THE Q & A SERIES - RELEASING YOUR CREATIVE WORK INTO THE WORLD
Hi Emily!
I’m writing today because I’m wondering if I could get your advice. As I’ve grown my business, I’ve also grown in the number of criticisms received. I think I do a bad job of taking these too personally, even though the good feedback far, far outweighs the negative. (Why do we remember the harsh words more than the kind?)
I’m getting ready to test my first graded pattern and I find myself REALLY dragging my feet because I know it won’t fit everyone, it won’t make everyone happy, people will say mean things. So, I’d like to just ask you how you handle that criticism and still feel bold enough to put your work out there. How does that feel to you?
- S
Hi S,
Thanks for reaching out. I really like that we have been able to connect and it's great to know there are other people experiencing the many ups (and downs) of making sewing patterns.
This is definitely something I have gotten a lot better with over time, and I'd imagine it will be the same for you. A few things have really helped though and I am happy to tell you what has worked for me, in the hope it might help you too!
First thing, when I was testing the Rushcutter (my first pattern) I definitely took any form of constructive criticism very personally. Although there was a lot of positive feedback during testing, the negative is what stuck in my mind. I remember speaking to my partner about it and telling him what people didn't like about the pattern. I told him that some said there was too much ease in it, it was too big, the neckline was too high etc. He then pointed out that all of these things were design / preference things and that there actually wasn't anything wrong with the pattern.
This has stuck in my mind and is something I constantly remind myself of. If there is a mistake in the grading, construction etc. I will always fix it, but if someone doesn't like the design, then that is not something I will change or tamper with as I believe this is what integrity of design is about. My designs will not always be to everyone's liking, but I think it's really important to stick to your guns as you can't please everyone. Now when I read through the feedback, I will ask myself "Is this something they don't like about the design, or is it a flaw in the pattern?"
I am very grateful that I learned this early on and did stick to my vision, as to this day this is still the most popular of my patterns!
Speaking of feedback - ask people very particular questions. I am not sure how your pattern testing runs, but I create a feedback form with very specific questions. I do not look at the feedback until the testing period is over and look at it all in one go to save stressing about something that might only be a big deal for one tester. I learned this lesson the hard way!
The other thing I have recently been thinking about and that I want to work on in future, is opening testing to customers only. In past tests I have opened it on Instagram for everyone, but have recently realised that so many people apply who have never used one of my patterns as they just want to experience pattern testing. At times I think this has been slightly detrimental to the quality of feedback I have received because some of these makers don't really get what I do or my style / mission doesn't resonate with them. They might have been looking for a quick and easy project and that's not at all what my work is about. I really try to make my testing period an enjoyable experience for all involved, so I think making sure we're all roughly on the same page from the outset is a good place to start.
Related to this is acknowledging with feedback, "is this person really my customer?" I know who I am making my patterns for and it is not everyone. For example, someone who loves all things 'fit and flare' etc. is probably not going to like my patterns and that is okay. Their feedback is likely to say that my design should have much less ease or be more shaped at the waist etc.
Also, I don't think anyone will say anything mean when giving feedback - at least not intentionally. Makers are generally lovely people (obviously there are some exceptions to this) and will try to be kind (or at least that is my experience). I do my testing in a Slack group and I really love connecting with the whole group through that platform. I think it helps to run testing in a group like that, as makers will help each other along and it takes some of the pressure off your shoulders. I think it also adds to the experience for the testers as they can connect with each other and learn from each other.
The last thing that comes to mind is that I think we need to seperate ourselves from our work. I really struggle with this one, but am constantly working on it. If someone doesn't like what I'm doing, it is not a reflection on me or my character, it is my work and that is seperate from me (although it does feel like my baby latched onto me most of the time). This one is getting easier as I connect with more of my tribe with each pattern release.
Have you read Daring Greatly by Brené Brown? Or watched her show on Netflix? If you haven't, I think it would be a good thing to read right now. It's all about putting yourself out there.
It starts with this quote from Theodore Roosevelt which I think is an important one for us creatives to keep in mind as it can be really hard to put yourself out there again, particularly after receiving negative feedback / comments:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
I hope this helps you! And let me know if you have any more questions.
Best of luck with pattern testing! I am sure it will go really well. And if it doesn't, you'll just learn something for next time!
Talk soon,
Emily
P.S. Would you like to know what the Q & A series is all about? This page tells you a little bit more about the motive behind the series. Past issues from the Q & A series can be found here.
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