Show Your Work by Austin Kleon
In previous posts, I have referred to the Youtuber, Ali Abdaal. I have taken his courses on Skillshare and enjoy his Youtube videos immensely.
In one such video, he mentions an important book in the shaping of his career as a creative. That book is "Show Your Work" by Austin Kleon.
I purchased it last week and read it in two days. In many ways, this should be required reading for educators and students in the arts. I feel the growing responsibility of connecting students in the School of Music at Cairn University with ideas for a sustainable career in the arts.
It's endorsed by Daniel Pink. Case closed. You need to get this book.
Ok - it's divided into 10 sections and each section is loaded with juicy and meaty concepts related to how we share creativity. Published in 2014, the book was prophetic to the age we live in today. This book is more relevant and it's as if the economy shaped by Covid has been following the book's lead. The book is prescient and generous pointing to great minds in the creative economic forces.
Allow me to list the 10 sections to whet your appetite!
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A GENIUS
THINK PROCESS. NOT PRODUCT
SHARE SOMETHING SMALL EVERYDAY
OPEN UP YOUR CABINET OF CURIOSITIES
TELL GOOD STORIES
TEACH WHAT YOU KNOW
DON'T TURN INTO HUMAN SPAM
LEARN TO TAKE A PUNCH
SELL OUT
STICK AROUND
As a bonus, it opens up with 'A NEW WAY OF OPERATING'. I love how this book is innovative but connects with the past. It was fun learning about the cabinet of curiosities, for example. It's got quotes from John Coltrane to Edgar Allen Poe.
And now it's time to get to work and take action.
You can purchase the book by clicking on the picture below. I am an Amazon Associate and will receive a commission based on valid purchases.