Starting out in any field can feel like stepping into the unknown. Every project feels like the most important one, every decision seems monumental. And then, when you get feedback, it can hit you like a ton of bricks. You’ve poured your heart into that project, hoping to make an impression, and then—BAM—someone points out flaws you hadn’t even noticed. Ouch. I’ve been there.
I remember my first major project in design. I had spent days tweaking every little detail, thinking it was perfect, only for a senior colleague to tear it apart during the review. I felt crushed. But here’s what I learned: learning how to handle criticism, especially early in your career, is a game-changer. It’s uncomfortable, sure, but it’s also how we grow.
Why criticism at the start of your career hits different
When you’re starting out, it feels like every piece of feedback is about you as a person. I used to think, “If they don’t like this, they don’t like me.” It wasn’t just feedback—it was a gut punch. But here’s the truth: feedback isn’t a rejection; it’s an opportunity. Someone is taking the time to guide you, to help you improve, because they believe you can get better.
Criticism is actually an investment in your potential. Over the years, I’ve learned that receiving and handling feedback well can be one of the most powerful tools in your career.
It shapes your skills: Good feedback tells you exactly where you need to improve. It’s like a GPS for your growth.
It builds resilience: The ability to separate your ego from your work is crucial. It’s tough, but it’s essential for professional growth.
It shows commitment: Taking criticism on board and applying it shows you’re serious about getting better and committed to your craft.
Step 1: consider who’s giving the feedback
Not all feedback is created equal. I’ve learned to pause and consider where it’s coming from. Is it from a manager who has years of experience? That’s gold. From a peer who’s offering suggestions to improve teamwork? Even better. Or maybe it’s from a random comment on social media. I’ve found that it’s often not worth my energy to get upset about that.
Tip: Always assess the intention behind the feedback before reacting. I’ve stopped myself many times from reacting impulsively after realizing the source and intention of the feedback were genuinely constructive.
Step 2: pause before reacting
When I first started receiving feedback, I had an overwhelming urge to defend myself. Every part of me wanted to explain why I made certain choices. But I quickly realized that taking a step back was always the better option. Now, I count to five, breathe deeply, and remind myself that this isn’t personal. It’s a chance to grow.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to take a moment, thank the person for their thoughts, and let myself process everything before responding. It’s tough, but it’s helped me tremendously.
Step 3: ask for specifics
When I got vague feedback like “This presentation could be better,” I felt lost. What did that even mean? But I quickly learned to ask for specific examples. “Could you show me an area where I could improve?” I would ask. “What part of my presentation didn’t feel clear?” This made all the difference. Not only did I get actionable advice, but I also learned how to approach future projects more strategically.
Asking for specifics shows maturity. It shows you’re taking the feedback seriously and are eager to grow. I’ve found that when you ask for clarity, you get stronger and more precise guidance in return.
Step 4: reflect honestly and privately
After receiving feedback, I used to stew over it for days, replaying every word. Now, I try to take a step back and reflect honestly. Was there truth in the feedback? Is it something that I’ve heard before? What parts of it resonate with me?
I’ve kept a feedback journal for years now. After each critique, I write down what I learned and how I plan to apply it. This has been a game-changer for me. Not only does it help me track my growth, but it also helps me gain clarity about the areas where I need to focus.
Step 5: turn critique into action
There’s no use reflecting on feedback if you don’t act on it. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking about what went wrong, but the real magic happens when you put the advice into action. I try to set a small, achievable goal related to the feedback. If someone says I need to improve my time management, I might set a goal to track my hours more effectively. If I’m told my design needs more balance, I work on that particular aspect for the next project.
The key is to act. Don’t let criticism sit idle. Apply what you’ve learned, even in small ways, and watch how you grow.
Step 6: stay professional and open
I’ve learned that the way you handle criticism says a lot about you as a professional. It’s normal to disagree with some points, and you don’t always have to change everything based on feedback. But showing that you’re open to hearing others’ perspectives is vital for building trust with your team.
Whenever someone offers feedback, I try to thank them. I let them know I appreciate their thoughts and that I’ll be working on the areas they mentioned. It’s a simple but effective way to maintain a professional demeanor, even when the feedback stings.
Step 7: build a support system
Having a support system has made all the difference in my journey. I’ve reached out to mentors and peers who’ve gone through similar experiences. I’ve asked them how they’ve handled tough feedback and, in turn, shared my own struggles. Their stories helped me feel less alone, and I realized that everyone—yes, everyone—goes through this phase of discomfort.
Talking to people who’ve been there is incredibly valuable. You’ll hear stories that resonate with your own, and it will help you feel more equipped to face the next round of criticism with confidence.
Mistakes to avoid
Taking it personally: It’s easy to feel like the feedback is about you, but it’s not. You are not your work.
Ignoring all feedback: Not every comment is a personal attack. I used to ignore feedback that I didn’t agree with, but over time, I’ve learned to see even the tough feedback as an opportunity for growth.
Letting one comment derail your motivation: Early in my career, I would let one negative comment overshadow all the positive ones. Now, I focus on the constructive feedback and leave the rest behind.
Talking badly about the person who criticized you: It’s tempting to vent, but I’ve learned that this only hurts me in the long run. Keep things professional and stay focused on the bigger picture.
Instead of getting defensive or ignoring criticism, I’ve learned to approach it with curiosity. It’s not about defending myself; it’s about learning, improving, and evolving.
Final thoughts: criticism is a compliment in disguise
If no one cared, they wouldn’t bother giving you feedback. Think about it: constructive criticism is often a vote of confidence. It means someone sees your potential and wants you to improve, to level up.
So, the next time you get that dreaded “we need to talk” or find red pen all over your work, remember: this is where growth starts. Criticism is tough, but it’s also necessary. Embrace it as a tool to refine your craft.
You’ve got this. Now go out there and show the world what you’re made of.
From zero to design hero — keep creating!
by Cris.