How To: A Constructive Criticism Voting Deconstruction
HOW TO: A CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM VOTING DECONSTRUCTION
This guide was created as a turbo_rumble initiative to offer examples of detailed constructive criticism.
Providing constructive criticism can become quite intimidating. Not only should you be validating your reasoning with solid observations, you should also consider how the icon could be improved technically, then provide useful suggestions, all the while using polite, technical language.
As icon makers, we recognize that icons, like most things in life, are highly subjective. What you find appealing in an icon, others may find distracting. We also understand that sometimes you can see certain elements of an icon's composition that are lacking, but struggle to find the correct words or phrases to suggest why exactly that is.
We hope this example guide will provide our members who are feeling a little stuck on one or both these issues with a little summary concerning what they are looking for, and how they can consider critiquing it. This is by no means a complete guide, a MUST FOLLOW guide, or even an 'official' guide. It is simply something composed by two icon makers who are passionate about decent constructive criticism being delivered to help icon makers improve.
Links to tutorials have been included with each of the deconstructions pertaining to how that element works within Photoshop, PSP and GIMP. This is for members who wish to gain a better understanding of how each element is produced, and therefore where exactly the icon could be improved.
If after reading this guide you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask them here, and the mods will do their best to provide you with an answer.
NOTE: All examples by raiindust. Examples have also only been critiqued on their particular element, even if there may have been something further to comment upon.
KEY PHRASES
On my monitor. When you are talking about the visible flaws in an icon, it is important to acknowledge that all monitors have different, varied settings that can reveal or hide these flaws. Just because you can see an area that is too sharp, or some shadows that are pixelated or colored differently doesn't mean everyone else can. You need to be aware of this when critiquing someone's icon. By all means mention the problems you can see, but remember that they may not have been able to see it on their monitor.
Focal point/Focus. When considering the focal point of an icon, we need consider where the icon maker wanted us to focus our attention, what they wanted us to observe immediately when first looking at the icon. This focus does not necessarily need to be in the center of the icon, nor does it necessarily need to be the only point of focus. It can vary from icon to icon, all by the same maker.
Sometimes however, the focal point the icon maker wanted to emphasize can differ from the point of focus we as watchers see. This may not be a negative thing, however sometimes the focal point can be obscured or unclear for some reason or another. You may not know where to look (there may be too many images, too much text, several layers of textures), or the point itself may not exist (the icon may be too bright, too dark, or the crop may be too awkward). When using this phrase, it is important to add explanation as to why there is no clear focal point.
Foreground/Background. The foreground can be considered in relation to the focal point of the icon as the area or space where the icon maker intended to be the focus. The background can be seen the other parts of the image intended to compliment this focus. These two elements generally work harmoniously (that is not to say they cannot be contrasting as well) to really highlight the focal point of the icon.
Sometimes a foreground or background isn't clear on an icon - one might not be contrasted enough against the other (a lack of shadows or too much of the same color overwhelming the icon), or the maker might have intended to blur the line between these two elements, but not achieved it as well as they'd hoped. Again, if this is the case, please try to explain why, and give some suggestions as to how the maker could go about editing the icon to improve the problem.
Light and Shade. A term that can be applied to the shadows of an icon and can be combined quite easily with Foreground and Background. These elements don't have to be equally represented in an icon. There can be a lot of light with minimal shade, but there can also be a lot of shade with minimal light. What is most significant about the two is their balance, and that there is enough contrast between the two, to allow for that balance to be fulfilled.
CROPPING
To icon is to crop. Almost every icon (generally) involves a crop of some description. There are some crops that will be used more than others (a center crop provides some icon makers with a comfort zone), while other icon makers work extremely hard on developing skill in close or obscure crops. It is important to note however, that just because a crop appears to be simple, does not mean that is it 'boring' or 'plain'. There are no right or wrong ways to crop an icon, however sometimes a particular crop can result in an icon looking awkward or perhaps too unusual.
It is important to attempt to remove your own personal opinion from the crop of the icon. You may prefer center crops or close crops, but just because someone's crop appears a little left of center it does not necessarily mean it is a bad crop. Think about what the crop achieves - does it assist the icons focal point by helping draw the immediate attention of the viewer? If it captures your attention immediately, consider why? Did it work, or was it a little too ambitious?
CROPPING TOOLS
Photoshop: A detailed information page concerning the 'Crop Tool' can be here. Information concerning the 'Marquee Tool' can be found here. Further information concerning many of the Photoshop tools can be found here. Subsequently, by typing 'cropping + photoshop' into google, you will be provided with multiple tutorials that will explain each layer to you.
Paint Shop Pro: A detailed information page concerning tools that can be used to crop icons in PSP can be found here. Subsequently, the website it is attached to has many other informative pages concerning tools available in Paint Shop Pro.
GIMP: A tutorial on cropping in GIMP can be found here.
Other Programs: There are multiple other programs which can be used to color icons. To explore the tools in these, try googling various phrases including the program name + tools, or color, or anything else you would like to find out.
For more information on cropping, including what does and does not make a crop work, try this tag at good_tutorial.
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
I love this idea of an off-center corner crop, and while I think it's almost there, I still feel that there's something still slightly awkward about it. Currently, it appears to be too heavy in the lower left hand corner, and the negative space around the rest of the image seems makes the icon appear to be a little too empty. I think perhaps had the characters face been moved slightly upwards, so the character was in at least half the icon, the crop would have been slightly more effective.
The idea behind this crop is really intriguing, however I'm not sure it's been executed as well as it could have been. It appears to want to follow something similar to the rule of thirds, with each character dominating 1/3 of the icon, but for me, there isn't enough of these characters facial expressions to really draw my attention to one or the other, so the focal point becomes the center, which I see as being the background rather than the foreground. I think that the crop could have been really effective if it the characters had been slightly more in the focus, especially their facial expressions.
