Show Your Work!

Creativity as a Daily Operation

Creativity is not a rare talent, but an everyday practice that anyone can cultivate. The traditional view of the "lone genius" who creates masterpieces through divine inspiration is a harmful myth. Instead, creativity is a way of operating - a systematic approach to your work and daily activities.

Rather than waiting for a lightning bolt of inspiration, you can embrace an amateur's spirit and learn continuously. Share your process openly, experiment, and make mistakes. This collaborative approach, known as "scenius," acknowledges that great ideas emerge from a community of creative individuals supporting and learning from each other.

By focusing on what you can contribute rather than what you can gain, you can shift your expectations and find fulfillment in the creative process itself. Forget about being an expert and simply start sharing your work and ideas. The people who appreciate what you do will find you, and your skills will improve through practice and feedback.

Creativity is not a talent reserved for the few, but a way of operating that anyone can adopt. By embracing an amateur's mindset, sharing your process, and contributing to a community of creators, you can unlock your own creative potential and inspire others in the process.

Here are examples from the context that support the key insight that creativity is presented as a daily operation, not a rare talent:

• The book contrasts the "lone genius" myth - the idea of a solitary individual with superhuman talents - with the concept of "scenius", where creativity emerges from a "whole scene of people who were supporting each other, looking at each other's work, copying from each other, stealing ideas, and contributing ideas."

• The book encourages readers to "forget about being an expert or a professional, and wear your amateurism (your heart, your love) on your sleeve." It suggests that amateurs, driven by passion rather than credentials, are often more willing to experiment and make new discoveries.

• The book cites examples of successful artists and professionals who make a habit of sharing their work-in-progress, their "recipes" and "techniques" online. This allows them to build an audience and collaborate with others, rather than hoarding their ideas.

• The book suggests that anyone can become a storyteller by studying story structures and applying them to their own experiences, even if their lives don't fit neatly into a traditional narrative.

• The book emphasizes the importance of consistent, deliberate practice, rather than waiting for a lightning bolt of inspiration. It encourages readers to "make sharing a habit" and "take advantage of the network" to build an audience for their work.

The key point is that the book presents creativity as an everyday practice that anyone can cultivate, rather than a rare talent possessed by a select few "geniuses." The examples highlight how adopting a systematic, collaborative, and sharing-oriented approach can foster creativity in one's daily life and work.

Integrate Sharing into Your Routine

Integrate Sharing into Your Routine

The key is to make sharing an integral part of your work process, not just an afterthought. By consistently sharing glimpses into your work, ideas, and learnings, you can build a supportive audience and unlock new opportunities.

Rather than hoarding your work until it's "perfect," embrace an open, iterative approach. Use online platforms like blogs, social media, and your own website to regularly share works-in-progress, sketches, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes insights. This transparency allows people to connect with you and your creative journey.

Sharing your process is not just about self-promotion - it's about fostering relationships and collaboration. When you generously share your knowledge, you invite others to engage, provide feedback, and even become co-creators. This exchange can lead to unexpected connections and new avenues for your work.

The goal is not to become an online celebrity, but to build a sustainable creative practice. By integrating sharing into your routine, you can maintain focus on your craft while also cultivating an audience that appreciates and supports your work over the long term.

Here are key examples from the context that support the insight of integrating sharing into your routine:

• Chefs and restaurateurs: Many have become successful by sharing their recipes, techniques, and "cooking shows" - essentially teaching their "craft" and "processes" to others.

• Adrian Younge: The music producer engaged with fans on Twitter, which led to a collaboration opportunity with the lead singer of The Delfonics after a fan connected them.

• Blogging: The author's blog has been a platform to share his "sketchbook, studio, gallery, storefront, and salon" - turning his daily "flow" of ideas into more substantial "stock" over time, like blog posts becoming book chapters.

• Owning your own website: The author emphasizes the importance of having your own online space to express yourself and share your work, rather than relying solely on social media platforms that come and go.

• Crediting sources: Properly attributing and linking to the original creators when sharing others' work is crucial to provide context and enable deeper engagement.

