Constructive Criticism

Have you ever asked for constructive criticism on some model making forum? Or maybe you got it without asking for? Don't you have a feeling that 'constructive criticism' phrase is overused these days?

Let's have a closer look at this matter and find out what actually constructive criticism is, as well as how to provide and receive it. Wikipedia defines constructive criticism as 'the process of offering valid and well-reasoned opinions about the work of others, usually involving both positive and negative comments, in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one'. But how often do you feel upbuilded when your model is criticized? More likely you feel underappreciated and discouraged. Although you are well aware of most good and bad things in your model, people seem to focus only on negative points. Isn't it because being sarcastic is trendy? Critics who follow such patterns often want to highlight their bright intellect, minding the audience more than the criticized modeler's sake. On the other hand such attitude is so common that even when receiving constructive criticism people sometimes become defensive. Mostly it leads to aggressive response but adopting passive, resigned attitude by some more sensitive individuals is often observed.

What should you do if you want to provide constructive criticism to some other modeler in a model making forum? Remember that lacking face-to-face contact, constructive criticism can be easily misinterpreted. Friendly online dialogues sometimes get out of hand and become mud battles. If you want to help some less skilled modeler - your posts should contain soft language with a little inclusion of positive comments. Surely giving some tips or advising how to improve things will prove your good will. If you ever encounter a defensive or even aggressive person, remember not to let your remarks become negative nagging. Perceptive approach brings much better results.

And what should you do if you want to receive constructive criticism? First think if you really want your model to be criticized and if you are ready to get advices. If so, then you need to focus on constructive elements of the criticism. Even if you receive harsh comments and feel hammered by strong words - try to rephrase them into more polite manner to have a clear view on the message instead of its form. If you adopt an open attitude to criticism and use provided help, you may notice constant progress in producing better and better models and developing your interpersonal skills.

Kit maker or Scratch builder

Are my models defining what kind of modeler I am? Do the techniques I use determine my model making as better than somebody else’s? It is true that upgrading model kits with parts made by myself may give a better final result that if I'd make a model basing on kit parts only. Sometimes a similar effect can be obtained with aid of aftermarket resin or photoetched parts dedicated for a particular plastic kit. Use of such elements allow even less skilled - or more impatient modelers, to provide their miniatures with high level of detail. Although building a model from scratch, with use of my own materials and tools requires much more work, it can be however the only way to build an object which yet hasn't been released as a kit. Many factors decide on how to judge models built out of box, upgraded with aftermarket kits, or scratch built. The first one is: what I expect of myself, second is: what I regard my hobby as, and finally: why I build my models. Let’s think about it. Am I satisfied with a model build over one evening, or rather I spend hundreds of hours to gather reference materials, to familiarize with every detail of full size object, so I can finally build a faithful replica in scale? If so, then it means model making isn’t only a pastime to me. I regard it as a way to perfection for my attitudes such as strong will, patience and composure. Furthermore a combination of the above motives drives me to compare my models with other modelers or even to compete with them. This competition leads  to the question asked in the beginning. Is my modelmaking better than others'? It mostly depends with whose models I compare my miniatures. 

If I try to compare my replicas with models made by beginning modelers or those who are more interested in building their collection of models instead of building replicas in scale, then I can’t find satisfaction in such comparison. Surely it won’t give me prestige. Contrarily it may only discourage others from model making or even make them find me snobbish. Even if I build champion models, I can regard myself as master modeler only if I win with other master modelers. Moreover creating super-detailed replicas does not authorize me to dictate my approach to model making. The fact that I prefer to build from scratch – which I strongly recommend in this blog – does not mean that my model making is the best. If however my aim is to win a prestigious award in a world class model competition, then I will surely do my best to create an outstanding masterpiece, so when I put it among other master models – it won’t bring me shame.