In today's digital age, being good at your craft isn't enough to get noticed. Austin Kleon's "Show Your Work!" offers a fresh perspective on self-promotion for artists, writers, and other creative professionals. The book challenges the myth of the lone genius and encourages creators to share their process, embrace their amateur status, and build meaningful connections with their audience.
Kleon argues that creativity is a social act, and by sharing our work and ideas openly, we can attract like-minded individuals, gain valuable feedback, and create opportunities for collaboration and growth. This summary will explore the key ideas presented in the book, offering practical advice on how to share your work effectively, build an online presence, and cultivate lasting success in your creative career.
The Myth of the Lone Genius
Kleon begins by debunking the popular notion of the lone genius – the idea that great works of art or innovation spring fully formed from the minds of isolated, brilliant individuals. This myth is not only inaccurate but also harmful to aspiring creatives.
Creativity as a Social Act
The reality is that creativity is a social process. Even the most celebrated artists and thinkers throughout history were part of a larger ecosystem of talent, including mentors, collaborators, and influences. Kleon introduces the concept of the "scenius" – a communal form of genius that emerges from a group of creative individuals working together.
Embracing the Amateur Mindset
In contrast to the lone genius, Kleon encourages readers to adopt the mindset of an amateur. Amateurs are enthusiastic learners who are willing to experiment, make mistakes, and share their process openly. This approach is particularly valuable in our rapidly changing world, where we're all constantly becoming amateurs in new fields and technologies.
Learning in Public
By embracing your amateur status and learning in public, you invite others to learn from your successes and failures. This openness can lead to unexpected connections and opportunities. Kleon suggests reading obituaries for inspiration, as they often highlight individuals who reinvented themselves multiple times throughout their lives.
Documenting Your Process
One of the core principles of "Show Your Work!" is the importance of documenting and sharing your creative process, not just the final product.
The Value of Transparency
In the digital age, the line between process and product has blurred. Kleon argues that involving your audience in your creative journey satisfies their curiosity, allows them to be vicariously creative, and makes them more invested in the final outcome.
Daily Documentation
Rather than feeling overwhelmed by long-term goals, Kleon recommends focusing on daily documentation. After each work session, share a snapshot of your progress – whether it's a work-in-progress, a source of inspiration, or even discarded ideas. This practice helps you stay accountable and provides evidence of your growth over time.
Embracing Imperfection
Don't worry about sharing only perfect work. Kleon reminds us that a significant portion of our output will be less than stellar, citing science fiction writer Theodore Sturgeon's assertion that 90% of everything is crud. The key is to share anyway, using social media as a public notebook to gather feedback and refine your ideas.
Creating a Feedback Loop
By sharing your process regularly, you create a valuable feedback loop. You can observe how your audience reacts to different aspects of your work and use that information to inform your future creative decisions.
Building Your Online Home
While social media platforms are useful for sharing your work, Kleon emphasizes the importance of having your own dedicated space online.
Investing in a Personal Website
Registering a domain name and building a website is one of the best investments you can make in your creative career. Unlike social media platforms that may come and go, your website serves as a permanent home for your work and ideas.
Creating a Digital Hub
Your website should function as a central hub for all your creative activities. It can serve as a sketchbook, a storefront, and a platform for self-invention. Use it to showcase your work, share your thoughts, and connect with your audience.
Collecting Email Addresses
Kleon recommends building an email list of interested followers. This direct line of communication allows you to share updates, new work, or offers without relying on third-party platforms.
Monetization Options
While the primary focus should be on sharing and connecting, Kleon suggests incorporating subtle monetization options on your website. This could include "Buy Now" buttons, a "Hire Me" page, or even a simple "Buy me a coffee" donation link.
Sharing Your Interests and Inspirations
Kleon encourages creatives to share not just their work, but also their interests and inspirations. This approach helps attract like-minded individuals and provides context for your creative output.
The Wunderkammer Concept
Think of your online space as a digital "Wunderkammer" or cabinet of curiosities. Share the books, music, art, and ideas that inspire you. This practice helps others understand your influences and can lead to unexpected connections.
Collecting and Creating
Kleon argues that collecting and creating are two sides of the same coin. Our experiences and influences shape what we create, while the act of creation can, in turn, influence what we collect and find interesting.
Embracing Your Unique Tastes
Don't worry about having "good" or "bad" taste – your preferences are simply data about who you are. Embrace your unique interests, even if they seem unconventional or lowbrow to others.
Giving Credit
When sharing others' work that inspires you, always give proper credit. This shows respect for the original creator and provides a trail for your audience to explore your sources of inspiration.
The Art of Storytelling
While many artists believe their work should speak for itself, Kleon argues that the story behind the work can be just as important as the work itself.
The Power of Context
Our perception of art or creative work is influenced by what we know about it. By providing context and telling the story of your work, you can significantly impact how others perceive and value it.
Structuring Your Story
Kleon offers a simple formula for structuring stories: present a problem, describe the process of solving it, and reveal the solution. This structure can be applied to various scenarios, from client presentations to grant proposals.
Crafting Your Elevator Pitch
Practice talking about yourself and your work in a clear, concise manner. Be prepared to explain what you do to anyone, from a child to an elderly neighbor, using plain language and avoiding jargon.
Writing an Effective Bio
When crafting your professional bio, stick to the facts and avoid trying to be overly clever. Keep it short, sweet, and honest, focusing on the most relevant information about your work and experiences.
Teaching and Learning
Kleon emphasizes the reciprocal nature of teaching and learning in the creative process.
