like it - with a border line at amazed when I just write 'wow'.
This post would absolutely help others to see what good critics and comments are and what they should ignore. I saw some guy a while back at a designers page, Daniel-DS who just kept kicking on that it sucked for no obvious reason. Those people make me feel sick, and I usually friendly but urgently ask them to bog off.
If more Deviant's know how to comment, more Deviant's will comment. If the quality of comments go up, more will enjoy them. This is a first step.
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bringbackart In reply to tharami [2007-06-03 11:35:30 +0000 UTC]
Honesty is truly the key to every good comment. Without it, how will an artist ever further their skills? I'm glad you found this helpful, and I thank you for your input!
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SylintQ In reply to ??? [2007-05-28 23:16:16 +0000 UTC]
I think you left out won thing!
If ewe don't read yore comment before sending it, it makes yore commence seem insincere. If you want your critics to be take seriously, make sure you donut sound like a moron.
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bringbackart In reply to SylintQ [2007-06-03 11:35:46 +0000 UTC]
Wow! Excellent point, something crucial we forgot! I'm on the case now!
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SylintQ In reply to bringbackart [2007-06-03 11:56:22 +0000 UTC]
Just trying make the guidelines gooder.
Your welcome.
Also, if I wasn't in such a good mood, I'd think you were being sarcastic. Where's the emoticon?
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bringbackart In reply to SylintQ [2007-06-03 14:03:10 +0000 UTC]
Somewhere in my bed, sorry. lol. I'm reallly tired.
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bringbackart In reply to janisDA [2007-06-03 11:47:21 +0000 UTC]
Thanks so much! We're glad you found it helpful!
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pianique In reply to ??? [2007-05-20 04:14:24 +0000 UTC]
this is such a great help
thank you
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bringbackart In reply to pianique [2007-06-03 11:48:54 +0000 UTC]
So glad you like it, really! It means a lot to us to hear your kind words, may it be a great help to you, a fantastic deviant!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
pianique In reply to bringbackart [2007-06-10 11:07:29 +0000 UTC]
no problem, and thank you!
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schizoMAD In reply to ??? [2007-05-19 15:45:42 +0000 UTC]
I really like how you did this, with the paragraphs and bold subject lines, not to forget the underlining of the same, and adding italic too really makes them stand out.
Also the effect it had on me must not be forgotten, I shall keep the tea in mind, next time I comment!
However, if you had submitted it in a literature category then you could have had the effect of 'reading-by-scrolling' - if you know what I mean. Then again that might not meet the importance of this article, so without further joking I'll just go fave this and hope many people read it!
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bringbackart In reply to schizoMAD [2007-06-03 11:49:47 +0000 UTC]
Haha, thanks so much mate! When we posted this, the scrolling feature wasn't out yet! That makes us sound so old.
Glad you enjoyed it! Hope it helps a lot!
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dananew1 In reply to ??? [2007-05-18 02:02:04 +0000 UTC]
I think some of the reason why people won't leave comments is that, well, the popular people here on DA won't even look at their comment, let alone reply to it with some thanks. I try to reply to all of my comments, along with giving good comments, and critiques when desired. I like giving a decent critique, it makes me feel good inside especially. I learned in art class how to give a good critique, with the elements and principles of art. (like you mentioned, texture, and composition)
This guide is really nice, I'm glad someone finally cared enough for DA to do this. I'm happy now.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
bringbackart In reply to dananew1 [2007-06-03 11:55:11 +0000 UTC]
I feel exactly the same way! We're all here with a common purpose, why not show it! I'm really glad you found this useful, please spread the word! dA can only get better!
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FelixT In reply to ??? [2007-05-16 16:28:41 +0000 UTC]
And just like the majority of DeviantArt this article discriminates literature... *sigh*
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bringbackart In reply to FelixT [2007-05-17 09:35:06 +0000 UTC]
Wow! You're totally right! That's it, I'm writing a guide to commenting literature, thanks so much! I can't believe we forgot lit, seriously! ^_^
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bringbackart In reply to timeisatraveller [2007-05-16 12:08:11 +0000 UTC]
Awesome, I'm glad you liked it! Really hope it helps!
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blessing In reply to ??? [2007-05-14 22:25:55 +0000 UTC]
Wow, I'm amazed, because your concept of comments is the same as mine. I use to say that a good comment is the one that tells you what you can improve, and what you've done right. I must confess I never had a comment like that here in DA (I'm unknown here), but I had comments and really nice crits on another community and I swear it feels wonderful.
So... I'm with you! Let's bring back art to DA!
PS: Sorry for the lame english
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
bringbackart In reply to blessing [2007-05-16 12:09:58 +0000 UTC]
Hey, you're English is almost perfect, if not better than mine!
Thanks so much for all your kind words, and for your feedback. Rather ironic receiving a lovely comment like this on our guide!
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blessing In reply to bringbackart [2007-05-17 17:45:23 +0000 UTC]
I've "featured" you on my Journal. I wish all the community could read your guide. It's what most of us have been waiting for: somebody who cares about comments!
