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VINE VOICEon March 8, 2014
One thing I've always strived to improve has been my transparency. It's also one of the things I've always struggled most with. It's just not instinctual to me. I literally have to pour my time and energy into showing pieces of myself and my work to the world. And it's not even just my work--I don't even update my personal Facebook on a regular basis.
When I realized what Austin Kleon's newest book was about, I knew I had to have it. The theme is Show Your Work. How apropos. Once I had it in my hands, there was so much for me to learn. Here are a few of my favorite lessons from each chapter:
1. You don't have to be a genius.
Anyone can share their art. There are no limits here.
"You can't find your voice if you don't use it."
"Raw enthusiasm is contagious."
2. Think process, not product.
It's not about the final product; it's about the journey.
"We're not all artists or astronauts. A lot of us go about our work and feel like we have nothing to show for it at the end of the day. But whatever the nature of your work, there is an art to what you do, and there are people who would be interested in that art, if only you presented it to them in the right way."
3. Share something small every day.
You don't have to post something big. Share small things on a regular basis and you'll keep up your momentum.
"Put yourself, and your work, out there every day and you'll start meeting some amazing people." - Bobby Solomon
You should be continually asking yourself this question: "What are you working on?"
Whatever you do, do not overshare.
4. Open up your cabinet of curiosities.
If someone shares something and you like it, share it, too.
"Your influences are all worth sharing because they clue people in to who you are and what you do--sometimes more than your own work."
5. Tell good stories.
If someone asks you about yourself, tell the truth and tell it with dignity and self-respect. You have to own who and what you are.
Ultimately, humans just want to connect.
6. Teach what you know.
Pass it on. By teaching, you may learn something yourself.
"The minute you learn something, turn around and teach it to others."
7. Don't turn into human spam.
Just because you have the power to share does not mean you should overshare.
"Make the stuff you love and talk about the stuff you love and you'll attract people who love that kind of stuff."
8. Learn to take a punch.
Learning to take constructive criticism is one of the most important skills you can learn. You need to be able to put yourself out there and take a hit once in a while.
"Compulsive avoidance of embarrassment is a form of suicide." - Colin Marshall
"Your work is something you do, not who you are."
9. Sell out.
Sellout is a dirty word. You have to make your money somewhere.
"You just have to be as generous as you can, but selfish enough to get your work done."
10. Stick around.
Don't give up. You might have to keep working at it for a long while before you get where you want to be. The trick is to never stop trying.
"Don't quit your show. Life is very hard without a show, kids." - Dave Chappelle
Never stop. Done with one project? Move onto the next immediately. Never lose momentum.
Every time I crack open a book by Austin Kleon, I take a piece of advice with me. It doesn't matter if I've never read it before or if I've cracked that spine open a thousand times before. There is always something new to learn. I highly suggest you invest in your future by getting a copy of Show Your Work now. While you're at it, grab a copy of Steal Like An Artist if you haven't already. It's worth it.
When I realized what Austin Kleon's newest book was about, I knew I had to have it. The theme is Show Your Work. How apropos. Once I had it in my hands, there was so much for me to learn. Here are a few of my favorite lessons from each chapter:
1. You don't have to be a genius.
Anyone can share their art. There are no limits here.
"You can't find your voice if you don't use it."
"Raw enthusiasm is contagious."
2. Think process, not product.
It's not about the final product; it's about the journey.
"We're not all artists or astronauts. A lot of us go about our work and feel like we have nothing to show for it at the end of the day. But whatever the nature of your work, there is an art to what you do, and there are people who would be interested in that art, if only you presented it to them in the right way."
3. Share something small every day.
You don't have to post something big. Share small things on a regular basis and you'll keep up your momentum.
"Put yourself, and your work, out there every day and you'll start meeting some amazing people." - Bobby Solomon
You should be continually asking yourself this question: "What are you working on?"
Whatever you do, do not overshare.
4. Open up your cabinet of curiosities.
If someone shares something and you like it, share it, too.
"Your influences are all worth sharing because they clue people in to who you are and what you do--sometimes more than your own work."