Sharing Your Knowledge
Don't be afraid to share your techniques or "trade secrets." Teaching others about your craft doesn't create instant competition; mastery takes time and practice. By sharing your knowledge, you deepen your own understanding and create goodwill within your community.
Being an Open Node
While it's important to share your own work and ideas, it's equally crucial to listen and learn from others. Kleon encourages readers to be "open nodes" – individuals who ask questions, show genuine interest in others' work, and seek to make connections.
Building Your Tribe
Focus on cultivating real connections rather than simply accumulating followers. Seek out people who share your passions and interests, and nurture those relationships through support and collaboration.
Avoiding Energy Vampires
Be mindful of people or situations that consistently drain your energy or creativity. It's okay to distance yourself from these "vampires" to protect your time and creative resources.
Embracing Success and Perseverance
Kleon addresses the challenges that come with achieving success and maintaining momentum in your creative career.
Redefining "Selling Out"
Many artists fear being labeled a "sellout" once they achieve financial success. Kleon argues that this is a harmful myth and that there's no shame in being paid for your work. Many great works of art throughout history were created for money.
Cultivating Grit
Success in any creative field requires perseverance. Kleon encourages readers to develop grit – the ability to stick with your goals despite setbacks and challenges.
Maintaining Momentum
To avoid losing momentum between projects, Kleon suggests the concept of "chain-smoking" your work. Use the energy and ideas from one project to ignite the next, creating a continuous flow of creativity.
Taking Sabbaticals
Recognize when you need to step back and recharge. While extended sabbaticals aren't always possible, look for daily opportunities to disconnect and refresh your creative energy.
Practical Tips for Sharing Your Work
Throughout the book, Kleon offers numerous practical suggestions for effectively sharing your work and building an audience.
Consistency is Key
Establish a regular schedule for sharing your work, whether it's daily, weekly, or monthly. Consistency helps build anticipation and keeps your audience engaged.
Use Multiple Formats
Don't limit yourself to one medium. Share your work through various formats such as blog posts, videos, photos, or social media updates. This allows you to reach different audiences and keeps your content fresh.
Engage with Your Audience
Respond to comments and messages from your audience. Building genuine connections with your followers can lead to valuable feedback, collaborations, and opportunities.
Curate Your Content
While it's important to share regularly, be selective about what you post. Focus on sharing work and ideas that align with your goals and values.
Embrace Vulnerability
Don't be afraid to share your struggles and failures along with your successes. Vulnerability can make your work more relatable and help forge stronger connections with your audience.
Cross-Pollinate Ideas
Look for opportunities to connect different areas of interest or expertise. This cross-pollination can lead to unique insights and creative breakthroughs.
Collaborate with Others
Seek out opportunities to collaborate with other creatives in your field or related disciplines. Collaborations can expand your skills, introduce you to new audiences, and lead to unexpected creative outcomes.
Dealing with Criticism and Feedback
As you share more of your work, you'll inevitably encounter both positive and negative feedback. Kleon offers advice on how to handle criticism constructively.
Develop a Thick Skin
Learn to take criticism without letting it derail your creative process. Remember that not all feedback is valid or useful, and it's okay to disagree with others' opinions of your work.
Use Criticism as Fuel
Try to view criticism as an opportunity for growth. Look for patterns in the feedback you receive and consider how you might use it to improve your work.
Ignore the Trolls
Don't engage with people who offer unconstructive or deliberately hurtful criticism. Focus your energy on those who provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
Separate Your Work from Your Identity
Remember that criticism of your work is not a criticism of you as a person. Maintaining this separation can help you process feedback more objectively.
The Long Game: Building a Sustainable Creative Career
Kleon emphasizes the importance of thinking long-term when it comes to your creative career.
Focus on Continuous Improvement
Rather than fixating on overnight success, concentrate on consistently improving your skills and expanding your body of work.
Build a Body of Work
Over time, your individual projects will contribute to a larger body of work that represents your growth and evolution as a creator.
Adapt to Change
Be prepared to adapt your skills and approach as technology and cultural trends evolve. Embracing change can open up new opportunities and keep your work relevant.
Create a Legacy
Consider how your work might impact others and contribute to your field in the long run. Strive to create work that will continue to resonate with people over time.
Conclusion
"Show Your Work!" challenges the traditional notions of artistic creation and self-promotion. By encouraging creatives to share their process, embrace their amateur status, and build meaningful connections with their audience, Kleon provides a roadmap for success in the digital age.
The key takeaways from the book include:
- Creativity is a social act, not the domain of lone geniuses.
- Sharing your creative process is as important as sharing the final product.
- Build your own online home to showcase your work and ideas.
- Share your interests and inspirations to attract like-minded individuals.
- Learn to tell compelling stories about your work.
- Teach others to deepen your own understanding and build goodwill.
- Embrace success and develop grit to overcome challenges.
- Engage with your audience and handle criticism constructively.
- Focus on long-term growth and building a sustainable creative career.
By following these principles, creatives can build a loyal audience, create opportunities for collaboration and growth, and find fulfillment in their artistic pursuits. Kleon's approach emphasizes authenticity, generosity, and continuous learning – values that not only benefit individual creators but also contribute to a thriving, supportive creative community.
As you embark on your journey of sharing your work, remember that it's not just about self-promotion. It's about contributing to a larger conversation, inspiring others, and pushing your own creative boundaries. By opening up your process and connecting with others, you'll not only advance your own career but also enrich the creative ecosystem as a whole.
So, don't wait for permission or perfect conditions. Start sharing your work today, embrace the ups and downs of the creative journey, and watch as your audience grows and your opportunities expand. Remember, your work doesn't speak for itself – it's up to you to give it a voice and share it with the world.