Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon – well what can I say?

I’m often a bit late to the party and if I look into something only to find loads of people are already promoting it, my first thoughts are ‘too many people pushing it, must be crap, they’re in it for the money!‘

Well, here I am, late to the party again (it was first published in 2014) but Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon has left me buzzing, and so excited after finishing it, that I felt the need to put my thoughts down and get them out to you straight away!

Seriously, if you’re into creating just about anything, you’ve got to read it!

Why I got it in the first place

For this I need to credit AliAbdaal, a highly succesful YouTuber here in the UK.

I regularly read his blog and watch his YouTube channel (if you want genuine, good quality advice from someone who appears to be a ‘decent sort of chap‘, then check him out, you won’t regret it).

Anyway, after watching one of his videos in which he promoted this book I decided to give it a go and ordered my own copy from Amazon.

It came yesterday and the first thing I noticed is how tactile it is.

It’s lovely.

It’s quirky.

And although a paperback, it really feels like it’s good quality with both front and back covers having extended leaves that can be used as a bookmark.

Not that you need a bookmark…

It’s 216 pages long, many of which are filled with simple illustrations and the others consisting of just several paragraphs, clear text, and plenty of white space; so it’s a real easy read that you can do in about an hour!

But what you’ll get in that hour could change your life!

My overview

In a nutshell, it’s all about sharing your work but more importantly, the actual process of doing it, online, for free!

By doing so you can attract the right type of audience who’ll be of real value because they’re interested in what you’re interested in, rather than the wrong type who serve absolutely no purpose (it’s no good having thousands of followers who don’t give a monkey’s about what you’re up to)!

Who Should Read It?

Everyone!

Ok that might sound a little flippant but I genuinely think anyone could get something out of it because we all want other people to be interested in what we’re doing in some way or another.

That said, the main focus is for anyone who’s into creativity, entrepreneurship or getting stuff out there and it’s especially eye-opening for beginners.

Seriously, if you’re just starting out you’re going to be delighted to hear that you don’t need to be accomplished to share your work – beginners can just as easily help other beginners, in fact sometimes more so than an expert!

A new way of operating

“Almost all the people I look up to and try to steal from today, regardless of their profession, have built sharing into their routine.”

Austin Kleon

The title of the foreword is ‘A New Way of Operating’ and is all about how the world is changing and how you now have to make your stuff findable, even if you hate the idea of self-promotion.

Austin Kleon talks about an alternative, if you will, to self-promotion; how to think about your work as a never-ending process and how to share that process in a way that attracts people who might be interested in what you do.

As he says:

• Imagine if your next boss didn’t have to read your résumé because he already reads your blog.
• Imagine being a student and getting your first gig based on a school project you posted online.
• Imagine losing your job but having a social network of people familiar with your work and ready to help you find a new one.
• Imagine turning a side project or a hobby into your profession because you had a following that could support you.

And all you have to do is show your work!

Chapter 1 – You don’t have to be a genius

Throughout history, we often think of people who found world renowned fame as being some kind of lone genius, someone special who hid their process away but still produced something amazing at the end of it.

Think Mozart, Einstein or Picasso but the reality is, even these acclaimed individuals were part of a whole scene who were supporting each other, looking at each other’s work, copying from each other, stealing and contributing ideas.

Finding scenius is one of the subjects of this chapter and the need to move away from the lone genius myth of creativity.

It doesn’t take away from the achievements of these great icons but it shows that greatness isn’t always created in a vacuum but rather a collaboration of connected minds.

It’s a healthier way of looking at it and music to the ears of us mere mortals who often feel that if we want to get stuff out there, we have to do it on our own.

The point is, best ideas are often birthed from a group of creative individuals that you can be part of, but you don’t have to be an expert.

Anyone can contribute to the scenius, even amateurs because they’re closer to the subject.

An expert may have the knowledge but they learned it so long ago they’ve forgotten what it’s like not to know, whereas amateurs understand the beginner’s mind.

The whole message comes down to finding something you want to learn and then learn it in front of others. Share your process and in doing so people who love the same things will find you.

Chapter 2 – Think process, not product

Show people behind the scenes and become a documentarian of what you do!

In the old days an artist could only connect with an audience through a show at a gallery or by a write-up in some fancy art magazine.

But now, because of the digital age and social media, anyone can share whatever they want, whenever they want, at zero cost.

So an artist could decide to show sketches, work-in-progress, pictures of the studio, talk about inspiration and influences – anything they really care about to form a unique bond with their audience.

