Show Your Work!

What's "Show Your Work!" about?

• Focus on Sharing: "Show Your Work!" by Austin Kleon is about sharing your creative process to gain visibility and build an audience.
• Alternative to Self-Promotion: The book offers an alternative to traditional self-promotion by encouraging creators to be open about their work and process.
• Creativity as a Process: It emphasizes viewing creativity as a continuous process rather than a finished product.
• Building Connections: The book suggests that sharing your work can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.

Why should I read "Show Your Work!"?

• Practical Advice: It provides practical advice for artists and creators on how to share their work effectively.
• Inspiration for Creatives: The book is a source of inspiration for anyone looking to make their work more discoverable.
• Community Building: It highlights the importance of community and collaboration in the creative process.
• Overcoming Self-Promotion Anxiety: For those who dislike self-promotion, it offers a more authentic way to engage with an audience.

What are the key takeaways of "Show Your Work!"?

• Be Findable: It's not enough to be good; you must also be findable by sharing your work.
• Process Over Product: Focus on sharing the process, not just the finished product.
• Daily Sharing: Share something small every day to build a habit and engage with your audience.
• Teach and Learn: Teaching what you know can enhance your own understanding and attract followers.

What is the "Scenius" concept in "Show Your Work!"?

• Collaborative Creativity: "Scenius" is a term that suggests creativity is a collaborative effort, not a solitary one.
• Ecology of Talent: It involves a group of creative individuals who support and influence each other.
• Beyond Lone Genius: The concept challenges the "lone genius" myth by emphasizing community and shared ideas.
• Accessible to All: The internet makes it easier than ever to join a "scenius" and contribute to a creative community.

How does "Show Your Work!" suggest dealing with criticism?

• Take Criticism in Stride: Learn to take criticism without letting it affect your self-worth.
• Use Criticism Constructively: View criticism as an opportunity to improve and create new work.
• Separate Work from Self: Remember that your work is not who you are; maintain a healthy distance.
• Identify Trolls: Recognize and ignore trolls who offer nothing constructive.

What does "Show Your Work!" say about the role of amateurs?

• Amateurs Have Advantages: Amateurs often have the advantage of being willing to try new things without fear of failure.
• Spirit of Love: The term "amateur" comes from the French word for "lover," highlighting passion over professionalism.
• Lifelong Learners: Amateurs are lifelong learners who share their learning process openly.
• Inspiration from Amateurs: Amateurs can inspire others by showing that creativity is accessible to everyone.

What are some of the best quotes from "Show Your Work!" and what do they mean?

• "Creativity is not a talent. It is a way of operating." - John Cleese: This quote emphasizes that creativity is about how you work, not an innate ability.
• "Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Encourages sharing your work, as it might be more valuable to others than you realize.
• "The stupidest possible creative act is still a creative act." - Clay Shirky: Highlights that any act of creation, no matter how trivial, is valuable.
• "Put yourself, and your work, out there every day, and you’ll start meeting some amazing people." - Bobby Solomon: Suggests that regular sharing leads to meaningful connections.

How does "Show Your Work!" redefine self-promotion?

• Generosity Over Self-Promotion: The book redefines self-promotion as an act of generosity, sharing what you know and love.
• Focus on Process: It encourages sharing the process and journey, not just the end product.
• Building Relationships: Self-promotion is about building relationships and engaging with a community.
• Authenticity Matters: Authenticity in sharing your work is more effective than traditional self-promotion tactics.

What is the "Cabinet of Curiosities" concept in "Show Your Work!"?

• Personal Collection: A "Cabinet of Curiosities" is a collection of items that inspire you and reflect your tastes.
• Influence on Work: Your collection of influences can shape and inform your creative work.
• Sharing Tastes: Sharing your influences and tastes can help others understand your creative perspective.
• Connection Through Curiosity: It encourages connecting with others through shared interests and curiosities.

How does "Show Your Work!" suggest using social media?

• Daily Updates: Use social media to share daily updates about your work and process.
• Choose Platforms Wisely: Select platforms that align with your work and audience.
• Engage Authentically: Engage with your audience authentically, sharing what genuinely interests you.
• Avoid Over-Sharing: Be mindful of what you share, ensuring it adds value to your audience.

What does "Show Your Work!" say about storytelling?

• Importance of Storytelling: Storytelling is crucial for making your work relatable and engaging.
• Structure Matters: A good story has a clear structure with a beginning, middle, and end.
• Personal Connection: Personal stories can make complex ideas more tangible and relatable.
• Continuous Narrative: Your work is part of an ongoing narrative that you share with your audience.

How does "Show Your Work!" address the concept of selling out?

• Redefining Sellout: The book challenges the negative connotations of "selling out," suggesting it's about making a living.
• Value Your Work: Encourages creators to value their work and not be afraid to charge for it.
• Balance Ambition and Integrity: It's about balancing ambition with staying true to your creative vision.
• Opportunities for Growth: Emphasizes taking opportunities that allow you to do more of what you love.