5. Tell good stories.
If someone asks you about yourself, tell the truth and tell it with dignity and self-respect. You have to own who and what you are.
Ultimately, humans just want to connect.
6. Teach what you know.
Pass it on. By teaching, you may learn something yourself.
"The minute you learn something, turn around and teach it to others."
7. Don't turn into human spam.
Just because you have the power to share does not mean you should overshare.
"Make the stuff you love and talk about the stuff you love and you'll attract people who love that kind of stuff."
8. Learn to take a punch.
Learning to take constructive criticism is one of the most important skills you can learn. You need to be able to put yourself out there and take a hit once in a while.
"Compulsive avoidance of embarrassment is a form of suicide." - Colin Marshall
"Your work is something you do, not who you are."
9. Sell out.
Sellout is a dirty word. You have to make your money somewhere.
"You just have to be as generous as you can, but selfish enough to get your work done."
10. Stick around.
Don't give up. You might have to keep working at it for a long while before you get where you want to be. The trick is to never stop trying.
"Don't quit your show. Life is very hard without a show, kids." - Dave Chappelle
Never stop. Done with one project? Move onto the next immediately. Never lose momentum.
Every time I crack open a book by Austin Kleon, I take a piece of advice with me. It doesn't matter if I've never read it before or if I've cracked that spine open a thousand times before. There is always something new to learn. I highly suggest you invest in your future by getting a copy of Show Your Work now. While you're at it, grab a copy of Steal Like An Artist if you haven't already. It's worth it.
HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICEon March 18, 2014
As Austin Kleon explains, his previous book, Steal Like an Artist, "was about stealing influence from other people" whereas "this book is about how to influence others by letting them steal from [begin italics] you [end italics]." I agree with him that "all you have to do is to show your work" but only if (HUGE "if") it's worth stealing and you know how to do that in terms of what, when, and where. Actually, he wrote this book "for people who hate the very idea of self-promotion." It's not enough to be very good. "In order to be found, you have to [begin italics] be findable [end italics]. I think there's an easy way of putting your work out there and making it discoverable [begin italics] while [end italics] you're focused on getting really good at what you do."
Kleon's two books can be of incalculable value to those who need help with creating content (whatever its nature and extent may be) and then help with attracting the interest and support of those on whom the success of the offering depends. It could be a product, a service, or both. Its target market could be singles, seniors, the unemployed or under-employed, new parents, do-it-yourselfers, beginners at whatever...you get the idea.
So, how to become findable? First, Kleon explains the need for developing a new mindset, one that will enable the reluctant self-promoter to think differently so that she or he can then operate differently. Here's his key point: "Almost all of the people I look up to and try to steal from today, regardless of their profession, have built [begin italics] sharing [end italics] into their routine. Next, he urges his reader to find what the musician Brian Eno characterizes as a "scenius": a group of creative individuals who make up an ecology of talent. "What I love about the idea of scenius is that it makes room in the story of creativity for the rest of us: the people who don't consider ourselves geniuses."
Then Kleon suggests ten specific observations and initiatives, devoting a separate chapter to each. The purpose of the first, "You don't have to be a genius," is an important reassurance that David and Tom Kelley also provide in their recently published book, Creative Confidence: Believing that only geniuses are creative "is a myth that far too many people share. This book is about the opposite of that myth. It is about what we call 'creative confidence.' And at its foundation is the belief that we are [begin italics] all [end italics] creative...Creative confidence is a way of seeing that potential and your place in the world more clearly, unclouded by anxiety and doubt. We hope you'll join us on our quest to embrace creative confidence in our lives. Together, we can all make the world a better place."
The other nine call for initiatives that almost anyone can take. Kleon suggests the most important do's and don'ts to keep in mind. Two key elements are repeatedly emphasized. First, share generously and continuously with those who comprise an appropriate (key word) ecology of talent: people who share common interest and goals, yes, but also common questions and concerns. Share what will be of greatest interest and value to them. Also, be yourself. Why? I like Oscar Wilde's response best: "Everyone else is taken." Each person is a unique work-in-progress. That's hardly an original insight but well-worth repeating.
