Lifestyle decisions are hard enough to make. However, selecting a movie as one scrolls through the numerous options on one’s favourite streaming platform can also be tedious. How does one tell what they might enjoy? Enter Critics to save the day. These professionals evaluate and analyse creative output, ... Continue Reading
USA 
UK 
Explore Career
What are the typical responsibilities of a Critic?
A Critic would typically need to:
Critics employed by media outlets may work in private cabins or shared office spaces. Freelance Critics often work from their homes, private or shared offices.
Depending on their specialisation, Critics travel to attend film festivals, screenings, premieres, performances, exhibitions and other events or to meet industry professionals and creators. Some of these events may require international travel.
Many Critics freelance, which allows them to have flexible schedules, writing on their own time. However, full-time Critics who work for publications typically work 40 hours a week. Full-time Critics may be required to attend events, which may take place outside of work hours, including evenings, holidays and weekends.
Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.
Finding a new job might seem challenging. Critics can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.
Freelancing is a popular option for Critics, which allows them to contribute their reviews to diverse media outlets.
Critics are generally employed by:
Critics may join several different professional organisations and unions, depending on the subject matter they critique. Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Association of Art Critics (AICA) and the International Association of Theatre Critics (AITC-IATC), are crucial for Critics interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.
Professional associations provide their members with various continuing education and networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.
The greater your experience as a Critic, the greater the trust you will likely generate among your audience. Critics should, first and foremost, build extensive knowledge and expertise in the specific area they choose to critique. It is essential to acquire experience in evaluating the technical aspects of the creative avenue you wish to critique so that you can offer balanced, reliable and informed reviews and insights to your audience.
You can immerse yourself in the subject matter of your interest through continuous reading, viewing or listening, a relevant degree program, pursuing the art form as a hobby, self-study, and attending classes, workshops and seminars.
Begin early to sharpen your observation, analytical and evaluation skills by visiting art museums and exhibitions, opting for diverse genres while listening to music, reading books or watching movies and theatre, dining at different restaurants and tasting diverse cuisines.
You can chalk up informal critiquing experience by discussing your opinions on diverse topics or those specific to your interests with friends, family, teachers and professionals. Develop your skills to communicate articulately and persuasively by contributing freelance opinion articles or reviews of books, movies or school and college productions and events to your school or college newsletters, in print or online, or to local publications, providing oral reviews appearing for your school or college broadcasts, or maintaining a blog or social media page.
Seeking internships in the specific fields you want to critique will boost your credibility and chances of employment. Academic programs that potential Critics take up may require you to formally supplement your classroom learning with practical experience for a stipulated period. Summer internships, part-time work at an entry-level position or short-term paid/voluntary work in newspapers, magazines or radio stations offer a taste of a career as a Critic, give valuable insight into how a company or institution operates, help build useful contacts and improve one’s prospects of getting a permanent job. Securing a job related to journalism helps you network with professionals who can help you build your future and guide you in the right direction to succeed.
Building a portfolio with the best samples of your work in your chosen specialisation, whether in a voluntary capacity, as an intern or freelancer, or in a full-time job, is valuable. You may include critiques, reviews, published opinion pieces, features or analyses for newspapers, magazines, online platforms and personal blogs. Your social media page may also serve as a portfolio.
Even while in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies or volunteer with an organisation of interest, so you can have fun while learning about yourself and be directed toward a future career.
There are no strict educational requirements to become a Critic. However, it is highly recommended to obtain a liberal arts education to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to gain a competitive edge, whether contributing to online or print media or radio or television shows and succeed in the field.
A bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications or broadcasting allows you to foster the reporting and creative writing skills you need to write reviews and communicate your ideas effectively, important aspects of a Critic’s role. Journalism programs include courses in media law and online journalism, which can be useful to your work. Through communications programs, you can delve into nonverbal techniques of connecting with audiences as well as study documentaries and culturally diverse videos, which can enhance your abilities as a Film Critic.
Additionally, it is worth noting that a bachelor’s degree relevant to the specialisation you wish to pursue as a Critic can be beneficial to understand the history and technical aspects of the art form you aim to critique so that you can write knowledgeable and credible reviews.
