6 Key Lessons from Show Your Work by Austin Kleon
What Does It Mean to Show Your Work?
In today’s connected world, creativity thrives on sharing. Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work teaches us that sharing isn’t just about self-promotion; it’s a path to self-discovery and community building. Whether you are an artist in Douala or an entrepreneur in Yaoundé, understanding how to present your work can take your creative journey to new heights.
1. You Don’t Have to Be a Genius
Kleon challenges the myth that only gifted individuals can create art. Instead, he encourages us to embrace our status as amateurs, reminding us that passion and enthusiasm fuel our creativity. You don’t need a perfect skill set; what you need is the willingness to explore and learn.
Action Step: Identify a project you’ve always wanted to start but felt intimidated by. Today, take one small step towards it, whether that’s sketching an idea, writing an outline, or brainstorming concepts.
2. Think Process, Not Product
People are curious about how you create, not just the end result. By sharing behind-the-scenes snippets of your work, you invite your audience into your creative process. This also humanizes your creative journey, fostering connections.
Action Step: Document your work process today. Share a photo or a short video of what you are currently working on on your preferred social media platform. Explain what you’re doing and why.
3. Share Something Small Every Day
Consistency is key in building an audience. Austin Kleon suggests sharing small updates about your work daily. This habit helps both you and your followers stay engaged, giving people a glimpse into your world.
Action Step: Set a daily reminder for 5:00 PM (or a time that suits you) to post a small update about your creative process. It can be anything—an idea, a challenge, or an artwork in progress.
4. Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities
Show what inspires you! Sharing your influences helps your audience connect with your work on a deeper level. This might include art pieces, books, or even places that spark your creativity.
Action Step: Curate a list of 5-10 items that inspire you right now. Share this list with a brief explanation of why each item is meaningful to your work.
5. Tell Good Stories
Kleon stresses that storytelling can elevate your work. How you frame your creations is as important as the creations themselves. Good stories draw people in and make your work more relatable.
Action Step: Write a short story about your creative journey — it could involve overcoming a challenge or a light-hearted experience while creating your work. Share this story with your audience to deepen the connection.
6. Don’t Turn Into Human Spam
When promoting your work, the goal is to foster genuine relationships, not just shout your message into a void. Kleon emphasizes the importance of meaningful engagement over bland self-promotion.
Action Step: Choose three people in your creative field who inspire you. Engage with them on social media by commenting thoughtfully on their work or sharing insights about their projects.
Who Should Read This?
If you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or creator of any kind in Cameroon looking to connect with a wider audience and find the courage to share your work, Show Your Work by Austin Kleon is a must-read. It offers practical insights and encourages everyone to embrace their unique creative journey.
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Show Your Work By Austin Kleon
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