Thank you so much for your kind words. And if you need something and you think I can help, just ask. You know where to find me...
Cheers, and keep going!
Bless
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bringbackart In reply to blessing [2007-06-03 11:55:54 +0000 UTC]
You're too kind, and your support is absolutely amazing! Thanks so much, really! You're a true deviant!
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cldart In reply to ??? [2007-05-14 15:59:46 +0000 UTC]
Good job guys...its rare to receive a proper comment and even more rare to get constructive critism. Thanks for posting this!
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bringbackart In reply to cldart [2007-05-16 12:10:43 +0000 UTC]
Hear hear! Thanks so much for reading this, appreciate it!
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neekko In reply to ??? [2007-04-30 20:59:17 +0000 UTC]
I love you. I'm gonna feature this in my journal because I think a lot of my watchers need to read this.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Spetsnaz-Invidika In reply to ??? [2007-04-29 19:12:19 +0000 UTC]
In all reality, I'd say that sometimes an advanced comment just isn't useful (for example, a character doodle in scraps), and all that is to be said is whether you like it or not. But now that I think about it, most pieces I have posted could benefit a lot from real feedback.
It's why I don't usually ask friends for comments, in drawings or music. They're always too preoccupied with not hurting my feelings, so they don't tell me _anything_ useful.
Even as a casual kind-of-a-cartoonist, this was pretty useful. I am going to favourite it so people stumbling across my page might read it as well.
👍: 0 ⏩: 2
bringbackart In reply to Spetsnaz-Invidika [2007-05-06 10:38:35 +0000 UTC]
Thanks so much! Appreciate your kind words! I really hope it helps you out!
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Spetsnaz-Invidika In reply to bringbackart [2007-05-06 22:52:03 +0000 UTC]
I have indeed already begun keeping this in mind when critiquing. :3 Thank /you/.
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neekko In reply to Spetsnaz-Invidika [2007-05-01 05:59:09 +0000 UTC]
It's why I don't usually ask friends for comments, in drawings or music. They're always too preoccupied with not hurting my feelings, so they don't tell me _anything_ useful.
I know how that feels. I want my friends to be honest. "I don't care if I draw better than you, tell me if something seems off to you!"
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KawaiiBlueNeko In reply to ??? [2007-04-29 12:24:53 +0000 UTC]
Whoah,this is one hella handy Guide 8D Well done this will totally help me for building up good comments
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bringbackart In reply to KawaiiBlueNeko [2007-05-06 10:32:35 +0000 UTC]
Jaaaaammmiiieee! Glad you like it dear! Hope it actually helps!
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evildragongirl666 In reply to ??? [2007-04-29 05:33:44 +0000 UTC]
Thank you for this, it's helped me a lot.
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bringbackart In reply to evildragongirl666 [2007-05-06 10:35:15 +0000 UTC]
So glad you liked it! Hope it helps!
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Toast-Fairy In reply to ??? [2007-04-26 18:56:51 +0000 UTC]
I swear to god I'm going to be using this as a my guidelines EVERY time I comment! This helps so much and so much of it is true. Great job guys!
*is a bad commentor* ^^'
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
bringbackart In reply to Toast-Fairy [2007-04-29 02:19:58 +0000 UTC]
Woah! I'm so glad you found them helpful! Spread the word if you like it!
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Boxiom In reply to ??? [2007-04-24 01:34:28 +0000 UTC]
A link to this would be good to put in there ...
[link]
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bringbackart In reply to Boxiom [2007-04-25 09:06:19 +0000 UTC]
Absolutely, putting it in there now. Thanks so much!
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Babrus In reply to ??? [2007-04-23 18:34:20 +0000 UTC]
BRAVO sir! BRAVO! i m a fan truly! =]
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bringbackart In reply to shawn529 [2007-04-25 09:06:42 +0000 UTC]
Thank you very much, I hope it was helpful!
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Mari-ninja In reply to ??? [2007-04-20 18:13:45 +0000 UTC]
This is a very good guide because it will hopefully make people look carefully at your work. Most of my pieces are started at random then completed then made better. BUT i would still like people to tell me how to improve because it works on me. 1 year ago i was a quite bad artist and looking back i think i've improved heaps due to the critiques given by my sister and my friends. Thank you.
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bringbackart In reply to Mari-ninja [2007-04-25 09:15:28 +0000 UTC]
I'm really glad you liked this, and I hope it inspires people to give better critique!
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BST-Art In reply to ??? [2007-04-20 15:15:56 +0000 UTC]
Beforehand I really sorry about my bad English, I'm not a native speaker.
Your ideas are right...
I'm really bad with giving good comments, maybe It causes my very bad English, but I'm trying to do some better! and I think this "guide" will help me.
I will add to faves!
Thank for giving good ideas to community, I appreciate it.
---
How can I improve my skillz to the future??
"I think people, if they give comment your deviations, write only positives,
but never tells you what is wrong in your image(that will help you more than "nice image.."
When is your art bad, they don't give you a comment, I think this a bad way to commenting... now I giving same comments , but I want to start change it.. maybe you can help me to expand it to the community..
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