Show Your Work! Summary of Key Ideas and Review - Austin Kleon

“Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon is a creative guidebook that encourages individuals to embrace their creativity and share it with the world. The book aims to inspire and guide artists, writers, musicians, and anyone with a creative pursuit to showcase their work, build an audience, and create meaningful connections.

Austin Kleon emphasizes the importance of being open, generous, and authentic in sharing creative processes and progress rather than waiting for perfection or fame.

The main themes of the book revolve around the power of vulnerability, the value of sharing creative work, the importance of storytelling, and the benefits of building a community. Kleon encourages readers to overcome self-doubt, fear of judgment, and the misconception that they have to be geniuses to share their work.

Instead, he highlights the significance of embracing imperfection, focusing on the process rather than the end product, and maintaining a consistent practice of sharing creativity with others.

By sharing small daily updates, showcasing one’s unique interests and influences, and engaging in storytelling, individuals can cultivate an audience and establish connections with like-minded individuals. The book also emphasizes the benefits of teaching what you know and the value of giving back to the creative community.

Also, Kleon explores the challenges of navigating social media and offers insights on maintaining authenticity while avoiding becoming “human spam.” He discusses the importance of resilience and embracing criticism, as well as the potential for monetizing one’s creative work without compromising artistic integrity.

“Show Your Work!” is a practical and motivational guide for artists and creatives looking to navigate the digital age, connect with an audience, and build a sustainable creative practice.

Idea 1: You Don’t Have to Be a Genius

The first idea presented in “Show Your Work!” is the liberation from the notion that one has to be a genius to share their work. Austin Kleon argues that waiting for genius-like talent or a groundbreaking idea before sharing creative work is counterproductive.

Instead, he encourages readers to embrace their current level of creativity and share it openly. By adopting a mindset of continuous improvement and embracing the learning process, you can cultivate an audience and gain valuable feedback along the way.

Example: Consider an aspiring writer who believes they must write a masterpiece before sharing their work. They wait endlessly for that stroke of genius, which may never come. However, by following Kleon’s advice, the writer starts sharing their short stories and drafts, allowing their audience to witness their growth and provide feedback. Over time, they gain confidence and improve their writing through the continuous sharing of their work.

Practical exercise: Take a piece of your creative work, whether it’s a sketch, a poem, or a musical composition, and share it with a trusted friend, mentor, or online community. Embrace their feedback and use it as a catalyst for improvement and growth.

Idea 2: Think Process, Not Product

In the age of social media, where polished and perfected final products often dominate, Austin Kleon suggests shifting the focus from the end result to the creative process itself.

By sharing the behind-the-scenes aspects of your work—the messy drafts, the experiments, and the failures—you invite your audience to join you on your creative journey. This transparency not only humanizes the creative process but also provides valuable insights and inspiration for others.

Example: An illustrator decides to document their process of creating a digital artwork. Instead of only sharing the final masterpiece, they post snapshots of their sketches, the various stages of color experimentation, and even the moments of frustration. This transparent sharing not only engages their audience but also helps aspiring artists understand the steps and effort involved in creating a polished piece.

Practical exercise: Select a creative project you are currently working on, whether it’s writing, painting, coding, or any other form of expression. Share regular updates on your progress, highlighting the different stages, challenges, and breakthroughs you encounter along the way. Remember to share the process, not just the finished product.

Idea 3: Share Something Small Every Day

To build an engaged and supportive audience, consistency is key. Austin Kleon advises sharing something small every day, even if it feels insignificant. By consistently providing value and maintaining a regular presence, you establish a reliable connection with your audience and keep them invested in your creative journey. This approach also enables you to explore different ideas, experiment freely, and receive immediate feedback.

Example: A photographer commits to sharing one photo every day on their social media platforms. Some days, the photo might be a well-composed shot, while on others, it may be a candid moment captured on a smartphone. Over time, the photographer’s audience becomes accustomed to seeing daily updates, and they engage with the images, providing feedback and sharing their own experiences related to the visuals.