I think that, while this crop is okay, it doesn't really flatter the character in the icon because it's slightly off center. There appears to be a little too much in the top half of the image, so her face looks a little bit squashed in the lower half. I think the character's face would have been framed better had you cropped a little further up (maybe where her fringe line starts?) it would have put more of a focus on her face, and the crop would have worked more.
COLORING
Coloring can be considered perhaps, as what happens to an icon after it moves beyond the basic base stage. It can be as simple as adding a duplicated screen or soft light layer to the image, or be as extreme as having 50 (or more) layers built on top of each other, each one tweaking just a little until the color of the icon is perfect.
There is no finite way to color an icon. Icons can hold to the neutral colors already existing in the image, they can be slightly washed out, at the pale end of the color scale, or be a vibrant and as bright as can be. You can add color to a black & white image, or you can change the color of the image you're working with completely. There are no rules, only what you, your imagination, and the tools at your disposal will help you do.
When considering the coloring of an icon in terms of critiquing, it can be considered as significant to question whether the color enhances the overall feel of the icon. What kind of mood does it create, and does that mood reflect both the chosen image, and in the case of this community, the theme of the challenge? What does the color bring to the icon and why?
COLORING TOOLS
Photoshop: A detailed information page concerning tools that can be used to colour icons in Photoshop can be found here. Subsequently, by typing 'Adjustment Layer+[Insert Chosen Layer]' into google, you will be provided with multiple tutorials that will explain each layer to you.
Paint Shop Pro: A detailed information page concerning tools that can be used to colour icons in PSP can be found here. Subsequently, the website it is attached to has many other informative pages concerning tools available in Paint Shop Pro.
GIMP: A detailed video tutorial that explains the tools of GIMP can be found here.
Other Programs: There are multiple other programs which can be used to color icons. To explore the tools in these, try googling various phrases including the program name + tools, or color, or anything else you would like to find out.
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
I think that while the image choice is interesting, and the crop is well-executed, the colors are slightly too intense, especially the red and cyan hues. The red overwhelms the icon, and has changed the natural color of her skin on the right side of her face and neck, which leads to the colors being unflattering. Similarly, the shades of cyan in the icon are quite intense, again noticeable on the face of the character. I think this style of coloring would have benefited from either lowering the opacity of the coloring layer (probably Selective color) or using the mask tool to mask away the darker areas where the colors are unflattering against the natural skin. This would have allowed the vibrant colors to remain in the image without taking the focal point away from the area's that appear slightly too saturated.
This icon has an interesting crop, and the coloring scheme is also quite unique. I think however, while you've attempted to pull back on the vibrance to give the image a more muted look, the magenta's and shadows have become a little murky, especially in the center of the image, which throws off the focal point a little bit. I should want to look at the top of the icon first, however the crop combined with the coloring leads me too look in the middle, where the shadows are murky and a little distracting. I think that, had the shadows been darker (perhaps more contrast) and maybe the magenta hues been slightly less intense, the colors of the icon really would have worked together, and helped to emphasize the crop.
I do like the softness of this icon, but it lacks some contrast and saturation. It looks more base-like than an actual icon, and while sometimes less is more, I think this icon could use a little more to really make the coloring pop. Consider using some curves, color balance or selective color to really draw the colors out in the icon. Perhaps a layer of brightness/contrast, or a soft light layer would also have helped to add some more contrast to the image, so the character remains at the foreground, rather than becoming a part of the background of the icon. Texture use could also be considered to add some layers to the image.
TEXTURE USE
Critiquing texture use can be extremely hard, because (like most other areas of icon making), texture use is highly subjective, especially with what people will and won't like on an icon. Sometimes texture use can be amazing, and add a whole extra layer to the complexity of an icon. However at other times, texture use can make an icon seem heavy and too-layered, they can obscure the image, or appear to be 'slapped on' (pasted on top with no real purpose) rather than integrated into the icon.
There is a balance to be found, however that balance will be wholly dependent on the icon that has been presented. It is again, extremely important to consider the subjectivity of icon making. Some people prefer texture heavy icons, others prefer the minimalistic approach. Attempt to leave your personal preference at the door, and consider the texture in terms of what it adds to or detracts from the icon.
For more information on texture use, including how textures can be used, abused and applied to icons in various programs, try this tag at good_tutorial .
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
I think the use of texture here is quite creative, however it's also slightly overpowering of the subject. Overall, it lacks a little bit of contrast, so the subject has been pulled into the background, rather than standing out against it. I think the shadows are also a little intense so perhaps with a little bit of lightness and maybe a soft light layer to add contrast, the subject could have stood out more. I also think that the colours of the textures clash a little with the overall black & white theme of the image. Had the image been coloured, or the textures been black & white, I think the icon would have worked as a whole, a lot better.
The crop of this icon is lovely, and I think the colours are rich and bold, but unfortunately, they are slightly too obscured by the texture use. The gray highlights have distorted the shadows of the icon, so the image is lacking in contrast. I also feel that the texture in the middle clashes a little with the image of the icon, and becomes the focal point, drawing attention away from the original image. Try lowering the opacity of the icon, or highlighting it with a colour similar to that of the image (a rich blue would have worked really well in this case) to help it blend more, so that it doesn't detract from the overall icon, rather work cohesively with it.
I really love the colors of this icon, especially that the colors of the texture compliment the colors of the image, however I think the image has been slightly overwhelmed by this, and instead of standing out from the background, the texture work has drawn it back into the background. The horizontal lines in the texture appear to cut the image in thirds, and while this could have worked wonderfully to frame the image, I think because the lower half has only been slightly erased rather than fully, the bottom half of the image is dragged back into the texture and appears cut off from the upper half. If the texture had been slightly less powerful (erased or masked slightly more instead of so intensely overlaying the image) it would have served as a wonderful background to frame it.
