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Fill out ProjectComment 's comment meme to win comments, features and !

Original: Comment Meme! Fill out :devprojectcomment:'s comment meme to win comments, features and :points:! 1. When did you start commenting on artwork, and why? 2. What kind of art do you like to comment on? 3. Nowadays, do you often :+fav: or comment, and why? 4. What motivates you to comment? Can you name three things, minimum? 5. What is difficult about commenting? What do you usually do about it? 6. What is a constructive comment, in your opinion? 7. Is there a difference between a constructive comment and a critique? If so, what is this difference? 8. How often do you think you comment constructively and post critiques? 9. Do you use a specific techniq...

1. When did you start commenting on artwork, and why?
I suppose I started commenting when I first made this account on DeviantART, which was about four years ago. At first, I was just being nice and supportive. After a while, I realized I don't get much attention on my own submissions, and it made me feel invisible. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, so I commented where I could to help others feel good about being noticed as well as give myself a little hope that someone would look at my page in return.

2. What kind of art do you like to comment on?
I mostly comment on poetry that I like and have something positive or specific to say. I also comment a lot on outstanding visual art, but that's typically more generic because I'm never sure what to say.

3. Nowadays, do you often or comment, and why?
I comment more because I don't like favoriting without saying something (I only favorite without commenting on popular pieces that already have tons of comments unless I have something original to say) but I comment a lot without favoriting. If I like a piece, I'll give feedback even if I don't favorite it.

4. What motivates you to comment? Can you name three things, minimum?
1) Something about the piece stands out to me on a personal level.
2) I really enjoyed reading or looking at the piece.
3) I see room for improvement and I have advice for the artist.
4) If somebody comments on my work and asks me to look at their art, I will do so and leave a comment.

5. What is difficult about commenting? What do you usually do about it?
It can be difficult giving constructive criticism when I don't like something - usually poetry. I want to say something helpful, but sometimes I just see a random scramble of words that could be from an angsty diary entry. I usually don't say anything in those cases, but lately I've tried harder to come up with something. I might say about the raw emotions and how I understand the writer's point so they are encouraged to keep practicing. Most of these writers are young, so they will usually hone their skills with time and by reading classics.

6. What is a constructive comment, in your opinion?
A constructive comment has five components:
1) This is what I like and why.
2) This is what I don't like and why.
3) This is a suggestion of how you can improve.
4) Acknowledging any skill and/or effort that went into the piece.
5) A positive, overall comment that encourages practice.

7. Is there a difference between a constructive comment and a critique? If so, what is this difference?
Constructive comments are nicer than a critique, at least in my experience. Critiques are for writers or artists who are already skilled and continuously showcase their abilities. Constructive comments (see above) are designed to help the artist grow. Critiques say, "This is my opinion of your piece" and may result in further improvement by highlighting aspects he or she has mastered or narrowing down on what needs work; but critiques may also be mostly negative and harsh. In short, constructive comments are helpful while critiques are honest.

8. How often do you think you comment constructively and post critiques?
Commenting constructively was pretty rare for me - typically only if the artist asked for it. I believe I've critiqued four times total since joining, but one has been deleted by the respective artist (I don't remember the piece, to be honest.) Ever since being invited to ProjectComment, I've commented constructively three times and I plan to do so more frequently. The main reason I refrained in the past is because I was afraid of overstepping and accidentally hurting someone's feelings.

9. Do you use a specific technique when you comment? (e.g. sandwich method)
Assuming this is not referring to constructive comments, I usually comment with something positive, such as "I love/like/enjoy ____." I may or may not add parts I feel could use work. With art I truly enjoy (enough to favorite) I specify my favorite part and comment on the personal connection I felt.

10. What kind of comments do you like to receive? (e.g. constructive, critique, 'normal')
I really, really want constructive criticism. I want to know what works and what doesn't; how to improve; what people like best about my poetry... But unfortunately, I don't receive that nearly enough. I usually get nice comments, but the thoughtful ones are my favorites of those (the ones that say something personal about my writing, not just a generic "Great job!" or something along those lines.)

11. Do you have any comment expectations regarding your artwork? (e.g. tips for improvement, likes and dislikes, etc.)
I might have jumped the gun with the last response XD I definitely want to know what the reader likes or dislikes (although I do hope there's more to like than dislike). I'm always a bit disappointed when I get a comment that only says something generic that can be applied to literally anything else. At least that's better than those who favorite without any comment! I just want to know why you like it D: But... Any tips are welcome!

12. Do you have any pet peeves with the comments you receive, and the comments you give?
Backing away from the whole "generic" comment thing, I do get irritated when someone asks me to review their art in exchange for a compliment (i.e. Great work! Hey, could you look at _______ and tell me what you think?). It puts me in an uncomfortable position. If I go to the gallery or linked piece, I have to say something, but if I don't like it at all (and see nothing to review) what can I say? It's really hard commenting constructively on something that doesn't have anything that is good or could be improved upon. If I don't take a look, I feel guilty and I worry they'll think I'm being mean. In the end, I reword the shallow comment they gave me and post it back to them.

14. Do you have any tips and suggestions for new commenters and artists looking for feedback?
First, do not have a "standard" comment! Make each and every comment unique and original. If you see nothing worth commenting on in a specific piece but you want to help an artist, go through the gallery until you find something that inspires you to give feedback. If you love a piece but don't know what to say, then just explain why it really touched you. If it is tragically beautiful, made you laugh, reminded you of something, or anything else, tell the artist! If you like it but don't know why, just tell the artist what your favorite part was. Reading positive comments always brightens a person's day, so it is super nice to leave them! If you don't like a piece, but you understand why, give some feedback. i.e. If it's dull, suggest how to spruce a piece up! I know this is easier said than done, especially if you're in a hurry, but commenting should be more than mindless parroting.
If you're looking for feedback, join groups and submit your best work! This increases visibility and someone is bound to give good, helpful feedback. ProjectComment is the best group I've found for this because it really focuses on giving and getting comments. Don't be afraid to leave a thousand comments in a single artist's gallery...They might appreciate it enough to thank you; when they do, they'll see your page and if they like something, they might comment in return. But don't ask for it - not everyone is comfortable with that. Most importantly, your best critic is yourself. Make a goal for yourself. Study your favorite classics or professionals and figure out why you like them.

15. Ask one question about comments you would like your tagged people to answer!
Do you prefer to leave or receive comments?

Tag as many people as you want to answer ProjectComment 's Comment Meme!Sorry if you don't want to respond. You are under no obligation to do so! I just looked through my own watchers and those I watch to get a good mix of people of varying levels of popularity on DeviantART.
Just-Hardly
Kasami-Kat
RitellianCaptain
thebalefulprimal
Emily-Byrd
comatose-comet
LadyBitterblue
LadyLincoln
Larathain
LadyRavenClaw
KaylaJules
Akai--Me
callistory
sofialf
Michelliana19992016