Show Your Work! Summary

The world is changing so quickly that it’s transforming every one of us into amateurs. We will all need to embrace the unknown, over and over, to flourish.

1. Creativity Flourishes Through Collaboration

The myth of the "lone genius" often distorts how we think about creativity. Society has long celebrated the idea of a singular genius who works alone to produce masterpieces. However, this isolated view neglects the interconnected efforts of collaborators, mentors, and influences that contribute to any creative endeavor.

True creativity is social—it thrives on relationships and shared energy. The concept of "scenius" captures this idea. A scenius is a supportive collective, where shared ideas breed innovation. Whether artists, thinkers, or tech innovators, more often than not, breakthroughs come from groups rather than solitary individuals.

The internet has further amplified creative collaboration by connecting people across the world. Those connections can lead to learning, exploration, and unexpected inspiration. Even amateurs can contribute with their fresh perspectives and willingness to take risks, encouraging a flow of creativity within a global, open community.

Examples

• Online platforms allow emerging creators to engage directly with audiences, sharing drafts or incomplete ideas for input.
• Historical artistic circles, like the Impressionist painters in 19th-century France, relied heavily on collective inspiration.
• Open-source software projects thrive with contributions from amateurs and experts alike.

2. Share Your Creative Process

In the past, creators kept their processes private, only sharing the finished product. But in the digital age, sharing the behind-the-scenes work has added a valuable layer to creation. Documenting the journey brings clarity and accountability while engaging an audience along the way.

Sharing where you are in your process satisfies human curiosity and builds investment in your work. When people follow your journey, they become part of the story, fostering loyalty and connection. This approach also allows creators to spot patterns in their work and gain valuable feedback from their audience.

Instead of aiming for perfection, creators should share day-to-day snapshots, even when they’re incomplete or messy. Social media acts like a public notebook, recording progress and inviting interaction. Over time, the audience’s responses create a loop of feedback that can guide future work.

Examples

• Chris Hadfield captivated millions by sharing daily life aboard the International Space Station through simple videos.
• Writers and artists often blog their creative processes, allowing readers or viewers to follow along and offer comments.
• Entrepreneurs document their startup journeys on Twitter, sharing failures and wins to build transparency and trust.

3. Create Your Own Digital Space

Social media may seem indispensable, but it’s often fleeting. Platforms come and go, leaving creators who rely solely on them vulnerable. Building your own website offers lasting control and serves as a hub for everything you create.

Owning a digital space ensures your work has a stable home. It can be as simple as a blog or portfolio site and evolve over time. A personal website also acts as a platform for direct interaction with your audience, such as through email newsletters or offering digital content for sale.

Treat your site as a reflection of your personality and interests. It’s not just about promoting yourself but shaping your desired identity. Collect emails, share updates, and establish a virtual meeting spot where like-minded people can connect over shared inspirations.

Examples

• Many authors, like Neil Gaiman, maintain personal websites to communicate directly with fans and share creative updates.
• Artists use their blogs to showcase how their work has grown over years, offering an accessible way to see progress.
• Musicians invite audiences to join mailing lists from their sites for concert announcements or exclusive content.

4. Share What Inspires You

By sharing your curiosities and passions, you reveal the foundation of your creative identity. Showcasing what you love builds connections with others who are interested in similar ideas, helping you organically find your audience.

What you consume influences what you create. Sharing your inspirations can act as a bridge between creative and personal worlds, inviting others to connect with your unique perspective. Whether it’s books, music, or random finds, these reflections offer valuable context to your work.

Your taste is your own; there’s no right or wrong. Embracing what you love, even if it’s unconventional or “lowbrow,” sets you apart. By being open, you stand a much better chance of finding those who value your voice.

Examples

• Nelson Molina’s collection of New York City “trash treasures” found widespread admiration after he turned discarded objects into an innovative exhibit.
• Artists post mood boards and reference photos on Instagram to show what shapes their work.
• Sharing a list of favorite books or podcasts often leads to enlightening conversations with a like-minded community.

5. Learn to Tell Your Story

Work rarely speaks for itself. Sharing the story of how, why, or what inspired a project provides the context that captures your audience’s imagination. Stories shape perception and can elevate the way people value your work.