BLENDING
The first point of significance to make in relation to blending is that it does not always have to be about two images being merged together. For the point of this guide, it has been taken this way, as other areas where blending occurs (namely texture use) have already been discussed. Examples of blending for this deconstruction is however, about the blending of more than one image, with other types of blending mentioned below.
Some people find blending easy and enjoyable. Others do not. It is, as all elements of iconing, highly subjective in terms of what does and does not make a good blend. You can consider the style of the blend - if a subject has been removed from it's original background and a new background added - does the subject blend in well or is the blend obvious? In a case such as this, you could look for smooth or rough edges, as well as the each with which the original image fits with the new background.
Blending can also (as previously mentioned) involve the combining of one or more images. This blend could simply be the combination of two images on an icon, such as this [also referred to as blocking], or a more complex combination of images, similar (or even more intricate) to this. When considering the blending of one or more images, there are several things to consider. Do the images work cohesively (well) together? Are there any parts of the blend that are distracting to the overall feel (is the blend not as soft as you'd like, are the lines of the blend visible?) of the icon? Is the focal point still clear? These are just some things you can consider when critiquing a blended icon.
BLENDING TOOLS
As previously mentioned, there are many ways to blend, which results in many tools used to blend. Consider looking at tutorials here (for blending in PS) and here (for blending in PSP) to help guide you and your comments.
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
I love the colour of the center image, it's lovely and vibrant. I think however, that the blending becomes slightly distracting towards the center of the icon, where the character fades into the background. It appears to cut her body in half, and while this could have been an excellent effect, because the lower half of the body fades outwards, but the next and shoulder are quite cut off. I think, had the blending and fading been either softer (with more of the image showing) or harder (a clear line where the image has been cut off) it would have really worked. I do also feel that the image in the background is slightly distracting to the foreground image, and perhaps could have been black & white, it really would have helped the emphasize the color of the foreground image.
This is a really interesting image conceptually, however I feel as though the execution has let the overall feel of the icon down a little. I don't mind the repeated images, and enjoy how they are varied sizes, but the blending is a little distracting. My main issue lies with the blending in the lower right hand corner. The amount of duplicates would be okay if they didn't appear to fade into the background as they do. It appears as though the lighten layer has been used here to blend, but I think the icon could have been more successful had the excess of the images been masked or erased away. This could have allowed for one of the images to really be in the foreground, rather than all three appearing to merge into the background.
While the black and white works to emphasize the emotions in this icon, I think the icon itself is a little too intense, and you have to work a lot harder to see what's going on. Part of the reason for this could be the blending. I can see what is going on once I look for a little while, but it appears the images have simply been overlay-ed (using a lighten or screen layer perhaps) with no masking or erasing to the actual image. Sometimes this works well, but in the case of this icon, I think it would have worked a lot better had the images been blended a little more - especially over the faces, where the focal point is.
TEXT USE
Text use can (in most cases) make or break an icon. Some icon makers avoid text like the plague, because they can never get it to sit right, look right, or add to the icon. Some other icon makers are brilliant at text use, continually making it look flawless, and leaving us other icon makers wondering why they are gods and we are mere mortals in the text arena.
The bottom line is this though: text use at least needs to add some point of significance or relevance to the icon. If used well, text can define the icon. When critiquing text, you can look at several things. These can include, but are not limited to: does the text blend or clash with the icon itself, does the colour of the text work against or with the colours of the icon, does the text placement work with the focal point or does it draw attention away from the image, is the text mean to be the focal point, does the chosen font clash with the image and is the text visible?
TEXT TOOLS
Photoshop: A detailed tutorial concerning text tools in Photoshop can be found here. Further information about many text effects can be found here.
Paint Shop Pro: A detailed information page concerning tools that can be used to create text in PSP can be found here.
GIMP: A detailed tutorial concerning text tools in GIMP can be found here.
Other Programs: There are multiple other programs which can be used to add text to icons. To explore the tools in these, try googling various phrases including the program name + text, text use, or anything else you would like to find out.
For more information on text use, try this tag at good_tutorial .
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
This is an interesting icon conceptually, however the bright white font against the bright yellow background is incredibly hard to read. Perhaps a darker yellow or even a green in this case would have worked better, drawing colours from the original image to help the image and the text blend in together. I also think the placement of the font doesn't mesh quite as well with the image, so the focal point is slightly off. Consider moving the image (or the text) more in line with the other, to help both the flow of composition and the focal point become stronger.
The colouring of this image is great, and the text itself is very relevant. However I feel the placement of the text, and the black & white colouring don't really blend in with the icon, contrasting a little too much. I think the text might have worked a little more had the chosen font been different, perhaps a slightly more handwritten font. I also think drawing colours from the image (maybe blue, purple or green) would have helped it blend more. Finally, the addition of the semi-colon doesn't hold any relevance, therefore it's not necessary (and a little distracting) to put it on the end of the phrase.
I really like the colours of this icon, but the text seems to clash a lot with the image. I think it's the font is too bulky, and because it's been used to frame the image, it cuts the icon in half, and takes away the amazing negative space of the image. I also think because it's so close to the face of the character, its very distracting. Had the font been smaller, and perhaps situated closer to the arm in that area of space, the impact of the text would have complimented the image rather than worked against it.
COMPOSITION
Composition is simply (or extremely complexly) the combination of each element (those mentioned above, and any other element not mention) to make an icon. It can be broken down slightly further however, by considering the layout of the icon: Do each of the elements work in harmony? Are the selected colors complementary of the crop, and together do they emphasize the emotion behind the icon? Does any texture work assist in highlighting the image/s chosen? Does the text work to compliment the rest of the icon?
