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.
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.
Pivot with Purpose
Where in your work or life are you clinging to an outdated strategy? What might need a pivot?
The Power of Micro Actions
Image by Ai The Power of Micro Actions Big goals can feel overwhelming, but lasting success is built one small step at a time. Micro actions—tiny, intentional steps—have the power to create massive momentum. Whether it's sending one email, making a...
Habits and rituals
You don’t need a title to lead – you need alignment
How to Lead in a Failing World (Without Losing Yourself)
What’s one value you won’t compromise, no matter what’s happening around you?
Posture improvement – What Happened?
When you walked in the room with good posture how did you feel? What was the response of people you met?
Like my Mom said “Stand up Straight”
Bearing More Than Just Good Posture Years ago, I attended a leadership conference where the keynote speaker walked onto the stage with an effortless presence. She didn’t say a word at first—she simply stood tall, shoulders back, and surveyed the audience...
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!!