📖 Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
“Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon is a manifesto for artists, creators, and anyone wanting to share their work and ideas with the world.
Here’s what I learnt from his book about how you can share your work effectively and authentically.
1. You don’t have to be a genius
Kleon dispels the myth that creativity is a talent reserved for a select few, quoting John Cleese: “Creativity is not a talent, it is a way of operating.”
He emphasizes that you need to be visible and findable, and you can do this through your digital presence. Kleon encourages you to think of your art as a continuous process and to integrate sharing into your routine.
There is value in being an amateur. You are willing to learn and make mistakes in public. Doing something, however imperfect, is infinitely better than doing nothing at all.
2. Think process
Rather than being focused on the end result, appreciate the whole process. Document and share your creative journey; people are interested in seeing behind the scenes and how things are made. By sharing your process, you can build a unique bond with your audience and make your work and the process of creating your work engaging for your audience.
3. Share something small every day
Every day, you can take time to go back through what you’ve done and create content. Kleon suggests you have a daily dispatch where you document your methods, inspirations, learnings and progress.
He distinguishes between “flow” (short, frequent updates like tweets) and “stock” (long-lasting content like blog posts) and that you use your flow to inform and create your stock to help build your digital footprint.
4. Open up your cabinet of curiosities
Have a “cabinet of curiosities”— a collection of inspirations and influences to share with others. This practice shows your interests and fosters a culture of sharing and collaboration with your audience.
Kleon emphasized the importance of sharing the work of others and crediting your sources.
5. Tell good stories
Good storytelling can enhance the value of creative work- people like a good story. You need to become a good storyteller to communicate the essence of your work and connect with your audience on a deeper level. The structure of a simple story can help explain projects and ideas more clearly.
6. Teach what you know
Teaching is a way you can share knowledge and build your following. Be open to sharing your expertise and invite others to help you learn and grow. You reinforce your knowledge while creating a sense of community by teaching what you know.
7. Don’t turn into human spam
When creating a loyal and engaged audience, it’s important to prioritize quality over quantity. You need to be genuinely interested in others, interact with fans as equals and seek meaningful connections rather than merely increasing follower counts. Don’t come off as someone who is spamming others for self-promotion.
8. Learn to take a punch
Criticism is an inevitable part of sharing work publicly. Kleon encourages you to handle criticism gracefully, protect your vulnerabilities, and learn from feedback. The worst critic often resides in our own minds, and overcoming this internal critic is crucial for growth.
9. Sell out
Making money from creative work is not inherently bad. Find a way to monetize your work when you feel like it has value. Creating value and asking for support is a legitimate part of creative life.
10. Stick around
Success may seem elusive, but you must stay persistent if you want long-term success. Use each completed project as a stepping stone for the next. When you need to, don’t be afraid to take a break and return to your work with a fresh perspective or come back and have a fresh start.
In summary, “Show Your Work!” offers practical advice for anyone looking to share their creative work with the world. Kleon’s insights helped demystify the process of self-promotion and encourage a more generous, community-focused approach to sharing art and ideas.
By following these principles, you can build meaningful connections and create an audience that will help you sustain your creative work.
📖 If you are curious and want to read this book, you can find it on the author’s website or borrow it from your local library.
