When you read the title of this post I hope you didn’t have a flashback to your ninth grade Algebra class. I can remember being told to ‘show my work’ every time I solved a problem and sometimes it was brutal with a b. But this has nothing to do with that. I’m referring to Austin Kleon’s 215 page little gem, Show Your Work!: 10 Ways To Share Your Creativity And Get Discovered.

Whether you are a writer, artist, blogger or any other creative type, there’s a need to get your work out there and have other people see it, read it, etc. Sometimes its easy, most of the time it isn’t. In his book, Kleon offers insight as well as advice on how to share what you’ve created, no matte what it is. I’m a writer, so for me, it’s a matter of getting as many people as possible to read my stories and books. I sat down and read Show Your Work, from cover to cover, and I learned several things from it I’d like to share in this blog.

Number One: You don’t need to be a genius or a professional at whatever it is you’re doing. Amateurs are among the hardest working and savvy people, because they will use whatever they can et their hands on to get their ideas out into the world. If you share what you love, other people who are into the same things will find you, and maybe share a few ideas of their own.

Number Two: Think about the process, not the final product. People like to see what goes on behind the scenes of the production of something. For example, I like the show “Food Factory USA”. It gives the viewer a look inside many of the factories that produce the foods and drinks we purchase all the time. I watched an episode which demonstrated how certain Girl Scout cookies are made. Seeing the process generates more interest in the product.

Number Three: Share something everyday, no matter how small. This is my biggest takeaway from the book. Post pictures of a piece of artwork you’re working on, even if it’s not finished. Blog about the book you’re writing. Tweet a line from a poem you’re working on. Share some part of your creativity every day.

Number Four: Share yourself! The books you read, the music and movies you like, the people you follow online, the websites you visit, the things you subscribe to, all make statements about who you are. If there is something you enjoy, be proud of it, and don’t let other people make you ashamed of it.

Number Five: Pay it forward. When you become successful, try to help those who helped you reach your goals. Give them an opportunity to showcase their work.

Number Six: Stick around. Don’t quit! Keep going. Keep writing, or painting, or creating, or doing whatever your passion is.

I could keep going, but I’m going to stop here because there is plenty of more info in this book and I want you to check it out. I believe this book will be extremely helpful to anyone who creates anything. You can find Show Your Work on Amazon, at your local bookstore, and you can always check your local public library.

Happy creating, everyone.