đź“– Show Your Work by Austin Kleon
Topic: Creative Process | Â Rating: 4/5
Outline
Reasons why you should share your work/passions/projects. And how to do it.
Why I read this book
To be more comfortable with putting myself out there and get over imposter syndrome. Also recommended by Ali Abdaal in a few of his YT videos.
Three keynotes
1. We can learn from the amateur
The amateur is more relatable than the expert for most of the population. So, you don’t need to be a professional athlete to share a workout and you don’t need to be a multimillion business to share what has worked for you. If it could benefit one person, it’s worth sharing.
“The artist and the curator, the master and the apprentice, the expert and the amateur – has the ability to contribute something.” (Kleon 2014, p.12)
2. The work you share is your legacy
Because one day we’ll be dead. And we will be remembered for what we shared not what we kept hidden.
“It was a matter of being heard, or not being heard. A matter of existing or not existing… If you want people to know about what you do and the things you care about, you have to share.” (Kleon 2014, p.24)
3. Collaborate on the creative process
By sharing the journey, the audience becomes part of the story and emotional value is built.
“Audiences not only want to stumble across great work, but they too, long to be creative and part of the creative process.” (Kleon 2014, p.38)
Thoughts/reflections
Exposing our work, particularly unfinished, unembellished, and imperfect work can stir up insecurities. What is even harder is that showing your work will introduce external critics. But don’t let it hold you back, choose to use it as feedback or motivation to become better. And in the long run, you open yourself up to the connections right for you - “Share what you love, and the people who love the same things will find you.” (Kleon 2014, p.19)
Recommendation
I recommend this book for anyone who struggles with imposter syndrome, perfectionism or hesitating to show themselves to the world.
It's been a big reason why I've been more open with my projects lately.
