In a world driven by connection, content, and community, keeping your brilliance locked away is no longer an option. Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon is a bold, practical manifesto for artists, creators, and professionals who want to get noticed—not by shouting the loudest, but by sharing the process behind their creativity. This isn’t a book about self-promotion—it’s a guide to building influence by being open, generous, and authentic in how you work.

Building on the success of Steal Like an Artist, Kleon flips the script on traditional marketing and offers ten actionable ways to get your ideas into the world. From documenting your journey to embracing amateur energy, Show Your Work! inspires readers to become discoverable—not by selling, but by sharing. It’s not just about having talent; it’s about making your creative process visible and inviting others along for the ride. Whether you’re a writer, designer, entrepreneur, or hobbyist, this book is your call to stop hiding and start showing up.


🔟 Top 10 Key Lessons from Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon


1. You Don’t Have to Be a Genius

Forget the myth of the lone genius. Creativity thrives in collaboration and visibility. Sharing your journey makes you part of a larger network where learning and innovation happen collectively.


2. Think Process, Not Product

People love to see how something is made, not just the finished masterpiece. Share your behind-the-scenes work, early drafts, experiments, and thoughts—it builds connection and trust.


3. Share Something Small Every Day

You don’t need to launch big projects to make an impact. Posting small, consistent updates—photos, quotes, sketches, or thoughts—keeps your audience engaged and your momentum alive.


4. Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities

What inspires you is a part of your creative DNA. Share your sources, influences, favorite tools, and mentors. Curation is creation, and what you love helps others understand your work better.


5. Tell Good Stories

Facts inform, but stories inspire. Learn to frame your journey in a narrative—why you’re creating, what challenges you face, what you’re learning. Storytelling makes your work memorable.


6. Teach What You Know

Don’t gatekeep knowledge. Teaching others reinforces your own learning and positions you as a generous, credible voice in your niche. Help others grow, and you’ll grow too.


7. Don’t Turn Into Human Spam

There’s a difference between sharing and shouting. Avoid self-promotion overload. Focus on adding value, not just grabbing attention. Let your work speak—authentically and consistently.


8. Learn to Take a Punch

Criticism is part of the deal. Not everyone will like what you do, and that’s okay. Learn to accept feedback without letting it paralyze you. Keep showing up.


9. Sell Out Without Selling Your Soul

It’s okay to monetize your work—but do it ethically. Stay true to your values while finding ways to sustain your creative output. Passion and professionalism can co-exist.


10. Stick Around

Creativity is a long game. The people who get discovered are often the ones who never quit. Keep learning, keep evolving, and keep showing your work—even when it’s hard.


📌 Final Insight:
Show Your Work! is more than a guidebook—it’s a mindset shift. In a world that rewards visibility and connection, Kleon shows that you don’t need to wait to be discovered. You just need to start sharing your journey, one small step at a time.

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