DEALING WITH CRITICISM: HOW TO KEEP YOUR CREATIVE SPARK ALIVE

Let’s be real, criticism hurts. Whether it’s a snarky Slack comment, a confusing client brief, or a passive-aggressive "note" on your deck, feedback can feel personal, even when it’s not. If you’re a South Asian creative working in marketing, digital, or design in the UK, you’re already navigating a landscape that wasn’t exactly built with you in mind. So yeah, when someone comes for your work, it can hit different.

But here's the thing: not all criticism is bad. In fact, some of it might be the key to your next big glow-up, if you know how to handle it right.

FIRST, PAUSE. DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY.

It’s easy to react emotionally when someone points out a flaw in your work. But not every critique is an attack on your talent. A lot of the time, feedback is about the work, not you. Take a second to breathe.

Ask yourself: is this person trying to help me improve, or are they just projecting their own insecurities?

CONSTRUCTIVE vs. NEGATIVE: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Constructive criticism is specific. It might sting, but it’s actionable. Think:

"This layout feels a bit crowded, maybe simplify the colour palette so the message comes through clearer.”

That’s feedback you can work with. It’s rooted in the goal of making the work better. You don’t have to agree with it 100%, but it gives you something solid to consider.

Negative feedback, though? That’s vague. Personal. Sometimes even lowkey racist, classist, or dismissive. If someone’s saying,

"It’s just not good” without explaining why, that’s not useful, that’s noise. And you don’t need to internalise that.

USE CRITICISM AS A CREATIVE TOOL

Here’s the flip: criticism can actually be your secret weapon. It can show you blind spots, help you sharpen your ideas, and grow your confidence, not just your skills. When you’re grounded in your vision and values, you can filter feedback like a pro. Take what helps, leave what doesn’t. It’s that simple.

And don’t be afraid to ask for better feedback. “Can you clarify what you mean?” or “What would improve this in your opinion?” puts the ball back in their court and shows you’re serious about growing.

REAL TALK FOR THE UK CREATIVE SCENE

Let’s not ignore the context, being a South Asian creative in the UK often means dealing with micro aggressions, being talked over in meetings, or having your ideas co-opted without credit. That’s not constructive feedback, that’s a systemic issue. So trust your gut. If it feels like bias or gatekeeping, it probably is.

But don’t let that stop you. Build a circle of mentors, peers, and collaborators who see you and want you to win. That’s where the most valuable feedback will come from.

TL;DR

Criticism isn’t the enemy. When it’s constructive, it’s gold. When it’s toxic, it’s background noise. Stay grounded, stay open, and most importantly, don’t let anyone dim your creative light. You’ve got this.

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