Summary of Show Your Work! by AUSTIN KLEON

In the digital age, where creativity and self-expression have become increasingly accessible, Austin Kleon’s “Show Your Work!” emerges as a beacon of inspiration for artists, creators, and innovators alike. This compelling guide, a follow-up to Kleon’s bestselling “Steal Like an Artist,” challenges the traditional notions of artistic secrecy and perfection, advocating instead for a more open, collaborative approach to the creative process.

Kleon’s book is not just a manual for artists; it’s a roadmap for anyone looking to make their mark in today’s interconnected world. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and thought-provoking insights, Kleon presents a compelling case for why sharing our work-in-progress is not only beneficial but essential for personal and professional growth.

At its core, “Show Your Work!” is about demystifying the creative process and embracing vulnerability. Kleon argues that by sharing our journey, including the ups and downs, we not only inspire others but also create opportunities for meaningful connections and collaborations. This philosophy challenges the age-old notion of the solitary genius, instead promoting a more inclusive and supportive creative ecosystem.

The Power of Sharing

Kleon begins by addressing a common fear among creators: the fear of sharing unfinished or imperfect work. He recounts his own experiences of hesitation and self-doubt, relating a time when he was reluctant to share his early sketches and drafts. However, he discovered that these raw, unpolished pieces often resonated more with his audience than his polished final products.

“By letting go of our egos and sharing our process, we allow for the possibility of people having an ongoing connection with us and our work,” Kleon writes. This insight forms the foundation of his philosophy, encouraging readers to view their creative journey as a narrative worth sharing.

To illustrate this point, Kleon shares the story of a young artist who began posting daily sketches on social media. Initially, the artist had few followers, but as she consistently shared her progress and process, her audience grew. People became invested in her journey, offering encouragement and feedback. This ongoing dialogue not only improved her skills but also led to unexpected opportunities and collaborations.

Becoming a Documentarian of Your Work

One of the key concepts Kleon introduces is the idea of becoming a documentarian of your own work. He argues that by consistently recording and sharing our creative process, we create a valuable archive of our growth and provide insight into our methods.

“Become a documentarian of what you do. Start a work journal: Write your thoughts down in a notebook, or speak them into an audio recorder. Keep a scrapbook. Take a lot of photographs of your work at different stages in your process. Shoot video of you working. This isn’t about making art, it’s about simply keeping track of what’s going on around you,” Kleon advises.

He shares the example of filmmaker Casey Neistat, who gained a massive following by documenting his daily life and work through vlogs. Neistat’s behind-the-scenes content often garnered more attention than his polished films, demonstrating the audience’s appetite for authentic, process-oriented content.

The Importance of Daily Sharing

Kleon emphasizes the power of consistency in sharing. He introduces the concept of “daily dispatches” – small, regular updates about one’s work or creative process. This practice, he argues, keeps the creator accountable and helps build a loyal audience.

“Once a day, after you’ve done your day’s work, go back to your documentation and find one little piece of your process that you can share,” Kleon suggests. He cites the example of writer Gretchen Rubin, who shared daily updates while writing her book “The Happiness Project.” These updates not only kept her motivated but also built anticipation for the book’s release.

Cultivating Your Curiosity

Another crucial aspect Kleon discusses is the importance of cultivating curiosity and sharing what fascinates you. He argues that by sharing our interests and inspirations, we attract like-minded individuals and create a rich, collaborative environment.

“Your influences are all worth sharing because they clue people in to who you are and what you do—sometimes even more than your own work,” Kleon writes. He shares the story of Maria Popova, creator of Brain Pickings, who built a successful career by curating and sharing interesting ideas from various fields.

The Art of Storytelling

Kleon dedicates a significant portion of the book to the importance of storytelling in sharing one’s work. He argues that humans are naturally drawn to narratives, and by framing our creative process as a story, we can engage our audience more effectively.

“Human beings want to know where things came from, how they were made, and who made them. The stories you tell about the work you do have a huge effect on how people feel and what they understand about your work, and how people feel and what they understand about your work effects how they value it,” Kleon explains.

He illustrates this point with the example of chef Jamie Oliver, who gained popularity not just for his recipes, but for the stories he told about the origins of his dishes and his passion for cooking.

Embracing Vulnerability

Throughout the book, Kleon repeatedly emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in sharing. He argues that by showing our struggles and failures, we make our work more relatable and inspiring to others.

“The trick is to be as generous as you can, but selfish enough to get your work done,” Kleon advises. He shares the story of author Anne Lamott, who gained a devoted following by openly sharing her writing struggles and personal challenges.

Building Your Network

Kleon dedicates a chapter to the importance of building a network and fostering a community around your work. He argues that by generously sharing and supporting others, we create a reciprocal environment that benefits everyone.

“If you want to get, you have to give. If you want to be noticed, you have to notice. Shut up and listen once in a while. Be thoughtful. Be considerate. Don’t turn into human spam. Be an open node,” Kleon writes.

He cites the example of artist Wendy MacNaughton, who built a strong online community by consistently engaging with her followers and collaborating with other artists.

Dealing with Criticism

Kleon acknowledges that sharing work publicly inevitably invites criticism. He offers strategies for dealing with feedback, both positive and negative, emphasizing the importance of separating constructive criticism from unhelpful negativity.

“The more criticism you take, the more you realize it can’t hurt you,” Kleon reassures. He shares anecdotes from various artists and creators who learned to use criticism as a tool for growth rather than a source of discouragement.

Conclusion

“Show Your Work!” concludes by reinforcing the idea that sharing is not just about self-promotion, but about contributing to a larger creative ecosystem. Kleon argues that by openly sharing our work and process, we not only benefit ourselves but also inspire and educate others.

“In this day and age, if your work isn’t online, it doesn’t exist,” Kleon states, emphasizing the importance of having a digital presence. However, he also reminds readers that the ultimate goal is not just to gain followers or fame, but to create meaningful work and connections.

Kleon’s book is a powerful call to action for creators of all types. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones, embrace vulnerability, and share our creative journeys with the world. By doing so, we not only improve our own work but also contribute to a more open, collaborative, and inspiring creative community.

“Show Your Work!” is more than just a guide for artists and creators; it’s a manifesto for a new way of thinking about creativity in the digital age. It encourages us to view our work not as a finished product to be revealed, but as an ongoing process to be shared and celebrated. In doing so, Kleon argues, we can find not only success but also fulfillment and connection in our creative endeavors.

Recommended Books

If you enjoyed “Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon, you might also find these books insightful:

1. “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield

   • This book delves into the challenges of the creative process, offering strategies to overcome resistance and unlock your creative potential.

2. “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert

   • Gilbert explores the nature of inspiration and creativity, encouraging readers to embrace curiosity and overcome fears that hinder creative expression.

3. “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon

   • Another book by Kleon that complements “Show Your Work!”, focusing on finding inspiration and developing your unique creative voice.

4. “The Creative Habit” by Twyla Tharp

   • Renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp shares insights on cultivating creativity as a daily practice, offering practical exercises and personal anecdotes.