For example, it would help potential Art Critics to pursue an art program or courses that teach them about art history, themes and other elements, including composition, linework quality, complementary colours, shading, textures, scale and perspective. Film Critics may pursue a degree in film studies, learning about cinematography, editing, casting, sound design, special effects, screenplay writing and directing techniques. In addition to knowledge of genres, styles and musicians, Music Critics must develop a grasp of music theory, instrumentation and performance techniques through a relevant degree. Theatre Critics will find it helpful to learn about stage design, acting and directing techniques, and dramaturgy through a degree in theatre arts or relevant courses.
English, theatre and creative writing classes during high school will help you develop your research, writing and communication skills. You may also take courses in history, film, design, music, visual arts or culinary arts.
Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.
Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.
Certification and licensing are typically not required to work as a professional Critic, but acquiring voluntary certification demonstrates your competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Some associations offer certifications relevant to writers, which can make you more attractive to employers. Check locally to find professional organisations that offer certifications.
Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.
Since Critics offer their opinion on current and upcoming trends and experiences, they must stay up to date with their chosen field and the related industry and learn continuously about their subject by attending workshops and conferences or undertaking specialised training. Establishing your reputation is another crucial aspect of succeeding as a Critic. The more credible and informed critiques a Critic has published, the more recognised they become and the larger the audiences they reach and influence.
Critics can work for more prestigious media outlets, publish their work and compile a portfolio to boost credibility. Once established, they may take up freelance or contract work for well-known publications, websites, magazines or media outlets, which allows them to expand their portfolio of projects, further hone their skills and reach wider audiences. Adapting to changing technologies will also allow you to use new mediums, including podcasts, social media and videos.
Critics can boost their career progression by forging connections within their chosen field by attending industry events such as film festivals, art exhibitions, literary gatherings, music concerts and restaurant openings. Building relationships with performers, creatives, industry professionals, and other Critics can help you join collaborative projects, find job opportunities in your field or even diversify into related areas.
While not always the case or easy to achieve, you may enter your chosen field as a professional. For instance, Food Critics may train to become Chefs or open their eatery. Film Critics may launch their productions or become Screenplay Writers. TV Show Critics may become presenters on TV or radio. Literary Critics may author books in their preferred genre.
Writing books is also one of the ways for Critics to become authorities in their chosen fields. Other ways to become influential in your sphere include curating exhibitions, anchoring panels or workshops or speaking at industry events. You may also opt for academia and teach courses within your specialisation at technical or vocational colleges. With a master’s degree followed by a PhD, you may become a professor at a university or enter research in your field.
The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.
Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.
Candidates who are experts in the field and have an impressive portfolio of published work have the best job prospects. Building a reputation of consistency, fairness and reliability, developing a distinctive voice and perspective, staying current with industry trends and fostering multimedia skills also give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Continuing professional development (CPD) will help active Critics build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to continually upskill regardless of age, job, or level of knowledge.
Critics should identify their area of expertise and their niche within it and constantly engage with the subject matter they critique through research, self-study or advanced courses. Pursue continuing education (CE) to learn about the history and technical aspects of your specialisation or diversify into related areas for a more comprehensive understanding and greater versatility in your work.
A useful way to foster your critiquing skills and appreciate multiple perspectives is to read and study the work of other Critics, gaining inspiration from them and developing your own style. Additionally, Critics can enrol in online or in-person courses to advance their written and oral communication skills and learn how to convey ideas effectively.
Developing multimedia skills, such as video production and editing, can add to your versatility and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Freelancing Critics would also do well to take courses in business administration, marketing and accounting to manage their business.
Finding a mentor to review your work, provide feedback and guide you in your career progression can help you identify and leverage your strengths and improve weak spots in your analytical or communication abilities.
Engaging in peer review and sharing feedback is a helpful way to develop your skills and style and keep up to date with emerging industry trends, as is reading industry publications, journals and other relevant material. Stay informed about new releases in your field and participate in critical discussions. Join relevant professional associations and attend workshops, conferences, seminars and webinars for opportunities to exchange views and knowledge.
You can also start a blog or your social media page where you post your critiques and reviews or join relevant groups on social media.
Who was the First Critic?
