5+ Tips to Help You Take Criticism Like A Champ

As an artist, do you know how to take criticism well?

Giving feedback is easy, but receiving it is a whole other ballpark some of us may find challenging. 

And with good reason! Opening yourself up to criticism takes vulnerability that you may not be comfortable with, and it may reopen wounds that are barely beginning to heal. 

Yet part of becoming a great artist is perfecting your craft, and that is better done within a community to close the gaps of knowledge and experience you may lack. 

By being open to receiving feedback on your art, you may be able to find new perspectives, lean into insight from your peers, and construct a plan that will take your music to the next level. 

But how do we take criticism without getting in our feelings about it? Let’s explore the following ten steps together towards handling feedback like a pro. 

What is criticism?

Criticism is written or verbal judgment on the quality of something or someone. 

Who should be criticizing you?

As with many things in life, one must be discerning about who we let into our circle of influence. Not everyone should have the right or access to our process because, let’s face it, not everyone has your best interest at heart. 

Before you start on this road toward self-improvement, find a safe group of people who not only want the best for you but also have the practical experience to speak into your project. With the Holy Spirit leading the way, this could be a group you can rely on for years to come. 

How do I get better at accepting criticism? Follow these 5+ tips.

1. Connect feedback to the project. Much of our reaction to criticism stems from the fact that we take it personally as if the speaker were saying something negative about us. Before you even begin the conversation, remember the discussion is about the project itself, NOT YOU. Its composition, arrangements, and levels all need to be examined from every angle to bring out the best version of your vision into the world. 
2. Listen to understand. Actively listening is a skill that can be acquired and requires practice. Resist the temptation to interrupt the speaker or defend the project while the feedback is being given. Make sure you are not distracted and are giving your full attention to what’s being said about the project. It’s essential to pay attention to the areas that require more of your attention so you can develop an effective action plan later. 
3. Ask for clarification. This is a big one here at Holy Culture. If something is unclear or vague, ask for clarification by explaining how you understood the feedback. “What I hear you say is that the chorus sounds better at the beginning. Is that right?” This allows the speaker to amplify their critique and or provide additional information that can help you refine this particular area of the project. 
4. Remain calm. If receiving feedback is challenging for you, remaining calm may be a struggle, but we have faith that as you continue to do so (as you should), you will improve with time. Remember, your friends want what’s best for you; they are here because they want to see you succeed. Trust your friends, and surrender your apprehension to the Holy Spirit by welcoming His peace during this process. 
5. Identify areas of growth. The wonderful thing about feedback is that patterns will start to emerge. Once you hear the same critique from multiple people or sources, you can be sure this is an area you should focus on because how do you improve if you don’t know what you’re doing wrong? Pay attention to areas where you need to sharpen, improve, or outsource so the sound is the best it can be. 
6. Show gratitude. A good attitude can find a silver lining in any situation. Since you understand the critics themselves have your success at heart, the best way to counteract any negative feelings in this process is to express gratitude. So, thank your friends for lending you their wisdom and their time to help you level up in your career as an artist. And count yourself lucky to be able to call on them to be honest so you can sharpen your talent alongside theirs. 

Stand Up – Keep Going 

Receiving criticism can feel like a personal blow, but when you approach it with the right mindset, it becomes one of your greatest tools for growth. As an artist, every piece of feedback—when filtered through discernment and grace—can refine not just your work, but you as a creative.

Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. When you invite trusted voices into your process, you begin to close gaps in your skill, gain new perspective, and take your craft to the next level. Lean into the process. Trust the people God has placed in your creative circle, and keep your purpose front and center.

It won’t always feel good, but that discomfort is often where breakthrough lives. With humility, teachability, and the Holy Spirit guiding you, there’s no limit to how far you can go. Keep creating, keep sharpening, and most importantly—stand up and keep going. You’ve got this.

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