Open Up Your Cabinet of Curiosities

In the 16th and 17th centuries, wealthy and educated people in Europe had "cabinets of curiosities" filled with rare and interesting objects.

These collections were like early museums, showcasing the owner's thirst for knowledge.

We all have our own collections, whether physical or mental, that shape our tastes and influence our work.

The Relationship Between Collecting and Creating

Collecting and creating are closely related.

Reading, for example, feeds writing, and vice versa.

Our collections and the things we admire help shape what we create.

Our tastes can sometimes outshine our early work.

Before we feel ready to share our own creations, we can share the things that inspire us.

This helps people understand our influences and what we’re aiming for in our work.

Don’t be afraid to share the things you love, even if others might think they’re silly or unimportant.

The diversity of your influences makes you unique, and sharing them can help you connect with like-minded people.

Proper Attribution

Always credit the creators of the work you share.

Proper attribution means providing context about the work — what it is, who made it, when and where it was made, why it’s important, how you found it, and where others can find more like it.

Online, always include a hyperlink to the original source.

The Importance of Attribution

Attribution shows respect for the original creators and gives your audience valuable context.

It helps people discover new work and follow the trail back to the original source.

Finding the Right Credit

If you can’t properly credit a piece of work, don’t share it until you can.

Accurate attribution is essential for sharing responsibly.

Actionable Insights

Build Your Own Cabinet of Curiosities: Start collecting and curating items that inspire you. These could be physical objects, digital bookmarks, playlists, or photo albums. Your collection should reflect your tastes and interests.
Share Your Influences: Regularly share what inspires you with your audience. This could include your favorite books, music, websites, or artworks. It helps others understand where your ideas come from.
Embrace Your Unique Tastes: Don’t be afraid to share what you genuinely enjoy, even if it seems trivial to others. Your unique tastes make your work special and help you stand out.
Practice Proper Attribution: Always give credit to the original creators of the work you share. Provide detailed context and include hyperlinks to the original source when sharing online.
Verify Before Sharing: Make sure you have the correct attribution for any work you want to share. If you can’t verify the source, take the time to find the right information before sharing.

By following these steps, you can enhance your creative process, build meaningful connections, and contribute positively to the community of creators.

Summary from Book: Show Your Work! 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered