Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered

As Austin Kleon explains, his previous book, Steal Like an Artist, "was about stealing influence from other people" whereas "this book is about how to influence others by letting them steal from [begin italics] you [end italics]." I agree with him that "all you have to do is to show your work" but only if (HUGE "if") it's worth stealing and you know how to do that in terms of what, when, and where. Actually, he wrote this book "for people who hate the very idea of self-promotion." It's not enough to be very good. "In order to be found, you have to [begin italics] be findable [end italics]. I think there's an easy way of putting your work out there and making it discoverable [begin italics] while [end italics] you're focused on getting really good at what you do." Kleon's two books can be of incalculable value to those who need help with creating content (whatever its nature and extent may be) and then help with attracting the interest and support of those on whom the success of the offering depends. It could be a product, a service, or both. Its target market could be singles, seniors, the unemployed or under-employed, new parents, do-it-yourselfers, beginners at whatever...you get the idea. So, how to become findable? First, Kleon explains the need for developing a new mindset, one that will enable the reluctant self-promoter to think differently so that she or he can then operate differently. Here's his key point: "Almost all of the people I look up to and try to steal from today, regardless of their profession, have built [begin italics] sharing [end italics] into their routine. Next, he urges his reader to find what the musician Brian Eno characterizes as a "scenius": a group of creative individuals who make up an ecology of talent. "What I love about the idea of scenius is that it makes room in the story of creativity for the rest of us: the people who don't consider ourselves geniuses." Then Kleon suggests ten specific observations and initiatives, devoting a separate chapter to each. The purpose of the first, "You don't have to be a genius," is an important reassurance that David and Tom Kelley also provide in their recently published book, Creative Confidence: Believing that only geniuses are creative "is a myth that far too many people share. This book is about the opposite of that myth. It is about what we call 'creative confidence.' And at its foundation is the belief that we are [begin italics] all [end italics] creative...Creative confidence is a way of seeing that potential and your place in the world more clearly, unclouded by anxiety and doubt. We hope you'll join us on our quest to embrace creative confidence in our lives. Together, we can all make the world a better place." The other nine call for initiatives that almost anyone can take. Kleon suggests the most important do's and don'ts to keep in mind. Two key elements are repeatedly emphasized. First, share generously and continuously with those who comprise an appropriate (key word) ecology of talent: people who share common interest and goals, yes, but also common questions and concerns. Share what will be of greatest interest and value to them. Also, be yourself. Why? I like Oscar Wilde's response best: "Everyone else is taken." Each person is a unique work-in-progress. That's hardly an original insight but well-worth repeating. Let's allow Austin Kleon the final observations: "Human beings are interested in other human beings and what other human beings do. Audiences today not only want to stumble across great work, they, too, long to be part of the creative process. By showing people your 'behind-the-scenes footage" [i.e. portions of incomplete and imperfect work], they can see the person behind the products, and they can better form a relationship with you and your work." So show it...and your authentic self in process.

I liked this book a lot. Why? Because Austin got me to think about my own creative process, where I am lax or lazy, and what I could be doing better. I told my creative-genius daughter about it and she bought one too. Pure inspiration. A ton of great quotes. You can tell this writer reads a lot too. The writer is part philosophical, spiritual, a tiny bit theological, and very practical.

This little book packs a lot of great information and ideas on sharing your work while simultaneously providing a bit of inspiration get and stay creative.

Austin Kleon provides powerful insights into the vulnerability of artists putting themselves out there for the world to see. This is an easy-to-read and understand book that every entrepreneur, artist, and content influencer should read! The visuals are also great for anyone who is a visual learner like me. I plan to pick and read his other two books from the series!

Quite frankly, I didn't understand how a 10-part list could make a full book. But I saw the reviews, it was on sale, and I thought, "Heck. Why not?" Now, I can join the countless others who whole-heartedly recommend this book. It's filled with both inspiration and actionable advice. It's an easy/enjoyable read, and because of how it's structured, it's easy to eat a "potato chip" section and put down. For someone who reads before bed, having short sections and easy stopping points is a real mercy. I've finished the first read-through for joy. Now, I'm planning to go through it again and practice the actionable steps. So happy to have found this. Thanks Austin!

It's been a great book!

I really loved "Steal Like an Artist". I felt like it was inspiring and super helpful. This book, not as much. I don't have a problem with sharing my work, and process and giving credit to other artists. Those are all great ideas. I got stuck on the notion that I should be sharing what I'm doing every day. I also don't like the idea of showing works in progress and talking about my process via social media. I know people that do this and unless they're a really great artist, I find this really annoying. There's a narcissistic component to this, that I think is rampant in social media. The idea that I'm such a compelling figure that everyone is interested in every little thing that I do is nauseating as far as I'm concerned. I also think that art shouldn't be talked about too much. Some should be left to mystery. Maybe it's a generational thing. Kleon is quite a bit younger than me, and over-sharing is just the norm now. Doesn't mean I have to like it.

Mr. Kleon’s premise for the book is that artists do not need to actively self-promote. Instead an artist can create conditions where their work is findable. He believes the best approach to being findable is to generously share your work and, in particular, your process of working, with others. In a world of social media and the Internet, the barrier to establishing a place to share one’s work is low and therefore, quite doable for any artist. What I liked about his book is Mr. Kleon provides an approachable method for becoming findable. As I read through the pages, I felt his encouragement and permission to share; to put art out into the world. I particularly liked his advice about dealing with criticism: focus on feedback from the people who have done this type of work or from those people whose opinion you value and ignore the rest. The drawings and illustrations are unique and quirky, making the book a pleasure to read. He calls himself a writer who draws - which is an apt description. What did I dislike? Perhaps my criticism is more of a difference in opinion. As someone with a background in marketing, I disagree with Mr. Kleon when he says you should not ask for likes or for friends on social media. If the artist won't ask or at least invite people to look at their work, how can anyone know about what the artist does? Social currency in the form of "Like" or "Retweet" in social media is a powerful influencer. It means more people will come see the work. Creatives send invitations to book launches and art show openings all the time and not always to people they know. As Mr. Kleon notes it is not about becoming human spam but once in a while the artist should extend the invitation. Folks may not know there is a party going on if they are not invited. I’d recommend this book to anyone who does the hard work of creating art.

This is a simple but inspiring book on why to show your work. If you’re like me, a Gen-Xer… you were told: - Show your answers not your workings - Always put your best foot forward - Never show your weakness The world has changed, people want to know the the process, the behind the scenes, the outtakes and bloopers. A great little book to challenge one to show their work!

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Any person, in any field, who creates for themselves and others would benefit from this book. It's the push and encouragement you need to remove all self doubt when imposter syndrome strikes.

Great book!!! This was super insightful and gave me a lot of good tips. Now I want the other 2 in the “trilogy”