How to Share Your Art

Have you ever felt a yearning to express yourself creatively? Creativity is a unique and personal journey, a form of self-expression that allows us to connect with the world and, more importantly, with ourselves. Whether you’re sketching in a notebook, penning a novel, or capturing moments with your camera, the act of creating can be both fulfilling and transformative. Yet, many of us hesitate, held back by fears of inadequacy or judgment.

Austin Kleon, a writer and artist, emphasizes the importance of sharing your creative journey with the world. In Show Your Work!, Kleon breaks down the barriers between artists and their audience, encouraging us to be open about our processes, failures, and successes. His philosophy is rooted in the idea that creativity thrives when it’s shared, not hidden away.

Kickstart Your Artistic Journey

Drawing inspiration from Kleon’s insights, we can learn to showcase our work and ourselves in authentic, engaging ways. With dedication and these tips, you'll be well on your way to expressing your unique artistic voice and thriving in the creative world.

1. Embrace the Amateur Spirit: Shed perfectionism and the fear of looking silly. Experiment, take risks, and learn from mistakes. Remember, as Clay Shirky says, "The stupidest possible creative act is still a creative act."

2. Think Process, Not Products: Share your creative journey, not just the finished pieces. Let people see your sketches, works-in-progress, and inspirations. This fosters connection and showcases your passion.

3. Become a Documentarian: Capture your creative process! Keep a journal, sketchbook, or even video logs. Documenting helps you track progress, identify patterns, and gather material to share later.

4. Teach What You Know: Share your knowledge and skills! Create tutorials, write blog posts, or offer workshops. Teaching reinforces your own learning and fosters a sense of community.

5. Share Something Small Every Day: Daily updates on social media platforms like Instagram or Youtube are a great way to keep your audience engaged. Share snippets of your process, inspirations, or even finished pieces.

6. Craft Compelling Stories: Don't let your work speak for itself. Tell stories about your art: its purpose, inspiration, and challenges. Stories make your work more relatable and impactful.

7. Turn Your Flow into Stock: "Flow" refers to daily updates, while "Stock" is the high-quality content with lasting value. Use your flow (daily posts) to identify themes and trends, then transform them into more substantial "Stock" pieces like ebooks, articles, or video essays.

8. Always Give Credit: When sharing others' work, ensure proper attribution. It respects the original creator and allows your audience to delve deeper.

9. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: Don’t obsess over the number of followers or likes. Instead, cultivate a meaningful and engaged community that appreciates and supports your work.

10. Never Stop Creating: Keep pushing yourself, expanding your audience, and exploring new artistic avenues. Don't be afraid of success, and use your platform to uplift others.

Embarking on a creative journey is a bold and rewarding endeavor. By adopting these principles you can cultivate a fulfilling and expressive artistic practice. Remember, creativity is not about perfection but about expression and connection. So, take that first step, share your work, and let your creativity shine. Embrace your artistic spirit, and start creating today!