How to Give (and Get) Better Feedback on Creative Work
Giving and receiving feedback on creative work can be… tricky. One person’s “bold and exciting” is another’s “too much red.” Whether you're a designer, illustrator, or just someone who works with creative people, the feedback loop is a crucial part of the process—and when it’s done well, it makes everything better.
Here are some tips for making feedback more useful, less awkward, and actually kind of magical.
Start with What’s Working
Before diving into what needs to change, take a second to name what’s going right. It’s not just about being nice—it helps ground the conversation, reinforce the direction, and build trust. (Plus, creatives are humans too. We like to hear when something lands.)
Instead of:
“This isn’t what I had in mind.”
Try:
“I love the playful typography—especially the way it feels energetic. Here’s what I think could be pushed further…”
2. Be Specific, Not Vague
“I just don’t like it” is not feedback—it’s a dead end. Whether you’re giving or asking for feedback, aim for clarity. What exactly isn’t working? The color palette? The mood? The legibility of the text?
Better phrasing:
“Could we try a version with less contrast between the background and text?”
“This layout feels a little crowded—can we simplify it?”
3. Ask Questions, Don’t Dictate
Creativity is collaborative. Rather than issuing commands, ask questions that invite exploration. This opens the door for better solutions and keeps the energy constructive.
Try saying:
“What if we explored a softer tone here?”
“Do you think a hand-drawn element might fit better with the brand?”
4. Set the Stage for Good Feedback
If you're the one getting feedback, help people help you. Let them know what stage the work is in, what you’re still playing with, and what kind of feedback you're actually looking for.
Example:
“This is an early concept, so I’m mostly looking for gut reactions to the color and tone—don’t worry about layout yet.”
5. Take a Beat Before Reacting
When you’ve poured hours into something, even helpful feedback can sting a little. Before getting defensive, take a breath. Ask clarifying questions. Remember that feedback is a tool, not a personal attack—and sometimes the best ideas come out of that discomfort zone.
Final Thoughts: Feedback is a Creative Superpower
The best feedback helps creative work grow stronger, not safer. It's not about pleasing everyone—it's about refining ideas, clarifying the message, and building something you’re proud to put out into the world.
Whether you're working with a team or just trying to improve your own process, better feedback makes for better results. And like anything else, it gets easier (and less awkward) with practice.