How to give feedback on a render or artwork
I thought feedback was worth discussing. I don’t think anyone teaches how to do it well. There is more than one way to do it too, and it can be very subjective and contextual. The challenge is that we all communicate differently: some in pictures, some in words, others in feelings. What makes it difficult is that we have so little time to describe things clearly.
Here are four key areas to cover when giving feedback.
The idea is to be clear, to the point, with no criticism. Creatives are sensitive, in a good way. It is that beautiful sensitivity that manifests artwork that makes people stop and stare, and ignites emotions.
1: Be precise about where the comment goes
Adding a comment exactly where it applies is easy. It can be on something very specific, so specific it can be pixel accurate or object accurate in a render. This works because an artist can immediately see what the comment refers to and read it in place. From the other side, if the comment is randomly placed, it ends up being an interpretation, or worse, left to guesswork.
The same comment, in two places
The words are identical in both panels. Only the placement changes.
Sometimes you need to draw on the area, with tools like those available in Propagio. The basic tools we are all familiar with from Microsoft, Adobe and others help you get to that tiny accessory on a coffee table or bookshelf. Once the thing or area in the image has been pointed to, a comment box should pop up.
2: Write the comment
In the comment box, if I’m commenting to update, say, a piece of furniture, I’ll describe what the change should look like, using descriptive adjectives. If I can, I’ll add the name of the product, the brand, the colours, fabric and materials, sizes, edition or model numbers. If they are available, I’ll add website links, Pinterest links or any relevant images in the same comment. If I add an image, I’ll describe the specific items or details in it that are important for the render. This guides the artist to the intent.
3: Use reference images
Alongside the comments, where I can, I’ll add supporting images that cross-reference the comment and close the loop, the same way a good briefing does at the start. The image is the most important part of feedback. It can convey so much to the artist working on the update. Keep it to one or two images at most; too many just promote interpretation. If the comment refers to a specific piece of furniture, find the image that supports it.
What to put in a comment
Not every line every time. The more of it that is there, the fewer rounds it takes.
In the comment box
- What it should look like, described, using adjectives.
- Product name and brand, if you know them.
- Colours, fabric and materials.
- Sizes.
- Edition or model number, which removes all doubt.
Attached to it
The part that carries the most meaning, and the part most often missing.
- A website or Pinterest link.
- One or two reference images, no more. Too many just promote interpretation.
- What in the image matters, because the artist cannot know which part you meant.
4: The feeling (the subjective)
I know we don’t have time for feelings and emotions. But this is the language of a Creative, and this is where the brilliance manifests.
Yes, a technical artist can work from the words in a comment, but they can also find the emotional depth to create beauty and love within their work. They find it in those images and words, and in understanding what the image needs to communicate to its audience.
Comments can be fun, and artists love the specificity and direction. That said, some amazing artists love the interpretation and have a real knack for understanding what a client wants for their project. Be patient with each other; we’re all learning.
I hope this helps someone,
Thanks for reading.
Luke