The key is to make sharing a regular part of your routine, rather than just focusing on final outcomes. This can help you build an audience, gain feedback, and uncover unexpected opportunities through the connections you make.

Embrace the Amateur Spirit

Embrace your inner amateur. Cultivate a beginner's mindset - one filled with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to experiment. This mindset is crucial for creative growth and innovation, even for seasoned professionals.

Amateurs are not afraid to try new things, make mistakes, or look foolish. They follow their passions and interests, unencumbered by the need to maintain an image of expertise. This allows them to make unexpected discoveries and approach problems in unique ways.

In contrast, experts can become trapped in rigid ways of thinking, limited by their own knowledge and experience. Embracing an amateur spirit keeps you flexible, adaptable, and open to new possibilities. It fuels your drive to continuously learn, improve, and push the boundaries of your craft.

So shed any pretense of perfection. Approach your work with the same sense of wonder and playfulness as a beginner. Engage in purposeful exploration, try unconventional techniques, and don't be afraid to fail. This amateur mindset is the key to unlocking your greatest creative potential.

Here are key examples from the context that support the insight of embracing an amateur spirit:

• Amateurs are willing to try anything and share the results, taking chances and experimenting, which can lead to new discoveries. As Zen monk Shunryu Suzuki said, "In the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind, there are few."

• Amateurs are not afraid to make mistakes or look ridiculous in public, as they are driven by love for their work rather than concerns about professionalism. As Clay Shirky wrote, "The stupidest possible creative act is still a creative act."

• Amateurs are lifelong learners who make a point of learning in the open, so others can learn from their failures and successes. Writer David Foster Wallace said good nonfiction allows you to "watch somebody reasonably bright but also reasonably average pay far closer attention and think at far more length about all sorts of different stuff."

• Even experts can benefit from retaining an amateur's spirit and embracing uncertainty, as exemplified by Radiohead's Thom Yorke, who said his greatest strength was "that I don't know what I'm doing" - he'll pick up unfamiliar instruments to keep his songwriting fresh.

• The context emphasizes that in a rapidly changing world, we're all becoming amateurs to some degree, and the best way to flourish is to adopt an amateur's curious, experimental mindset, rather than clinging to expertise.

Process Over Product

The key insight is that the creative process should take priority over the final artistic product. This challenges the traditional view of artists toiling in secrecy until they have a masterpiece to unveil. Instead, it encourages artists to be transparent and vulnerable by sharing their process with audiences.

This shift allows artists to form a unique bond with their audience. Audiences are inherently interested in the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating something. By opening up their process, artists can give audiences an ongoing connection to their work, which can ultimately help them sell more of their products.

This insight applies not just to artists, but to anyone whose work involves a creative process, even if the final product is not a traditional work of art. Sharing your process - whether it's through blog posts, videos, or other media - can help you build relationships, gain feedback, and potentially turn a hobby or side project into a profession.

Here are examples from the context that support the key insight of focusing on the creative process over the final product:

• The author cites David Bayles and Ted Orland's book "Art and Fear", which states that "To you, and you alone, what matters is the process: the experience of shaping the artwork." This contrasts the traditional view that only the finished product matters to audiences.

• The context discusses how astronaut Chris Hadfield shared the day-to-day details of his work on the International Space Station through social media, including videos of him performing mundane tasks like clipping his nails. This allowed people to connect with the "real side" of an astronaut's life, not just the "glamour and science."

• The passage notes that sharing one's creative process can help "form a unique bond with [one's] audience" and allow them to "see the person behind the products." This is contrasted with the traditional view of artists toiling in secrecy.

• The context cites designer Dan Provost's statement that "By putting things out there, consistently, you can form a relationship with your customers. It allows them to see the person behind the products." This emphasizes the value of transparency around one's process.

• The passage discusses how sharing one's "work journal" - documenting thoughts, taking photos, shooting video of the process - can help make the "invisible into something other people can see", even if the final product is not easily shareable.

