In the digital era, creativity has transcended the boundaries of private studios, hidden notebooks, and closed-door brainstorming sessions. Sharing your work with the world is no longer just an option—it’s a powerful way to connect, grow, and get discovered. Yet, for many creators, the idea of self-promotion feels daunting, inauthentic, or even overwhelming.
Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work! challenges this mindset by introducing a refreshing and practical alternative: you don’t have to be a marketing expert or a polished professional to share your creativity. Instead, you can let people into your world by sharing your process, passions, and progress as it unfolds. This approach not only allows others to see the heart behind your work but also helps you build an engaged and supportive community over time.
Imagine this: your next big opportunity doesn’t come from a résumé or a job interview but from someone who has followed your creative journey online. Picture a side project turning into a full-time career simply because you had the courage to share its earliest, messiest stages. Kleon’s philosophy is built on the idea that creativity is a collaborative process—one where ideas, inspiration, and support flow freely among people who dare to put themselves out there.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the transformative principles from Show Your Work! and how you can use them to share your creativity, grow your influence, and discover a community that values your unique perspective.
1. Embrace the Amateur Spirit
The word “amateur” stems from the Latin amator, meaning “lover.” Kleon champions the idea that amateurs—unburdened by the pressures of expertise—are free to experiment, make mistakes, and learn openly. Share your learning process with the world. Being an amateur isn’t a disadvantage; it’s an invitation to curiosity and growth.
2. Think Process, Not Product
Traditionally, creatives have been taught to hide their process, revealing only polished results. Kleon flips this script. By sharing snippets of your work-in-progress, tools, and inspirations, you invite your audience to witness your journey. This transparency creates a deeper connection with your audience.
3. Share Something Small Every Day
Consistency is key. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes photo, a quick insight, or a lesson learned, sharing daily keeps you engaged with your audience and helps you build a habit of creativity. Use social platforms to show your work incrementally—don’t wait for perfection.
4. Be Generous: Teach What You Know
The best way to build an audience is by giving value. Share tutorials, tips, or resources. Teaching not only helps others but also solidifies your knowledge and builds trust. As Kleon puts it, “When you teach someone how to do your work, you’re creating more interest in it.”
5. Tell Stories About Your Work
People connect with stories, not just products. Narrate the struggles, inspirations, and breakthroughs behind your creations. Whether it’s how you overcame a creative block or what sparked an idea, storytelling makes your work relatable and memorable.
6. Build Your Digital Home
Social media is great, but owning your space is better. Kleon advocates for creating a website—a personal HQ for your ideas, portfolio, and blog. This platform serves as your creative archive and ensures you remain accessible regardless of social media trends.
7. Be an Active Member of Your Creative Community
Kleon introduces the concept of “scenius,” a collective genius formed by a community of creators sharing ideas and feedback. Engage with others in your field. Comment on their work, share your insights, and build genuine relationships. Creativity flourishes in collaboration.
8. Handle Criticism Like a Pro
Putting your work out there invites both applause and critique. Learn to take feedback constructively. Distinguish between useful advice and destructive negativity. Remember, criticism is part of the process, not a reflection of your worth.
Conclusion
Sharing your creativity is not about boasting but about connecting. By documenting your process, being generous, and staying authentic, you’ll find your audience and influence others to share their journey too. As Kleon reminds us, “You don’t have to be a genius; you just have to be yourself.”