painting *

As a former grad. student in an MFA program that was very competitive to get into (with weekly "workshops" i.e. crits) ; and, as a former professor who taught creative writing (with crits); and, as the mother of two sons - both of whom going into the visual arts (paiting and animation), earning undergraduate degrees at another highly competitive "art school" ... I think I have some background and possible recommendations to offer you. 1. Use your head; but, trust your gut 2. your fellow students, are also ... students; and, may not have learned the fine art of "constructive criticism" 3. you and your instructor/professor/"leader" should require ... details to support/defend/expand upon the "constructive criticism" 4. anything that's not within the realm of "constructive criticism" should be, politely (if possible) re-directed and/or re-focused and/or .... ended. [ my 3 cents worth] Holler if you want/need/desire more. Rock on! P. S. Even as a student you can form creative collaborations ... you do not have to wait until you become a "professional" (i.e. earn your degree/certificate/whatever) If you know your strength is *here* and not *there* -- seek out someone who has the strength you feel you don't have -- both can learn and become ... stronger; and, do good/better works. win/win/win ~:-)

You may be getting conned. How much money have you thrown at the class?

also, remember this: while your student book will be the most important thing to you in getting your first job or internship, it'll be something you look at going "oh my god, i can't believe i thought that stuff was good!" after you've actually had an ad job or two. Keep your sense of humor and sense of adventure above all else, but learn from constructive criticism. Also, learn to trust your gut. I'd highly suggest getting yourself an internship (if you don't already have one), and don't just think ad agency...you can do great work client-side too. School's good an all, but it's nowhere close to how the real world works - in advertising or anything else. Make sure you take some courses in hard knocks outside of school. They'll be invaluable to you in the working world once you leave the ad school bubble.

The dogs keep barking, but the band moves on. Don't let opinions get in the way, one way or another. Just keep doing what you have to do.

two heads are better than one ....you need a partner an art director or graphic designer and they need you too so "socialize" till you find some people who too have this passion you have lotsa people that are interested in arts even if they didnt acheive anything impressive so far ...never forget that the fun comes first otherwise its not worth it

people who tell you "it sucks" and nothing else, ESPECIALLY an educator, are hacks. Avoid them. Pairing with ADs is an art. Like any relationship, you've got to pick someone who's going to be your compliment in design. I went through the portfolio sequence at UT (Texas Creative), and i was a copywriter. I'd suggest asking peers you admire for feedback as a start. If you have an internship, take your work to your co-workers (if you're in the creative department) and ask for an honest opinion. Ask them to give you the good AND the bad. "it sucks" is lazy. it's not constructive. You need to demand better input. i would also suggest making sure you have a solid strategy for your ads. if your campaign is rooted in design and copy, with no kernel of truth you're trying to communicate about whatever it is you're advertising, your ads will suck no matter who you're with or what you write because your ideas will be weak. Get a strong strategy, then write your copy.

Depends on the school...Is it just one class you're taking? Two, etc.? More classes = more opinions and a chance to work with better people...Is your writing teacher your portfolio teacher?...If so, then I would tend to listen more to them than your fellow students. If not, find another class...If though, you keep getting the same negative response, there may be something to the critiques...(Try posting on ihaveanidea.org or talentzoo.com for honest but usually reliable feedback...The other thing to do is check out the portfolio work on those sites and read the comments about it...Ignoe the 'IT SUCKS' stuff. Generally, you can compare your work and calibrate it to get an idea of where you stand...Luckily, most copywriters don't need to draw well, so don't sweat the design part... ;-p...But having said that, things are so competitive that teaming up with an AD to polish your ideas is almost a given these days, otherwise, your book won't get you into places where ADs and designers will do your work for you...;-p....So find a partner you hit it off with––SO important btw––they get gooder copy, you get gooder visuals... Just my 2¢.