Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
Success isn’t about being a genius—it’s about being a generous sharer. In Show Your Work!, Austin Kleon flips the script on traditional notions of creativity, revealing that the journey matters more than the final product. Whether you're a budding creator, a seasoned professional, or simply someone with something to share, this book offers a refreshingly down-to-earth perspective: show your process, and success will follow.
The Big Idea: The Power of Sharing
At its core, Show Your Work! champions the philosophy “think process, not product.” Instead of hoarding your work until it’s perfect, Kleon encourages you to open up and share the evolution of your ideas. This simple act of sharing not only builds a community around your work but also amplifies your impact. When you let people in on your creative journey, you invite collaboration, feedback, and unexpected opportunities. Sharing is mutually beneficial.
Key Principles from Show Your Work!
Kleon breaks down his approach into 10 transformative lessons that can redefine the way you work:
1. You Don’t Have to Be the Genius in the room
Embrace “Scenius”: Creativity isn’t a solo sport. Surround yourself with a network of like-minded individuals whose collective brilliance can elevate your work.
Collaboration Over Isolation: Sharing ideas fosters innovation, proving that working together can be far more powerful than relying on individual genius.
2. Think Process, Not Product
Share Your Journey: Instead of waiting to reveal the perfect product, invite others along for the ride. Post your sketches, drafts, and early concepts to show how your ideas evolve.
Behind-the-Scenes Magic: Let your audience see the messy, beautiful process behind your final creation.
3. Share Something Small Every Day
Incremental Sharing: Consistency is key. Regular, bite-sized updates can build a loyal audience over time. An example of this would be my weekly newsletter. Check it out here.
Social Media Updates: Even a small glimpse into your daily process can inspire and engage your followers.
4. Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities
Inspire with Your Influences: What sparks your creativity? Sharing the books, art, and experiences that inspire you can ignite a similar passion in others.
Curate Meaningful Content: Your personal collection of inspirations can be a treasure trove for your audience.
5. Tell Good Stories
Crafting Narratives: People remember stories more than facts. Weave engaging narratives around your projects to make your work relatable.
Make It Memorable: A well-told story can transform a simple project into a compelling journey.
6. Teach What You Know
Share Your Expertise: By teaching others—through tutorials, guides, or “how I did it” posts—you reinforce your own knowledge and attract a community of learners.
Empower Others: When you pass on your skills, you build trust and credibility.
7. Don’t Turn Into Human Spam
Authentic Engagement: Focus on genuine connections rather than constant self-promotion. Let your passion shine through without overwhelming your audience.
Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to have meaningful interactions than a flood of superficial posts.
8. Learn to Take a Punch
Embrace Criticism: Sharing your work means opening yourself up to feedback, both positive and negative. Use criticism as a tool for growth.
Thicker Skin: The ability to gracefully handle rejection is a hallmark of a resilient creator.
9. Sell Out
Business Meets Creativity: Don’t shy away from the business side of your work. Monetizing your passion can help sustain and fuel your creativity.
Sustainable Passion: Turning your passion into a livelihood doesn’t dilute its value. It makes it more impactful and inspirational.
10. Stick Around
Persistence Pays Off: Consistency is essential. Success is rarely an overnight phenomenon; it’s about showing up and sharing your journey day after day.
Long-Term Commitment: Keep sharing, even when progress seems slow. Over time, your dedication will build a strong, supportive community.
Practical Applications for Creators and Professionals
Kleon’s lessons aren’t just theoretical—they’re incredibly actionable. Whether you're an artist, writer, marketer, or entrepreneur, these principles can transform your strategy.
Consider applying this thought process directly to your marketing efforts. On social media, for example, instead of only showcasing polished results, give your audience an authentic glimpse into the hustle behind the scenes.
I do this daily on Instagram at @brett.goldfarb, where I share reels documenting my day-to-day in building a marketing agency.
The Importance of Building a Creative Network
Sharing your process isn’t just about self-expression—it’s about connection. When you expose your creative journey, you naturally attract people who resonate with your story. This network of creators, enthusiasts, and collaborators can open doors to new opportunities, inspire others, and even spark unexpected partnerships. The ripple effect of sharing is powerful: your openness today can be the catalyst for someone else’s breakthrough tomorrow.
Why Show Your Work! Resonates
What makes Show Your Work! such a compelling read because of its relatable and actionable advice. Kleon challenges the myth of the solitary genius, advocating instead for a world where creativity is a shared, collaborative journey. His approachable style, peppered with personal anecdotes and practical tips, makes it easy for creators at any stage to embrace the idea of sharing—not just the end product, but the whole process.
Conclusion
Show Your Work! is a small book with a mighty punch. Its key message—that success comes from sharing your process—resonates deeply in today’s collaborative world. I loved the book’s brisk reading pace and its straightforward, relatable advice.
Here’s my challenge to you: share one piece of your work today. It could be a sketch, a draft, or even a thought. Embrace the journey, connect with others, and watch how sharing transforms your creative path.
Check out Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
Happy sharing, and remember, your process is your power.