Let's allow Austin Kleon the final observations: "Human beings are interested in other human beings and what other human beings do. Audiences today not only want to stumble across great work, they, too, long to be part of the creative process. By showing people your 'behind-the-scenes footage" [i.e. portions of incomplete and imperfect work], they can see the person behind the products, and they can better form a relationship with you and your work." So show it...and your authentic self in process.
Kleon's two books can be of incalculable value to those who need help with creating content (whatever its nature and extent may be) and then help with attracting the interest and support of those on whom the success of the offering depends. It could be a product, a service, or both. Its target market could be singles, seniors, the unemployed or under-employed, new parents, do-it-yourselfers, beginners at whatever...you get the idea.
So, how to become findable? First, Kleon explains the need for developing a new mindset, one that will enable the reluctant self-promoter to think differently so that she or he can then operate differently. Here's his key point: "Almost all of the people I look up to and try to steal from today, regardless of their profession, have built [begin italics] sharing [end italics] into their routine. Next, he urges his reader to find what the musician Brian Eno characterizes as a "scenius": a group of creative individuals who make up an ecology of talent. "What I love about the idea of scenius is that it makes room in the story of creativity for the rest of us: the people who don't consider ourselves geniuses."
Then Kleon suggests ten specific observations and initiatives, devoting a separate chapter to each. The purpose of the first, "You don't have to be a genius," is an important reassurance that David and Tom Kelley also provide in their recently published book, Creative Confidence: Believing that only geniuses are creative "is a myth that far too many people share. This book is about the opposite of that myth. It is about what we call 'creative confidence.' And at its foundation is the belief that we are [begin italics] all [end italics] creative...Creative confidence is a way of seeing that potential and your place in the world more clearly, unclouded by anxiety and doubt. We hope you'll join us on our quest to embrace creative confidence in our lives. Together, we can all make the world a better place."
The other nine call for initiatives that almost anyone can take. Kleon suggests the most important do's and don'ts to keep in mind. Two key elements are repeatedly emphasized. First, share generously and continuously with those who comprise an appropriate (key word) ecology of talent: people who share common interest and goals, yes, but also common questions and concerns. Share what will be of greatest interest and value to them. Also, be yourself. Why? I like Oscar Wilde's response best: "Everyone else is taken." Each person is a unique work-in-progress. That's hardly an original insight but well-worth repeating.
Let's allow Austin Kleon the final observations: "Human beings are interested in other human beings and what other human beings do. Audiences today not only want to stumble across great work, they, too, long to be part of the creative process. By showing people your 'behind-the-scenes footage" [i.e. portions of incomplete and imperfect work], they can see the person behind the products, and they can better form a relationship with you and your work." So show it...and your authentic self in process.
on December 8, 2015
It is shocking that a book this basic has been so well-received. Devoid of any serious content, Kleon only discusses the WHAT, and never the HOW. There is no attempt to expand on any of the obvious things he poses; he just poses them. This proves that: 1) he is much more clever than the rest of us who could have written this book on the back of a few napkins while waiting for dinner; or 2) the public really is incredibly gullible, and a smart title is what truly sells books these days.
The book has one main take-away: let people see what it is that you're creating. All the other content is so banal that it is not worth reviewing.
If you buy this book at all, save yourself some money and buy a used copy. It doesn't matter how marked up it is. You might write a few "notes to self" in the margins. If you feel inspired....
The book has one main take-away: let people see what it is that you're creating. All the other content is so banal that it is not worth reviewing.
If you buy this book at all, save yourself some money and buy a used copy. It doesn't matter how marked up it is. You might write a few "notes to self" in the margins. If you feel inspired....
VINE VOICEon March 22, 2017
This author has written, "How to Steal Like an Artist" as well. Both great books in my opinion. Not too long - and easy reads. Very pleasant and fun books. Author has great sense of humor. I bought it for my sister as well. She has everything, and I know she has trouble with motivating herself. This is for people who are creative, who do create, and who want to share what they create, paint, write, invent.
