SHOW YOUR WORK BY AUSTIN KLEON

Key Concepts of the Book:

• You don’t have to be a genius: The core philosophy is that creativity is a continuous process, not just a finished product, and showing your process is more valuable than hoarding your "genius" ideas until they are perfect.
• Process over product: Documenting and sharing the messy middle stages of your work—the struggle, the research, the initial drafts—builds a more authentic connection with an audience than just presenting polished final outcomes.
• The "generosity" of sharing: Sharing your knowledge, influences, and methods is an act of generosity that attracts a like-minded community and creates value for others.
• Building a body of work (not just a resume): The book encourages creating a visible, digital trail of your efforts, which functions as a modern, dynamic portfolio or "work log" that demonstrates your skills better than a traditional resume.
• Learning to take a punch: The guide offers practical advice on handling criticism, negativity, and the inevitable imposter syndrome that comes with putting yourself and your work out into the public eye.
• Being findable: Kleon emphasizes the importance of making your work discoverable online, leveraging simple tools (like a blog or social media) to put your ideas where others can find and link to them.
• Embracing influence: It encourages being open about where your ideas come from, giving credit generously, and participating actively in the creative ecosystem of your chosen field.