The title of the first modern Critic is given to Matthew Arnold (1822-1888). Arnold was a Victorian poet who not only produced and supported memorable poetry but also founded the sociological school of criticism. In his view, literary criticism was necessary “to know the best that is known and thought in the world, and by in its turn making this known, to create a current of true and fresh ideas”. He thought that critiques would generate fresh ideas. His work influenced TS Elliot, FR Leavis, Allen Tate and other Critics. Arnold advocated comparison and analysis as the two core tenets of criticism that would provide scientific objectivity to reviews. His analytical assessments of Romantic poets such as Wordsworth, Byron, Shelley and Keats are legendary.
What Do Critics Critique?
There are multiple art forms and several genres in each, as people express their creativity in numerous ways, which means there are just as many types of Critics. Critics typically choose to specialise in a particular art form, as they must learn about its history and stay updated with current and emerging trends. Given below are some types of Cri
Film Critics typically work for magazines, journals, television, radio stations, newspapers, social media or websites. They watch movie screenings or new movies as soon as they are released and write reviews incorporating the film’s pros and cons to help audiences select the best film for themselves.
Food Critics or Restaurant Critics visit food establishments, such as restaurants, cafés, food trucks and food stands to test and analyse the taste, aromas, quality, portion sizes and presentation of dishes and beverages. They also pay close attention to the restaurant’s service, ambience and cleanliness, which contribute to a guest’s overall experience.
Theatre Critics analyse dramatic works, including plays, performances, theatrical installations and dance pieces. They provide literary interpretations and help raise general awareness of theatre among readers.
Television Show Critics evaluate the content of television programs and analyse their message and quality. They look out for storytelling techniques and evaluate the strength of the plot, character development, narrative structure, talent of the cast, and coherence across episodes.
Fashion Critics are typically employed by fashion magazines in the roles of journalists and editors. They provide readers with reviews of the latest styles, designers and fashion shows and advise them on the styles appropriate for diverse settings. Fashion Critics also provide analytical inputs to designers and fashion professionals.
Literary Critics critically analyse literary texts and help readers understand the aesthetic, social, political and cultural themes, statements, contexts and suggestions a work presents.
Art Critics objectively evaluate art exhibitions or individual artworks, catering to the public or targeted audiences. Their reviews appear in newspapers, magazines, academic journals and art blogs.
Video Game Critics provide critical video game reviews in print media, online videos or audio platforms, such as podcasts. They evaluate a game’s storyline, characters, gameplay, functionality, the console it works on and the art involved.
Current Scenario
The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year (for seasonal jobs), location, employment turnover (when people leave current jobs), occupational growth (when new roles are created), size of the occupation, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.
The job market for Critics is highly competitive, and success largely depends on the field of specialisation, the medium used for reviews, expertise, networking and the ability to adapt to changing media landscapes.
For Critics working in print publications, the job outlook has been challenging due to the overall decline in print media, a reduction in their coverage of arts and culture, and their shift to online platforms, limiting the number of job openings. However, Critics contributing to online platforms, such as blogs, websites and digital publications, can reach wider audiences and enjoy more steady employment with opportunities for freelance and contract work.
For the moment, artificial intelligence (AI) can collate and summarise available reviews but cannot replace Critics who use their senses, intelligence and emotions to form and share their opinions of any piece of work before or just after it is released to large audiences. Until then, AI would not have any information to summarise as its response to a request for a review. However, Critics can join forces with AI to enrich the quality of their reviews through deeper analysis and audience engagement.
Critics wear multiple hats. On the one hand, they assist audiences in making various choices, from which movies to watch and books to read to what dishes to order and clothes to buy, thereby shaping public opinion. On the other hand, they are a driving force nudging creators and industry experts to innovate and develop their products or services to serve consumers better. Through their well-considered perspectives and reviews, Critics offer engaging insights and food for thought and healthy discussion.
Whether or not you are paid for it, write. You can improve only when audiences view your reviews and comment on them. Do not insulate yourself in your field. Read novels and the news, watch movies, documentaries and plays, dine out, visit art exhibitions and meet with friends. Since your voice likely reaches diverse and widespread audiences, you must stay in touch with all aspects of life to contextualise what you critique.
A study shows that overlapping movie reviews by general users and Critics make it more likely for audiences to watch the movie and are positive predictors of box office revenue.
What do Critics do?
A Critic would typically need to:
Accredited
$50,543
