Book Review: Show Your Work

 

Book Review:

Show Your Work

By Austin Kleon

I do not know who to credit this recommendation, but Thank You! 

When I stumble across something on the Internet that looks interesting, I log onto my local library's website. If it's available, then I request a copy and continue with whatever reading I was doing. Anywhere from a week to a month later my local library sends me a notification that my book is ready to be picked up. Since I'll have several books in the queue, I usually don't remember why a particular book intrigued me. 

This is one of those books!

This book stayed at my bedside for only a few days before I picked it up, then I read it all the way through in one sitting.

The size is deceptive. It's only 6 inches square. It has almost 200 pages, but half are illustrations and lack text. The bottom line is it's a quick and easy read!

Don't let the size deceive you: it's packed with good ideas!

Kleon dedicates one chapter for each of the 10 points he wants to make. It was written for an artist who creates physical artifacts, such as photographs.

However, his advice can be applied to - and used by - anyone who creates original content. This includes consults and people who simply advise their clients.

Kleon's advice is just as valid in 2020 as it was when it was written in 2012-2013. It was published in 2014.

The end of the first paragraph caught my attention: "How do I get my stuff out there? How do I get noticed? How do I find an audience? How did you do it?"

And, he tells us how!

First, acknowledge that you don't find an audience as much as they find you. You have to be good and you have to be out there.

Realize that what you create is the result of a collaborative effort. You don't "network" to promote yourself; you use networks to give away what you know. Then it comes back to you.

I really like the 3rd, 6th and 7th chapters that encourage you to share and teach, but don't overdo it.