Show your work!: 10 ways to share your creativity and get discovered

“Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered” is a book by Austin Kleon that provides valuable insights and strategies for individuals looking to share their creative work with the world and gain recognition. In this summary, we’ll explore the key concepts presented in the book.

1. Share Something Small Every Day

Kleon emphasizes the importance of consistently sharing your work, even if it’s just a small piece. The idea is to make sharing a habit, as this helps you stay engaged with your creative process and keeps your audience interested. By sharing regularly, you create a narrative around your work, allowing others to follow your creative journey.

 2. You Don’t Have to Be a Genius

One of the central themes in the book is the notion that you don’t have to be a genius to share your work. Kleon encourages creators to embrace the idea of being an “amateur” and to share their progress and learning experiences openly. This relatable approach can attract a wider audience and make your creative process more accessible to others.

3. Think Process, Not Product

Instead of just showcasing the finished product, Kleon advises sharing the process behind your work. This behind-the-scenes perspective provides insight into your creative journey, making it more engaging for your audience. By sharing your struggles, breakthroughs, and experiments, you create a more authentic connection with your followers.

4. Teach What You Know

Teaching what you know, even if you’re not an expert, is a powerful way to share your work. This could involve creating tutorials, writing blog posts, or giving talks. By teaching, you solidify your own understanding, and you also contribute value to others. This act of generosity can build a community around your work.

5. Use Your Network

Kleon emphasizes the importance of leveraging your network to share your work. This involves connecting with like-minded individuals, participating in online communities, and collaborating with others. Networking not only helps you reach a broader audience but also provides valuable support and feedback for your creative endeavors.

6. Become a Documentarian of What You Do

Documenting your creative process is a key strategy for sharing your work. This could include keeping a journal, taking photos, or creating videos that capture the various stages of your projects. This documentation not only serves as a record of your journey but also provides compelling content to share with your audience.

 7. Share Something You Love

In addition to sharing your own work, Kleon encourages creators to share the work of others that they admire. By curating and promoting content from others, you contribute to a culture of generosity and support within your creative community. This can also lead to reciprocal sharing, expanding your reach even further.

8. Become Findable

Making your work easily discoverable is crucial for gaining visibility. This involves using social media effectively, having a well-designed website, and optimizing your online presence. The goal is to make it simple for people to find and engage with your work, whether they come across it through a search engine or a social media platform.

9. Don’t Turn Into Human Spam

While it’s essential to share your work consistently, Kleon cautions against becoming overly promotional. Instead of bombarding your audience with constant self-promotion, focus on providing value and building genuine connections. Authenticity is key, and people are more likely to engage with your work if they perceive it as a genuine expression of your passion and creativity.

10. Learn to Take a Punch

Criticism and negativity are inevitable when sharing your work. Kleon advises creators to develop resilience and learn how to handle criticism constructively. Use feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve, but also recognize that not everyone will appreciate or understand your work. Developing a thick skin and staying true to your creative vision are essential for long-term success.

Conclusion:

 “Show Your Work!” is a guide for creatives seeking to navigate the digital age and share their work effectively. By embracing vulnerability, consistently sharing, and building a supportive community, individuals can not only showcase their creativity but also increase the chances of getting discovered in a crowded online space. Kleon’s practical advice and encouraging tone make this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to make their mark in the creative world.