The thing is, “human beings are interested in other human beings and what other human beings do!”

“People really do want to see how the sausage gets made.”

By putting stuff out there your audience gets to see the person behind the product and that attracts people who are genuinely interested.

If you document it all – photos, recordings, notes (most of us have a complete multi-media studio in our pockets these days with our smartphones), not only can you share stuff but you start to see your work more clearly and feel like you’re making progress.

It’s a win all round!

Chapter 3 – Share something small everyday

In this chapter Austin Kleon suggests sending out a daily dispatch.

It doesn’t matter how small.

Could be a Tweet, a facebook post, blog post, podcast, whatever, just something.

For your audience this is like getting all the DVD extras before the movie comes out – the deleted scenes, the director’s commentary all while the film’s being made!

People love this stuff and you can end up with masses of content to call on if you need it, without even realising it

Also in this chapter he talks about getting your own domain name!

When I read this I was especially pleased because it’s something I’ve talked about myself, in fact you can read my post on it here – 5 reasons why everyone should get a domain name.

Even if you feel you’ve got nothing to say yet, register a domain name (it costs peanuts) and put up a simple little personal website.

It’s not difficult, in fact it’s super easy these days – just look on Google or YouTube and there are countless free tutorials on the subject.

Or start a little blog.

Again, easy and costs next to nothing.

You don’t need any specific skills and any technical knowledge you do need is really easy to learn but the real benefit is the feeling of satisfaction you get from owning a little bit of digital ‘turf’ from which you can speak to the world if you want to… it’s incredibly empowering.

Chapter 4 – Open up your cabinet of curiosities

In days gone by it was fashionable to have such a piece of furniture or a room filled with rare and remarkable objects that served as a kind of external display of your thirst for knowledge of the world.

It might have contained books, skeletons, jewels, shells, art, plants, taxidermy specimens or any other artifact that made up a personal collection.

It was highly treasured.

The modern equivalent could be your personal collection of vinyl records, films, books, or even memories inside your head of places you’ve been, people you’ve met, experiences you’ve had, websites you’ve got something out of.

These can all have a massive influence on how you think and sharing them can have a great many benefits because it clues people into who you are and what you do.

Of course as you’d expect, in this chapter Austin Kleon makes the point that if you’re sharing other people’s work, you want to credit them.

It’s like putting little labels next to the stuff in your own personal ‘cabinet of curiosities’.

I’ve already attributed Ali Abdaal in this post and thinking about it, I definitely need to thank Austin Kleon for writing this book!

Chapter 5 – Tell good stories

This chapter begins with a story about paintings!

It’s really interesting and explores how we perceive things based on what we’re told.

It uses this story to illustrate how you might come across rather vain people who say things like “my work speaks for itself.”

The reality is, this is rarely true!

Humans want to know where things come from, how they’re made, who makes them and if you tell a good story about what you do, it can have a massive effect on what people understand about your work, the point being, how they feel and what they understand about it, affects how they value it!

The chapter ends with giving yourself permission to talk about yourself at parties!

The underlying message here is that it’s okay to talk about yourself if people ask.

Even if its awkward or you don’t really know what to tell them (especially the case if you’re a budding entrepreneur, marketer or writer), don’t think of it as an interrogation, but instead think of it as an oppotunity to connect with someone who might be interested in your work.

Chapter 6 – Teach what you know

Sometimes business owners avoid teaching others what they do because of the fear of competition.

In reality though, teaching people shouldn’t impact on what you do in a negative way at all.

It should be the opposite, it should add to it.

When you teach someone how to do your work, you’re actually creating more interest and anyone who wants to learn will inevitably feel closer to you because of what you’re showing them.

There’s a few excellent examples in this chapter which show how teaching and sharing your work can not only bring phenomenal rewards, but also a great education in return.

Bottom line, people see your stuff, engage and will very often reach out or get in touch with recommendations or things they want to see.

This in itself is its own reward!

Chapter 7 – Don’t turn into human spam

“When people realize they’re being listened to, they tell you things.”

Richard Ford

There’s a few subheading in this chapter that all relate one way or another to the idea of being engaging rather than it all being about you!

Shut up and listen – Deep down I think we all know this.

But not that many of us practise it religiously.

If you want fans, you have to be a fan first. If you want to be accepted by a community, you have to first be a good citizen of that community. If you’re only pointing to your own stuff online, you’re doing it wrong. You have to be a connector… 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.

