Show Your Work: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered
Show Your Work by Austin Kleon is an engaging and insightful guide that focuses on the art of self-promotion and creativity in the digital age. Following the success of his previous book, Steal Like an Artist, Kleon delivers a practical and motivational manual for anyone seeking to share their creativity with the world. The book is structured around ten key principles that encourage readers to embrace openness, vulnerability, and generosity as they share their work with others.
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Show Your Work! 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered
Introduction
Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work! offers a refreshing perspective on creativity and self-promotion in the modern age. Unlike traditional approaches that focus heavily on networking and self-marketing, Kleon presents a more organic way to gain recognition: by sharing your creative process openly and generously with the world. This book is a guide for artists, writers, and creators of all kinds who want to showcase their work and ideas, not through aggressive self-promotion but by engaging in meaningful sharing and collaboration.
The Myth of the Lone Genius
Kleon begins by debunking the myth of the “lone genius,” the idea that creativity stems from a singular, isolated figure with extraordinary talent. Instead, he introduces the concept of “scenius,” where creative breakthroughs emerge from a collective environment—a community of like-minded individuals who share ideas and inspire each other. In this view, creativity is less about individual brilliance and more about collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
Scenius vs. Genius
Scenius is about the creative environment and community that fosters innovation.
Genius often overlooks the influence and support of the creative network.
Process, Not Product
Kleon emphasizes that the focus should be on the creative process, not just the final product. Sharing the journey of creation, including the ups and downs, allows others to engage more deeply with your work. This transparency builds trust and relatability, making the audience feel like a part of the creative journey.
Benefits of Sharing the Process
Transparency creates a deeper connection with the audience.
Relatability encourages others to engage with and support your work.
Daily Sharing
One of the key practices Kleon advocates is sharing small parts of your work daily. This consistent sharing builds a habit and keeps your audience engaged. By providing regular insights into your work, you create an ongoing narrative that invites others to follow along.
How to Share Daily
Post updates on social media platforms that suit your work style.
Share sketches, drafts, or snippets of your projects.
Use blogs or newsletters to provide deeper insights into your creative process.
Opening Your Cabinet of Curiosities
Kleon encourages creators to share their influences and inspirations openly. By showcasing what inspires you, you invite others into your creative world, providing context and depth to your work. This “cabinet of curiosities” approach helps demystify your creative process and allows others to see the connections between your influences and your creations.
Sharing Influences
Discuss books, music, art, or experiences that inspire you.
Curate collections of works or ideas that have shaped your thinking.
Provide commentary on why certain influences resonate with you.
The Importance of Storytelling
Storytelling is a powerful tool for creators. Kleon argues that the stories behind your work can significantly enhance its value and impact. A compelling narrative can transform a simple project into an engaging experience for your audience.
Crafting a Good Story
Focus on the structure: beginning, middle, and end.
Use anecdotes to illustrate points and create emotional connections.
Be authentic and honest in sharing the challenges and triumphs of your journey.
Teaching as a Way to Learn
Kleon believes that teaching is not just a way to share knowledge but also a method to deepen your understanding of your work. By explaining your process and techniques to others, you reinforce your skills and establish yourself as an authority in your field.
Benefits of Teaching
Enhances your understanding and mastery of your work.
Builds credibility and authority.
Fosters a community of learners and collaborators.
Avoiding Human Spam
In a world saturated with self-promotion, Kleon warns against becoming “human spam.” Instead of constantly promoting yourself, he suggests focusing on genuine engagement and contributing value to your community. By being authentic and generous, you build a reputation that naturally attracts interest.
Strategies to Avoid Self-Promotion Overload
Engage in meaningful conversations within your community.
Share valuable insights and resources without expecting anything in return.
Build relationships based on mutual interest and support.
Handling Criticism
Kleon acknowledges that sharing your work publicly can invite criticism. He advises creators to develop resilience and view criticism as an opportunity for growth. By embracing feedback, you can improve your work and become more adaptable in the face of challenges.
Dealing with Criticism
Distinguish between constructive feedback and unhelpful negativity.
Use criticism to refine and improve your work.
Maintain confidence in your vision and direction.
Monetizing Your Work
While many creatives are hesitant to “sell out,” Kleon encourages a healthy approach to monetizing your work. He emphasizes understanding the value of what you create and finding ways to earn a living without compromising your integrity.
Approaches to Monetization
Explore different revenue streams, such as products, services, or teaching.
Set boundaries to maintain control over your creative vision.
Stay true to your values while exploring commercial opportunities.
Building a Long-Term Presence
Kleon concludes with the importance of consistency and longevity. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it requires dedication and perseverance. By consistently sharing your work and evolving with your audience, you build a sustainable creative career.
Tips for Long-Term Success
Maintain a consistent presence in your chosen platforms.
Continue evolving your work and engaging with your audience.
View setbacks as learning opportunities and stay committed to your goals.
Key Themes
Embrace the Process: Kleon emphasizes the importance of showing the world not just the finished product but the creative process itself. By revealing the behind-the-scenes moments, creators can connect more authentically with their audience.
Share Something Every Day: One of the book’s central tenets is the idea of consistent sharing. Kleon suggests that creatives should make a habit of documenting and sharing their work regularly, whether through blog posts, social media updates, or other platforms.
Teach What You Know: Kleon encourages readers to share their knowledge and skills with others. By teaching, creators not only help others but also reinforce their own understanding and establish themselves as experts in their field.
Be Open About Your Influences: Rather than hiding one’s influences, Kleon argues that creatives should celebrate and credit them. Sharing sources of inspiration can help build a network and foster a sense of community.
Don’t Wait to Be Discovered: The book emphasizes the power of taking initiative and being proactive about sharing one’s work. Instead of waiting for a big break, Kleon advises readers to start where they are and use the tools available to them.
The Power of Storytelling: Kleon discusses the importance of storytelling in making one’s work relatable and engaging. Creators should focus on crafting compelling narratives around their work to draw in their audience.
Learn to Take Criticism: Constructive criticism is a natural part of sharing work publicly. Kleon advises creatives to develop a thick skin and learn from feedback, using it to improve their work.
Writing Style
Kleon’s writing is conversational and accessible, making complex ideas about creativity and promotion feel approachable. The book is filled with illustrations, quotes, and anecdotes that enrich the text and provide real-world examples of his principles in action. His tone is encouraging and motivational, aiming to inspire readers to take immediate action towards sharing their work.
Overall Assessment
Show Your Work! is a valuable resource for artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to make their creative endeavors more visible. Kleon’s practical advice and motivational insights offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of self-promotion and creativity in a connected world. The book’s emphasis on authenticity, community, and continuous learning makes it a timeless guide for anyone seeking to share their passion with others
Here are some books similar to Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon, available on Amazon.
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon: This companion to Show Your Work! delves into the concept of creativity as a process of borrowing and remixing ideas. Kleon offers practical advice on how to cultivate creativity and inspiration from the world around you.
The Creative Habit - Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp: Renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp shares her insights on the creative process, offering exercises and strategies to help readers cultivate their creativity and turn it into a daily habit.
Big Magic - Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert:
Elizabeth Gilbert explores the mysterious nature of inspiration, encouraging readers to embrace curiosity and let go of fear to live a more creative life.Keep Going - 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad by Austin Kleon:
In this follow-up to Show Your Work!, Kleon provides ten rules for maintaining creativity in challenging times, emphasizing resilience and perseverance.