When critiquing the composition of an icon, consider the icon as a whole element initially, then draw back into the specific elements as to why the icon doesn't appear to work as well as it should. Do not use the 'composition' as a cop out way from giving actual critique (ie. I don't think the composition works well at all, it's very messy),
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
I really think this concept is great, the multiple images in the middle are amazing, however I feel that, overall, the layout is a little crowded. The composition of the center images works really well, but when contrasted against the background images, it becomes quite intense to look at, and the focus is a little lost. I think that perhaps, if the background had been a plain tan shade (a color all the images seem to share) rather than a mixture of more images, it really would have helped the center image stand out as the focal point, rather than be drawn into the background.
I think that because there are so many elements to this icon, it feels a little over-crowded especially in terms of composition. I really like the black and white of the images - but it took me quite a while to see them, because the text appears to become the focal point, rather than one of the images. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, because of the complexity of the text work, I had to really concentrate on each of these elements to draw them together, as opposed to each of them flowing together to create a whole icon.
I love the purple of this icon, but I feel as though there are couple of elements bringing it down. The texture use is slightly overwhelming, so the characters don't really have a chance to be brought into the foreground. I also think that while the coloring is lovely, the picture appears to have been slightly over-saturated, especially in the center, so the edges of her hair and his body appear to be pixelated. I really think that this icon could have benefitted from a softer approach when considering composition. A softer colouring and a softer use of texture would really have helped the characters stand out more.
SPECIAL CATEGORY: BEST INTERPRETATION OF THEME/MOST CREATIVE
Using examples here would seem a little bit silly, as themes vary greatly from challenge to challenge, round to round. I think there are a couple of key points to be aware of - which combines technique and 'feel' of an icon to consider how effective the interpretation is. It is important though, that FANDOM plays as little as possible role in your opinion on Best Interpretation. It seems silly to say this, because it's obvious (and understandable) that, especially for Interpretative Themes, fandom generally will influence choice. However if you can step outside this boundary and look beyond fandom, it may be helpful to recognize an icon as the best interpretation of theme because of it's execution.
Technical themes are quite easy to consider, but at the same time challenging. You have a basic knowledge of what has been asked for in the icon, as well as examples provided by the mods. However you must also consider how literally the theme has been taken - has anyone stepped up and gone above and beyond what was asked of them, creating an icon that encompasses the theme but also sets it apart from the rest? You could consider colour, texture use, cropping, composition, text use and whatever else may appear on an icon to consider how the icon maker has interpreted and executed the theme.
Interpretative themes are, by definition, going to be harder to distinguish between when considering a 'Best Representation of Theme'. Considering an icon that holds no bearings as it is a part of a fandom you are not in is difficult. However as mentioned above, if you try to take in some of the technical aspects of an icon - the colours and what they could mean, the relevance of text or texture use to transform the image, the crop of the icon, the overall feel to it, you can attempt to move beyond these restrictions. Both mods recognize that this part of the voting process is highly subjective, and therefore understand that fandom sometimes will impact how the vote goes.
MISCELLANEOUS
SHARPENING/BLURRINESS
Over-sharpening or blurriness of an icon can be tricky to critique. Each monitor on each computer has different settings, so each icon is going to look slightly (or greatly) different depending on your own settings in comparison to the settings of the icon maker. This is where the key phrase 'On my monitor' will probably be used the most.
It is important to remember that sharpening/blurriness is not always caused by over-sharpening or blurring the image through various filters available to icon makers. Working with an low-quality image can cause over-sharpening, or too much contrast on an image can cause over-sharpening. Similarly, blurriness can be caused by re-sizing an image rather than blurring the final result.
When considering sharpening/blurriness of an icon, look at some of the following: Does the icon hold a great deal of contrast everywhere? Are there only specific parts that appear to be too sharp or too blurry? Does the icon use a great deal of negative space or it is an extremely close crop?
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
While I really like the colours of this icon, and the composition is interesting, it feels as though the edges are over-sharpened on my monitor, especially around the facial features and the edges of the hair. This could be because it's slightly over-contrasted, or when the images have been made smaller, they've become a little too sharp. There are a couple of things you could consider to accommodate these problems. Try working with a larger canvas (200x200 pixels or larger) and sharpen the top layer before changing the image size to 100x100, using a blurred layer (set on a low opacity: between 20-50% works well) and then copying the merged layers and sharpening that top layer, or using a smudge or blur took to minimize the overly sharp spots.
I really like the colours, but the image is quite blurred that it's hard to understand what's occurring in the icon. I feel as though this icon could have benefited from some sharpening at some stage, perhaps as a final layer, just to define the characters and situation more. If the final layer was too sharp as well, the opacity could have been lowered slightly so the subjects are visible without being too sharp.
ASPECT RATIO
The introduction of this tutorial explains far more succinctly than I ever could, the definition of aspect ratio. Further more, it provides excellent examples of correct and incorrect aspect ratio, and details how these problems can be fixed. I recommend familiarizing yourself with everything that has been mentioned, and perhaps giving this tutorial a quick read through before commenting on the aspect ratio of the icon.
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
I think this icon has a lot of potential, the colours are interesting and the image itself is quite intense, however the aspect ratio appears to be slightly off. The characters face appears to be elongated rather than 'normal', which leads me to believe the image has been stretched. This could have been an issue with the original screencap, however if it was due to part of your cropping process, this tutorial provides useful information about how to rectify this problem.
OTHER CRITIQUING GUIDES
This list is by no means exhaustive. Feel free to share links that can be added to the list.
How to give good concrit by obaona
LIMS Voting Guidelines by chacusha
IN SUMMARY
This guide was created as a turbo_rumble initiative to offer examples of detailed constructive criticism.
Providing constructive criticism can become quite intimidating. Not only should you be validating your reasoning with solid observations, you should also consider how the icon could be improved technically, then provide useful suggestions, all the while using polite, technical language.
As icon makers, we recognize that icons, like most things in life, are highly subjective. What you find appealing in an icon, others may find distracting. We also understand that sometimes you can see certain elements of an icon's composition that are lacking, but struggle to find the correct words or phrases to suggest why exactly that is.
