Facing Creative Disgraces in Digital Spaces (The Power and Potential of Showing Your Work)
The Soulpreneur Series Free Issue No. 18
George Orwell wrote in a 1944 essay: “Autobiography is only to be trusted when it reveals something disgraceful.”
And I have something disgraceful to share...
When I started Box Cutter Co. it was intended to be somewhat autobiographical. For example, regular issues about what I was doing, learning, and failing at as I built digital writing businesses from scratch.
In the folds of my brain were illusions of grandeur on what this might become…
My disgraceful share?
After 2 years of writing and publishing regularly online, I don't make much money from my published digital writing. 😱
If I were to be an “overnight success” as a digital writer, that night would have to be longer than an Arctic night in January. Mercury has the longest night at 175 Earth days. Thus, my ‘overnight success’ would have to be even longer than that — it would actually need to be a night extending well past 24 months (and still going).
Two more readers of Box Cutter Co. became paid subscribers (or making pledges to support) this past month. Fantastic, and thank you!
On Medium, I’m on track this month for one of my top 5 months for earnings — at a whopping $300 US.
Where I make money (to “make a living”) is largely in writing for others… Yet, the vast majority of writing I do is my own and published in various online enclaves.
And, therefore, for some, my digital writing “success” may be disgraceful. ;)
Why Write, then?
… many might ask.
And, it’s a fair question. Plus one I’ve explored in previous issues.
Largely, I write because I love the creativity of it. The illumination it can provide on so many things. Learning. Unlearning. Connection. Synthesis. And, so on.
The longer I am online and sharing my work, the wider the reach, readers, and connections become.
For example, steady publishing and sharing here on Box Cutter Co. has it primed to go beyond 700 subscribers (any day) — which included dumping over 60 non-reading ones about 6 weeks ago.
On Medium, there are over 7,100 “followers” of my account. On LinkedIn, getting closer to 5,000 “connections”. On X (Twitter), getting closer to 1,300 “followers”.
But, that’s not why I write, create and publish
Plus, I’m highly skeptical of any of these numbers carrying much meaning (esp. in an algorithm-driven digital world).
I see a lot of folks pumping the tires lately on how great Substack is, and how “super excited” they are to pass #### Subscribers and so on. And good on them. Some people are doing very well here and it’s great to witness.
For me, some of this “follower”/”subscriber” obsession seems akin to relying on chocolate bars and gummy bears as part of a balanced diet…
For example, my wife Lisa has never published a thing on Substack, yet she has more than 25 “subscribers”… (hmmmm).
Therapist and writer Thomas Moore, who has written a lot about the Soul suggested:
"Creativity is not about inventing something novel or original; it is about discovering what is already there."
That for me, speaks to many of the reasons why I write — and create (like my basic and simple illustrations that accompany most posts and articles).
When I walked away from steady employment to dive into being the CEO of my time and energy… I was committed to unleashing more writing, more creativity, and more illumination of things that were or are, already there — inside of me.
And, along the way, maybe support some other folks in doing the same. However, I do tend to hear this too frequently: 👇
“But I’m not Creative…”
And, this is where I often smile and say: “Well… that’s bullshit”.
For many, schooling melted, pried, shamed, and graded the creative spirit out of many. Thankfully, some programs and ways of thinking and being still support and encourage creativity — but not nearly enough.
Psychotherapist, teacher and writer James Hollis says:
"To become a person means to discover the story that gives your life meaning and to align yourself with it."
He also has a great quote from his book What Matters Most: Living a More Considered Life published in 2008.
"We are not here to fit in, be well-balanced, or provide exemplars of moral virtue. Rather, we are here to be eccentric, different, perhaps strange, perhaps merely to add our small piece, our little clunky, chunky selves, to the great mosaic of being."
And, thus, I keep writing and publishing more of my thoughts, thinking, and pondering — my clunky, chunky pieces.
Creativity—in all its immensity and diversity—is one of the most powerful ways we can connect with our soul, expressing our depths through art, writing, and whatever other creative mediums (i.e., facilitation, leadership roles, advocacy, parenting, coaching, etc.)
The Creativity Continuum
The continuum above highlights two simple (and critical) factors in creativity:
Doing nothing
Doing something
When it comes to being "creative," I have found it is a Both/And relationship between these two ends of the spectrum.
Doing No-thing
On one end, doing no-thing allows our minds to wander, explore new ideas, rest, coalesce, and recuperate. It can reveal itself in different ways.
This state of doing no-thing is not just about physical relaxation — it’s also about mental space. It’s about letting our subconscious mind roam, synthesize, and communicate. (Sometimes, I find, it does this quite obliquely…)
When we allow ourselves moments of stillness, or even mind-full-ness (like riding a bike) we might just fuel the ignition of ideas, perspectives, and connections that may not have emerged in a state of constant busyness, interruption, and stimulation.
