Envisioning Possibilities
Creativity
Austin Kleon author of
“Show Your Work”“Austin Kleon is one of the brightest new minds on the creative landscape. And Show Your Work! demonstrates why. With simple yet profound insights, and an array of his amazing images, he casts aside old stereotypes of the creative life and tells what it’s really like. You’ll want to share this remarkable book far and wide.”
—Daniel H. Pink, author of To Sell Is Human and Drive
Show Your work One of the more difficult things to do for me. I’m skittish about people not liking it. I’ve been in art shows where a snarky Mom said, “My 3-year-old could do that”. I smiled and said nothing. A stranger created pain in my heart, gut, and head.
Austin spoke at a conference for Educator a few years ago. I keep hesitating, but his words occasionally rattle around and I show my work.
From Fearful to Fearless:
Every confident speaker once shook in their shoes.
How to Answer “Tricky” Questions
When you stay calm, clarify with repetition, and bridge back to your core ideas, you guide the dialogue rather than chase it. The result? You come across as thoughtful, credible, and persuasive exactly the qualities clients and colleagues remember.
How Humor Can Lighten the Room
A smile can make your design pitch twice as memorable. Humor, when done right, isn’t about being a comedian it’s about being human. A little laughter reminds everyone that design is supposed to bring joy, not stress. So the next time you walk into a presentation, bring your sense of humor along with your fabric swatches. You’ll leave behind not only a beautiful concept but also a positive impression.
Creating Connection: The overlooked power of eye contact
Eye contact is the designer’s secret to presence. It’s what transforms a presentation from mechanical to magnetic. Slides may show your ideas, but your eyes show your confidence and that’s what clients and audiences remember most.
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
NETWORKING …. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
Networking is more about follow-up than first impressions.
Sound as Good as You Look
Trade shows can showcase your talent and brand but shouldn’t cost you your voice.
The Designer’s Elevator Pitch:
If you can’t explain your vision in a minute, you’ll lose the moment. In the world of design, opportunities often appear unexpectedly,a quick chat at a showroom, a brief meeting at a networking event, or a chance encounter with a potential...
Absolutely – it can be very difficult to share with others what we do – for fear of rejection and criticism. This fear can be debilitating. But to get past the worry of what others will think, is so very liberating!
I loved this book. Short but powerful
And encouraging!!