Show Your Work! "10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered" by Austin Kleon is a book that encourages individuals, particularly creative professionals, to share their work and engage with their audience in the digital age. The book offers practical advice on how to make one's creative process transparent and connect with others. Here are the key ideas from the book:
Share Your Process
Kleon advocates for sharing your creative process, not just the finished product. By showing how you work, you demystify the creative process and allow others to learn from your experiences.
Become a Documentarian of Your Work
Document your work as it progresses, whether through photos, sketches, or notes. This ongoing documentation can serve as a record of your creative journey and provide valuable insights for others.
Think Process, Not Product
Shift your focus from promoting the end result to sharing the steps, thoughts, and inspirations that lead to the final product. This approach fosters engagement and connection with your audience.
Share Something Small Every Day
Consistency is key. Kleon suggests sharing something small related to your work daily. These small updates can accumulate and create a deeper connection with your audience over time.
Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities
Share your influences, inspirations, and the things that captivate your attention. Showcasing your interests can help others discover new ideas and connections.
Tell Good Stories
Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging your audience. Craft narratives around your work, experiences, and insights to make your content more compelling.
Teach What You Know
Sharing your expertise and knowledge not only helps others but also establishes you as an authority in your field. Kleon encourages readers to be generous with their insights.
Share with a Purpose
Be intentional about why you share your work. Have a clear objective, whether it's building a community, gaining feedback, or sparking a conversation.
Become Findable
Make it easy for others to discover your work. Utilize online platforms, social media, and networking to increase your visibility.
Become a Connector
Foster relationships with other creators and help connect them with each other. Being a connector can benefit your network and broaden your own creative horizons.
Take Time to Think and Digest
While sharing your work is important, Kleon also emphasizes the value of taking time to think, read, and reflect. These activities can fuel your creativity.
Be Patient and Persistent
Building an audience and achieving recognition takes time. Kleon advises creators to be patient, persistent, and focused on the long-term journey.
Embrace Your Niches
Embrace your unique interests and quirks. Your niche can be a source of authenticity and a magnet for a dedicated audience.

"Show Your Work!" encourages readers to be more transparent, generous, and open in sharing their creative endeavors. By doing so, individuals can not only gain recognition but also contribute to a larger community of creators and learners. Kleon's book inspires readers to embrace the concept of "showing their work" as a way to connect with others and make their creative journeys more meaningful.