Austin Kleon's book Show Your Work! teaches readers how to better promote and share the work they create. By focusing on the idea of sharing work publicly, Show Your Work! galvanizes readers to think about new ways to promote their work and to connect with others.
The book begins with a discussion of the importance of learning how to promote yourself through your work. Through a series of examples and stories, Kleon demonstrates why self-promotion is essential in the modern world. He introduces readers to the concept of "show your work." Kleon explains the concept of "show your work" as the idea of publicly displaying small samples of work, such as writing, artwork, or music, as a way to allow others to see what you are working on and appreciate it. It also serves as a great way to build relationships with other like-minded individuals.
Kleon touches on the idea of using technology to get the word out about one’s work. Because technology is such an integral part of modern life, Kleon explains that it can be used as a tool to better promote one’s work. He encourages utilizing tools like blogs, websites, and social media to get the word out. Kleon emphasizes that it is most important to produce quality work and let the tools be used to showcase that work, instead of relying solely on them for promotion.
The second part of Show Your Work! focuses on the importance of networking, collaboration, and building relationships with other people. Connecting with people who appreciate and want to spread your work is an essential part of self-promotion. Kleon reiterates the need to engage with people and to build relationships in order to bring attention to your work. He specifically talks about the value of joining organizations, attending industry events, and participating in communities of similar and related interests.
The book also highlights how to use self-expression as another form of promoting and growing one’s work. Self-expression is defined as communicating to others through written or spoken language, visual art, or music. Kleon explains that by utilizing this creative form of communication, one can express their work in a way that creates interest and captures attention.
Finally, Show Your Work! addresses the issues of prioritization and balance. Some people may struggle with only focusing on their work and not having enough time for other aspects of life. Kleon says that having a balance between work and life is essential for being able to effectively promote and share one’s work. He encourages readers to focus on what is most important and to prioritize their time accordingly.
Show Your Work! is an essential guide for any creative person looking to promote and share their work. Through various stories and examples, Kleon provides readers with a helpful roadmap to use in order to better promote and spread their work. By following Kleon’s advice, readers will be able to use their work to connect with others and to build relationships that will help to further their success. Show Your Work! is a must-have for anyone wanting to share their work and get noticed.