Practical exercise: Identify a creative outlet or passion of yours that can be shared in small, regular increments. It could be a daily sketch, a short poem, a quick tutorial video, or even a photograph. Commit to sharing something related to your chosen medium every day for a week, and observe the response and engagement from your audience.

Idea 4: Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities

In Idea 4, Austin Kleon encourages individuals to embrace their influences and interests openly. He suggests creating a “cabinet of curiosities” by sharing the things that inspire and fascinate you. By curating and sharing your diverse range of influences, whether they are books, movies, music, or even random ideas, you create an opportunity for meaningful conversations and connections with others who share similar interests.

Example: A graphic designer creates a blog where they share not only their own work but also a weekly roundup of design resources, books they are currently reading, and thought-provoking articles they come across. This curated collection acts as a source of inspiration for their audience and sparks discussions on design trends, influences, and industry insights.

Practical exercise: Start a collection of your favorite creative resources—books, articles, or any other source of inspiration related to your field. Share a selection from your collection with your audience, highlighting the specific aspects that resonate with you. Encourage conversations and ask your audience to share their own recommendations.

Idea 5: Tell Good Stories

Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with others on a deeper level. Austin Kleon stresses the importance of telling good stories as a way to engage your audience and make your creative work more relatable. By sharing personal anecdotes, lessons learned, or the backstory behind a project, you invite your audience to emotionally invest in your journey and foster a genuine connection.

Example: A filmmaker releases a short video documenting the making of their latest project. The video not only showcases the technical aspects but also shares the emotional journey, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned. By telling this story, the filmmaker invites their audience to experience the highs and lows of the creative process, making the final work more meaningful and relatable.

Practical exercise: Choose a recent creative project or experience and reflect on the stories within it. Identify key moments, challenges, or insights that you can share with your audience. Craft a narrative around these elements, whether in written form, through video, or any other medium that suits your creative style. Share this story with your audience and encourage them to share their own experiences related to the theme.

Idea 6: Teach What You Know

In Idea 6, Austin Kleon emphasizes the value of teaching what you know as a way to deepen your own understanding and establish yourself as an authority in your field. By sharing your knowledge, insights, and skills with others, you contribute to the creative community and build a reputation as a generous and knowledgeable individual. Teaching can take various forms, from workshops and tutorials to blog posts and online courses.

Example: A professional photographer starts a YouTube channel where they regularly upload tutorials on different aspects of photography, such as composition, lighting, or post-processing techniques. By sharing their expertise, the photographer not only helps aspiring photographers improve their skills but also establishes themselves as a trusted source of knowledge and builds a loyal following.

Practical exercise: Identify a specific skill or area of expertise within your creative field that you can teach others. Consider the format that best suits your style, whether it’s video tutorials, written guides, live workshops, or any other approach. Create and share a teaching resource, and actively engage with your audience to answer questions and provide further guidance.

Idea 7: Don’t Turn Into Human Spam

In a world dominated by social media, it’s crucial to find a balance between sharing your work and becoming overly self-promotional. Austin Kleon warns against the pitfalls of turning into “human spam” by bombarding your audience with constant self-promotion.

Instead, he encourages individuals to focus on providing value, being genuinely helpful, and engaging in meaningful conversations. By fostering authentic connections, you can cultivate a supportive community around your creative endeavors.

Example: A graphic designer actively participates in online design forums and social media groups, offering valuable feedback, answering questions, and sharing helpful resources. By providing genuine assistance and contributing to the community, the designer gains respect and recognition. When the designer occasionally shares their own work or asks for feedback, the audience is more receptive and eager to help.

Practical exercise: Engage in online communities, forums, or social media groups related to your creative field. Dedicate time to actively participate in conversations, offer valuable insights, and contribute to the community. Strike a balance between sharing your own work and being genuinely helpful to others.

Idea 8: Learn to Take a Punch

Criticism and negative feedback are inevitable in any creative journey. Austin Kleon advises readers to develop resilience and learn to embrace criticism as an opportunity for growth. By reframing negative feedback as valuable insights, you can refine your work, improve your skills, and evolve as a creative individual. Constructive criticism, even if initially difficult to hear, can provide fresh perspectives and challenge you to push your boundaries.

