1. In what ways can feedback be used to improve artistic and design skills?

1. Identifying strengths and weaknesses: Feedback can help artists and designers identify their strengths and weaknesses, giving them a clear understanding of where they excel and where they need to improve.

2. Gaining a fresh perspective: Feedback from others can provide a fresh perspective on an artist’s or designer’s work. It allows them to see their work from a different point of view and consider new ideas or approaches.

3. Understanding audience response: Through feedback, artists and designers can gather information about how their work is perceived by the audience. They can use this knowledge to refine their skills and create pieces that will resonate with viewers.

4. Receiving constructive criticism: Constructive criticism from peers or mentors can help artists and designers pinpoint specific areas for improvement. This type of feedback provides practical suggestions for enhancing skills instead of simply pointing out flaws.

5. Experimenting with new techniques: Feedback can inspire artists and designers to try new techniques or styles, pushing them out of their comfort zone and allowing them to continue developing their skills.

6. Developing problem-solving skills: Feedback often highlights areas that need further refinement or revision. By addressing these challenges, artists and designers build problem-solving skills that translate into more innovative work.

7. Improving attention to detail: Constructive feedback encourages artists and designers to pay closer attention to details in their work, leading to more polished and professional outcomes.

8. Encouraging continuous learning: When used positively, feedback can motivate artists and designers to seek out opportunities for growth and learning continuously.

9. Building confidence: Honest feedback acknowledges an artist’s or designer’s strengths as well as areas for improvement, helping them develop self-awareness while boosting confidence in their abilities.

10.Staying current with trends: By seeking feedback from peers or industry professionals, artists and designers can stay abreast of emerging trends in their fields, inspiring them to adapt their approach accordingly.

2. What role does constructive criticism play in the development of an artist or designer?

Constructive criticism plays a crucial role in the development of an artist or designer.

Firstly, it helps the artist or designer to identify their weaknesses and areas for improvement. Without constructive criticism, an artist may not be aware of their shortcomings and could continue to make the same mistakes without noticing. Constructive criticism allows them to receive feedback from others, which can help them become more self-aware and make necessary changes in their work.

Secondly, constructive criticism provides fresh perspectives and ideas. Artists and designers can get stuck in their own creative bubble, and outside feedback can offer new insights that they may have never considered before. This can lead to innovative ideas and solutions.

Moreover, constructive criticism allows artists and designers to grow thicker skin and learn how to handle various opinions about their work. This is especially important when working with clients or collaborating with others in the industry. It teaches them how to take criticism gracefully, apply what is useful, and ignore what is not.

Furthermore, receiving constructive criticism from peers or mentors who are more experienced can be a great learning opportunity for artists and designers. They can gain valuable knowledge and advice on techniques, materials, processes, or trends that they may not have been aware of before.

In summary, constructive criticism plays a critical role in helping artists and designers improve their skills, broaden their perspectives, develop resilience, and continuously evolve as creatives. It is an essential aspect of the learning process for any artist or designer looking to grow professionally.

3. How can feedback help an artist or designer stay motivated and inspired?

Feedback is crucial for an artist or designer because it allows them to see how their work is being perceived by others. It offers a fresh perspective and helps identify areas of improvement, as well as acknowledge strengths and successes.

Here are some ways feedback can help an artist or designer stay motivated and inspired:

1. Validation: Receiving positive feedback on your work can validate your efforts and boost confidence. It reaffirms that you are on the right track and encourages you to continue creating.

2. Improvement: Constructive criticism from peers or mentors can help an artist or designer improve their skills and hone their craft. Feedback points out areas that need more attention and provides suggestions for how to make improvements.

3. Fresh Perspective: Sometimes artists or designers get too close to their work, making it difficult to see its flaws or potential. Feedback from others offers a new perspective and highlights elements that may have been overlooked.

4. Inspiration: Hearing others’ thoughts about your work can spark inspiration for new ideas and projects. It may also give you a new direction for your current project that you hadn’t considered before.

5. Connection: Feedback creates a dialogue between the artist or designer and the audience, which fosters a sense of connection and community. This connection can be a source of motivation as it reinforces the impact of your work on others.

6. Pushing Boundaries: Honest feedback challenges an artist or designer to push themselves out of their comfort zone, take risks, and explore new techniques/styles that they may not have considered before.

