4.07 Putting Your Work Out There

4.07 Putting Your Work Out There: A Comprehensive Guide to Sharing Your Creative Projects

Putting your work out there can be daunting. For many creatives, the process of sharing their creations, whether it's writing, art, music, or design, feels like leaping off a cliff without a parachute. But the truth is, sharing your work is an essential part of the creative journey. It's how you get feedback, build an audience, and ultimately, achieve your creative goals. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, offering practical tips and strategies to help you confidently put your work out there and navigate the challenges along the way.

Understanding Your Fear: Why Sharing Your Work Feels So Hard

Before diving into the practical steps, let's address the elephant in the room: the fear. Many creatives struggle with self-doubt, fear of criticism, and the overwhelming pressure to be perfect. These feelings are completely normal.

Identifying Your Fears:

• Fear of Rejection: This is perhaps the most common fear. The thought of your work being criticized, ignored, or ridiculed can be paralyzing.
• Imposter Syndrome: The feeling that you're not good enough, that you're a fraud, and that your work will be exposed as such.
• Fear of Failure: The worry that your work won't be successful, that it won't resonate with an audience, or that it won't achieve your goals.
• Perfectionism: The desire to create something flawless, leading to procrastination and an inability to share anything less than "perfect."

Overcoming Your Fears:

The key to overcoming these fears is to reframe your perspective. Remember that:

• Rejection is a part of the process: Every successful creative has faced rejection. Learn from it, but don't let it define you.
• Your worth is not determined by your work: Your value as a person is independent of your creative output. Embrace your imperfections.
• Failure is an opportunity to learn: Analyze what went wrong and use that knowledge to improve your future work.
• Perfection is an illusion: Strive for excellence, but don't let the pursuit of perfection paralyze you.

Preparing Your Work for the World: Essential Steps

Once you've addressed your fears, it's time to prepare your work for sharing. This involves several crucial steps:

1. Self-Evaluation and Editing:

Before you share your work, take the time to critically evaluate it. Ask yourself:

• Is it finished? Has it received enough polishing and refinement?
• Is it clear and engaging? Does it effectively communicate its message or purpose?
• Does it meet your own standards? Are you proud of the work you've created?

Be honest with yourself. Don't be afraid to make revisions or even scrap the project entirely if it's not ready.

2. Choosing the Right Platform:

The platform you choose will depend on your work and your target audience. Consider factors such as:

• Your audience: Where does your target audience spend their time online?
• The type of work: Some platforms are better suited for certain types of content. (e.g., Instagram for visual art, YouTube for videos, Medium for writing)
• Your goals: Are you aiming for exposure, feedback, or sales?

Some popular platforms include:

• Instagram: Ideal for visual content, short-form videos, and building a community.
• Behance: A portfolio platform specifically designed for creatives.
• DeviantArt: A long-standing community for artists.
• Dribbble: For designers showcasing their work.
• YouTube: Excellent for video content, tutorials, and building a following.
• Medium: For writers and bloggers.
• Personal Website: A powerful way to showcase your work and brand yourself.

3. Optimizing Your Work for the Platform:

Once you've chosen a platform, optimize your work for that specific platform. This might involve:

• Using relevant keywords: Help people find your work through search engines.
• Creating compelling visuals: Eye-catching images and videos are crucial for attracting attention.
• Writing engaging descriptions: Captivating descriptions will encourage people to view your work.
• Using relevant hashtags: Increase the visibility of your work on social media platforms.

4. Building Your Online Presence:

Before sharing your work, consider building a basic online presence. This might include:

• Creating a professional website or portfolio: Showcase your best work and provide information about yourself.
• Establishing social media profiles: Connect with potential audiences and share updates.
• Networking with other creatives: Collaborate and support each other.

Sharing Your Work: Strategies for Success

Now comes the exciting (and perhaps nerve-wracking) part: sharing your work. Here are some strategies to make the process smoother:

1. Start Small and Build Confidence:

Don't feel pressured to share everything at once. Begin by sharing your work with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor. Their feedback can help you build confidence and identify areas for improvement.

2. Share Regularly and Consistently:

Consistency is key to building an audience. Set a schedule for sharing your work and stick to it. This will help you stay motivated and keep your audience engaged.

3. Engage with Your Audience:

Respond to comments and messages. Ask for feedback. Build a relationship with your audience. This will foster a sense of community and encourage further engagement.

4. Seek Feedback, but Don't Let it Define You:

Feedback is valuable, but don't let negative comments discourage you. Focus on constructive criticism and use it to improve your work. Remember to separate your work from your worth.

5. Promote Your Work:

Don't be shy about promoting your work. Share it on social media, email it to friends and family, and consider paid advertising if your budget allows.

6. Be Patient and Persistent:

Building an audience takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Keep creating, keep sharing, and keep learning.

Dealing with Criticism: Constructive Responses

Criticism is inevitable when you put your work out there. The key is to learn how to respond constructively.

1. Separate the Signal from the Noise:

Not all feedback is created equal. Focus on constructive criticism that offers specific suggestions for improvement. Ignore rude or irrelevant comments.

2. Respond Respectfully and Professionally:

Even if the criticism is harsh, respond respectfully. Thank the person for their feedback and explain how you plan to address their concerns.

3. Use Criticism as a Learning Opportunity:

Analyze the criticism objectively. What valid points are being made? How can you use this feedback to improve your future work?

4. Don't Take it Personally:

Remember that criticism is about your work, not you as a person. Don't let negative comments affect your self-esteem.

Measuring Your Success: Beyond Likes and Followers

While likes and followers can be encouraging, they shouldn't be the sole measure of your success. Consider other indicators such as:

• Engagement: Are people commenting, sharing, and interacting with your work?
• Feedback: Are you receiving constructive criticism that helps you improve?
• Growth: Are you consistently building your audience and expanding your reach?
• Personal Fulfillment: Are you happy with the work you're creating and the journey you're on?

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

Putting your work out there is a brave and important step in any creative journey. It’s a process of continuous learning, growth, and self-discovery. While challenging, it's also incredibly rewarding. By understanding your fears, preparing your work effectively, sharing strategically, and dealing with criticism constructively, you can confidently share your creations with the world and reap the benefits of your hard work. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace the process, stay persistent, and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Your unique voice and talent deserve to be heard and seen.