Tell us about a time when you had to provide constructive criticism on someone else's character design. How did you approach it?

Sample answer to the question

I remember a time when I had to provide constructive criticism on a colleague's character design. We were working on a graphic novel project, and I noticed that the character's proportions were off, which affected the overall visual appeal. To approach this, I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with my colleague to discuss my observations. I started the conversation by acknowledging their creativity and effort, and then I shared specific areas where I thought the design could be improved. I made sure to provide examples and suggestions on how to make the character more visually appealing while still maintaining their intended personality. I also asked for their thoughts and encouraged an open dialogue. We worked together to revise the design, incorporating the feedback and making adjustments until we achieved a more balanced and visually pleasing result.

A more solid answer

I can recall a situation where I had to provide constructive criticism on a fellow character designer's work. We were collaborating on an animated series, and the character design they had created didn't match the desired style and aesthetic. Instead of criticizing their work directly, I approached the situation with empathy and respect. I scheduled a meeting to discuss the design, emphasizing the strengths and potential of their concept. Then, I carefully pointed out the areas where the design could be improved to align with the project's vision. I offered specific suggestions on how to adjust the proportions, refine the details, and enhance the character's personality. Throughout the conversation, I ensured that I conveyed my intentions clearly and ensured open communication. My colleague appreciated the feedback and was receptive to the suggestions. As a result, they made the necessary adjustments to the design, and we were able to achieve a character that perfectly captured the intended style and essence of the animated series.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more specific details and examples of the candidate's approach to providing constructive criticism on someone else's character design. It showcases their ability to communicate effectively and their understanding of maintaining consistency in character designs. However, it could further highlight the candidate's understanding of anatomy and motion, and their knowledge of design software and artistic styles.

An exceptional answer

Let me share a memorable experience when I provided constructive criticism on a colleague's character design. We were working on a video game project, and one of the characters didn't quite fit the intended style and gameplay requirements. I could see that my colleague had put a lot of effort into the design, so I approached the situation with utmost tact and empathy. I scheduled a meeting and began by expressing my admiration for their creativity and dedication to the project. Then, I initiated a dialogue, asking them about their thought process and intentions behind the design. This allowed them to express themselves and understand that I valued their input. I proceeded to share my observations, using references and examples to illustrate my points. I explained how adjusting the proportions, refining the color palette, and adding more dynamic elements would enhance the character's appeal and better align with the gameplay mechanics. I also emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in character designs for a cohesive game world. Throughout the conversation, I actively sought my colleague's input and encouraged their ideas. This collaborative approach fostered an environment of trust and mutual respect. They were grateful for the feedback and eagerly worked on the revisions. In the end, we achieved a character design that not only met the project's requirements but exceeded expectations. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of effective communication and constructive feedback in elevating creative work.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a highly detailed and comprehensive response to the question. It showcases the candidate's ability to provide constructive criticism in a professional and empathetic manner while emphasizing their knowledge of design principles and ability to work collaboratively. The answer highlights the candidate's understanding of maintaining consistency in character designs, their knowledge of anatomy and motion, and their proficiency in using design software. Additionally, it demonstrates their ability to adapt their communication style to different project requirements.

How to prepare for this question

Before the interview, review your portfolio and identify a specific example that demonstrates your experience in providing constructive criticism on character designs.
Familiarize yourself with the principles of character design, such as proportion, color, and composition. Be prepared to discuss how you apply these principles in your work.
Reflect on past experiences where you received constructive criticism and how you handled it. This will help you understand the importance of empathy and open communication when providing feedback.
Practice explaining your thoughts and suggestions for improvement in a clear and concise manner. Use specific examples and references to support your points.
Research the company's current or past character designs to get a sense of their style and aesthetic. This will show your interest and preparation during the interview.

What interviewers are evaluating

Creativity and artistic talent
Attention to detail and ability to maintain consistency in character designs
Ability to accept and provide constructive criticism
Good communication and interpersonal skills