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

I have a confession, this read was more of an audio book, but learn nonetheless I did! The audio book was about how to present a creative portfolio during an interview. Essentially simple steps like 'be professional', 'share your skills' and 'dress appropriately'. For creative folk though, we also need an outstanding portfolio to get hired; but how do we talk about ourselves and our work? Thinking back to my first creative interview fresh out of high school, Lord knows I bombed that one. Mixed with my own experiences, here are some short tips for your next portfolio review:

- be yourself, quirky, knowledgable, passionate, you
- have a story, don't just say "here's a logo I designed", always think of the "yes, and" technique
- tell them who you are as a creative and why you want to be in design / advertising / architecture....
- talk about your work like you know what you're talking about, use industry lingo that makes sense
- address the content of your portfolio and why what you've designed is better
- talk about your skills, not in percentages but with proof
- professionally walk into their office, and have a strong close

As an art director, I am constantly challenged to think visually. However, I've noticed a need for copywriting, where projects with no budget for a good copywriter fell flat. So I've been working on my techniques to avoid poor results. A part of that practise is watching successful people work. Will Awdry is a fantastic (biased answer...but still true) copywriter who's thinking I admire. From my latest read, "Award-Winning Examples of Writing For Advertising from Will Awdry" here are his top three tips on how to write better copy:

1 -- Know who you're writing for. Bring your audience to life and be super specific.
2 -- Don't just describe what you're selling. Put purpose and mission into it. It's more interesting, vital and important to your audience that way.
3 -- You're not just telling, you're talking; and talking is a two way street. Allow some headspace for your audience to play and think.

One of my favourite techniques taken from long-ago improv lessons, is the "yes, and" technique. This has helped me ask more questions about why a story should be told, what would make it interesting, and why people would want to listen. So the next time you write, ask yourself this: "so I've got a great idea, and?"