We hope this example guide will provide our members who are feeling a little stuck on one or both these issues with a little summary concerning what they are looking for, and how they can consider critiquing it. This is by no means a complete guide, a MUST FOLLOW guide, or even an 'official' guide. It is simply something composed by two icon makers who are passionate about decent constructive criticism being delivered to help icon makers improve.
Links to tutorials have been included with each of the deconstructions pertaining to how that element works within Photoshop, PSP and GIMP. This is for members who wish to gain a better understanding of how each element is produced, and therefore where exactly the icon could be improved.
If after reading this guide you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask them here, and the mods will do their best to provide you with an answer.
NOTE: All examples by raiindust. Examples have also only been critiqued on their particular element, even if there may have been something further to comment upon.
KEY PHRASES
On my monitor. When you are talking about the visible flaws in an icon, it is important to acknowledge that all monitors have different, varied settings that can reveal or hide these flaws. Just because you can see an area that is too sharp, or some shadows that are pixelated or colored differently doesn't mean everyone else can. You need to be aware of this when critiquing someone's icon. By all means mention the problems you can see, but remember that they may not have been able to see it on their monitor.
Focal point/Focus. When considering the focal point of an icon, we need consider where the icon maker wanted us to focus our attention, what they wanted us to observe immediately when first looking at the icon. This focus does not necessarily need to be in the center of the icon, nor does it necessarily need to be the only point of focus. It can vary from icon to icon, all by the same maker.
Sometimes however, the focal point the icon maker wanted to emphasize can differ from the point of focus we as watchers see. This may not be a negative thing, however sometimes the focal point can be obscured or unclear for some reason or another. You may not know where to look (there may be too many images, too much text, several layers of textures), or the point itself may not exist (the icon may be too bright, too dark, or the crop may be too awkward). When using this phrase, it is important to add explanation as to why there is no clear focal point.
Foreground/Background. The foreground can be considered in relation to the focal point of the icon as the area or space where the icon maker intended to be the focus. The background can be seen the other parts of the image intended to compliment this focus. These two elements generally work harmoniously (that is not to say they cannot be contrasting as well) to really highlight the focal point of the icon.
Sometimes a foreground or background isn't clear on an icon - one might not be contrasted enough against the other (a lack of shadows or too much of the same color overwhelming the icon), or the maker might have intended to blur the line between these two elements, but not achieved it as well as they'd hoped. Again, if this is the case, please try to explain why, and give some suggestions as to how the maker could go about editing the icon to improve the problem.
Light and Shade. A term that can be applied to the shadows of an icon and can be combined quite easily with Foreground and Background. These elements don't have to be equally represented in an icon. There can be a lot of light with minimal shade, but there can also be a lot of shade with minimal light. What is most significant about the two is their balance, and that there is enough contrast between the two, to allow for that balance to be fulfilled.
CROPPING
To icon is to crop. Almost every icon (generally) involves a crop of some description. There are some crops that will be used more than others (a center crop provides some icon makers with a comfort zone), while other icon makers work extremely hard on developing skill in close or obscure crops. It is important to note however, that just because a crop appears to be simple, does not mean that is it 'boring' or 'plain'. There are no right or wrong ways to crop an icon, however sometimes a particular crop can result in an icon looking awkward or perhaps too unusual.
It is important to attempt to remove your own personal opinion from the crop of the icon. You may prefer center crops or close crops, but just because someone's crop appears a little left of center it does not necessarily mean it is a bad crop. Think about what the crop achieves - does it assist the icons focal point by helping draw the immediate attention of the viewer? If it captures your attention immediately, consider why? Did it work, or was it a little too ambitious?
CROPPING TOOLS
Photoshop: A detailed information page concerning the 'Crop Tool' can be here. Information concerning the 'Marquee Tool' can be found here. Further information concerning many of the Photoshop tools can be found here. Subsequently, by typing 'cropping + photoshop' into google, you will be provided with multiple tutorials that will explain each layer to you.
Paint Shop Pro: A detailed information page concerning tools that can be used to crop icons in PSP can be found here. Subsequently, the website it is attached to has many other informative pages concerning tools available in Paint Shop Pro.
GIMP: A tutorial on cropping in GIMP can be found here.
Other Programs: There are multiple other programs which can be used to color icons. To explore the tools in these, try googling various phrases including the program name + tools, or color, or anything else you would like to find out.
For more information on cropping, including what does and does not make a crop work, try this tag at good_tutorial.
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
I love this idea of an off-center corner crop, and while I think it's almost there, I still feel that there's something still slightly awkward about it. Currently, it appears to be too heavy in the lower left hand corner, and the negative space around the rest of the image seems makes the icon appear to be a little too empty. I think perhaps had the characters face been moved slightly upwards, so the character was in at least half the icon, the crop would have been slightly more effective.
The idea behind this crop is really intriguing, however I'm not sure it's been executed as well as it could have been. It appears to want to follow something similar to the rule of thirds, with each character dominating 1/3 of the icon, but for me, there isn't enough of these characters facial expressions to really draw my attention to one or the other, so the focal point becomes the center, which I see as being the background rather than the foreground. I think that the crop could have been really effective if it the characters had been slightly more in the focus, especially their facial expressions.
I think that, while this crop is okay, it doesn't really flatter the character in the icon because it's slightly off center. There appears to be a little too much in the top half of the image, so her face looks a little bit squashed in the lower half. I think the character's face would have been framed better had you cropped a little further up (maybe where her fringe line starts?) it would have put more of a focus on her face, and the crop would have worked more.
COLORING
Coloring can be considered perhaps, as what happens to an icon after it moves beyond the basic base stage. It can be as simple as adding a duplicated screen or soft light layer to the image, or be as extreme as having 50 (or more) layers built on top of each other, each one tweaking just a little until the color of the icon is perfect.