Overall, feedback is valuable in keeping an artist or designer motivated and inspired by providing reassurance, guidance, fresh perspectives, inspiration, connection, and pushing boundaries – all necessary elements for creativity to flourish.

4. What impact does receiving positive feedback have on the creative process?

Receiving positive feedback can have a significant impact on the creative process in several ways:

1. Boosts Confidence and Motivation: Positive feedback can boost the confidence of the creator and motivate them to continue pursuing their creative ideas. Knowing that others appreciate their work can give them a sense of validation and encouragement to keep pushing forward.

2. Sparks New Ideas: Positive feedback can also serve as a source of inspiration for new ideas. When someone acknowledges the creativity and originality of a piece, it can stimulate the creator’s mind to think even more creatively and come up with something new or different.

3. Reinforces Efforts: Creating something from scratch takes a lot of time, effort, and energy. Positive feedback acts as a reinforcement for these efforts, making the creator feel that their hard work has paid off.

4. Encourages Risk-Taking: Sometimes, receiving positive feedback on one’s work can give them the confidence to take risks in their future creations. It helps them feel more comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone and trying new things.

5. Provides Constructive Criticism: Positive feedback does not always mean only compliments; it can also include constructive criticism. Such feedback highlights what aspect of the creation is working well and what can be improved upon, giving the creator valuable insights to refine their work further.

In summary, receiving positive feedback has an overall positive impact on the creative process by boosting motivation, inspiring new ideas, reinforcing efforts, encouraging risk-taking, and providing constructive criticism for improvement.

5. How does negative feedback affect an artist or designer and their work?

Negative feedback can affect an artist or designer in various ways, including:

1. Impact on motivation and confidence: Negative feedback can be demotivating and damaging to an artist or designer’s self-confidence. It may discourage them from pursuing their work or make them doubt their abilities.

2. Creativity and inspiration: Negative feedback can stifle creativity and hinder the flow of new ideas. It may cause the artist or designer to second-guess themselves and limit their experimentation and exploration.

3. Identification of weaknesses: On the other hand, negative feedback can help an artist or designer identify areas where they need improvement. It can highlight weaknesses in their work that they may not have noticed before, leading to growth and development.

4. Adapting to audience preferences: If the negative feedback comes from potential audiences or clients, it can help the artist or designer understand what resonates with their target audience. This information can be used to adapt their work to better suit the preferences of their audience.

5. Pressure to conform: Frequent negative feedback can create pressure for artists and designers to conform to mainstream standards and follow trends instead of creating original work that is true to themselves.

In general, negative feedback should be taken into consideration but not let it completely steer an artist or designer’s creative process. It is essential to find a balance between accepting critiques and staying true to one’s artistic vision.

6. Can feedback from others influence an artist’s or designer’s personal style?

Yes, feedback from others can definitely influence an artist’s or designer’s personal style. This is because art and design are often a reflection of the artist’s environment, experiences, and influences. Feedback from others can provide new perspectives, ideas, and techniques that the artist may not have thought of on their own. It can also challenge or validate the artist’s choices and help them refine their style.

For example, if an artist receives positive feedback on a particular style or technique they’ve tried out in their work, they may be encouraged to further develop and incorporate it into their future pieces. On the other hand, if they receive constructive criticism about certain elements of their work, they may reconsider and make changes to improve their style.

Moreover, artists and designers often seek feedback from fellow creatives through critiques or collaborations. This exchange of ideas and opinions can lead to a cross-pollination of styles and techniques, resulting in the evolution of an artist’s personal style.

However, it is important for artists to stay true to themselves and not let external feedback completely dictate their personal style. Ultimately, personal taste and artistic vision should be the driving force behind an artist’s work.

7. How do artists and designers use client feedback to create successful projects?

Artists and designers use client feedback in several ways to create successful projects:

1. Understanding the Client’s Vision: The first step for artists and designers is to listen to their clients and understand their vision for the project. This helps them to have a clear idea of what the client wants and how they envision the final outcome.

2. Clarifying Expectations: Once the artist or designer understands the client’s vision, they can ask specific questions to clarify any uncertainties. This ensures that both parties are on the same page about what is expected from the project.

