Show Your Work

"Show Your Work!"

This book by Austin Kleon that explores the idea of sharing your creative process and work with the world. Here's a summary of the key points from "Show Your Work!":

1. Share Your Process:

   • The central premise of the book is the idea that creative individuals should share their work and creative process with others. Instead of hiding your work until it's perfect, let people see the journey of its creation.

2. The Network Is Your Audience:

   • Your network, whether it's on social media, a blog, or in person, can serve as your audience. These people are genuinely interested in your work and can provide valuable feedback and support.

3. Share Something Small Every Day:

   • Don't wait until you've completed a major project to share it with the world. Instead, share something small every day, whether it's a sketch, a snippet of code, or a rough draft. Consistency is key to building an audience.

4. Be Open and Generous:

   • Share your knowledge, resources, and experiences generously with others. By doing so, you can establish yourself as a valuable member of your creative community and attract like-minded individuals.

5. Teach What You Know:

   • Teaching others what you know can help solidify your own understanding and expertise. Consider creating tutorials, blog posts, or workshops to share your knowledge and help others learn.

6. Embrace Your Niche:

   • Don't be afraid to embrace your unique interests and quirks. Your niche can set you apart and attract a dedicated audience who shares your passions.

7. Think Process, Not Product:

   • Shift your focus from the final product to the process of creating it. Document your progress, setbacks, and breakthroughs. People are often more interested in how you got there than the end result.

8. Become a Documentarian of Your Life:

   • Keep a record of your daily experiences, thoughts, and inspirations. These records can serve as a well of creative ideas and content to share with others.

9. Share Your Influences:

   • Highlight the people, books, music, and art that inspire you. This not only pays tribute to your influences but also introduces your audience to new sources of inspiration.

10. Use Social Media Wisely:

    • Be intentional about how you use social media. Share your work, engage with your audience, and curate your online presence to reflect your creative interests.

11. Learn in Public:

    • Don't be afraid to learn new skills in public view. Share your progress and the resources you're using to improve. It's a way to demonstrate your growth and inspire others to do the same.

12. Geography Is No Longer Your Master:

    • The internet has made it possible to connect with like-minded individuals and share your work globally. Don't limit your audience to your physical location.

"Show Your Work!" encourages creative individuals to overcome the fear of judgment and embrace the power of sharing. By opening up your creative process to the world, you can build a supportive community, learn from others, and gain recognition for your work. Sharing, teaching, and documenting your journey not only enriches your own creative process but also inspires and connects you with fellow creators worldwide.