Daily Small Shares Build Success

The key insight is that daily small shares are the foundation for long-term success and audience building. Rather than aiming for overnight fame, focus on consistently sharing your work in progress. This gradual, consistent effort builds visibility and engagement over time.

Sharing doesn't have to be perfect or polished. The act of regularly sharing your process, ideas, and work-in-progress is more important than perfection. By sharing imperfect or unfinished pieces, you invite feedback and collaboration, which can help improve your work.

Regularly sharing your work, even in small doses, keeps you accountable and motivated. It also allows your audience to follow along and connect with your creative journey. Over time, these small daily shares accumulate into a substantial body of work and a dedicated following.

The key is to find the right platforms and formats to share your work regularly. Experiment with different mediums like blog posts, social media updates, videos, or podcasts. The specific format matters less than the consistent act of sharing your progress with others.

Here are key examples from the context that support the insight that daily small shares build success:

• The author notes how many of the ideas in his book "started out as tweets, which then became blog posts, which then became book chapters." This shows how small, daily shares on social media can accumulate into larger, more substantial work over time.

• The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining a personal website and blog, rather than relying solely on social media platforms. He says his "blog has been my sketchbook, my studio, my gallery, my storefront, and my salon" and that "Absolutely everything good that has happened in my career can be traced back to my blog."

• The author cites advice from William Burroughs to "Build a good name. Keep your name clean. Don't make compromises." This suggests that consistently sharing your work and ideas, without compromising, can build your reputation and "currency" over time.

• The author contrasts "flow" (daily social media posts) with "stock" (more substantial, durable content). He says the "magic formula is to maintain your flow while working on your stock in the background" - implying that daily sharing supports the development of larger, more impactful work.

• The author encourages readers to share "imperfect and unfinished work" to get feedback, rather than waiting for perfection. This shows how small, iterative shares can help improve one's work over time.

• The author provides the example of film critic Tommy Edison, who shares photos of his daily life on Instagram despite being blind, and has built a following of over 30,000 people. This illustrates how consistent, authentic sharing can attract an audience.

The key insight is that daily, small acts of sharing one's work and progress, rather than waiting for perfection, can cumulatively build success and an audience over time. The context provides numerous examples to support this principle.

Teach to Deepen Understanding

Teaching your craft deepens your own understanding and builds community around your work. When you teach others what you've learned, you are forced to examine your own process more closely and articulate it clearly. This act of teaching reinforces your knowledge and skills, solidifying your mastery.

Additionally, by openly sharing your techniques and insights, you invite others to engage with your work. This creates a community of people who are invested in your craft and can provide valuable feedback, ideas, and support. Rather than hoarding knowledge, generously sharing what you know generates more interest and involvement in your work.

This approach challenges the common myth of the "lone genius" - the notion that creativity happens in isolation, free of outside influence or collaboration. In reality, the best work often emerges through an exchange of ideas and a willingness to learn from others. By teaching, you not only improve yourself, but you also foster a supportive network around your creative pursuits.

Here are examples from the context that support the key insight that teaching your craft deepens your own understanding and builds community:

• Chefs and restaurateurs: Many have become successful by sharing their recipes and techniques, rather than hoarding them. The authors encourage businesses to "emulate chefs" by "out-teaching their competition" and sharing their "recipes" and "cookbook" with the world.

• Adrian Younge: The music producer connected with a fan on Twitter who knew the lead singer of a band Younge admired. This led to a potential collaboration, showing how sharing your interests can lead to new creative connections.

• Chris Hadfield: The astronaut shared his daily life and work on the International Space Station through social media, allowing millions to connect with the "real side" of being an astronaut, not just the "glamour and science." This built public interest and support for the space program.

• Documenting your process: By keeping a work journal, taking photos/videos, and sharing "scraps and residue" of your process, you can turn the "invisible into something other people can see." This helps demystify your work and build an audience.

• Sharing daily updates: Providing a "daily dispatch" of your current work, rather than just a polished portfolio, allows people to connect with you in the moment and see your creative process unfold.

