Let’s Talk Feedback
…and when not to give a f#ck what others think.
I’ve got a bit of a reputation for “not caring what people think.” That’s not entirely true. I just understand that not all opinions carry weight. Everyone’s allowed an opinion — but that doesn’t mean it’s relevant to me or my work.
This came up on a recent trip to the salon — Shag on 17th (side note: I have a lot of art up there, go check it out). While getting my hair done, I overheard a 20-something talking to her stylist. She described herself as an abstract artist who works with neutral, earthy tones. The stylist pointed to one of my pieces on the wall and asked what she thought.
With more venom than necessary, she replied, “Honestly, I think it’s really tacky. I mean… acrylic?” Then something I couldn’t catch over a blow dryer, and the conversation veered into her “men-hating stage.” I giggled quietly and thought, “Someone needs a hug.”
I posted the anecdote on Instagram, mostly because I found it funny — but my lovely followers jumped in to defend me. “That’s just mean,” “Your art is beautiful,” etc. It was kind, but I wasn’t looking for a rescue.
Here’s the thing: Too many people get paralyzed by feedback. They obsess over comments from people who don’t matter. Maybe my design background made me more resilient. For 25 years, I’ve had work critiqued, picked apart, and sometimes celebrated. Feedback isn’t gospel. It’s data — and you have to assess whether it’s useful.
So how do I decide what feedback matters?
Let’s keep this focused on art (though it applies to just about everything).
1. Know Who You’re Creating For
I make art for myself first. But we live in a capitalist world, and I like to eat — so I also create for a specific audience. Not everyone. I want the work to resonate with them. They don’t have to love it, but I want them to get it.
Art is a conversation — and sometimes “tacky” gets people talking more than “pretty.” My piece sparked a reaction. That’s a win. Whether she liked it is irrelevant. It made her feel something.
2. Understand Your Audience
People often ask, “Isn’t art for everyone?” Yes — in terms of engagement. But not in terms of purchasing. Art is a luxury product. And like any product, you need to understand your target demographic.
Here’s mine:
Marketing Persona: The Conscientious Curator
- Age: 45–60
- Urban Canadian (or Pacific Northwest US)
- Works in architecture, tech, design, education, or sustainability
- Values: innovation, legacy, aesthetics, environmental stewardship
- Buys art with intention: a reflection of values, not just decoration
- Seeks out unique, thought-provoking pieces that spark conversation
- Prefers curated buying experiences and trusts artists who share their process
So does our 20-something artist at the salon fit this persona? Nope. That doesn’t mean young people can’t appreciate or buy art — but she’s unlikely to be my buyer. And that’s fine. I don’t need her to like it.
Feedback without context is just noise.
The moment you start watering down your work to please everyone, you lose what makes it yours. Individuality dies. Innovation dies. And let’s be honest: the work becomes forgettable.
So next time someone throws shade your way, ask yourself:
Do they understand the work? Are they part of my audience? Do they matter in this context?
If not — carry on. Your people will get it.
