In 'Show Your Work!', Austin Kleon challenges readers to embrace the art of sharing their creative processes and ideas with the world. Rather than hiding behind the scenes, Kleon encourages individuals to take the leap and showcase their unfinished work, fostering connections and generating opportunities. This book serves as a manifesto for those afraid to put their creativity on display, emphasizing that sharing is vital for growth and community. Packed with actionable insights and relatable anecdotes, Kleon's message is both empowering and liberating. Are you ready to unlock your creative potential and start showing the world what you can do?
By Austin Kleon
Published: 2014
"Your creativity is a gift. Don’t hide it; share it boldly with the world."
In his New York Times bestseller Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon showed readers how to unlock their creativity by “stealing” from the community of other movers and shakers. Now, in an even more forward-thinking and necessary book, he shows how to take that critical next step on a creative journey—getting known. Show Your Work! is about why generosity trumps genius. It’s about getting findable, about using the network instead of wasting time “networking.” It’s not self-promotion, it’s self-discovery—let others into your process, then let them steal from you. Filled with illustrations, quotes, stories, and examples, Show Your Work! offers ten transformative rules for being open, generous, brave, productive. In chapters such as You Don’t Have to Be a Genius; Share Something Small Every Day; and Stick Around, Kleon creates a user’s manual for embracing the communal nature of creativity— what he calls the “ecology of talent.” From broader life lessons about work (you can’t find your voice if you don’t use it) to the etiquette of sharing—and the dangers of oversharing—to the practicalities of Internet life (build a good domain name; give credit when credit is due), it’s an inspiring manifesto for succeeding as any kind of artist or entrepreneur in the digital age.
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Austin Kleon is a bestselling author and artist known for his creative approach to inspiring others to unlock their artistic potential. His book "Steal Like an Artist" became an instant classic for its unique take on creativity, encouraging people to borrow and remix ideas to fuel their work. Kleon is also known for his book "Show Your Work," where he emphasizes the importance of sharing one's creative process with others to build a community and gain recognition. He combines writing, art, and digital tools to offer practical insights into the creative life. His work extends to visual art, particularly in the form of blackout poetry, where he creates new meanings by redacting newspaper text. Kleon is a frequent speaker at conferences, workshops, and universities, where he advocates for creativity as a daily practice. He maintains an active online presence, sharing inspiration and advice with a global audience.
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“Your creativity is a gift. Don’t hide it; share it boldly with the world.”
Show Your Work!
By Austin Kleon
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Austin Kleon is a bestselling author and speaker known for his insightful and engaging exploration of creativity in the digital age. He is best known for his books "Steal Like an Artist," "Show Your Work!", and "Keep Going," which emphasize the importance of sharing one's creative process and finding inspiration in everyday life. Kleon's writing style is conversational and accessible, often featuring illustrations and visual elements that complement his ideas. He encourages readers to embrace their creativity, learn from others, and work collaboratively. Through his work, Kleon has built a large following of artists, writers, and creatives who are inspired by his refreshing approach to creativity and self-expression.
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In 'Keep Going', Austin Kleon inspires readers to cultivate creativity in everyday life amidst challenges and distractions. He offers pragmatic advice on maintaining momentum and nurturing passion, turning mundane routines into vibrant expressions of art. With witty anecdotes and engaging illustrations, Kleon emphasizes the importance of perseverance and connection in creative endeavors. Each chapter serves as a motivational guide, encouraging readers to embrace their unique journeys. By fusing hard work with play, Kleon unlocks the secrets to sustaining creativity over time, leaving readers eager to explore their own passions.
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