The key is that by generously sharing your knowledge, techniques, and work-in-progress, you not only educate others, but you also deepen your own understanding and build a community around your craft. This challenges the "lone genius" myth of creativity.

Quotes

Let's take a look at some key quotes from "Show Your Work!" that resonated with readers.

Make stuff you love and talk about stuff you love and you’ll attract people who love that kind of stuff. It’s that simple.

When you create something you're passionate about, it shows. Sharing that enthusiasm with others can attract like-minded individuals who appreciate your work. By doing so, you build a community of people who resonate with your creative endeavors. This authentic approach fosters connections and growth around your craft.

But now I realize that the only way to find your voice is to use it. It’s hardwired, built into you. Talk about the things you love. Your voice will follow.

To discover your unique perspective and expression, you must actively engage in sharing your thoughts and passions. The more you communicate about the things that resonate with you, the more your authentic voice will emerge. This process of self-expression allows your true character to shine through, making your voice a natural extension of who you are.

the worst troll is the one that lives in your head.

The most significant obstacle to overcome is often the self-doubt and negative thoughts that plague our own minds. This internal critic can be more damaging than any external criticism, as it can hinder our creativity, confidence, and progress. It's essential to recognize and silence this inner voice, allowing ourselves to focus on growth and development without being held back by fear and uncertainty.

Chapter Notes

A New Way of Operating

• Creativity is a way of operating, not a talent: The chapter opens with a quote from John Cleese stating that "Creativity is not a talent. It is a way of operating." This suggests that creativity is not an innate ability, but rather a mindset and approach to work.

• Focus on getting really good at what you do: The chapter emphasizes that it's not enough to just be good at something; you need to be so good that people can't ignore you. This aligns with Steve Martin's advice to "Be so good they can't ignore you."

• Make your work discoverable: While it's important to focus on getting better at your craft, the chapter also stresses the need to make your work findable and discoverable. This involves actively sharing your work, ideas, and learning process online.

• Sharing your process attracts an audience: The chapter suggests that successful people in various professions have built sharing into their routine. By generously sharing their work, ideas, and knowledge, they've gained an audience that they can then leverage for various purposes, such as feedback, fellowship, or patronage.

• Shift from self-promotion to sharing your process: Instead of focusing on traditional self-promotion, the chapter proposes an alternative approach of sharing your work and process. This can help you attract an audience that is genuinely interested in what you do, rather than trying to force your work on people.

• Imagine the benefits of sharing your work: The chapter provides several examples of the potential benefits of sharing your work, such as getting job opportunities, building a supportive network, or turning a side project into a profession. These examples illustrate the power of making your work discoverable.

• The key is to "show your work": The chapter concludes by emphasizing the simplicity of this approach: all you need to do is consistently share and show your work, rather than focusing on traditional self-promotion tactics.

1. You Don’t Have to Be a Genius.

• The "Lone Genius" Myth: This is a destructive myth about creativity that portrays it as an antisocial act performed by a few great figures, free of influences or precedent. In reality, creativity is often the result of a "scenius" - a group of creative individuals supporting and influencing each other.

• Scenius and Contribution: The idea of "scenius" acknowledges that good work is not created in a vacuum, but is the result of a collaborative effort. Being part of a scenius is not about being a genius, but about what you can contribute - the ideas you share, the connections you make, and the conversations you start.

• The Rise of Amateurs: In the digital age, it has become easier than ever to join a "scenius" and contribute as an amateur. Amateurs are often willing to take chances, experiment, and share their work, which can lead to new discoveries. They are not afraid of making mistakes or looking ridiculous, and their raw enthusiasm can be contagious.

• Embracing Uncertainty and the Unknown: Even for professionals, the best way to flourish is to retain an amateur's spirit and embrace uncertainty and the unknown. This can involve using unfamiliar tools or techniques to push one's creativity in new directions.

• Finding and Using Your Voice: The key to finding your voice is to use it - talk about the things you love, and your voice will follow. Sharing your work, even if it's not perfect, is essential to being heard and existing in the digital age.