There is no finite way to color an icon. Icons can hold to the neutral colors already existing in the image, they can be slightly washed out, at the pale end of the color scale, or be a vibrant and as bright as can be. You can add color to a black & white image, or you can change the color of the image you're working with completely. There are no rules, only what you, your imagination, and the tools at your disposal will help you do.
When considering the coloring of an icon in terms of critiquing, it can be considered as significant to question whether the color enhances the overall feel of the icon. What kind of mood does it create, and does that mood reflect both the chosen image, and in the case of this community, the theme of the challenge? What does the color bring to the icon and why?
COLORING TOOLS
Photoshop: A detailed information page concerning tools that can be used to colour icons in Photoshop can be found here. Subsequently, by typing 'Adjustment Layer+[Insert Chosen Layer]' into google, you will be provided with multiple tutorials that will explain each layer to you.
Paint Shop Pro: A detailed information page concerning tools that can be used to colour icons in PSP can be found here. Subsequently, the website it is attached to has many other informative pages concerning tools available in Paint Shop Pro.
GIMP: A detailed video tutorial that explains the tools of GIMP can be found here.
Other Programs: There are multiple other programs which can be used to color icons. To explore the tools in these, try googling various phrases including the program name + tools, or color, or anything else you would like to find out.
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
I think that while the image choice is interesting, and the crop is well-executed, the colors are slightly too intense, especially the red and cyan hues. The red overwhelms the icon, and has changed the natural color of her skin on the right side of her face and neck, which leads to the colors being unflattering. Similarly, the shades of cyan in the icon are quite intense, again noticeable on the face of the character. I think this style of coloring would have benefited from either lowering the opacity of the coloring layer (probably Selective color) or using the mask tool to mask away the darker areas where the colors are unflattering against the natural skin. This would have allowed the vibrant colors to remain in the image without taking the focal point away from the area's that appear slightly too saturated.
This icon has an interesting crop, and the coloring scheme is also quite unique. I think however, while you've attempted to pull back on the vibrance to give the image a more muted look, the magenta's and shadows have become a little murky, especially in the center of the image, which throws off the focal point a little bit. I should want to look at the top of the icon first, however the crop combined with the coloring leads me too look in the middle, where the shadows are murky and a little distracting. I think that, had the shadows been darker (perhaps more contrast) and maybe the magenta hues been slightly less intense, the colors of the icon really would have worked together, and helped to emphasize the crop.
I do like the softness of this icon, but it lacks some contrast and saturation. It looks more base-like than an actual icon, and while sometimes less is more, I think this icon could use a little more to really make the coloring pop. Consider using some curves, color balance or selective color to really draw the colors out in the icon. Perhaps a layer of brightness/contrast, or a soft light layer would also have helped to add some more contrast to the image, so the character remains at the foreground, rather than becoming a part of the background of the icon. Texture use could also be considered to add some layers to the image.
TEXTURE USE
Critiquing texture use can be extremely hard, because (like most other areas of icon making), texture use is highly subjective, especially with what people will and won't like on an icon. Sometimes texture use can be amazing, and add a whole extra layer to the complexity of an icon. However at other times, texture use can make an icon seem heavy and too-layered, they can obscure the image, or appear to be 'slapped on' (pasted on top with no real purpose) rather than integrated into the icon.
There is a balance to be found, however that balance will be wholly dependent on the icon that has been presented. It is again, extremely important to consider the subjectivity of icon making. Some people prefer texture heavy icons, others prefer the minimalistic approach. Attempt to leave your personal preference at the door, and consider the texture in terms of what it adds to or detracts from the icon.
For more information on texture use, including how textures can be used, abused and applied to icons in various programs, try this tag at good_tutorial .
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
I think the use of texture here is quite creative, however it's also slightly overpowering of the subject. Overall, it lacks a little bit of contrast, so the subject has been pulled into the background, rather than standing out against it. I think the shadows are also a little intense so perhaps with a little bit of lightness and maybe a soft light layer to add contrast, the subject could have stood out more. I also think that the colours of the textures clash a little with the overall black & white theme of the image. Had the image been coloured, or the textures been black & white, I think the icon would have worked as a whole, a lot better.
The crop of this icon is lovely, and I think the colours are rich and bold, but unfortunately, they are slightly too obscured by the texture use. The gray highlights have distorted the shadows of the icon, so the image is lacking in contrast. I also feel that the texture in the middle clashes a little with the image of the icon, and becomes the focal point, drawing attention away from the original image. Try lowering the opacity of the icon, or highlighting it with a colour similar to that of the image (a rich blue would have worked really well in this case) to help it blend more, so that it doesn't detract from the overall icon, rather work cohesively with it.
I really love the colors of this icon, especially that the colors of the texture compliment the colors of the image, however I think the image has been slightly overwhelmed by this, and instead of standing out from the background, the texture work has drawn it back into the background. The horizontal lines in the texture appear to cut the image in thirds, and while this could have worked wonderfully to frame the image, I think because the lower half has only been slightly erased rather than fully, the bottom half of the image is dragged back into the texture and appears cut off from the upper half. If the texture had been slightly less powerful (erased or masked slightly more instead of so intensely overlaying the image) it would have served as a wonderful background to frame it.
BLENDING
The first point of significance to make in relation to blending is that it does not always have to be about two images being merged together. For the point of this guide, it has been taken this way, as other areas where blending occurs (namely texture use) have already been discussed. Examples of blending for this deconstruction is however, about the blending of more than one image, with other types of blending mentioned below.
Some people find blending easy and enjoyable. Others do not. It is, as all elements of iconing, highly subjective in terms of what does and does not make a good blend. You can consider the style of the blend - if a subject has been removed from it's original background and a new background added - does the subject blend in well or is the blend obvious? In a case such as this, you could look for smooth or rough edges, as well as the each with which the original image fits with the new background.