Building a good story starts with structure. Most compelling narratives are simple: problem, effort, solution. This framework applies to everything from pitches to writing a memorable artist bio. Use plain language and respect your audience’s time by keeping it concise but thoughtful.

Practice storytelling in everyday interactions. Be prepared to describe your work in a way that resonates with anyone, from a friend to a stranger. Learn to present yourself with honesty and clarity, as authenticity fosters human connection.

Examples

• Artists like Banksy create intrigue not just through their art but also the enigmatic persona tied to their “story.”
• Startup founders pitch their businesses with clear, structured narratives that highlight the problem and their innovative solution.
• Elevator pitches, brief and to the point, help writers or filmmakers leave lasting impressions.

6. Teach to Deepen Your Mastery

Sharing what you know doesn’t threaten your craft; it deepens it. Teaching requires clarifying your thoughts and strengthens your understanding of your work. Plus, it often inspires collaboration.

Teaching encourages connection and invites new perspectives from those you engage with. It’s not about competition; instead, it’s about sharing enthusiasm. Many creators find that explaining their methods builds closer bonds between them and their audience.

Taking teaching opportunities, even small ones like giving advice to a peer, contributes to personal growth. With every question answered or concept explained, you refine your thoughts, becoming not just a better teacher, but a better creator.

Examples

• BBQ pitmaster Aaron Franklin became even more celebrated after teaching his smoking techniques via video series.
• Programmers like those at Codecademy develop their skills further through teaching others the basics.
• Writers leading workshops report that engaging with new ideas from participants strengthens their craft.

7. Community Beats Numbers

Focusing on cultivating meaningful relationships is far better than chasing large numbers of followers. It’s the connections and support that come from “your people” that matter most.

An audience built on shared interests or values is naturally more engaged. These are the people who genuinely care about your work and are likely to offer encouragement or constructive feedback. By spending time nurturing those relationships, you create a support system.

Cut out distractions by avoiding vampires—people or habits that drain energy while offering nothing in return. Instead, embrace collaboration and build lasting links that nurture creativity over the long term.

Examples

• Communities on Patreon thrive because creators and supporters are aligned in their mutual interests.
• Open-source coding projects often grow thanks to groups with a shared commitment to the project’s success.
• Focusing on individual engagements over follower counts leads to more impactful collaborations.

8. Embrace Imperfection and Criticism

When you share your work, you’ll face judgment. Accept it as part of the process rather than a personal attack. Criticism can offer fresh ideas or helpful direction, even when it’s hard to hear.

By repeatedly putting work into the world, you build immunity to harsh feedback. It’s also how you prepare yourself to adjust and continue creating. Mistakes and responses to them often open new creative paths.

Separate your work from your identity. Remember, rejection or critique isn’t about you as a person—it’s about the piece of work you’ve made. Using this lens can give you some emotional distance while refining your art.

Examples

• Theodore Sturgeon’s rule states 90% of everything is mediocre, encouraging creators to expect and embrace imperfection.
• Authors like Stephen King famously faced multiple rejections before achieving success, learning from each.
• Platforms like Reddit allow creators to invite feedback from diverse audiences, toughening their approach.

9. Redefine Success, and Stay Resilient

Chasing wealth or fame may not bring happiness, and neither should you fear success as “selling out.” Real success is doing work you love while maintaining your ability to sustain yourself.

Being open to financial opportunities isn’t shameful—it’s pragmatic. Many famous works of art, from biblical frescoes to blockbuster films, were created for compensation. And bold risks or reinvention can lead to more growth.

Through all the highs and lows, resilience is key. Staying consistent and learning to adapt will help you survive unpredictability. Burnout is real, but taking breaks and maintaining balance can keep your creativity alive.

Examples

• The Godfather was written not out of artistic yearning but to help Mario Puzo get out of debt.
• Michelangelo accepted financial commissions, like the Sistine Chapel, to fund his sculpting ambitions.
• Creatives who allow themselves rest, like Bill Watterson’s sabbatical from Calvin and Hobbes, often return stronger.

Takeaways

1. Build daily habits for sharing your creative work, even in small, imperfect steps.
2. Invest in your own digital space to have a stable hub for your creations and connections.
3. Focus on quality relationships rather than follower counts, staying true to what you love.