3. Incorporating Suggestions: Often clients have specific ideas or suggestions that they want to be included in the project. Artists and designers carefully consider these suggestions and incorporate them into their work while staying true to their artistic vision.

4. Collaborating with Clients: Some artists and designers involve their clients in the creative process by seeking their input at different stages of the project. They may present sketches, mock-ups, or digital renders to get feedback and incorporate it into their work.

5. Addressing Concerns: If a client has concerns or critiques about a particular aspect of the project, artists and designers take them seriously. They will work with the client to find a solution that addresses their concerns while still meeting artistic standards.

6. Revising Work: Based on client feedback, artists and designers may make changes or revisions to their work until it meets the expectations of the client. This iterative process allows for adjustments and improvements along the way.

7. Maintaining Communication: Good communication is essential throughout this process as it allows both parties to stay updated on progress, address any issues promptly, and make timely decisions that lead to successful outcomes.

In conclusion, when incorporating client feedback into their work, artists and designers strike a balance between meeting their creative goals while also fulfilling their clients’ requirements. By collaborating and openly communicating with clients, they can create successful projects that meet everyone’s expectations.

8. What is the importance of seeking feedback from different perspectives in arts and design?

Seeking feedback from different perspectives in arts and design allows for a more well-rounded and objective evaluation of the work. It can help identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential areas for improvement or refinement. Additionally, gathering feedback from different perspectives can provide a diverse range of opinions and insights, leading to more innovative ideas and solutions. It also helps in understanding how different audiences may interpret the work, allowing for adjustments to be made to effectively communicate the intended message. Overall, seeking feedback from various perspectives is crucial in creating successful and impactful artworks and designs.

9. Can feedback from the audience influence the success of a performance or artwork?

Yes, feedback from the audience can definitely influence the success of a performance or artwork. Positive feedback can boost the confidence and motivation of the performers or artists, leading to a better overall result. On the other hand, negative feedback can damage their confidence and potentially hinder their performance or creative process.

Moreover, audience feedback can also affect the perception of the performance or artwork by others. If people hear positive reviews from those who have already seen it, they may be more likely to attend and appreciate it themselves. Conversely, negative reviews may discourage people from attending or viewing the artwork.

In today’s digital age, audience feedback can spread quickly through social media and online platforms, making it even more influential in determining the success of a performance or artwork. Therefore, receiving constructive and positive feedback from the audience is crucial for a successful outcome.

10. How do artists and designers handle conflicting or contradictory feedback on their work?

1. Take a step back: When receiving conflicting feedback, it’s important for artists and designers to take a moment to process and reflect on the critiques before responding. This can help them avoid a knee-jerk reaction and give them time to consider the different perspectives.

2. Consider the source: It’s important to consider who is giving the feedback and their expertise or perspective. Feedback from industry professionals or trusted mentors may hold more weight than that from individuals without experience in the field.

3. Listen actively: Artists and designers should listen carefully and attentively to all feedback, even if it contradicts their own thoughts or opinions. Active listening means paying attention, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting on what is being said.

4. Clarify expectations: Sometimes conflicting feedback can arise from a misunderstanding of expectations. Artists and designers should make sure they have a clear understanding of what is expected of them before making any changes based on feedback.

5. Seek multiple opinions: Instead of relying solely on one person’s feedback, artists and designers can seek out multiple opinions to get a broader understanding of how different people perceive their work. This can help them identify patterns in the feedback and make more informed decisions about potential changes.

6. Separate personal feelings from the work: It’s natural for artists and designers to be attached to their work, but it’s important to remember that receiving criticism or contradictory feedback is not a personal attack. Separating personal emotions from the work can help them approach the critiques objectively.

7. Prioritize goals: Whether it’s creating an impactful piece or satisfying a client’s needs, artists and designers should prioritize their goals when considering conflicting feedback. This can help them determine which aspects are most important for achieving their objectives.

8. Look for areas of agreement: Even if there are contradicting opinions, there may be some points that multiple parties agree on. Artists and designers should pay attention to these points as they may provide valuable insights on where to make adjustments.

9. Consider all options: Instead of choosing one person’s feedback over another’s, artists and designers can explore all the potential options and consider how they align with their own vision for the work. This can help them make a decision that feels true to their artistic or design style.