• Remembering Mortality: Thinking about our inevitable death can put everything into perspective and motivate us to make the most of our limited time. Reading obituaries can be a way for "cowards" to confront mortality while keeping it at arm's length, and can inspire us to live more meaningful lives.

2. Think Process, Not Product.

• The distinction between the "artwork" (the finished product) and the "art work" (the creative process): The chapter discusses how artists have traditionally been trained to keep their creative process private, focusing only on the final product. However, the rise of digital and social media has enabled artists to share their process with their audience.

• The value of sharing one's creative process: The chapter argues that by sharing the behind-the-scenes details of their work, artists can form a unique bond with their audience, who are often interested in the "how" of creative work, not just the "what."

• Overcoming the fear of vulnerability: The chapter acknowledges that for many artists, the idea of openly sharing their creative process can be a "terrifying idea," as it requires a certain level of vulnerability. However, it suggests that this openness can be beneficial for both the artist and the audience.

• Documenting one's work process: The chapter encourages readers, even if they are not artists, to become "documentarians" of their work process, using tools like notebooks, audio recorders, and smartphones to capture the day-to-day details of their work. This can help them better understand their own process and have material to share with others.

• The value of sharing one's work process, even without a "finished product": The chapter suggests that sharing one's work process can be valuable even for those whose work does not necessarily result in a tangible "finished product." This can be especially true for those in the "apprentice stage" of their work or those whose process does not lead to easily shareable outputs.

• The audience's interest in the "how" of creative work: The chapter cites the example of astronaut Chris Hadfield, who gained a large following by sharing the day-to-day details of his work on the International Space Station, demonstrating that people are genuinely interested in seeing "how the sausage gets made," even in non-artistic fields.

3. Share Something Small Everyday.

• Overnight Success is a Myth: The chapter debunks the myth of "overnight success", explaining that most successful people have put in years of hard work and perseverance to achieve their goals.

• Focus on Daily Progress: The chapter emphasizes the importance of focusing on daily progress, rather than getting overwhelmed by long-term goals. It suggests sharing a small piece of your work or process with others every day, as this can lead to substantial progress over time.

• Utilize Social Media Strategically: The chapter recommends using social media platforms to share your work and connect with others, but advises being selective about which platforms you use based on your specific goals and audience.

• Embrace Imperfection: The chapter encourages sharing imperfect and unfinished work, as this can lead to valuable feedback and help you improve over time. It also emphasizes the importance of the "So What?" test, which involves asking yourself whether the content you're sharing is truly helpful or entertaining.

• Convert Flow into Stock: The chapter introduces the concept of "stock and flow", where "flow" refers to the daily updates and "stock" refers to the more substantial, long-lasting content. It suggests that by consistently sharing your "flow", you can eventually turn it into valuable "stock" that can build a following over time.

• Owning Your Online Presence: The chapter strongly recommends that you own your own online presence, such as a personal website or blog, rather than relying solely on social media platforms. This allows you to have full control over your content and build a lasting online presence that can support your career and creative endeavors.

4. Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities.

• Collecting and Creating are Connected: The act of reading and the act of writing are two ends of the same spectrum, where the reading feeds the writing, which in turn feeds the reading. Collecting and creating are not as different as one might think, as both involve the curation and shaping of things that the creator likes.

• Influence and Taste Shape Our Work: Our tastes and the things we fill our minds with, such as the books we read, the music we listen to, and the art we appreciate, have a significant impact on the work we create. These influences and tastes can both inspire and constrain our own creative output.

• Embrace and Share Your Influences: It's important to be open and honest about the things you enjoy, even if they are considered "low-brow" or "guilty pleasures." Sharing your influences can provide insight into who you are and what you do, and can help you connect with others who share similar interests.

• Proper Attribution is Essential: When sharing the work of others, it's crucial to provide proper attribution, including the creator's name, a link to the original source, and any relevant context. This not only respects the original creator but also allows the people you're sharing with to discover more of the work they're interested in.

