Receiving Harsh Criticism

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This is something that I've dealt with a lot and will always potentially run into, being someone still trying to be in the business of creativity.

You will always have someone not liking your art, or writing, or music, or any skill you show. Even more chance of it the more you get known by the public, but of course, I really have some part of me hurt with harsh criticism, even though I know you have to get it to be successful in your endeavors. Celebrities get tons.

What do you do when you work hard on something, and you get burned up once you present it? Like getting a D on a test when surely you thought you had an A. Then there are those that say, "that sucks." This is what I am training myself to get over and keep working, ignoring it.

Is there a socially acceptable way to deal with these nay sayers when one actually comes up to you, without arguing?

I would tell them about the process through which you created your works. Creative people always want to talk about the "process." If you have a "process," you acquire instant credibility.

Always remember: "naysayers" frequently feel threatened by someone else's productions; it could possibly cause their ego to be bruised. I would ask the "naysayer" why he/she doesn't like your work. I would listen to the answer; if it's vague or general, just ignore it. If it's something specific, I would become introspective, and consider what they stated. Also: you could turn what the person said into a dialogue. It would be good to explain yourself, without giving the other person a feeling that you're trying to justify yourself.

If a person mocks you, just ignore it, and move on. They usually don't know what they're talking about.