10. Trust instincts: While taking in feedback and other perspectives is important, at the end of the day, artists and designers should trust their instincts and stay true to their artistic vision. They should use feedback as a tool to improve their work, but ultimately, it’s up to them to make the final decisions on what changes are made.

11. Why is it important for arts and design professionals to give and receive honest feedback?

1. Improving the quality of work: Honest feedback can help arts and design professionals identify areas for improvement in their work, leading to an overall increase in the quality of their output.

2. Encouraging growth and development: Constructive feedback allows artists and designers to learn from their mistakes and progress in their skills, ultimately helping them grow and develop in their careers.

3. Avoiding stagnation: Without honest feedback, it is easy for artists and designers to become complacent and continue producing the same type of work without any real advancement. Honest feedback can help break this cycle and push professionals to try new techniques and styles.

4. Building trust: Giving honest feedback shows that you have genuine interest in a person’s work and want to see them improve. This can lead to a stronger sense of trust between colleagues or mentors, fostering a positive working relationship.

5. Enhancing self-awareness: Receiving honest feedback can help arts and design professionals become more self-aware of their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to make necessary adjustments for improvement.

6. Encouraging critical thinking: Honest feedback requires both the giver and receiver to engage in critical thinking about the work at hand. This helps professionals analyze their decisions and thought processes, leading to deeper understanding and growth.

7. Honing communication skills: Giving constructive criticism requires effective communication skills such as tactfulness, clarity, and empathy. Similarly, receiving feedback gracefully also involves active listening skills, which are valuable qualities in any profession.

8. Creating a community of support: When honesty is valued within a creative community, professionals feel comfortable sharing their work with others without fear of judgment or harsh criticism.

9. Identifying blind spots: Creatives may have blind spots in their work that can only be identified by receiving honest feedback from others with different perspectives.

10. Building resilience: Receiving honest feedback, whether positive or negative, helps artists develop resilience by teaching them how to handle criticism and use it as a tool for growth.

11. Fostering collaboration: Honest feedback fosters open communication and trust, which are essential foundations for successful collaboration among arts and design professionals.

12. How has technology changed the way artists and designers receive feedback on their work?

Technology has greatly changed the way artists and designers receive feedback on their work. Before, feedback was limited to in-person critiques from a few trusted individuals or peers. This often meant that artists and designers had to rely solely on their own judgment and expertise.

With technology, however, feedback is available from a much larger and diverse group of individuals. Artists and designers can now share their work online through social media platforms, portfolio websites, or online platforms specifically designed for creative professionals. This allows for a wider audience to view and comment on the work.

Additionally, technology has made it easier for artists and designers to collaborate and receive feedback remotely. With tools like video conferencing, screen sharing, and cloud-based collaboration platforms, artists and designers can connect with others from anywhere in the world to discuss their work.

Moreover, technology has also made it possible for real-time feedback through features such as comments sections on blogs or live chat functionality on websites. This allows for immediate responses and discussions about the work without having to wait for an in-person meeting.

Overall, technology has greatly expanded the opportunities for artists and designers to receive feedback on their work. It allows for a more diverse range of opinions, faster response times, and easier collaboration with others in the creative community.

13. Can receiving too much positive feedback hinder an artist’s growth?

Yes, it can hinder an artist’s growth if the feedback is too generic, not specific enough, or if it is always positive without any constructive criticism. This type of feedback may lead the artist to become complacent and not push themselves to improve or try new things. Constructive criticism, on the other hand, provides valuable insights and room for growth for the artist to continue developing their skills and pushing their boundaries. It encourages them to take risks and challenge themselves in their work. Therefore, a balance of both positive and constructive feedback is essential for an artist’s growth.

14. In what ways can peer-to-peer feedback benefit artists and designers?

Peer-to-peer feedback can benefit artists and designers in the following ways:

1. Improvement of Skills: When receiving feedback from peers, artists and designers can identify their strengths and weaknesses in their work. They can also learn from others’ techniques and styles, which can lead to the improvement of their own skills.

2. Fresh Perspective: Peers may have a different perspective or approach to creating art or design, which can bring new ideas and inspirations to an artist or designer’s work. This can help them break out of creative blocks or provide new solutions to design challenges.

