Show Your Work!
A guide on sharing creativity and turning transparency into success.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- Share your process, not just your product
- You don’t have to be a genius
- Always be teaching
- Sell your byproducts
- Don’t wait until everything is perfect
- Embrace generosity
- Use your obsessions to your advantage
key point 1 of 7
Share your process, not just your product
Sharing your process and not just your product is based on the idea that the journey towards creating something is just as important, if not more, than the final product itself. This perspective emphasizes the importance of transparency and authenticity in creative work. Instead of merely presenting a polished final product, showing your work involves sharing the messy, complicated process that led to it. This includes the initial brainstorming, the rough drafts, the failed attempts, the revisions, and the moments of unexpected inspiration…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
You don’t have to be a genius
The perspective of ‘you don’t have to be a genius’ is rooted in the idea that everyone has the capability to produce creative work, regardless of their perceived intelligence or talent. It is not the endowed intellectual prowess or a stroke of genius that leads to creating remarkable works; rather, it is the act of doing and showing the work which holds paramount importance. The process of creation, the journey of developing an idea into a tangible product is where the real magic lies. The point of emphasis here is on the act of doing, iterating, and refining, which is available to everyone, not just those considered geniuses…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
Always be teaching
In Show Your Work!, author Austin Kleon stresses the importance of the philosophy ‘Always be teaching’. This is a perspective that encourages individuals to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences with others. It is about being open and generous with what you know and learn. Instead of adopting a competitive mindset where knowledge is hoarded, it encourages a community of learning where everyone grows together. ‘Always be teaching’ doesn’t necessarily mean one has to be an expert or a guru. It also applies to those who are learning. Sharing what you’re learning or what you’re curious about can inspire others and lead to meaningful connections…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
Sell your byproducts
Selling your byproducts essentially refers to the process of taking the unused or lesser-utilized components of your creative process and transforming them into something that is both valuable and marketable. This is not merely about taking waste materials and repurposing them; rather, it involves identifying opportunities within your creative routine, tools, or materials that might have been overlooked or underutilized…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
Don’t wait until everything is perfect
In the journey of creating something, it’s a common mistake to wait until everything is perfect before showcasing it to the world. This phase often leads to procrastination and stagnation, which can hinder growth and progress. The drive for perfection may lead one to indulge in endless modifications and adjustments, expecting to achieve a flawless output. The process becomes an endless loop since perfection is subjective, and what seems flawless to one might be flawed to others…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 7
Embrace generosity
Embracing generosity is all about sharing your work with others, even when it isn’t perfect. It’s about opening up and letting people into your process, allowing them to see your successes and failures, your struggles and triumphs. This doesn’t mean you have to share everything, but you should try to share something of your work every day. Whether it’s a sketch, a draft, a demo, or a code snippet, let people see what you’re working on. This not only helps you build an audience and gain feedback, but it also makes you more relatable and human…Read&Listen More
key point 7 of 7
Use your obsessions to your advantage
In ‘Show Your Work!’, the author discusses how our obsessions can be leveraged as a tool for creativity and productivity. Sometimes, what we are obsessed with may seem trivial or peculiar to others. However, it is these unique interests that often fuel our creativity and can lead to remarkable works of art, innovative ideas, or ground-breaking research. It is through our obsessions that we find a continuous source of inspiration and motivation, effectively turning them into a driving force behind our work…Read&Listen More