Highly Highly Recommended. I am collecting digital images to copy color schemes in what would be considered original art, digitally painted with the idea to use the art as inspiration, and yet paint my own stuff. There is a difference between stealing art and using art as inspiration; though the author says it differently. This particular book takes you to the next step where your work will get seen. For me it is just for fun. I do not sell. But we can all use a compliment or two, right? A captive audience. Some day maybe an offer to have me do commissioned work....errr maybe.
Highly Highly Recommended. I am collecting digital images to copy color schemes in what would be considered original art, digitally painted with the idea to use the art as inspiration, and yet paint my own stuff. There is a difference between stealing art and using art as inspiration; though the author says it differently. This particular book takes you to the next step where your work will get seen. For me it is just for fun. I do not sell. But we can all use a compliment or two, right? A captive audience. Some day maybe an offer to have me do commissioned work....errr maybe.
on February 18, 2015
This is a refreshing kick in the butt about believing in yourself as a creative person and jumping in with both feet. The basic idea is to put yourself out there even if you (or your work) is a work in progress. This book borrows heavily from the late Paul Arden's "It's Not Who You Are, It's Who You Want To Be." In fact, the author quotes Mr. Arden at one point in the book, but in the page of acknowledgments, he makes no mention of Arden's wonderful book (get it). That's why I dinged this book a star. I do recommend this book if you are at all insecure about your place in the (creative) world, but I also highly recommend Mr. Arden's book, which is a classic and essential (and a shorter read than this).
on May 8, 2014
I liked Austin's first book Steal Like an Artist and this one didn't disappoint.
This book offers a motivational push to get off your butt and get your work out in front of an audience. Whether you are an artist, musician, writer or a speaker, you have to get your stuff seen, heard and experienced by others to know if it is any good. And it might not be and that's okay. It's validation and it helps you get one step closer to the work that will be loved by your audience, your team or your customer.
This book inspired me to change up some of my content for some of the speaking gigs I've been doing. It's been rough and a little uncomfortable (okay, a lot uncomfortable) but when I heard an audience member make a comment about how much they enjoyed a particular point that I had made (in my new content) it made it all worth it. Getting those new ideas out of my head (and out of my growing notebook of notes), dusting them off and giving them a little life has opened up a whole new channel of thinking for me. It would not have happened if I had not shown my work. Thanks Austin for the encouragement and the push to do it.
Great book.
This book offers a motivational push to get off your butt and get your work out in front of an audience. Whether you are an artist, musician, writer or a speaker, you have to get your stuff seen, heard and experienced by others to know if it is any good. And it might not be and that's okay. It's validation and it helps you get one step closer to the work that will be loved by your audience, your team or your customer.
This book inspired me to change up some of my content for some of the speaking gigs I've been doing. It's been rough and a little uncomfortable (okay, a lot uncomfortable) but when I heard an audience member make a comment about how much they enjoyed a particular point that I had made (in my new content) it made it all worth it. Getting those new ideas out of my head (and out of my growing notebook of notes), dusting them off and giving them a little life has opened up a whole new channel of thinking for me. It would not have happened if I had not shown my work. Thanks Austin for the encouragement and the push to do it.
Great book.
on April 1, 2014
I did it backwards but it worked out just as well. I read show Your Work first and then read Steal Like an Artist second. Whichever you read first, you'll learn and be reminded of five star lessons in creative arts, specifically writing, in my case. Author, Austin Kleon breaks the process of creating art and getting it noticed into small steps. This is a short, fast read with a major dose of powerful ideas. He shows us the reasons for taking each action he recommends. Kleon effectively converses with the reader as if sitting across a table from us in a cafe having a brainstorming session about our art, in whatever form it takes. His ideas are simple but incredibly profound, easy to grasp and put to use. Highly recommended.
on August 19, 2014
This book is small and yellow and well designed. If you put two pop-tarts side by side, that is about how big this book is. But don't put this book in the toaster, unless you are a toaster artist and you want to.
This book has black text, mostly. Sometimes it has black pages with white text, in which case an absence of ink forms a sequence of letters forming words. There are lots of pages all in a row with text on them.
