“For artists, the great problem to solve is how to get oneself noticed.” – Honoré de Balzac
I’ve always known I’m not the “influencer” type. My job feels more like that of a theater director: working behind the scenes, making sure everything on stage shines with excellence. My focus is on making things and people better—brands, teams, individuals—helping them become the best version of themselves. I work in the shadows, orchestrating success, and that’s where I feel most comfortable.
Yet, despite this preference for staying behind the curtain, I know I have valuable insights, ideas, and tools to share. Things that can inspire, simplify, or even transform someone else’s journey. My goal isn’t to become the spotlight; it’s to help others see the light, one small spark at a time.
This brings me to a book that truly resonated with me: Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon.
Why Show Your Work!?
If, like me, you’re someone who feels hesitant to step into the public eye, this book feels like a gentle nudge rather than a shove. Kleon lays out 10 simple steps to help creatives share their work without losing themselves in the process.
Here are the 10 steps he outlines:
1. You don’t have to be a genius.
2. Think about processes, not products.
3. Share something small every day.
4. Create a cabinet of curiosities—and open it.
5. Tell good stories.
6. Teach what you know.
7. Don’t turn into human spam.
8. Learn to take a punch.
9. Sell out.
10. Stick around.
At its core, the book is about demystifying the process of showing up and sharing. It’s a reminder that the act of sharing doesn’t have to be overwhelming or calculated—it can be as simple as learning in public.
Learning in Public
Kleon suggests that the best way to share your work is to commit to learning something in front of others. For me, that’s exactly what this blog post is. I’m learning how to share by… well, sharing.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is this:
“Share what you love, and the people who love the same things will find you.”
It’s a powerful reminder that authenticity attracts the right audience. You don’t have to scream for attention; you just have to show up as yourself, consistently.
Small Steps Lead to Big Changes
Kleon talks about how small ideas grow over time. He shares that many of the concepts in Show Your Work! started as tweets, which became blog posts, and eventually chapters in his book.
This resonates deeply with me. I’ve always felt that I have ideas worth sharing, but the pressure to “get it perfect” or “make it big” has held me back. The truth is, I don’t have to launch something huge—I just need to start small and let it grow organically.
And… STICK AROUND.
“The people who get what they’re after are very often the ones who just stick around long enough. It’s very important not to quit prematurely.”
This resonates deeply because I’ve seen it in my own journey. Many times, I’ve felt like giving up—thinking that my quiet, behind-the-scenes approach wasn’t enough to make an impact. But every time I’ve stayed the course, opportunities have found me, often as if by magic. Kleon’s advice is a reminder to keep going, even when it feels like no one is paying attention.
Inspiration Is Everywhere
One of the questions Kleon asks is:
“Where do you get your inspiration? What do you fill your head with? What do you read, stick to your refrigerator, or steal ideas from?”
These questions remind me that creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The books I read, the conversations I have, and even the random moments in my day all contribute to my work.
For example, when I read a book that inspires me, I immediately think about who else might love it. I even have a best friend who hates reading, but I always want to find ways to share that spark of inspiration with him. That’s part of why I’m writing this post—so I can pass that spark along to you.
Why Stories Matter
Another key takeaway from the book is this:
“The stories you tell about your work have a huge effect on how people feel about it—and how they value it.”
This struck me because it aligns with everything I do as a behind-the-scenes collaborator. Helping people and brands tell their stories, in a way that feels authentic and clear, is a big part of my mission.
Kleon emphasizes that you don’t need to overcomplicate things. Share your work in a way that even a child or a senior citizen could understand. Simplifying doesn’t diminish the value of what you do—it amplifies it.
Teaching is Sharing
One of my favorite ideas from the book is that teaching doesn’t create competition; it creates connection. When you teach someone how to do what you do, you’re not losing value—you’re adding to it. People feel closer to your work when you let them in on your process.
This is a perspective I want to embrace more. I’ve always been hesitant to “give away” too much of what I know, but Kleon’s reminder that generosity builds trust and interest feels like an important lesson.
After all… no one knows exactly what they are doing. And that’s more than fine!
Reading Show Your Work! feels like being handed a roadmap to navigate the often-intimidating world of sharing your creativity. It’s not about shouting from the rooftops—it’s about showing up with curiosity, passion, and a willingness to learn in public.
If you’re like me—someone who thrives behind the scenes but knows they have something to share—I highly recommend giving this book a read. It might just be the nudge you need to start showing your work, one small step at a time.
Where do you get your inspiration? How do you share your work?
Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
