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All 16 learnings · one per slide
Show Your
Work!
Austin Kleon, in bytes
16 key learnings on sharing your creativity and getting discovered.
16 learnings · ~40 sec eachSwipe →
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Show Your Work!, in bytes
16 key learnings from Austin Kleon's short guide to sharing your process and building an audience. Each takes about 40 seconds to read. Swipe, use the arrows, or your keyboard.
Show Your
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Learning 1 · Introduction
Be Findable
The idea
Kleon argues the best way to get discovered is to share your work and process openly.
Example
Posting small pieces of work online regularly.
Takeaway
If people can't find you, they can't hire you.
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Learning 2 · Chapter 1
1. You Don't Have to Be a Genius
The idea
Creativity comes from 'scenius', communities of people sharing ideas, not lone geniuses.
Example
Artists gathering in scenes and sharing work.
Takeaway
Find your scene and contribute.
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Learning 3 · Chapter 1
Be an Amateur
The idea
Amateurs share what they're learning out of love, without fear.
Example
Writing about a hobby as you learn it.
Try this
Share something you're learning, not something you've mastered.
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Learning 4 · Chapter 2
2. Think Process, Not Product
The idea
Share the process, not just finished products. People love seeing how things are made.
Example
Sharing sketches, drafts and behind-the-scenes.
Takeaway
Your process is interesting.
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Learning 5 · Chapter 2
Become a Documentarian
The idea
Keep a record of your work: notes, photos and journals.
Example
Taking photos of work in progress.
Try this
Document one step of your work today.
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Learning 6 · Chapter 3
3. Share Something Small Every Day
The idea
Share a small piece of your process each day.
Example
A daily post about what you worked on.
Takeaway
Small bits add up.
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Learning 7 · Chapter 3
Stock and Flow
The idea
'Flow' is the daily feed of posts; 'stock' is durable work. Turn flow into stock over time.
Example
Turning blog posts into a book.
Takeaway
Build lasting work from daily sharing.
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Learning 8 · Chapter 4
4. Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities
The idea
Share your influences and the things you love.
Example
Sharing books, music or art that inspires you, with credit.
Takeaway
Your taste tells people who you are.
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Learning 9 · Chapter 5
5. Tell Good Stories
The idea
Work doesn't speak for itself. Tell stories about how and why you made it.
Example
Explaining the struggle behind a project.
Try this
Write the story of your latest project.
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Learning 10 · Chapter 6
6. Teach What You Know
The idea
Share your tricks and knowledge; it builds an audience and doesn't hurt you.
Example
Chefs share recipes, and people still go to their restaurants.
Takeaway
Teaching builds trust.
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Learning 11 · Chapter 7
7. Don't Turn into Human Spam
The idea
Don't just promote yourself. Listen, engage and support others.
Example
Commenting on others' work, not just your own.
Spot it
Only showing up to self-promote.
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Learning 12 · Chapter 7
The Vampire Test
The idea
If people leave you drained, cut them out. If they energise you, keep them close.
Example
Spending time with people who inspire you.
Takeaway
Choose your community wisely.
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Learning 13 · Chapter 8
8. Learn to Take a Punch
The idea
Sharing invites criticism. Learn to handle it and grow a thicker skin.
Example
Ignoring trolls but listening to fair feedback.
Takeaway
Don't feed the trolls.
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Learning 14 · Chapter 9
9. Sell Out
The idea
Don't be afraid to ask for money or support for your work.
Example
Building a mailing list to share and sell your work.
Try this
Start a newsletter.
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Learning 15 · Chapter 10
10. Stick Around
The idea
Don't quit your show. Keep going through ups and downs.
Example
Finishing one project and starting the next right away, 'chain-smoking' projects.
Takeaway
Longevity matters.
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Learning 16 · Chapter 10
Go Away to Come Back
The idea
Take breaks or sabbaticals to recharge, then return.
Example
Unplugging for a while to refill.
Takeaway
Rest helps you return stronger.
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All 16 learnings complete
That’s all 16 learnings.
You don't have to be a genius to share. What could you show from your process this week?
Abhay Kumar JaiswalFCA · PMP® · Workday Financeabhayjaiswal.com
Summaries in my own words. Read the book for the full stories.
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Summaries are written in my own words for learning. Read Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon (2014) for the full stories. More Books in Bytes