Austin Kleon

You want hearts, not eyeballs – Don’t waste your time reading about trying to get more followers or worrying about the number of people who follow you.

Instead start thinking about the quality of those who do.

Also don’t waste your time following people just because you think it’ll get you somewhere. It serves no purpose. The message is if you want followers, be someone worth following!

The vampire test – Basically this section comes down to something very simple. Don’t let anyone or anything suck the good stuff out of you. If it excites you do it. If it doesn’t, don’t!

Identify your fellow knuckleballers – Apparently a knuckleball is a somewhat awkward baseball pitch.

Knuckleball pitchers are also the ugly ducklings of baseball but because there are so few of them, some have formed a sort of brotherhood and get together to share tips and help each other.

The lesson here is to find, identify and nurture a relationship with your fellow knuckleballers, your peers who truly share a similar mission to your own. There won’t be many of them but when you find them, they’re super important because you can collaborate, bounce ideas and share stuff with them before you show anybody else.

Meet up in meatspace – I love this.

Because of the global nature of connections made on the internet, friends made online may just stay that, friends online!

But Austin Kleon talks here about how it freaks him out that some of his favourite people in the world came into his life as ones and zeros.

He then talks about how, although meeting people online is awesome, turning them into friends in real life (IRL) is even better!

If you know someone online and you’re in the same town, why not grab a coffee or a beer with them?

Or if you’re traveling and just happen to be in their part of the world, let them know you’re there and maybe buy them lunch!

Chapter 8 – Learn to take a punch

The title here pretty much explains it all.

When you’re starting out it’s not uncommon to suffer from imposter syndrome and as such, getting hurt by any criticism you might receive is extremely likely.

However the more stuff you put out and the more people come across it, the more criticism you’re inevitably going to get.

It’s just natural.

The key is to not let it worry you.

Don’t let the fear of your detractors stop you from creating and delivering more content.

I particularly love this quote from the author’s wife:

“If someone took a dump in your living room, you wouldn’t let it sit there would you?”

Nasty comments should effectively be scooped up and thrown in the trash!

Chapter 9 – Sell out

“We don’t make movies to make money, we make money to make more movies”

Walt Disney

As you start to ‘make it’ and people begin digging your work, there may be a time when you want to turn it into something they pay for.

And there’s nothing wrong with this.

Unfortunately, there will always be those who believe in the ‘starving artist’ notion where creative people do their best work when they’re not charging. They feel that if you getting paid for what you do, you’re selling out!

In reality this just isn’t true. There’s nothing wrong with charging and it certainly doesn’t stop your creative juices flowing!

Despite their humble beginnings, Paul McCartney has said that he and John Lennon used to sit down before a Beatles songwriting session and say “now let’s write a swimming pool!”

Michaelangelo apparently painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling because the pope commissioned him and Mario Puzo wrote The Godfather to make money.

The point is, everyone needs to eat and pay the bills so when the time comes and you’re ready to turn your audience into patrons, charge a fair price and do it.

Keep a mailing list – It’s more than likely you’ve heard this before but when it’s put in the context of Show Your Work it somehow seems to make even more sense.

Even if you don’t have anything to sell right now, when you keep a mailing list, the people who sign up will become your biggest supporters because, as the author puts it, “… just by the simple fact that they signed up for the potential to be spammed by you.“

As long as you don’t betray their trust, don’t push your luck, build the list and treat it with respect, these subscribers won’t ever think of you as selling out!

Oh, and pay it forward…

When you have some success it’s important to use any dough, clout, or platform you’ve acquired, to help along the work of the people who’ve helped get you to where you are. Extol your teachers, mentors, heros, influence, peers and fans. Give them a chance to share their own work. Throw opportunities their way.

Austin Kleon

Chapter 10 – Stick around

“If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.”

Orson Welles

Don’t quit your show – There are so many gems in this final chapter that fire you up to keep going, no matter where you are right now.

The message is clear, keep at it, share the process and you’ll get there!

My final thoughts

When I started this article I didn’t think it’d be very long.

The book is so short and such an easy read I thought it’d only take me a few minutes and I’d be able to convey my excitement in just several paragraphs.

However as I soon started writing I realised there’s just so much I wanted to say and it just got longer and longer.

What I’ve manage to get down here is just the tip of the iceberg.

There’s so much value in this book, not just for creators, but for virtually anyone in their day-to-day lives because of the simplicity of the lessons within.

It’s great.

I believe it’ll be life-changing…

In fact, don’t spend any more time reading this review, just go and read the book!