Show Your Work (My Thoughts & Review)
Hi, Gurpreet this side,
Who knows on your social media, what you do or what not. Do you have any presence? I mean, do people know you as a Graphic Designer or Software Developer?
If not, then this is for you….
If you’re like me, you’ve probably felt the itch to share your work but hesitated, wondering if anyone would care. Enter Austin Kleon’s gem of a book, “Show Your Work!” — a guide that’s less about self-promotion and more about finding your tribe and growing together.
I read this summary, But I thought it’s worth reading this book.
Here are a few key points that I want to share with you from my own contemplations.
Share Something Small Every Day
Think of your creative journey as a series of small steps. Kleon suggests sharing a snippet of your work daily. It doesn’t have to be a finished masterpiece; even a sketch, a paragraph, or a behind-the-scenes photo can do wonders. For instance, imagine you’re a graphic designer working on a logo. Share your initial doodles on Instagram with a caption about your thought process. Not only does this keep your followers engaged, but it also invites feedback that can spark new ideas.
Remember how cooking shows reveal the step-by-step process of making a dish? They don’t just show the final plated meal. Your creative process should be the same — let people in on the journey, not just the destination.
Tell Good Stories
Everyone loves a good story. It’s not just about what you create but why and how you create it. It works when you add some short of emotion to your craft when telling/sharing about it.
Teach What You Know
Think about your favorite teachers. They didn’t just know their stuff; they were passionate about sharing it. Whether you’re a coder who loves clean architecture or a painter with a knack for color theory, share your expertise. I remember a friend who started a YouTube channel teaching guitar basics. His clear, friendly teaching style won him a loyal following, not to mention a few paid gigs.
Teaching doesn’t diminish your value; it enhances it. It turns you from a creator into a mentor, someone people look up to and trust.
Don’t Turn Into Human Spam
Just don’t seek followers or likes, it’s likely can occur if you are main idea is to get some fame, nothing wrong it in. But the main idea should be to share the genuine advice. Share what you know and what you feel.
Learn to Take a Punch
Putting your work out there is scary. Not everyone will love it, and that’s okay. Constructive criticism can be a goldmine if you learn to take it in stride.
Sell Out
Let’s debunk a myth: earning from your creativity doesn’t make you a sellout. Kleon argues that monetizing your work is a natural step. Whether it’s selling prints of your art, offering premium content, or launching a Patreon, find ways to sustain your passion financially.
Stick Around
Finally, consistency is key. Keep showing up, even when it feels like no one is watching. This usually, ahh.. not usually it’s part of my daily life. I am a software developer, I used to share my stuff on LinkedIn and Twitter. But I don’t get that much attention but I keep sharing my stuff that builds authenticity over time.
And that’s where you get opportunities from different places.
Final thoughts
“Show Your Work!” is more than a book; it’s a call to action. It’s about embracing your creative journey, sharing it with the world, and building a community around your passion. So, what are you waiting for? Start sharing, stay authentic, and watch your creative world flourish.
