Well, I've done it. I've missed quite a few days already, it's a wonder I've turned up to post again. Though there's no sense in turning back now, might as well just share what I've learned from today's read and get on with it.

When people talk about their work they really should talk about both kinds of 'work'. The 'art-work', the finished product everyone sees, and the work it took to produce. The process of a product's development can be equally as entertaining as the work itself. By sharing your process -- the stuff we artists really care about -- you can create a special bond with your audience by inviting them inside your world.

It's a bit of a terrifying idea to expose your art when it's most vulnerable and in unfinished stages. Though the fear of criticism from those who may not "get it", should never surpass your desire to produce work that tells a story. From beginning to end, posting about your unfinished work gives it character, personality, a chance to join the community, to grow and contribute. We all know that any creative work isn't just born and printed immediately as the idea happens; but rather something that develops through a careful process. Remember to include this 'work' in your creative exhibits so people can get to know with the real side of your work too.

Let's face it, we all start off as amateurs. Though that means we have little to loose, and should try everything, sharing our results along the way. Take chances, experiment, and follow your whims. As Austin Kleon describes in his book 'Show Your Work', the gap between mediocre and good work really lies between doing nothing and doing something.

Some helpful tips on how to get started sharing your work:

- do something, anything
- think about what you want to learn & make a commitment to learning it in front of others
- pay attention to what others are sharing, and what they're not sharing
- fill a void, as bad as your efforts may first be
- share what you love and the people who love the same things will find you

Another key element of sharing your work is sharing it in your own voice. Find your voice by passionately talking about things you love; your hardwired voice will shine through. In this day and age, everything is online, so work sharing on social media into your plan too. If you want people to know about what you do and the things you care about, you have to share.

Food for thought: if you died tomorrow, what would people say about your work? about you? Make your life memorable.

There's been a lot of buzz around the author Austin Kleon. His infamous NY Times best seller 'Steal Like An Artist' gained attention and made me reach for his book 'Show Your Work'. I read the first four pages and that was it. So here goes, the pages I read tonight....the table of contents. Going for the win here.

10 Ways To Share Your Creativity & Get Discovered
1 -- You don't have to be a genius
2 -- Think process not product
3 -- Share something small everyday
4 -- Open up your cabinet of curiosities
5 -- Tell Good Stories (*always!!*)
6 -- Teach what you know
7 -- Don't turn into human spam
8 -- Learn to take a punch
9 -- Sell out
10 -- Stick around

Today I finished reading possibly my favourite book of all time, George Lois' "Damn Good Advice (for people with talent)". If you have yet to read it, read it! If you have yet to pick it up, do it! If you've never heard of it, what?!? George Lois has been rightfully deemed an advertising guru, THE original Don Draper. With hundreds of accolades to his name; he's responsible for creating the Creative Revolution, turning advertising on its head, and giving the world Aunt Jemima Syrup. His book talks about what to do if you've got talent and advice for using it.

These are the take-aways form the last ten pages:
"You are the master of your fate and the captain of your soul"
- If you love something, do it whole heartedly or why even try
- If you aren't satisfied with where you are, change it
- And by God have courage! No one will believe you if you don't believe yourself

After reading this book, it's given me clarity and a "why not go for it?" attitude. Recommended to anyone in doubt or for those who need a bit of a kick in the rear to get started. George Lois delivers it straight. So whatever your passion may be, go do it and do it well.