Show Your Work
By Austin Kleon
If you produce any creative work ever, you must learn and get used to showing it off. This is book number 2 of a three-book series on why you should and how you can “Show Your Work.” You will see how showing the work is a necessary feed for sustainable creative flow.
If you would like to read the summary on Book 1, Click here - “Steal Like an Artist. “
1. You don't have to be a genius
Building connections with a group of like-minded creators will help to find your footing as a beginner. The gaps become apparent and the ways you can contribute become clear in a connected group scene (Austin calls it a "Scenius"). Lately, sceniuses are increasingly accessible with the internet. Such widespread accessibility means you have to find your voice on the internet to show your work. If your work is not online, it does not exist.
2. Think process, not the product
Take people behind the scenes.
I've always wondered about the thought process behind a finished artwork or a book. You establish a deeper connection when you let your audience behind the scene: the messy drafts, the inspirations, and the struggle. Talk about them while you are in the process of producing.
Become a documentarian of what you do
Even if your work has not taken the shape of a product, document the process. Even if you don't share your work, keep records of the research, reference, drawings, journals, inspirations, stories, demos, diagrams drafts, and photographs. Surplus material will come in handy to build connections with your audience.
3. Share something small every day
Pick a platform and answer the question: "What are you working on? " (This is the tagline at Dribbble.com). Can't find the time? Look for it!!
Some social chemistry is good to test your process and your product. Share just enough to get insights. Be open, but don't overshare. Share something that will be useful to your audience. Bits of work you share daily can turn into something more sustainable.
If you were to take only one lesson from the book, take this - Register a domain name. www.[yourname].com. You own what goes on it, and it's independent of any platform. Be committed to sharing your work here as a tool of self-discovery. Don't worry about SEO, marketing, and self-promotion. You are here to share your work and build your name.
4. Open up your cabinet of curiosities
Be honest about your curiosities. The only way to connect with people who are wondering about the things you are wondering - is to be open about your curiosities.
5. Tell good stories
One question I often get asked is, "Why do you run so much?". In my mind, though, I am not running enough. I started running for no particular reason. I started running outside, seeing the community running group routinely training around the neighborhood I lived in. It slowly grew on me. I started tracking progress and seeing the health benefits. I almost have had no sick days after the first three months of training. I started running in my 30s, and now I wish I had started earlier. If only someone told me about what running could do to my health earlier. My decision to start running would have been a conscious one rather than one by chance. That makes me think, what else am I missing out on? I have now started writing to tell my story so others don't miss out. I started writing to document my learning.
Why aren't you telling your stories? The stories around your work make people value your work differently. They will start valuing you differently. Learn how to tell good stories. Look up Dan Harmon's story circle or Gustav Freytag's Pyramid for starters.
6. Teach what you know
What is obvious to you is not always clear to everyone. Find ways to teach what you know because this brings people closer to you. When you let them in on your secrets, you will find things to learn from them. Then, their reflections start feeding to your flow.
7. Don't turn into a human spam
You turn into human spam when you don't take the time to listen. Or read. Austin says, "If you want to be interesting, you have to be interested."
Make time to meet people in real life (IRL), and make time to listen.
8. Learn to take a punch
Do not take criticisms personally. When you put yourself out there, be ready for the good, the bad, and the ugly. You don't have control over the punches, but you can control how you react to them with practice. You develop the emotional maturity to be self-aware. You know what triggers you, so take a breath and choose the right reaction that contributes to your process and progress. Sometimes it's best to ignore the trolls. Be generous with the block button.
As Austin said in book no.1, "Steal like an Artist," - If you want to vanquish your enemy, ignore him.
9. Sell Out
In showing your work and sharing your process freely, you eventually build a following willing to invest in you or support you to keep your work going. There is no shame in being a sell-out. Bills have to be paid eventually. So don't judge too soon when you see a content creator turning monetization on or has signed up for affiliate links.
Remember to pay it forward. If you have had any success (and luck) in having your work noticed, pay it forward to people who helped you.
10. Stick around
Life is full of ups and downs. If you quit while you are down, you are missing out on the next up. Believe that the trending line of minor ups and downs faces upwards in the long run. Leave enough work out there so that you have a good chance to get on board when the opportunity comes.
One last thing - you have to keep going. Whether you had a huge success or not, you have to start your next project. Get projects lined up regardless of how the audience is receiving your previous work.