Doing Some-thing
On the other end of the spectrum, doing some-thing can bring those ideas into reality.
"To create" — at its ancient roots — means "to grow."
This is where magic and inspiration get sparked.
Taking action, no matter how small propels those burbling ideas into tangible forms. It’s through this process we push our creative boundaries, refine our skills, and bring different visions to life (and possibilities).
Thomas Moore, writing about re-enchanting the soul suggests:
“Without imagination [and creativity], we live in the small cramped room of the possible, and our soul suffocates.”
A feeling I can relate to fully after years of working in the corporate public sector — suffocating in cubicles and even windowed offices (as a senior leader).
Doing something with our creative insights is a powerful way to find and live a story with much more meaning. (And this does not necessarily mean abandoning careers and plunging into Soulpreneurship…)
My Journey from Corporate Office Dweller to Creative Freedom
Over two years ago, I decided to walk away (cold turkey) from steady, well-paying employment. Years of being 'creative' in the corporate sense meant writing memos, Briefing Notes, and 'strongly-worded' emails, which took a toll on my creative spirit and soul.
Now, after two years of balancing "Doing No-things" and "Doing Some-things," I have written and published hundreds of thousands of words and shared those online (including here on Box Cutter Co.).
That was one of the goals of leaving behind the 'known' and the scheduled and entering the 'unknown' and exploring the adventures of un-mapped terrain and projects.
I am now the CEO of my own time and energy, committing myself to projects and initiatives that I care about and leaving behind those projects and initiatives that I don't. Some pay, some are volunteer and pro bono.
Building a living in the making, rather than 'making a living' (by sitting in an office embroiled in toxic, swirling junk food ego politics). One of the key factors in this journey has included: 👇
The Power of ‘Showing Your Work’
A few years ago (2014), author and artist Austin Kleon wrote a great book called "Show Your Work!" He encourages leveraging the power of the Internet and social media to share one's creative works in progress.
Kleon also emphasizes the importance of being open, authentic, and generous with your creative process, encouraging creators to document and share their journey rather than just the finished products.
He offers practical advice on building an audience and/or fans, finding one’s voice, and connecting with others through sharing work regularly. (It speaks directly to the spirit behind this publication).
Here are 5 principles I took from Kleon’s book (and broader work) and that I look to clunkily and chunkily stumble towards weekly:
1. Build Accountability
‘Showing my work’ pushes me to maintain decent creative output (some-thing) and refine my craft. Showing up semi-regularly (NOT “consistently”) and sharing your work with the world creates a sense of responsibility and shared commitment to one’s creative practices.
For example, here on Substack when folks become paying subscribers and pledge support — the feeling of being accountable increases, and for me, in a good way.
2. Build Connections and Community
By sharing processes and progress, I connect with others who offer support, feedback, and collaboration opportunities — and vice versa. This “community” becomes a source of inspiration, motivation, and new ideas. It can also…👇
3. Encourage Iteration and Improvement
Publicly displaying your work invites criticism and feedback, leading to improvement and new perspectives (plus a good kick-in-the-pants from time to time). This iterative (rinse-and-repeat) process is crucial for growth and development as a creator.
For example, I regularly get excellent feedback from folks and appreciate receiving it — even the stuff that can sometimes be hard to hear at first. Feedback that goes beyond the “thanks for sharing” is often a gift.
4. Demystify Creative Processes
Sharing the behind-the-scenes aspects of my work helps demystify the creative process (for some). It shows that creativity is not just about final products but also involves experimentation, failure, and growth (e.g., chunky and clunky). It can humanize the murky journey and maybe make it more relatable for others.
Think for example of the popularity of various TV series that are all about behind-the-scenes looks at things like F1 Racing, the Tour de France, purchasing a Welsh football (soccer) team, etc.
For example, I often start writing projects with short tidbits shared on social media that then evolve into Box Cutter Co. issues or Medium stories (and vice versa, from long to short).
5. Provide Fuel for Others and Build a Content Library
By “showing your work”, you can potentially support others who are at different stages of their creative processes. Publishing regularly also contributes to leaving a trail (breadcrumb-like) of creative evolution for others to learn from and draw inspiration, or, alternatively say “I don’t want to do it like THAT.”
For me, it’s also a public Learning Journal that I use to continue supporting and evolving my own work, and then “showing” even more of my work.
How about you?
Creativity is not an elusive trait reserved for a select few. It’s a practice, a continuum, that anyone can lean into, take on, and share.
How are you leaning into your creative self? And, “Showing your Work”?
Do you balance creativity on a continuum of “Doing No-thing” and “Doing Some-Thing”?
Are there other components you would add to this?
Watch for the next issue of Box Cutter Co. coming soon. In the meantime, please press the ♥️, share, drop a comment, and/or send me an email.