Blending can also (as previously mentioned) involve the combining of one or more images. This blend could simply be the combination of two images on an icon, such as this [also referred to as blocking], or a more complex combination of images, similar (or even more intricate) to this. When considering the blending of one or more images, there are several things to consider. Do the images work cohesively (well) together? Are there any parts of the blend that are distracting to the overall feel (is the blend not as soft as you'd like, are the lines of the blend visible?) of the icon? Is the focal point still clear? These are just some things you can consider when critiquing a blended icon.
BLENDING TOOLS
As previously mentioned, there are many ways to blend, which results in many tools used to blend. Consider looking at tutorials here (for blending in PS) and here (for blending in PSP) to help guide you and your comments.
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
I love the colour of the center image, it's lovely and vibrant. I think however, that the blending becomes slightly distracting towards the center of the icon, where the character fades into the background. It appears to cut her body in half, and while this could have been an excellent effect, because the lower half of the body fades outwards, but the next and shoulder are quite cut off. I think, had the blending and fading been either softer (with more of the image showing) or harder (a clear line where the image has been cut off) it would have really worked. I do also feel that the image in the background is slightly distracting to the foreground image, and perhaps could have been black & white, it really would have helped the emphasize the color of the foreground image.
This is a really interesting image conceptually, however I feel as though the execution has let the overall feel of the icon down a little. I don't mind the repeated images, and enjoy how they are varied sizes, but the blending is a little distracting. My main issue lies with the blending in the lower right hand corner. The amount of duplicates would be okay if they didn't appear to fade into the background as they do. It appears as though the lighten layer has been used here to blend, but I think the icon could have been more successful had the excess of the images been masked or erased away. This could have allowed for one of the images to really be in the foreground, rather than all three appearing to merge into the background.
While the black and white works to emphasize the emotions in this icon, I think the icon itself is a little too intense, and you have to work a lot harder to see what's going on. Part of the reason for this could be the blending. I can see what is going on once I look for a little while, but it appears the images have simply been overlay-ed (using a lighten or screen layer perhaps) with no masking or erasing to the actual image. Sometimes this works well, but in the case of this icon, I think it would have worked a lot better had the images been blended a little more - especially over the faces, where the focal point is.
TEXT USE
Text use can (in most cases) make or break an icon. Some icon makers avoid text like the plague, because they can never get it to sit right, look right, or add to the icon. Some other icon makers are brilliant at text use, continually making it look flawless, and leaving us other icon makers wondering why they are gods and we are mere mortals in the text arena.
The bottom line is this though: text use at least needs to add some point of significance or relevance to the icon. If used well, text can define the icon. When critiquing text, you can look at several things. These can include, but are not limited to: does the text blend or clash with the icon itself, does the colour of the text work against or with the colours of the icon, does the text placement work with the focal point or does it draw attention away from the image, is the text mean to be the focal point, does the chosen font clash with the image and is the text visible?
TEXT TOOLS
Photoshop: A detailed tutorial concerning text tools in Photoshop can be found here. Further information about many text effects can be found here.
Paint Shop Pro: A detailed information page concerning tools that can be used to create text in PSP can be found here.
GIMP: A detailed tutorial concerning text tools in GIMP can be found here.
Other Programs: There are multiple other programs which can be used to add text to icons. To explore the tools in these, try googling various phrases including the program name + text, text use, or anything else you would like to find out.
For more information on text use, try this tag at good_tutorial .
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
This is an interesting icon conceptually, however the bright white font against the bright yellow background is incredibly hard to read. Perhaps a darker yellow or even a green in this case would have worked better, drawing colours from the original image to help the image and the text blend in together. I also think the placement of the font doesn't mesh quite as well with the image, so the focal point is slightly off. Consider moving the image (or the text) more in line with the other, to help both the flow of composition and the focal point become stronger.
The colouring of this image is great, and the text itself is very relevant. However I feel the placement of the text, and the black & white colouring don't really blend in with the icon, contrasting a little too much. I think the text might have worked a little more had the chosen font been different, perhaps a slightly more handwritten font. I also think drawing colours from the image (maybe blue, purple or green) would have helped it blend more. Finally, the addition of the semi-colon doesn't hold any relevance, therefore it's not necessary (and a little distracting) to put it on the end of the phrase.
I really like the colours of this icon, but the text seems to clash a lot with the image. I think it's the font is too bulky, and because it's been used to frame the image, it cuts the icon in half, and takes away the amazing negative space of the image. I also think because it's so close to the face of the character, its very distracting. Had the font been smaller, and perhaps situated closer to the arm in that area of space, the impact of the text would have complimented the image rather than worked against it.
COMPOSITION
Composition is simply (or extremely complexly) the combination of each element (those mentioned above, and any other element not mention) to make an icon. It can be broken down slightly further however, by considering the layout of the icon: Do each of the elements work in harmony? Are the selected colors complementary of the crop, and together do they emphasize the emotion behind the icon? Does any texture work assist in highlighting the image/s chosen? Does the text work to compliment the rest of the icon?
When critiquing the composition of an icon, consider the icon as a whole element initially, then draw back into the specific elements as to why the icon doesn't appear to work as well as it should. Do not use the 'composition' as a cop out way from giving actual critique (ie. I don't think the composition works well at all, it's very messy),
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
I really think this concept is great, the multiple images in the middle are amazing, however I feel that, overall, the layout is a little crowded. The composition of the center images works really well, but when contrasted against the background images, it becomes quite intense to look at, and the focus is a little lost. I think that perhaps, if the background had been a plain tan shade (a color all the images seem to share) rather than a mixture of more images, it really would have helped the center image stand out as the focal point, rather than be drawn into the background.
I think that because there are so many elements to this icon, it feels a little over-crowded especially in terms of composition. I really like the black and white of the images - but it took me quite a while to see them, because the text appears to become the focal point, rather than one of the images. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, because of the complexity of the text work, I had to really concentrate on each of these elements to draw them together, as opposed to each of them flowing together to create a whole icon.
