PSA: Patterns and Constructive Criticism

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Intro

As a pattern designer, receiving constructive criticism is imperative in refining my patterns.
I rely on my testers and other people to offer suggestions to make my patterns the best that they can be.
But knowing when and how to actually give constructive criticism is key.

Example

Lets say you have a lemonade stand
(Scenario 1) I get a cup of lemonade, and I take a sip— but something isn’t quite right. So I say, “hey, I think this lemonade needs more sugar.”

(Scenario 2) I get a cup of lemonade, I take a sip— but something’s off. I complain that it tastes bad because I hate lemonade.

The first scenario is constructive criticism, it identifies a problem and provides a solution.

The second scenario is just criticism, it doesn’t provide any useful feedback and it makes the original person feel bad.

Giving Constructive Criticism when it’s needed

A large part about giving actually useful constructive criticism is knowing when and where it’s actually appropriate.

Not everything is going to appeal to everyone and that’s fine. If you don’t like it, or it doesn’t appeal to you, then you don’t need to interact with it. If you don’t like lemonade, then don’t go to a lemonade stand and demand they make something else.

If you see something you don’t like, you’re not obliged to share your opinion on it. Like if I hate clowns, then I’m not going to go onto someone’s clown pattern release and say “Your pattern is ugly!! I hate clowns because I’m incredibly afraid of them!!”
If I hate clowns, then I don’t have any reason to interact with the pattern— I’m clearly not the intended audience. Any feedback I have about the pattern isn’t going to be helpful.

(Exception: if a pattern has the wrong categorization, like it doesn’t have the right tags, then it’s fine to say something about it. But be polite)

Also, you should always ask if it’s ok to give constructive criticism about something before you do so— not everyone is open to suggestions and that’s fine.

If y’all have any suggestions/edits for what I need to add to this just lmk

-mango :)

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:bullseye:

Well said.

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Exactly!

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PREACH :raising_hands::collision:

if you don’t like something keep it to yourself, unless the person explicitly asks YOU what you think of it :collision:

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Amen! You might add that reasons for a change are needed. Just a little constructive criticism :wink:

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this needed to be said! well done <3

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Thanks for saying this. There is definitely times where people need to understand that if they don’t like something, it’s easier to just scroll on if it’s not hurting anyone.

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Yes!:clap:
Well said! Sometimes it’s better just to think something and not actually say it!

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Thank you! We’re seeing way too many ppl these days just criticizing with no offer to help :/

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Fr dude ! I made a pattern and no one said anything bad about it but when I looked ver it again before releasing, I found A TON of mistakes. Ppl don’t need to js ignore the problems but go about it in a kind way.

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Actually​:nerd_face::index_pointing_up: I think there’s typo/jk

But seriously thank you for making this topic, it’s been getting crazy

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People assume that patterns are always going to be perfect, and get mad when there are mistakes :sob:

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Typo? What typo? You must be hallucinating /silly

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Yes! Someone had to say it.

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100% agree, like catching the spelling/autocorrect errors, ugh. It’s like having a smudge of charcoal on my face, please just tell me!

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Yes yes yes!!! This is gold

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SAY lT LOUDER FOR THE ONES AT THE BACK :speaking_head::speaking_head::speaking_head::collision::collision:
Spot on as always :]

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I 100% agree! This is said so well!

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Nicely worded!

So much meanness nowadays- no need to pile more on someone.

I would say I’ve had a great time testing my very first pattern and I love to sort of sandwich any changes or ideas with compliments

For example:

“Hey I’m loving this pattern so far it’s so cool, was wondering if when you say x here do you mean y?

Hope you’re having a great day, excited to share my finished project!”

This establishes tone, keeps the maker confident, points out possible areas of refinement, and ends again in a kindness

This is what I learned with Art Crits, and I carry it with me for everything- couching something in kindness is just softer

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Oh- I have never understood the mindset of stopping by some stranger’s work and saying how much you dislike it.

Gah

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