3. Constructive Criticism: Peers can give honest and constructive criticism that helps artists and designers identify areas for improvement without feeling attacked. This enables creators to view their work from an outsider’s viewpoint, which can help them see any flaws or gaps in their work.

4. Collaboration Opportunities: Peer-to-peer feedback provides opportunities for collaboration between artists and designers with different styles, mediums, or expertise. Such collaborations can open up new doors for learning and experimentation.

5. Building Trust: Sharing one’s work with peers can be nerve-wracking at first, but receiving positive feedback from fellow artists and designers builds trust among the group. As trust grows, so does the willingness to give and receive constructive criticism.

6. Networking: Artist communities often overlap with professional networks; therefore, by participating in peer-to-peer feedback sessions, artists are building connections with potential future clients or collaborators.

7. Motivation & Support: Constructive feedback from peers is a great source of motivation for artists and designers who may feel demotivated due to self-doubt or creative blocks. Positive support from peers encourages them to keep creating despite any challenges they face.

8. Exposure To New Ideas & Trends: Artists working alone may miss out on emerging trends or techniques in the industry; however, engaging with peers exposes them to new ideas that they may not have discovered on their own.

9. Validation: Peer-to-peer feedback can also provide validation to an artist or designer’s work. This can be especially beneficial for those who are new to the field and may struggle with imposter syndrome or self-doubt.

10. Accountability: Being a part of a peer feedback group creates accountability. Artists and designers are more likely to follow through on their goals and deadlines when they know that their peers will review their progress.

Overall, peer-to-peer feedback provides artists and designers with valuable insight, inspiration, motivation, and support that can help them grow both personally and professionally.

15. Are there cultural differences in how artists and designers respond to criticism?

Yes, cultural differences can play a role in how artists and designers respond to criticism. Some cultures may have a more direct approach to giving and receiving feedback, while others may place greater emphasis on preserving harmony and avoiding conflict. This can affect the way artists and designers interpret and respond to criticism, as well as their attitudes towards seeking feedback or implementing changes based on it. Additionally, cultural norms and values may influence the type of criticism that is considered acceptable or appropriate, which can also impact how it is received.

16. Does social media play a significant role in providing instant feedback for creatives?

Yes, social media has become a powerful tool for providing instant feedback for creatives. With the rise of platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, creatives can share their work with a large audience and receive immediate feedback in the form of likes, comments, shares, and direct messages. This allows them to gauge the response to their work, gather insights and make necessary tweaks or changes. Social media also provides a more direct line of communication between creatives and their audience, allowing for quicker and more personal interactions.

17. How can mentors effectively provide feedback to support an artist’s growth?

1. Be specific: When providing feedback, it is important to be specific and give examples to support your points. This will help the artist understand exactly what areas need improvement and how they can work on them.

2. Focus on strengths: While it is important to point out areas that need improvement, mentors should also focus on the artist’s strengths and encourage them in those areas. This will boost their confidence and motivation to continue growing.

3. Use the sandwich approach: Start by giving positive feedback, then mention areas for improvement, and end with more positive feedback. This way, the artist will not feel demotivated or discouraged by only hearing criticism.

4. Give constructive criticism: Instead of simply telling an artist what they did wrong, provide suggestions and techniques on how they can improve. This will help them see a clear path towards growth.

5. Encourage self-reflection: Ask the artist questions that can help them reflect on their own performance and identify areas for improvement on their own.

6. Be timely: Feedback should be given as soon as possible after an event or performance, so the artist can better remember their actions and learn from them.

7. Provide a safe space for open communication: A mentor-artist relationship should be built on trust and open communication. Create a safe environment where the artist feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings about their art and progress.

8. Set achievable goals: Work together with the artist to set realistic goals for their growth and development. This will give them something tangible to work towards and track their progress.

9. Monitor progress: Check-in regularly with the artist to see how they are progressing towards their goals and provide continuous feedback along the way.

10.Don’t be too critical: While it is important to provide constructive criticism, constantly pointing out flaws without any positive reinforcement can have a negative impact on an artist’s confidence and motivation. Find a balance between pointing out areas for improvement and recognizing their efforts.

11. Use a variety of communication methods: Some artists may respond better to written feedback, while others may prefer face-to-face discussions. Try to use different methods of communication to see what works best for the individual artist.

12. Personalize feedback: Every artist is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Consider the individual’s learning style, personality, and goals when providing feedback.