Example: A writer receives a rejection letter for their manuscript along with feedback from an editor. Instead of being disheartened, the writer carefully analyzes the feedback, identifying areas for improvement. They revise their manuscript, incorporating the suggestions, and submit it again. Eventually, the manuscript gets accepted for publication, and the writer acknowledges the value of the initial criticism in shaping their work.

Practical exercise: Seek out constructive feedback on a recent creative project. Share your work with trusted peers, mentors, or professionals in your field and ask for their honest opinions. Embrace their feedback, even if it’s initially challenging to hear, and use it as a catalyst for growth and improvement.

Idea 9: Sell Out

In Idea 9, Austin Kleon challenges the negative connotations associated with the idea of “selling out.” He argues that monetizing your creative work is not a compromise of your integrity but rather a way to sustain and support your creative practice. By finding ways to make a living from your art, you can dedicate more time and energy to your creative pursuits, ultimately enhancing the quality and impact of your work.

Example: A musician creates a Patreon page where fans can directly support their work by becoming patrons. In return, patrons gain access to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and even private concerts. By building a community of supporters, the musician can rely on their audience’s financial contributions to fund their music production and performances.

Practical exercise: Explore different avenues for monetizing your creative work, whether it’s through merchandise, crowdfunding platforms, commissions, or direct support from your audience. Identify a strategy that aligns with your values and creative goals and take steps to implement it.

Idea 10: Stick Around

The final idea in “Show Your Work!” emphasizes the importance of perseverance and long-term commitment. Austin Kleon reminds readers that creative journeys are rarely overnight successes, and building an audience takes time and dedication. By remaining consistent, continuing to share your work, and staying engaged with your audience, you increase your chances of being discovered and creating a lasting impact.

Example: An aspiring filmmaker faces multiple rejections for their short films and struggles to gain visibility. Despite the setbacks, they continue to produce new work, share it online, and actively engage with their audience. Over time, their persistence pays off, and one of their films catches the attention of a renowned director, leading to exciting new opportunities.

Practical exercise: Reflect on your long-term creative goals and commit to consistently showing up and sharing your work over an extended period. Set achievable milestones and regularly evaluate your progress. Remember that success often comes to those who persevere and are dedicated to their craft.

Who is this Book Recommended For?

“Show Your Work!” is recommended for individuals in creative fields such as art, writing, music, photography, filmmaking, and any other creative pursuit. It is particularly valuable for emerging artists, students, and anyone seeking guidance on how to navigate the digital age and build an audience for their work. The book’s practical advice and motivational tone make it accessible and relevant to creatives at various stages of their careers.

The book is also beneficial for those interested in cultivating a personal brand or establishing a presence in the online space. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, blogger, or influencer, the principles and strategies outlined in “Show Your Work!” can be applied to effectively share your expertise, connect with your audience, and create meaningful relationships.

Review of the Book and Conclusion

“Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon is a compelling and practical guide for creatives looking to share their work, build an audience, and make an impact. The book offers valuable insights, actionable advice, and inspiring examples that empower individuals to embrace their creativity, overcome self-doubt, and navigate the challenges of the digital age.

Kleon’s emphasis on vulnerability, authenticity, and the power of storytelling resonates with readers, providing a refreshing perspective on the creative process. The book encourages creatives to focus on the journey rather than fixating on the end result, foster a sense of community, and embrace continuous improvement.

What we liked:

• The emphasis on embracing imperfection and sharing the creative process.
• The practical exercises provided throughout the book.
• The insightful examples and anecdotes that illustrate the concepts effectively.
• The book’s motivational and encouraging tone, inspiring readers to take action.

What needs improvement:

• The book could benefit from more diverse examples across different creative fields.
• Some concepts and ideas could be explored in more depth.

Generally speaking, “Show Your Work!” is a good book for any creative individual seeking guidance on how to share their work authentically, build a supportive audience, and make meaningful connections. Austin Kleon’s insights and strategies are highly relevant in today’s digital landscape, and the book serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of sharing creativity with the world.