• Treasure in the Trash: The artist's job is to find the "treasure in the trash," to pay attention to the things that others have discarded or overlooked, and to find inspiration in the unexpected and the mundane. This requires a clear eye, an open mind, and a willingness to search for inspiration in places others may not venture.

• Celebrate Your Unique Influences: What makes us unique is the diversity and breadth of our influences, the way we mix and combine elements of "high" and "low" culture. Embracing and celebrating your unique influences is the best way to connect with others who share your passions.

5. Tell Good Stories.

• The power of stories and attribution: Our assessment of an object or work of art is deeply affected by the stories and attributions we are told about it, even if the physical characteristics remain the same. A painting that is attributed to a famous artist will be perceived as more valuable than an identical painting attributed to an unknown artist.

• The structure of a good story: A good story typically follows a three-act structure: the first act introduces the character and their goal, the second act presents obstacles and challenges, and the third act resolves the story. This structure can be applied to various types of creative work and pitches.

• Storytelling as a skill: Effective storytelling is a skill that takes time to develop. It involves studying great stories, finding your own stories, and practicing how to tell them in a clear, concise, and engaging way.

• Introducing yourself and your work: When asked about your work, focus on explaining it honestly and humbly, rather than trying to impress. Tailor your explanation to your audience and be ready to answer follow-up questions. Keep your bio short, factual, and free of exaggerations or unnecessary adjectives.

• The importance of context and attribution: The context and attribution surrounding a work of art or creative endeavor can have a significant impact on how it is perceived and valued, even if the physical characteristics remain the same. This principle applies to various forms of creative work, not just visual art.

• Embracing the messiness of life: Real-life experiences often don't fit neatly into traditional story structures. Acknowledging the uncertainty and illogical nature of life can help you adapt story structures to your own experiences and create more authentic narratives.

6. Teach What You Know.

• Sharing Knowledge is Beneficial: The chapter emphasizes that the impulse to keep one's knowledge and skills to oneself is "shameful" and "destructive". Instead, freely sharing and teaching what one has learned is highly valuable.

• Barbecue Industry's Secretive Nature: The barbecue industry is typically known for being secretive and competitive, but Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas, has taken a different approach by openly sharing their techniques and processes.

• Mastering Barbecue Takes Time and Practice: While the basic techniques of barbecue are simple, mastering the craft takes years of repetition and developing an intuitive understanding. Even with access to the "master's technique", it takes significant time and effort to emulate it.

• Teaching Doesn't Mean Instant Competition: Just because someone learns the techniques of an expert, it doesn't mean they will be able to immediately compete with the expert. There are many other factors, such as time, effort, and experience, that contribute to mastering a craft.

• Sharing Knowledge Generates Interest and Engagement: When businesses and individuals share their knowledge and techniques, it generates more interest and engagement with their work. People feel more connected to the work and the process.

• Sharing Knowledge Leads to Further Learning: When you share your knowledge and work with others, you receive valuable feedback and new perspectives that can further your own education and understanding.

• Businesses Should Emulate Chefs by "Out-Teaching" the Competition: Businesses should actively share their "recipes" and "cookbooks" with the world, similar to how chefs share their techniques, to generate more interest and engagement with their work.

7. Don’t Turn Into Human Spam.

• The importance of being a reader to become a writer: The author emphasizes that to be a successful writer, one must first be an avid reader. They criticize those who claim to love writing but do not read, calling them "human spam" who do not deserve to be published.

• The need to be an active participant in the creative community: The author argues that successful artists today are not just looking for passive fans, but for potential collaborators and co-conspirators. They engage with their audience, ask for recommendations, and chat with fans about shared interests.

• The value of being an "open node": The author encourages readers to be connectors, to share the work of others, and to be thoughtful and considerate in their online interactions. They should focus on quality of followers rather than quantity.

• The "Vampire Test" for managing energy and relationships: The author introduces the concept of the "Vampire Test," which involves evaluating whether a person or activity drains or energizes you. They advise readers to avoid "vampires" and instead surround themselves with people and activities that replenish their energy.