13. Encourage self-assessment: As the artist grows and becomes more confident, encourage them to also assess their own progress and identify areas for improvement on their own.

14. Celebrate successes: When an artist shows growth or reaches a goal, take the time to celebrate with them and acknowledge their hard work. This will motivate them to continue striving for improvement.

15. Don’t be afraid to give tough love: While it is important to provide positive reinforcement and encouragement, there are times when tough love may be needed. Be honest with the artist about areas that need improvement, but also offer support and guidance on how they can overcome any challenges.

16. Be patient: Growth takes time, so mentors should be patient and understanding with an artist’s progress. Encourage them to continue working towards their goals at their own pace.

17. Follow up: After providing feedback, always follow up with the artist to see how they are progressing and if they have any questions or concerns. This shows your commitment to their growth and development as an artist.

18. Is there a difference between professional critique versus personal opinion when it comes to creative works?

Yes, there is a difference between professional critique and personal opinion when it comes to creative works. Professional critiques are usually given by experts in the field who have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the craft. Their feedback is often based on technical aspects, such as structure, writing style, character development, etc. They offer constructive criticism that can help improve the work and are objective in their evaluation.

On the other hand, personal opinions are usually based on individual preferences and emotions. They may be influenced by personal biases or experiences and may not provide useful insights for improving the work. While personal opinions can be helpful in some cases, they should not be considered as a substitute for professional critique.

19. Can emotional reactions interfere with the ability to receive constructive criticism in arts and design?

Yes, emotional reactions can interfere with the ability to receive constructive criticism in arts and design. When someone is emotionally attached to their work, they may take any criticism personally and become defensive or upset. This can lead to a closed mindset and an inability to truly hear and consider the feedback being given. Additionally, negative emotions such as self-doubt or insecurity can also affect an individual’s ability to receive criticism in a productive manner. It is important for artists and designers to be able to distinguish between constructive criticism and personal attacks, and to approach feedback with an open mind and willingness to improve their work.

20 Gear Vendors experience Technicians -How do experienced artists effectively provide meaningful, actionable feedback to new artists?

1. Constructive Criticism: Experienced artists know that effective feedback is not about pointing out flaws or errors, but rather providing constructive criticism that helps the new artist improve. They focus on providing specific and actionable suggestions for improvement, instead of making general critiques.

2. Understand the New Artist’s Perspective: Before giving feedback, experienced artists take the time to understand the new artist’s level of experience, background, and goals. This allows them to tailor their feedback to be most relevant and effective for the individual.

3. Focus on Growth and Development: Experienced artists understand that giving feedback is not about being critical or judgmental, but rather about helping the new artist grow and improve their skills. They approach feedback with a positive attitude and highlight areas where the new artist has shown progress.

4. Be Specific and Detailed: Rather than using generic statements or vague comments, experienced artists provide specific and detailed feedback that highlights both strengths and weaknesses in the new artist’s work. This helps the new artist understand what they did well and where they can improve.

5. Use a Balance of Positive and Negative Feedback: While it is important to point out areas for improvement, experienced artists also make sure to highlight what the new artist did well. This balance of positive and negative feedback helps build confidence while also providing opportunities for growth.

6. Encourage Questions and Dialogue: Giving effective feedback involves not just talking at someone but having a conversation with them. Experienced artists encourage questions from new artists to ensure they fully understand the feedback given and create a dialogue where both parties can learn from each other.

7. Lead by Example: Experienced artists lead by example when giving feedback by demonstrating their own openness to receiving constructive criticism from others. This creates a safe space for new artists to receive feedback without feeling defensive or discouraged.

8. Give Feedback in Private: Providing meaningful feedback should be done in a private setting where there are no distractions or peer pressure. This allows the new artist to focus on understanding and implementing the feedback given without feeling self-conscious.

9. Recognize Progress and Effort: Experienced artists know that learning and improving takes time, so they make sure to recognize and acknowledge the progress and effort put in by the new artist. This helps motivate them to continue striving for improvement.

10. Communicate with Empathy: Finally, experienced artists understand that giving feedback is a balance between being honest and mindful of the new artist’s feelings. They communicate with empathy, taking into consideration how their words may be received and making sure to provide encouragement and support along with their criticisms.