Too many creators spend years perfecting their work in silence, only to release it and wonder why no one is paying attention. The problem isn’t the quality of the work, it’s that people weren’t invited into the process. They never had a reason to care before it existed.

That’s why I created the motto, “Watch Who You Call Ugly” or "WWYCU". It’s more than just a phrase; it’s a philosophy about transformation, perspective, and growth. The things we overlook, dismiss, or label as “not ready” often have the potential to become something incredible. This applies not just to people but to creative projects as well. Instead of waiting until your work is “perfect” before sharing it, WWYCU encourages you to embrace the process, build in public, and allow your community to grow with what you’re making.

I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this approach can be. Rather than working in isolation, I’ve actively engaged with creative communities like Stage 32, sharing my journey with making my animated project, The Timid Bunny? in lounge posts, getting to know fellow members, and expanding my network by putting myself out there. The more I shared, the more I realized that building in public doesn’t just help the project, it helps me as a creator.

The Fear of Sharing Too Soon

I get it, sharing your work before it’s “ready” feels risky. What if people don’t get it? What if they criticize it? What if you change direction, and all that early sharing feels wasted?

But here’s what I’ve learned: building in public isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about letting people be part of finding them.

When I first started talking about The Timid Bunny?, I didn’t have everything figured out. But I shared anyway. I talked about my ideas, my struggles, and my vision. And what happened? People engaged. They gave feedback, shared their excitement, and even offered help. Because I opened the door, others walked through it.

If I had waited until everything was perfect before putting it out there, I would have missed out on those conversations and the project wouldn’t be as strong as it is now.

How Building in Public Changes Everything

We’re often taught to create in private, to refine and perfect before revealing anything to the world. But the most impactful work doesn’t come from isolation it comes from conversation, collaboration, and connection.

Here’s what happens when you build in public:

• Momentum builds naturally. Instead of dropping a finished project and hoping people pay attention, excitement grows over time as people see the journey unfold.
• Stronger, more meaningful connections form. A community isn’t built overnight. It develops through ongoing conversations, through letting people be part of something from the beginning.
• The work evolves into something bigger. When you build in public, you’re not just making something for people—you’re making it with them. That dialogue shapes the work in ways you couldn’t do alone.

What Happens After the Work is Out?

A lot of people assume community-building is just a way to gain traction before launching something. But a real community doesn’t disappear after the work is finished. It grows, shifts, and continues to create new opportunities long after the initial project is complete.

That’s what WWYCU is all about, recognizing potential before it’s fully realized, embracing the messy middle, and inviting people into the process instead of waiting for validation at the end.

So here’s my question for you: What’s stopping you from sharing your process? What’s one thing you’re working on right now that you could bring people into today?

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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