Show Your Work!: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Show Your Work!, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Creativity grows in a scenius
Kleon prefers the idea of scenius, a whole scene of people sharing and learning, to the myth of the lone genius.
You do not need to be brilliant to contribute; being a generous member of a creative community is enough.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Amateurs have an advantage
Kleon encourages people to share as amateurs, learning in public.
Beginners are curious and unafraid to show rough work, and others often learn more from someone just a few steps ahead than from a distant expert.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Share your process, not just results
Instead of hiding work until it is finished, Kleon suggests showing the process: sketches, notes, mistakes and progress.
Documenting how you work builds a connection with people who become interested in what you make.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Share something small every day
The book recommends posting one small piece of your process daily, after doing the work.
Over time these bits add up into a body of work and an audience, without needing a big launch or perfect finished pieces.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Open your cabinet of curiosities
Kleon suggests sharing your influences: the books, music and ideas that inspire you.
Pointing others to what you love tells them who you are, and generous credit to sources builds trust.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Teach what you know
Sharing your skills and methods does not reduce your value, Kleon argues; it makes people value your work more.
Teaching invites others into your craft and often brings opportunities back to you.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Don't become human spam
Kleon warns against only broadcasting your own work and never engaging with others.
Real networks come from being interested in people, supporting their work and joining conversations, not from constant self-promotion.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Take a punch, then stick around
Putting work out means facing criticism, so Kleon advises staying calm and learning from useful feedback.
He also stresses persistence: careers are built by those who keep going through quiet stretches instead of quitting.
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