You can read these pages in order, or you can skip around. You can buy this book and never read it. Sometimes I do that too.
The tips in this book require you to keep daily habits. If you can't do that, you're probably not going to be a very good art person but maybe you will if you put this book in the toaster and it looks awesome. Don't put this book in the toaster though. You might burn your Mom's house down and she would probably make you buy her a new toaster.
This book has black text, mostly. Sometimes it has black pages with white text, in which case an absence of ink forms a sequence of letters forming words. There are lots of pages all in a row with text on them.
You can read these pages in order, or you can skip around. You can buy this book and never read it. Sometimes I do that too.
The tips in this book require you to keep daily habits. If you can't do that, you're probably not going to be a very good art person but maybe you will if you put this book in the toaster and it looks awesome. Don't put this book in the toaster though. You might burn your Mom's house down and she would probably make you buy her a new toaster.
A unique view on the issue. Brings the power to YOUR hands. Creativity teaser. But chapter 10 doesn't belong here.
on March 11, 2014
Important book. Austin is exploring the issue of showing your work through internet, and particularly social media. An issue that is being discussed endlessly in many blogs and books (of which I’ve read many).
But there is something different and unique about his discussion. In his own way, he’s coming at the subject from new angles. His way resonates with me much more than others. There’s actually no comparing at all.
Austin’s approach makes me leave my hesitations behind and act, by convincing me that making mistakes is ok, as long as I make something. He then proceeds to frame those possible mistakes in manageable ways of thinking.
He gives me the simple and pure feeling that there is an abundance of possibilities, and I can deep into them. that it’s actually no big deal to deep into them.
Austin has a way of showing what to do and how to do it, without a boring To-do list. Through examples, inspiring quotes, and his own experience, he is SHOWING us, but not telling us. He is bringing it all down to earth, and very convincingly.
Some examples to the uniqueness of the book: It’s giving good advice about the need to compromise between perfectionism and neglecting quality or over-sharing. I find that very useful advice as I engage in social media everyday-sharing.
The atmosphere in this book brings the power to YOUR hands:
“Don’t think of your website as a self-promotion machine, think of it as a self-invention machine. Online, you can become the person you really want to be.”
For me personally, this book has been a real creative thinking teaser. In direct ways, and some indirect ones, it made me jump out my seat with new ideas, or sometimes, a new angle of an idea I was already working on, and feeling stuck.
Coming to the end of the book, though, I seem to be running into problems with chapter 10: “Stick around”. Mostly, I don’t think this chapter belongs in this book, because mostly it’s not about “SHOW your work” but about DO your work. It gives fantastic advice, but I think it belongs in a separate book.
But there is something different and unique about his discussion. In his own way, he’s coming at the subject from new angles. His way resonates with me much more than others. There’s actually no comparing at all.
Austin’s approach makes me leave my hesitations behind and act, by convincing me that making mistakes is ok, as long as I make something. He then proceeds to frame those possible mistakes in manageable ways of thinking.
He gives me the simple and pure feeling that there is an abundance of possibilities, and I can deep into them. that it’s actually no big deal to deep into them.
Austin has a way of showing what to do and how to do it, without a boring To-do list. Through examples, inspiring quotes, and his own experience, he is SHOWING us, but not telling us. He is bringing it all down to earth, and very convincingly.
Some examples to the uniqueness of the book: It’s giving good advice about the need to compromise between perfectionism and neglecting quality or over-sharing. I find that very useful advice as I engage in social media everyday-sharing.
The atmosphere in this book brings the power to YOUR hands:
“Don’t think of your website as a self-promotion machine, think of it as a self-invention machine. Online, you can become the person you really want to be.”
For me personally, this book has been a real creative thinking teaser. In direct ways, and some indirect ones, it made me jump out my seat with new ideas, or sometimes, a new angle of an idea I was already working on, and feeling stuck.
Coming to the end of the book, though, I seem to be running into problems with chapter 10: “Stick around”. Mostly, I don’t think this chapter belongs in this book, because mostly it’s not about “SHOW your work” but about DO your work. It gives fantastic advice, but I think it belongs in a separate book.
