A must read for any designer on how to share your creative process and get discovered online.
Austin Kleon
March 2014
About the project
Focus
Workflow
Read Time
hours
Metadata
This just not a technical design book. Austin Kleon argues that in a world where everyone is "talented," the person who wins is the one who is brave enough to share their process!
More dope pixels.
Content
Process Over Product
We are obsessed with the final "polished" result, but the most interesting part of any project is the messy middle. This book gave me the confidence to show my rough sketches, my failed wireframes, and my half-baked ideas. It turns out, that’s exactly what people want to see to understand your expertise.
The "Scenius" Concept
You don’t have to be a "lone genius" working in a dark room. You just have to be a part of a "scenius"—a community of people who share and learn from each other. By sharing what you know, you become a magnet for like-minded people and career opportunities.
Stock and Flow
Post something small every day (the "flow") to stay relevant, and over time, these small pieces will accumulate into a massive, valuable asset (the "stock"). This web Library lo are reading right now is a perfect example of building "stock" through a series of "flow" moments.
My Personal Key Takeaways
Here are the key shifts in my perspective:
Teach What You Know: Sharing a tutorial or a design tip doesn't give away your secrets; it reinforces your position as a thought leader in your field.
Document Everything: Treat your daily work as a documentary. Save the versions you deleted and the notes you took—they are all part of your story.
Be a Connector: Don't just post your own work; share the books you read and the tools you use. Being a curator is just as valuable as being a creator.