• The importance of finding your "fellow knuckleballers": The author uses the analogy of knuckleball pitchers in baseball to illustrate the value of finding and nurturing relationships with those who share your unique creative mission and obsessions. These are your true peers, and should be treated as such.

• The benefits of in-person interactions: The author emphasizes the value of meeting online friends in person, as it allows for deeper, more meaningful conversations and the development of stronger relationships. They encourage readers to organize or attend "meetups" and to make the effort to connect with online friends face-to-face.

8. Learn to Take a Punch.

• Embrace Criticism: The author emphasizes that as a creative professional, one must be prepared to receive both positive and negative feedback. This is a valuable skill that can be developed through practice and exposure to criticism.

• Manage Emotional Reactions: The author suggests techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and maintaining a balanced perspective to help manage the emotional impact of criticism. The key is to avoid taking criticism personally and instead view it as an opportunity for growth.

• Prioritize Feedback from the Right People: The author advises being extra cautious of feedback from those who are not genuinely interested in helping you improve, such as "trolls" who aim to provoke a negative reaction. Instead, focus on feedback from people who care about you and your work.

• Use Criticism as Inspiration: The author suggests that sometimes, negative feedback can be used as inspiration to push your work even further, by intentionally emphasizing the elements that certain people dislike.

• Separate Your Work from Your Identity: The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing that your work is something you do, not who you are. Maintaining close relationships with family and friends who love you for who you are, not just your work, can help with this.

• Consider Disabling Comments: The author suggests that in some cases, it may be beneficial to disable comments on your work, as this can help avoid exposure to unhelpful or damaging feedback.

9. Sell Out.

• Embracing Commercialism in Art: The chapter argues against the "starving artist" romanticism and the notion that making money inherently corrupts creativity. It provides examples of renowned artists like Michelangelo, Mario Puzo, and the Beatles who created their most meaningful works for commercial purposes.

• Asking for Monetary Support: The chapter suggests various ways for artists to monetize their work, such as setting up virtual tip jars, running crowdfunding campaigns, and selling products or services. It emphasizes the importance of providing value to the audience and charging a fair price for one's work.

• Building an Email List: The chapter highlights the importance of building an email list as a reliable way to stay connected with one's audience and share updates or offerings. It explains that email is a durable technology that can be leveraged to build a sustainable business model.

• Embracing Ambition and Change: The chapter encourages artists to be ambitious, try new things, and expand their audience, rather than limiting themselves in the name of "keeping it real." It argues that a life of creativity is about embracing change and taking advantage of opportunities that align with one's artistic vision.

• Paying it Forward: The chapter emphasizes the importance of using one's success to support and uplift the work of others, such as teachers, mentors, peers, and fans. It acknowledges the need to balance generosity with the necessity of focusing on one's own work.

• Acknowledging the Role of Luck: The chapter concludes by highlighting the importance of recognizing the role of luck in one's success and the obligation that comes with it, particularly to support the "unlucky" or less fortunate.

10. Stick Around.

Here are the key takeaways from the chapter:

• Perseverance is key: The chapter emphasizes the importance of persevering through ups and downs in one's career, and not quitting prematurely. It provides examples of successful artists and creatives who have maintained long careers by never stopping their work.

• Avoid stalling by "chain-smoking" projects: The concept of "chain-smoking" refers to transitioning directly from one project to the next, without taking breaks. This helps maintain momentum and avoid stalling out in one's career.

• Take periodic sabbaticals: While chain-smoking can be effective, the chapter also recommends taking periodic sabbaticals or breaks, even if just for short periods, to recharge and find new inspiration.

• Disconnect from work regularly: The chapter suggests specific ways to regularly disconnect from work, such as during commutes, exercise, or time in nature, in order to separate work from the rest of one's life.

• Embrace change and reinvention: The chapter encourages readers to be willing to change course, abandon old work, and become a "student" again in order to continue learning and growing. It provides examples of successful creatives who have regularly reinvented themselves.

• Document and share your process: The chapter suggests actively documenting and sharing one's work-in-progress, in order to learn from others and have the right people take notice.

Discussion

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