I love the purple of this icon, but I feel as though there are couple of elements bringing it down. The texture use is slightly overwhelming, so the characters don't really have a chance to be brought into the foreground. I also think that while the coloring is lovely, the picture appears to have been slightly over-saturated, especially in the center, so the edges of her hair and his body appear to be pixelated. I really think that this icon could have benefitted from a softer approach when considering composition. A softer colouring and a softer use of texture would really have helped the characters stand out more.
SPECIAL CATEGORY: BEST INTERPRETATION OF THEME/MOST CREATIVE
Using examples here would seem a little bit silly, as themes vary greatly from challenge to challenge, round to round. I think there are a couple of key points to be aware of - which combines technique and 'feel' of an icon to consider how effective the interpretation is. It is important though, that FANDOM plays as little as possible role in your opinion on Best Interpretation. It seems silly to say this, because it's obvious (and understandable) that, especially for Interpretative Themes, fandom generally will influence choice. However if you can step outside this boundary and look beyond fandom, it may be helpful to recognize an icon as the best interpretation of theme because of it's execution.
Technical themes are quite easy to consider, but at the same time challenging. You have a basic knowledge of what has been asked for in the icon, as well as examples provided by the mods. However you must also consider how literally the theme has been taken - has anyone stepped up and gone above and beyond what was asked of them, creating an icon that encompasses the theme but also sets it apart from the rest? You could consider colour, texture use, cropping, composition, text use and whatever else may appear on an icon to consider how the icon maker has interpreted and executed the theme.
Interpretative themes are, by definition, going to be harder to distinguish between when considering a 'Best Representation of Theme'. Considering an icon that holds no bearings as it is a part of a fandom you are not in is difficult. However as mentioned above, if you try to take in some of the technical aspects of an icon - the colours and what they could mean, the relevance of text or texture use to transform the image, the crop of the icon, the overall feel to it, you can attempt to move beyond these restrictions. Both mods recognize that this part of the voting process is highly subjective, and therefore understand that fandom sometimes will impact how the vote goes.
MISCELLANEOUS
SHARPENING/BLURRINESS
Over-sharpening or blurriness of an icon can be tricky to critique. Each monitor on each computer has different settings, so each icon is going to look slightly (or greatly) different depending on your own settings in comparison to the settings of the icon maker. This is where the key phrase 'On my monitor' will probably be used the most.
It is important to remember that sharpening/blurriness is not always caused by over-sharpening or blurring the image through various filters available to icon makers. Working with an low-quality image can cause over-sharpening, or too much contrast on an image can cause over-sharpening. Similarly, blurriness can be caused by re-sizing an image rather than blurring the final result.
When considering sharpening/blurriness of an icon, look at some of the following: Does the icon hold a great deal of contrast everywhere? Are there only specific parts that appear to be too sharp or too blurry? Does the icon use a great deal of negative space or it is an extremely close crop?
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
While I really like the colours of this icon, and the composition is interesting, it feels as though the edges are over-sharpened on my monitor, especially around the facial features and the edges of the hair. This could be because it's slightly over-contrasted, or when the images have been made smaller, they've become a little too sharp. There are a couple of things you could consider to accommodate these problems. Try working with a larger canvas (200x200 pixels or larger) and sharpen the top layer before changing the image size to 100x100, using a blurred layer (set on a low opacity: between 20-50% works well) and then copying the merged layers and sharpening that top layer, or using a smudge or blur took to minimize the overly sharp spots.
I really like the colours, but the image is quite blurred that it's hard to understand what's occurring in the icon. I feel as though this icon could have benefited from some sharpening at some stage, perhaps as a final layer, just to define the characters and situation more. If the final layer was too sharp as well, the opacity could have been lowered slightly so the subjects are visible without being too sharp.
ASPECT RATIO
The introduction of this tutorial explains far more succinctly than I ever could, the definition of aspect ratio. Further more, it provides excellent examples of correct and incorrect aspect ratio, and details how these problems can be fixed. I recommend familiarizing yourself with everything that has been mentioned, and perhaps giving this tutorial a quick read through before commenting on the aspect ratio of the icon.
EXAMPLES OF CRITIQUE
I think this icon has a lot of potential, the colours are interesting and the image itself is quite intense, however the aspect ratio appears to be slightly off. The characters face appears to be elongated rather than 'normal', which leads me to believe the image has been stretched. This could have been an issue with the original screencap, however if it was due to part of your cropping process, this tutorial provides useful information about how to rectify this problem.
OTHER CRITIQUING GUIDES
This list is by no means exhaustive. Feel free to share links that can be added to the list.
How to give good concrit by obaona
LIMS Voting Guidelines by chacusha
IN SUMMARY
- ICONS ARE HIGHLY SUBJECTIVE. What you like and what you dislike is likely to be different from every other person. Remember to try and remove your own opinion from the critiquing process - look for faults in the techniques rather than the subject.
- BE POLITE. Give unto others as you would have them give unto you. Understand that if you provide polite, useful feedback, others will be more inclined to do so as well. Find something positive about the icon and comment upon that, as well as suggesting what could be improved. Use friendly language that cannot be misconstrued as rude or obnoxious.
- USE YOUR KEY PHRASES. If you see an element obstructing a focal point of an icon, comment about it. If you are unsure of the clarity of the foreground/background, make note. If the focal point isn't clear, jot that down. If you think you may be able to see something on your monitor that the icon maker could not, use the phrase. Not only will your comments be more succinct, but odds are they will also make more sense to the person receiving them.
- NOT ALL ELEMENTS NEED TO BE MENTIONED. If there happens to be an icon in which several elements are in need of critiquing, please know that we do not expect you to critique each and every one. Pick one or two and run with those. Believe it or not, there is such a thing as too much constructive criticism.
- LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE. The thing about giving good constructive criticism to others is that you can then become more constructive of your own icons. You can improve while others improve - it's a win/win situation!